This is a struggle for me.

I loved the writing. I loved the characters. I absolutely loved the narration.

Before I review this book in writing, I found I needed to review my own adolescence for a minute.

When I was 14, I dated a 24-year-old. I can look back and see genuinely that it was my sheer force of will, I was not abused or groomed, I was living my life on fire. I never even considered that it was anyone else’s idea but my own. I was always looking for a shocked reaction. I called it rebellious. Looking back as a nearly 50 year old grandmother, I can also see that no normal 24 year old man should have been excited to pick up their 8th grade girlfriend from middle school. Something was wrong with him. I got my shock value, and I drove my own train of destruction through the 80s, laughing like mad the whole way, but I never thought about the motivations of the 24 year old man in my reckless narrative. I never saw what dangers I put myself in until they caught up to me. I was not capable of directing my own life at 14, even though I had some solid life experience and independence. Gen X. We did for ourselves, including damage.

Back to the book. I will admit that there were times I hoped for them to make it through this book. Then, there were times I was horribly uncomfortable in this book. This book was so well written. I could see and hear the stars and splashing water, but I felt gross inside a few times as well.

If you had a huge problem with Jacob imprinting on Renesme when she was a baby. this book is not for you.