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Keeping Long Island
Kayden is about to start her final year at college. And while she’s always been a good listener, she’s never been good at sharing. At the suggestion of her therapist, she finds a safe place for her secrets between the pages of a daily journal. Just when Kayden thinks things are finally back on track, her life takes an unexpected turn – a mysterious letter from someone named Alex. Courtney Peppernell, the best-selling author of Pillow Thoughts, brings a world of intrigue, exploration, and the struggle for identity to life in Keeping Long Island. Kayden must make a choice – is she brave enough to share her secrets with Alex, or will the weight of her fears destroy everything she has been fighting for?
268 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2017
101 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Peppernell
36 books3,266 followersCourtney Peppernell is an acclaimed best-selling author from Australia, celebrated for her inspirational poetry collections, including the beloved Pillow Thoughts series, Watering the Soul, I Hope You Stay, Time Will Tell and more. With over two million sales worldwide, she continues to lead the forefront of today’s poetry genre. Courtney spends her days writing and working on many projects with her beloved dogs and chickens in tow. She hopes to continue exploring expression and the art of healing through stories, novels and poetry for years to come. Stay tuned for the latest releases from Courtney and her team!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 12, 2017
I loved this book.
I particularly loved how the writer managed to make sadness a protagonist of this book, together with Kayden, Alex and Mahala.
Yet, this book is not sad. Not exactly. It's melancholic. Kayden is a young woman battling, questioning and surviving her own sadness... Her sadness is born out of tragedy and misplaced guilt, yet what we witness is her desire to resist instead of giving in to it.
It's poignant and touching. Kayden is one of the good guys of this world. A sweet and sensible soul who has to almost daily battle some pretty strong inner demons. My heart went out to her and the plot captured my attention and made we root for her to finally be able to find the peace and happiness she deserved.
I like how this book tackles the subject of sadness instead of depression. Both are equally important and having New Adult books that are willing to talk about them in a sensible and realistic way is an extremely valuable thing. However, I like how, here, sadness is definitely the main theme. Because it serves to remind us that some types of sadness are timeless. You never get over it, since, quite frankly, there is no way to 'get over it' to begin with... what you can do, though, is make a truce with it. Acknowledge its existence without letting it take over your life. And then move on. Let it become a scar instead of remaining an open wound in your soul.
Not all is perfect though. And one of my main gripes with this book was the style in which it was written - as dated passages in a diary. I understood what the author was trying to do, as if the book was also part of the healing process Kayden was going through. However, by making this into a diary, we lost a bit of the fluidity and spontaneous reactions to whatever was going on in Kayden life. The way this book was written it all came together mostly as a 'semi-processed' version of her life. Because, technically, whenever she had the time to sit down and write, she also had the time to think and process whatever she was writing about. There is no real sense of urgency in the narrative. All we read is new, sure. But there is no surprise, because it's all an account of something that has already happened.
Yet, even considering punishing the final review score of this book because of that seemed like a petty and pointless thing to do. No, this book isn't perfect. But it's well balanced. The plot, the characters, the message. It all comes together in quite a memorable way.
I particularly loved how the writer managed to make sadness a protagonist of this book, together with Kayden, Alex and Mahala.
Yet, this book is not sad. Not exactly. It's melancholic. Kayden is a young woman battling, questioning and surviving her own sadness... Her sadness is born out of tragedy and misplaced guilt, yet what we witness is her desire to resist instead of giving in to it.
It's poignant and touching. Kayden is one of the good guys of this world. A sweet and sensible soul who has to almost daily battle some pretty strong inner demons. My heart went out to her and the plot captured my attention and made we root for her to finally be able to find the peace and happiness she deserved.
I like how this book tackles the subject of sadness instead of depression. Both are equally important and having New Adult books that are willing to talk about them in a sensible and realistic way is an extremely valuable thing. However, I like how, here, sadness is definitely the main theme. Because it serves to remind us that some types of sadness are timeless. You never get over it, since, quite frankly, there is no way to 'get over it' to begin with... what you can do, though, is make a truce with it. Acknowledge its existence without letting it take over your life. And then move on. Let it become a scar instead of remaining an open wound in your soul.
