Lowercase

by Hayley B Halliwell

312 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2025

Reviews

[Quill&Queer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The grief in this story was so beautifully raw, I basically just bawled my way through the pages.

[Chapter Chirp (Jessica)]

ARC Review-
“Lowercase” is a heart shattering story of a young woman, Ellessy Porter, who is handed unexpected tragedy and has to figure out what to do with it. Going into this book, I did not expect it to touch me as much as it did. It was a good example of how people can gather strength in the face of adversity. How loss, grief, and love can look different for everyone but if you have a strong community rallying around you it can make the pain feel bearable. Ellessy was raw and life-like and I appreciated how her character‘s personality was written. The plot had moments of deep sadness but also allowed for healing which really brought everything full circle. I was impressed and would definitely read more by this author in the future.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing read. I have read many books where characters are involved car accidents and seem to recover remarkably quickly. This book is written by someone who knows and has lived the reality of it. The pain, the guilt, the agonizingly slow recovery - it is written with the ring of truth of it all.
Ms Halliwell’s experience with poetry comes through in her writing style - it flows so naturally and elegantly that reading it is effortless. I feel privileged to have read this book and look forward to following Ms Halliwell’s journey as an author.

[jelisareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being an ARC reader and this book wrecked me! I went into this thinking I was ready, but nothing prepared me for how deeply it would make me feel. It’s not just about loss but about what comes after; the messy and painful process of learning to live again when your entire world has shattered.

Ellessy’s journey was real in a way that hurt, but in the best way possible. The way she had to navigate grief, family baggage, and a life she never planned for? It felt so human. And then there’s Milo, the one person she didn’t expect but maybe needed the most. No insta-love, no easy fixes, just two people finding something real in the wreckage.

If you love books that break you and then slowly put you back together, Lowercase is it! Highly recommend!

[mid.nightmasterpiece · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so emotional and truly amazing!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The relationship between the main character and her aunt was just pure wholesome. I loved that this book was based off of the authors real life but it didn’t feel forced. And I know Milo is just a cutie patootie!

[Jacky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor to read this masterpiece as an ARC, and this book messed me up. I didn’t expect the feelings that bubbled up while reading, and I can tell you that I cried a lot. Like the ugly, sobbing kind of crying. But don’t let this be the reason you don’t pick up this book, because it’s all worth it in the end and it’s such a beautiful read.

Lowercase can be read as a YA book, but in my opinion, everyone can and should read this book because of the topic in this book. Loss and the devastating aftermath of said loss. But also the painful process of learning to keep on living and to love again after your loss.

Ellessy’s journey is so beautiful written, and from the first page, I felt a connection. What made the hurt even more real. But the way Hayley wrote this story, with all the respect in the world and in a way that displays how mind-blowing grief can be. Especially to a young adult, but also how love and time can heal and can make all the difference in the end. I don’t want to say too much about the overall plot because I think you should give this amazing story a try!

The only disclaimer I want to give, something I almost never do. Is to be careful of reading this book if you are still grieving about a loss of your own. Because this book is raw and real, but can also be an inspiration. I highly recommend this piece of art!

[Courtney Gittins · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story by Hayley B Halliwell. This was a quick and easy read but don't let that fool you because it is an emotional rollercoaster. I found the characters sweet and likeable (although I sometimes found the FMC could have had slightly better manners at times, however, this could be a personal preference).

This book starts with a tragedy and yet despite many tears shed by me, I never found it depressing or overly sad. The author did a wonderful job with making the story uplifting instead.

I wish this app would let me do part stars because it was easily 4.5 stars from me.

I got an advanced reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, please pay attention to the trigger warnings as this book covers heavy topics. However, I loved this book. From the family aspect of found family to the growth and healing journey Ellessy went through, it was spectacular. This book covers grief in a beautiful heartfelt way. The author truly depicts how hard it is and doesn’t gloss over it. I was crying by chapter 5. If an author can make me feel REAL emotion, then I count the book as a truly piece of art.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that ripped my heart out.

[Meg O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I felt this book I mean I *felt* it. The story pulled me along through Ellessy’s (great name) very real struggles with grief, growth, and healing in a way that I feel I KNOW her to her core. Did I cry big, real, tears? Yes. Do I regret a moment of it? Not a bit. This is a 5 star read for me, hands down.