there's more to life than reading books

This isn't a perfect, or even typical, YA book but it just worked so well for me that I have to give it 5 stars. You probably have to be in the right mood to really appreciate it - it's long and slow-paced, almost philosophical at times. It does a lot of telling (rather than showing) and it's light on plot. It's more of a meandering journey through Hazard's adolescent years.

The story has a dark, melancholic undertone. I was always braced for something bad to happen, it just has that inevitably tragic feel. It's not a traditional romance, or even romantic, but it is a story of first love and deals with all the firsts that come with that. The feels were strong in this one.

If I could clone this story, I would, to read again and again. I really hope there is more from this author to come.