Not all is perfect though. And one of my main gripes with this book was the style in which it was written - as dated passages in a diary. I understood what the author was trying to do, as if the book was also part of the healing process Kayden was going through. However, by making this into a diary, we lost a bit of the fluidity and spontaneous reactions to whatever was going on in Kayden life. The way this book was written it all came together mostly as a 'semi-processed' version of her life. Because, technically, whenever she had the time to sit down and write, she also had the time to think and process whatever she was writing about. There is no real sense of urgency in the narrative. All we read is new, sure. But there is no surprise, because it's all an account of something that has already happened.
Yet, even considering punishing the final review score of this book because of that seemed like a petty and pointless thing to do. No, this book isn't perfect. But it's well balanced. The plot, the characters, the message. It all comes together in quite a memorable way.
October 6, 2023
Okay, I loved this book. I loved the raw emotions, the realistic depictions of life as an existential 20-something, and the overarching message that softness is a good thing. I loved the journal format and how intimately we got to know the our wonderful protagonist Kayden. While I questioned some of the plot points and occasionally struggled with the writing style (I know it’s a journal and therefore not meant to be *perfect,* so maybe this is just a me thing), I still wholeheartedly recommend this book.
December 10, 2017
3.5 stars
As the book dealt with grief and depression I cannot say I really enjoyed reading it. I mean, I wasn't in the greatest mood when I started this. I was surprised though the author could make such a solid book out of the journal entries of a troubled girl trying her best to escape the depression and anxiety which overwhelmed her at times. I thought it worked for the most part with some of the entries almost reading like a conventional story. Certainly a brave choice of the author.
Maybe the book was a little over long but I did care about Kayden and what happened to her which marks this book as a success to me. There were many little touches in the story which I enjoyed and some wise words from the therapist and minor characters. I enjoyed Kayden's friend, Nate, her father and Kip, the owner of the Aquarium where she worked. She had a good support network. Something felt like it was missing though. Some depth of emotional response didn't reach me.
As the book dealt with grief and depression I cannot say I really enjoyed reading it. I mean, I wasn't in the greatest mood when I started this. I was surprised though the author could make such a solid book out of the journal entries of a troubled girl trying her best to escape the depression and anxiety which overwhelmed her at times. I thought it worked for the most part with some of the entries almost reading like a conventional story. Certainly a brave choice of the author.
Maybe the book was a little over long but I did care about Kayden and what happened to her which marks this book as a success to me. There were many little touches in the story which I enjoyed and some wise words from the therapist and minor characters. I enjoyed Kayden's friend, Nate, her father and Kip, the owner of the Aquarium where she worked. She had a good support network. Something felt like it was missing though. Some depth of emotional response didn't reach me.
May 22, 2017
Interesting
This was an incredible book that dealt with so many issues but did it really well. I wish I had found a book like this when I was younger and needed it.
This was an incredible book that dealt with so many issues but did it really well. I wish I had found a book like this when I was younger and needed it.
July 3, 2017
I was very impressed with this book. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of the Perks of Being a Wallflower. However, it is different in many ways. Especially like the whole journal entry theme. Beautiful book! Great job.
October 28, 2023
85% of this book was perfect. So emotional and heartwarming, but the ending felt really rushed to me dropping it down to a four star.
I really did enjoy the way it was written with it being told in journal entries. Some of my favorite books like Perks of being a Wallflower and Music From Another World are like that.
4.25/5
I really did enjoy the way it was written with it being told in journal entries. Some of my favorite books like Perks of being a Wallflower and Music From Another World are like that.
4.25/5
January 27, 2018
Hacía bastante tiempo que no leía nada en el formato de cartas/diario y la verdad es que había olvidado lo mucho que me gustaba.
Esta es una historia de duelo. Vemos a la protagonista lidiando con el duelo, superándolo y aceptando la muerte de un ser querido. Lo mejor es que es una historia llena de esperanza. Me ha gustado ver esto en una novela en la que pasan cosas tan negativas.
La protagonista es lesbiana y su madre no se toma bien su salida del armario. Por tanto, vemos cómo eso la afecta pero también vemos que tiene a gente, como su padre, que la apoya y está a su lado pase lo que pase. Eso no se ve muchas veces en este tipo de trama. Normalmente, los dos padres se ponen en contra de la persona que ha salido del armario y la echan de casa o algo así. En este caso, los padres se acaban divorciando y la protagonista tiene el apoyo total de su padre. Es importante que historias como esta se vean más en novelas dirigidas a una audiencia más joven. Además, también vemos que hay otros personajes que están fuera del armario y que tienen el apoyo de familiares y amistades. Me gusta ver que hay historias que dan esperanza.
Otra cosa que también me parece importante es la forma en la que se trata la depresión. Es cierto que la protagonista dice que no le gusta decir que tiene depresión sino que está triste. Habla de esa tristeza de una manera bastante personificada. Eso me ha parecido interesante porque da pie a que se hable de la depresión como de una cosa que está contigo pero que no eres tú. En esta novela, vemos cómo la protgonista va avanzando poco a poco. Es verdad que le cuesta pero eso hace que sea mucho más realista. Además, tiene momentos en los que acaba retrocediendo y eso se trata como algo normal y natural en estos casos. He de decir que esta es la parte que más me ha gustado de toda la trama. Aunque el tipo de depresión que yo tengo no es el mismo que tiene la protagonista, aprecio mucho que se hable del tema de esta manera tan personal y realista, en la que tienes días buenos y malos y en la que en cualquier momento un día bueno se puede convertir en malo. Esa es la realidad de una persona con depresión. La tristeza siempre puede volver.
Hay otra cosa acerca del trato de las enfermedades mentales que me parece muy interesante. La protagonista va a terapia y eso no se trata como si estuviera haciendo algo muy fuera de lo normal ni nada por el estilo, sino que se dedica a normalizarlo. La autora nos muestra una situación en que se debería pedir ayuda y da un ejemplo del tipo de ayuda que mejor puede venir. Ir al psicólogo cuando se pierde a alguien cercano no debería ser visto como algo fuera de lo normal, sino como una forma sana de vivir el duelo.
Esta historia me ha llegado. Aunque sí que he de decir que no es un libro para todo el mundo.
Esta es una historia de duelo. Vemos a la protagonista lidiando con el duelo, superándolo y aceptando la muerte de un ser querido. Lo mejor es que es una historia llena de esperanza. Me ha gustado ver esto en una novela en la que pasan cosas tan negativas.
La protagonista es lesbiana y su madre no se toma bien su salida del armario. Por tanto, vemos cómo eso la afecta pero también vemos que tiene a gente, como su padre, que la apoya y está a su lado pase lo que pase. Eso no se ve muchas veces en este tipo de trama. Normalmente, los dos padres se ponen en contra de la persona que ha salido del armario y la echan de casa o algo así. En este caso, los padres se acaban divorciando y la protagonista tiene el apoyo total de su padre. Es importante que historias como esta se vean más en novelas dirigidas a una audiencia más joven. Además, también vemos que hay otros personajes que están fuera del armario y que tienen el apoyo de familiares y amistades. Me gusta ver que hay historias que dan esperanza.
Otra cosa que también me parece importante es la forma en la que se trata la depresión. Es cierto que la protagonista dice que no le gusta decir que tiene depresión sino que está triste. Habla de esa tristeza de una manera bastante personificada. Eso me ha parecido interesante porque da pie a que se hable de la depresión como de una cosa que está contigo pero que no eres tú. En esta novela, vemos cómo la protgonista va avanzando poco a poco. Es verdad que le cuesta pero eso hace que sea mucho más realista. Además, tiene momentos en los que acaba retrocediendo y eso se trata como algo normal y natural en estos casos. He de decir que esta es la parte que más me ha gustado de toda la trama. Aunque el tipo de depresión que yo tengo no es el mismo que tiene la protagonista, aprecio mucho que se hable del tema de esta manera tan personal y realista, en la que tienes días buenos y malos y en la que en cualquier momento un día bueno se puede convertir en malo. Esa es la realidad de una persona con depresión. La tristeza siempre puede volver.
Hay otra cosa acerca del trato de las enfermedades mentales que me parece muy interesante. La protagonista va a terapia y eso no se trata como si estuviera haciendo algo muy fuera de lo normal ni nada por el estilo, sino que se dedica a normalizarlo. La autora nos muestra una situación en que se debería pedir ayuda y da un ejemplo del tipo de ayuda que mejor puede venir. Ir al psicólogo cuando se pierde a alguien cercano no debería ser visto como algo fuera de lo normal, sino como una forma sana de vivir el duelo.
Esta historia me ha llegado. Aunque sí que he de decir que no es un libro para todo el mundo.
June 5, 2020
Wow.
This book deserves so much more attention! I finished it in less than a day and was left feeling very, very loved. It was written in a similar format as The Perks of Being a Wallflower was, as both protagonists dealt with mental health issues by writing letters to strangers, but that is not to say that these books were at all alike in contents.
Keeping Long Island was a very emotional read, but in a good way, and there were bits of humour scattered across the pages, too. Through Kayden’s letters, readers are constantly reminded of their own validities, and that it is okay to be sad sometimes.
Yes, I know this is not a perfect book because there were a few spelling errors and missing words here and there, which normally annoys me. There were also occasions of implausible writing timing of a letter. And some parts of the story were just too coincidental. Nonetheless, that I love this book is by no means stating flawlessness, and while it might not be for everyone, I truly love how it made me feel. Kayden seemed to trigger some emotional richness, even though she only used short and straightforward sentences in a rather flat tone, as if she tried to detach herself from all feelings while writing. Emotions still brimmed in words though.
There were times when Kayden was not exactly reasonable. But who isn’t sometimes? Rather than making things weird, the story became more relatable. With Kayden, Alex, and all the other good characters being so genuine, it was hard not to love them all.
Thank you, Courtney, for publishing this story that meant to heal the world.
This book deserves so much more attention! I finished it in less than a day and was left feeling very, very loved. It was written in a similar format as The Perks of Being a Wallflower was, as both protagonists dealt with mental health issues by writing letters to strangers, but that is not to say that these books were at all alike in contents.
Keeping Long Island was a very emotional read, but in a good way, and there were bits of humour scattered across the pages, too. Through Kayden’s letters, readers are constantly reminded of their own validities, and that it is okay to be sad sometimes.
I’ve seen my dad cry before, big heavy sobs, and every time he does, I want to tell him that it makes him braver.I think this book speaks so much to me, especially at a time when I am trying very hard to understand myself and want to feel valid and cared for, and also making sure that all the wonderful people in my life are getting their deserved share of love from me.
Yes, I know this is not a perfect book because there were a few spelling errors and missing words here and there, which normally annoys me. There were also occasions of implausible writing timing of a letter. And some parts of the story were just too coincidental. Nonetheless, that I love this book is by no means stating flawlessness, and while it might not be for everyone, I truly love how it made me feel. Kayden seemed to trigger some emotional richness, even though she only used short and straightforward sentences in a rather flat tone, as if she tried to detach herself from all feelings while writing. Emotions still brimmed in words though.
There were times when Kayden was not exactly reasonable. But who isn’t sometimes? Rather than making things weird, the story became more relatable. With Kayden, Alex, and all the other good characters being so genuine, it was hard not to love them all.
If you feel something and it’s real to you, then nothing else matters. (Alex)This book sits on a blurred line of fiction and self-help, as it is on love, self-love, and dealing with sadness. I felt revived several times during the read. Keeping Long Island is definitely the book I would revisit when I need love and affirmation. It is the kind of book that reminds me of all the kindness in this harsh world, and that being soft isn’t bad.
Thank you, Courtney, for publishing this story that meant to heal the world.
November 18, 2017
This is one of the most amazing books I've read in a long time. When I began it, I wondered if it would appeal to me because the main character, Kayden, was writing messages in the first person in a journal, and that seemed to be all the book was. I wasn't sure it would hold my interest. But the more I read, the more involved, intrigued, and emotionally drawn in I became. After a while I couldn't put the book down. This is a wonderful story of a lesbian college student healing from a tragedy, about the things and people she loves, and about the people who have hurt, wounded, and abandoned her. It's about her rebuilding her life and moving on. And it's about falling in love, again. It's incredible. I highly recommend it. Simply, clearly, truthfully written. It touched me deeply. Thank you, Courtney!
December 14, 2019
"Keeping Long Island” ist ein trauriges, melancholisches Buch, aber auch eines voller Hoffnung. Die Protagonistin, Kayden, kämpft schon so lange mit ihrer Traurigkeit, dass sie fast zu einem festen Bestandteil ihres Lebens geworden ist. Eine Tragödie in ihrer Jugend hat eine Narbe auf ihrem Herzen hinterlassen und dazu geführt, dass sie auch in ihrem letzten College-Jahr vor allem damit beschäftigt ist, nicht auseinanderzufallen. Die Geschichte ist traurig in dem Sinne, dass es darin um Trauma und Traurigkeit geht, aber auch herzerwärmend, weil wir die Protagonistin auf ihrem Weg der Heilung begleiten. Weil Kayden von all dem, was sie nicht aussprechen kann oder will, niedergedrückt wird, schlägt ihre Therapeutin ihr vor, Tagebuch zu schreiben. “Keeping Long Island” besteht aus genau diesen Tagebucheinträgen - eine besondere Erzählweise, die gründlich schief gehen kann, hier aber sehr gut gelungen ist. In der Geschichte geht es so viel um Emotionen und das Innenleben der Protagonistin, dass alles andere als die Ich-Perspektive keinen Sinn gemacht hätte. Ich habe Kayden von Anfang an liebgewonnen. Die Protagonistin ist sensibel, introvertiert und hat ein Herz aus Gold. So oft habe ich mir gewünscht, durch die Seiten greifen und sie umarmen zu können. Berührend fand ich auch ihre Liebe zu Seetieren und insbesondere zu einem Rochen namens Mahala. Das Aquarienhaus in dem sie arbeitet und die Menschen ebenso wie die Tiere darin spielen letztendlich eine große Rolle bei ihrer Heilung.
Kaydens Leben nimmt eine Wendung, als sie ihr Tagebuch in der Bibliothek vergisst und beim Zurückkommen einen Brief von jemandem namens Alex darin findet. Schon bald wird Alex (die Kayden zuerst für einen Jungen hält) zu ihrer besten Freundin und dann noch mehr. Die Liebesgeschichte hat mir auch unheimlich gut gefallen, weil ich der Autorin tatsächlich abgekauft habe, dass die beiden gut zusammenpassen. Als Leser wird einem nicht einfach erzählt, dass die beiden jetzt auf einmal verliebt sind, sondern es wird wirklich spürbar, warum Alex Kaydens fehlendes Puzzleteil ist.
Fazit
“Keeping Long Island” ist ein berührendes, herzerwärmendes Buch über Traurigkeit, Depression, Liebe, Familie und Glück. Leseempfehlung!
Kaydens Leben nimmt eine Wendung, als sie ihr Tagebuch in der Bibliothek vergisst und beim Zurückkommen einen Brief von jemandem namens Alex darin findet. Schon bald wird Alex (die Kayden zuerst für einen Jungen hält) zu ihrer besten Freundin und dann noch mehr. Die Liebesgeschichte hat mir auch unheimlich gut gefallen, weil ich der Autorin tatsächlich abgekauft habe, dass die beiden gut zusammenpassen. Als Leser wird einem nicht einfach erzählt, dass die beiden jetzt auf einmal verliebt sind, sondern es wird wirklich spürbar, warum Alex Kaydens fehlendes Puzzleteil ist.
Fazit
“Keeping Long Island” ist ein berührendes, herzerwärmendes Buch über Traurigkeit, Depression, Liebe, Familie und Glück. Leseempfehlung!
January 22, 2018
Keeping Long Island — Courtney Peppernell (3 Parts, broken up into dates, journal-style) — Dec. 20, 2017-Jan. 8, 2018
This book is a very well written literary book; that it has LBGTQA* characters as central protagonists is beside the point. I started reading this book in 2017, and it felt very heavy in the beginning, so I set it aside. Then I picked it up in the new year, I held on to it and was very glad I re-started it from the beginning.
While many readers will take this at face value, the idea of keeping a journal as therapy is a genuine thing. There are many lessons to be learned in this book, despite it being “fiction.”
Kayden is wise beyond her years for the insight she carries, even if she doesn’t realize it at first. In fact, I kind of worry for her at the end when she pulls away from journaling. However, I do like how she finishes the journal.
Alex and Kip, Mahala and all the others are well written, and the author expertly draws these characters to life. (Mahala is an absolute scene stealer, and reading her scenes are so important in the whole of the story.) Alex is so painfully written in an honest way that I want to scoop her up and hug her.
There is one event later in the book, in the second part, that was a little eye-rollie, but everything else holds up well.
What I like the most about this author is that though she is Australian, she writes this very American. Tip o’ the hat to her for that…that’s not an easy feat.
This book is a keeper. I’ll be re-reading again.
Best literary/lesbian/relationship book I have read so far in 2018.
Five stars.
This book is a very well written literary book; that it has LBGTQA* characters as central protagonists is beside the point. I started reading this book in 2017, and it felt very heavy in the beginning, so I set it aside. Then I picked it up in the new year, I held on to it and was very glad I re-started it from the beginning.
While many readers will take this at face value, the idea of keeping a journal as therapy is a genuine thing. There are many lessons to be learned in this book, despite it being “fiction.”
Kayden is wise beyond her years for the insight she carries, even if she doesn’t realize it at first. In fact, I kind of worry for her at the end when she pulls away from journaling. However, I do like how she finishes the journal.
Alex and Kip, Mahala and all the others are well written, and the author expertly draws these characters to life. (Mahala is an absolute scene stealer, and reading her scenes are so important in the whole of the story.) Alex is so painfully written in an honest way that I want to scoop her up and hug her.
There is one event later in the book, in the second part, that was a little eye-rollie, but everything else holds up well.
What I like the most about this author is that though she is Australian, she writes this very American. Tip o’ the hat to her for that…that’s not an easy feat.
This book is a keeper. I’ll be re-reading again.
Best literary/lesbian/relationship book I have read so far in 2018.
Five stars.
October 7, 2018
You can find this review and others on my blog SleepySamReads!
Actual rating 3.5 stars
I didn't expect too much going into this. Sadly, queer books tend to lack a lot. Especially f/f books. This one surprised me though!
The way Kayden talked about her sadness and grief felt so incredibly real. Her sadness is written in such a way that it almost feels like it's own character, which I loved. It made it feel so real.
I love the format. It is written in journal entries. I felt like it worked well for this type of story. I also like Kayden's narrative. It helped us learn more about her.
I think it's important to note that while I'm really glad that that isn't always how it happens. That being said, I do feel like it happened in a really natural way and that it worked with the story.
I adored Alex and I'm glad that the author wrote a (couple) bi character(s). So often in f/f books it's just lesbians. Not in this book! There's a lesbian, a bi girl, a bi guy, and a trans guy! It made me happy seeing the representation.
It's was a good book, maybe even a great one if you compare it to others in this genre. I definitely enjoyed it, though I don't think it was anything spectacular.
Actual rating 3.5 stars
I didn't expect too much going into this. Sadly, queer books tend to lack a lot. Especially f/f books. This one surprised me though!
The way Kayden talked about her sadness and grief felt so incredibly real. Her sadness is written in such a way that it almost feels like it's own character, which I loved. It made it feel so real.
I love the format. It is written in journal entries. I felt like it worked well for this type of story. I also like Kayden's narrative. It helped us learn more about her.
I think it's important to note that while I'm really glad that that isn't always how it happens. That being said, I do feel like it happened in a really natural way and that it worked with the story.
I adored Alex and I'm glad that the author wrote a (couple) bi character(s). So often in f/f books it's just lesbians. Not in this book! There's a lesbian, a bi girl, a bi guy, and a trans guy! It made me happy seeing the representation.
It's was a good book, maybe even a great one if you compare it to others in this genre. I definitely enjoyed it, though I don't think it was anything spectacular.
November 12, 2017
This book was wonderful. I usually don't like the conceit of a book written in diary entries, but wow. This one was so well done. Kayden is a broken young woman whose therapist suggested she keep a diary to help her learn how to share her feelings. She writes each entry as if she were talking to someone she calls "Keeper" as in Secret Keeper. And it felt like she was talking to me.
I haven't highlighted so many passages in a Kindle book before in my life. There are awkwards turns of phrase, but that feels authentic to Kayden's voice.
I was afraid that the immediacy of the story would be lost as we are reading about it "after the fact" so to speak, but that didn't happen. And Kayden's friends and family felt real to me.
There is little action here. This is a book about feelings, about sadness and depression and love and happiness. It's about family and friendship. It's slow paced and thoughtful. It's amazing.
I haven't highlighted so many passages in a Kindle book before in my life. There are awkwards turns of phrase, but that feels authentic to Kayden's voice.
I was afraid that the immediacy of the story would be lost as we are reading about it "after the fact" so to speak, but that didn't happen. And Kayden's friends and family felt real to me.
There is little action here. This is a book about feelings, about sadness and depression and love and happiness. It's about family and friendship. It's slow paced and thoughtful. It's amazing.
May 22, 2020
"Sadness is just another word for being soft."
I loved this book. Like really loved. Do you want to know why I loved this book so much? It was because of the fact that the writer understood completely what it feels like to live with sadness for such a long time and what it does to you. But it was also because this book gives so much hope in a world that tries so hard to be rough. But mostly because just like Kayden I found someone that makes the light shine thru my cracks and tells me everyday it's okay to not be okay all the time. I saw myself in Kayden and everything she felt throughout the book, I felt too at some point in my life. This story honestly became one of my favorites.
November 23, 2020
Dear You,
Your softness will always be needed in this world.
Love,
The Author.
~
Courtney Peppernell might be my favorite author out there. She just has different beliefs than me, so obviously this book wasn't going to be my absolute favorite. I'm a Christian, she's not. So clearly I don't really like the gay scenarios in this book. Aside from that, it was good. Kayden's (the main character) mental growth throughout the book is kinda comforting. I liked the way Courtney worded what she said about sadness. She said something like, "Sometimes, for some people, it never fully goes away. It's just like an old friend who comes to visit from time to time."
Your softness will always be needed in this world.
Love,
The Author.
~
Courtney Peppernell might be my favorite author out there. She just has different beliefs than me, so obviously this book wasn't going to be my absolute favorite. I'm a Christian, she's not. So clearly I don't really like the gay scenarios in this book. Aside from that, it was good. Kayden's (the main character) mental growth throughout the book is kinda comforting. I liked the way Courtney worded what she said about sadness. She said something like, "Sometimes, for some people, it never fully goes away. It's just like an old friend who comes to visit from time to time."
July 1, 2021
Courtney Peopernell, you done it to me again! I never thought you wrote fiction until I digged deep on your author profile on Amazon and boom added this to my wishlist in 2020. Someone from a book group (@justa.gal.andherbooks on Instagram) sent me this book. I wasn’t thinking I’d get to it as fast as I did but since I got sick I have drifted to wanting sappy sapphics. Which got me to pick this up when I had a relaxing hour in the bath. Thank you for breaking my heart with this amazing sappy sapphic book! My heart hurts.
November 7, 2017
Another book that isn’t my typical genre, but I actually really enjoyed reading it. There were so many themes explored in this novel-anxiety and depression, general sadness, sexuality, ETC. Most importantly, though, I think it sends out a good message that anyone could benefit from. It’s OK to be sad. It’s alright to not be okay sometimes. Regardless, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Well done
November 14, 2017
KEEPING LONG ISLAND
GOOD BOOK ABOUT ACCEPTANCE, LOVE, AND SELF- WORTH. I ALSO LIKE HOW ISSUES SUCH AS BULLYING WERE POINTED OUT AND IT IS A TESTAMENT TO KAYDENS WILL TO SURVIVE, HER INNER STRENGTH THAT SHE DID NOT SUCCOMB BUT GREW STRONGER AND TRIUMPHED IN THE END. WE CAN ALL BE SO LUCKY.
GOOD BOOK ABOUT ACCEPTANCE, LOVE, AND SELF- WORTH. I ALSO LIKE HOW ISSUES SUCH AS BULLYING WERE POINTED OUT AND IT IS A TESTAMENT TO KAYDENS WILL TO SURVIVE, HER INNER STRENGTH THAT SHE DID NOT SUCCOMB BUT GREW STRONGER AND TRIUMPHED IN THE END. WE CAN ALL BE SO LUCKY.
January 7, 2018
This book helped me so much. Just wanna thank Courtney Peppernell for having written this story. It helped me to grow, to share, to have confidence and to be proud of who I am. I recommend this book to anyone who feels a little bit disorientated or alone. But also to someone who’s looking for a queer story :)
November 3, 2017
Insightful
Easy read, insightful, with lasting impressions. I love to read stories that takes me on a journey of heart, mind, body, and soul. It was particularly helpful in underlining the importance of being nonjudgmental when it comes to our feelings. Well written.
Easy read, insightful, with lasting impressions. I love to read stories that takes me on a journey of heart, mind, body, and soul. It was particularly helpful in underlining the importance of being nonjudgmental when it comes to our feelings. Well written.
November 10, 2017
I loved how the book was set up as journal entries from the main character. I am not a fast reader but I finished this book in 4 days. I really only read on my 30 minute lunch break but found myself reading it when I got home from work.
January 8, 2018
Longing for the next entry
Wasn't sure I'd get into a book written as a journal, but I couldn't wait for the next entry! The story basically takes place over the course of one year, detailing the emotional life of the journal writer.
Wasn't sure I'd get into a book written as a journal, but I couldn't wait for the next entry! The story basically takes place over the course of one year, detailing the emotional life of the journal writer.
January 16, 2018
Good F/F college romance story.
Lots of personal struggles and gains. Realistic writing with many intelligent thoughts added. Good reading, pulls in the reader and holds him captive.
Lots of personal struggles and gains. Realistic writing with many intelligent thoughts added. Good reading, pulls in the reader and holds him captive.
March 19, 2019
This book was difficult to get hold of but I was bound and determined because I’m a big fan of Peppernell’s poetry. If you’re looking for an action packed story, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a gorgeously written novel that touches all he feels, read this right now.
September 19, 2021
I loved the book so much. I really needed this. I cried everytime Kayden wrote directly addressing me. It was like she was sharing all her secrets to me and she trusts me. At one stage I felt like I was her keeper. Exactly the book I needed at this time of my life. Thank you. Loved it❤️
August 21, 2017
So good
Such a good book. I can't believe it took me a while to read it. I would totally recommend this to everyone.
Such a good book. I can't believe it took me a while to read it. I would totally recommend this to everyone.
November 17, 2017
A Journey
An interesting and different way to tell a story. It's done completely with journal entries. A journey from sadness to love and the rocky road.
An interesting and different way to tell a story. It's done completely with journal entries. A journey from sadness to love and the rocky road.
November 20, 2017
I like the style of this book as journal entries. And it's a really great read for someone dealing with sadness.
November 25, 2017
A cute and kind of sad story, but with such a important message about depression.
January 16, 2018
Liked the story and the writing
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