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Almost Midnight: Two Festive Short Stories
Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell is a beautiful gift edition containing two wintery short stories, decorated throughout for the first time with gorgeous black and white illustrations by Simini Blocker.
Midnights is the story of Noel and Mags, who meet at the same New Year's Eve party every year and fall a little more in love each time . . .
Kindred Spirits is about Elena, who decides to queue to see the new Star Wars movie and meets Gabe, a fellow fan.
Midnights was previously published as part of the My True Love Gave to Me anthology, edited by Stephanie Perkins and Kindred Spirits was previously published as a World Book Day title.
160 pages, ebook
First published October 31, 2017
143 people are currently reading
27571 people want to read
About the author
Rainbow Rowell
142 books141k followersRainbow Rowell writes all kinds of stuff.
Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).
Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .
Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).
Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
More at rainbowrowell.com.
Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).
Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .
Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).
Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
More at rainbowrowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,250 reviews
January 11, 2019
Rainbow Rowell I don't know how you do it, I don't!
Each story was probably 50 pages and illustrations and I have already fallen in love with characters...HOW DID YOU DO THIS TO ME!?!
The first short story 'Midnights' follows Margaret and Noel who are practically best friends. The short story follows specifically their meeting at New Year for multiple years, and how they both recognize their love for each other.
The second story 'Kindred Spirits' follows Elena and Gabe, who are both waiting in a line (if three people makes a line) to see the newly releasing Star Wars movie. All three of the people in line have booked tickets online but choose to stake out for a week - just cause they're diehard fans, completely reasonable. The story reveals the blooming friendship between the 3, and maybe something more between 2 of them.
I have not read these stories previously but both stories are undeniably cute and I loved them. Something about the goofy, cute illustrations and the fact that they look like sketches rather than perfect pictures just goes along with stories and brings it all together. My second Rainbow Rowell book and I have yet to be disappointed.
I can't decide if I'm rating this 4.5 or 5...
Each story was probably 50 pages and illustrations and I have already fallen in love with characters...HOW DID YOU DO THIS TO ME!?!
The first short story 'Midnights' follows Margaret and Noel who are practically best friends. The short story follows specifically their meeting at New Year for multiple years, and how they both recognize their love for each other.
The second story 'Kindred Spirits' follows Elena and Gabe, who are both waiting in a line (if three people makes a line) to see the newly releasing Star Wars movie. All three of the people in line have booked tickets online but choose to stake out for a week - just cause they're diehard fans, completely reasonable. The story reveals the blooming friendship between the 3, and maybe something more between 2 of them.
I have not read these stories previously but both stories are undeniably cute and I loved them. Something about the goofy, cute illustrations and the fact that they look like sketches rather than perfect pictures just goes along with stories and brings it all together. My second Rainbow Rowell book and I have yet to be disappointed.
I can't decide if I'm rating this 4.5 or 5...
December 29, 2017
THIS WAS SO FREAKING ADORABLE. (and somehow even better reading each story the second time around, years later?)
Both stories were unbelievably cute and I fell for all of the characters, unsurprisingly since Rainbow Rowell seems to have a way with writing characters I adore. I couldn't have picked this up at a more perfect time, since I'm going to see the new Star Wars movie on New Year's Eve... This was a perfect, adorable read, made even more perfect by the addition of GORGEOUS illustrations. I'm so happy I picked this up, it gave my heart all the warm, fuzzies.
Both stories were unbelievably cute and I fell for all of the characters, unsurprisingly since Rainbow Rowell seems to have a way with writing characters I adore. I couldn't have picked this up at a more perfect time, since I'm going to see the new Star Wars movie on New Year's Eve... This was a perfect, adorable read, made even more perfect by the addition of GORGEOUS illustrations. I'm so happy I picked this up, it gave my heart all the warm, fuzzies.
March 24, 2019
Rainbow Rowell is one author I still hadn't read but was hearing great things about, here on GR and from friends and colleagues alike. So I decided on reading this book, which consists of 2 short stories, to see if I would like her enough to give her novels a try.....and I think Ms. Rowell and I might get along just fine :).
'You're my best friend,' he said.
'You have a lots of best friends,' she said.
'No, just you.'
Almost Midnight is about Mags and Noel, two young people who meet at a New Year's eve party, quickly become best friends and the story specifically follows their subsequent meetings at a New Year's eve party every year after that until they both realise that what they share is probably more than just friendship.....
'Why didn't you tell me?' she asked. 'That we already knew each other.'
Kindred Spirits is about Troy, Elena and Gabe, three die hard fans of Star Wars who, although already have tickets to the premiere show, choose to camp out outside the cinema four days before the viewing of the movie.....because well they are die hard fans! During this time, all three strike a friendship while Elena gets to know Gabe is not exactly a complete stranger...
Both these stories are absolutely adorable with cute, goofy characters and with equally cute illustrations. My favourite is the 2nd one...not that I have ever staked outside a cinema before but if ever I had or get a chance to do so, I think I would; although I doubt it would be for a Star Wars movie. (I have watched all the movies except for the last 2, but I certainly cannot be qualified as a die hard fan....getting me to do a trivia quiz will be a terrible, terrible idea :3).
P.S.: My favourite Star Wars movie btw is Rogue One....I think it was a super duper movie! Diego Luna being in it was an added bonus too ;) :*.
'You're my best friend,' he said.
'You have a lots of best friends,' she said.
'No, just you.'
Almost Midnight is about Mags and Noel, two young people who meet at a New Year's eve party, quickly become best friends and the story specifically follows their subsequent meetings at a New Year's eve party every year after that until they both realise that what they share is probably more than just friendship.....
'Why didn't you tell me?' she asked. 'That we already knew each other.'
Kindred Spirits is about Troy, Elena and Gabe, three die hard fans of Star Wars who, although already have tickets to the premiere show, choose to camp out outside the cinema four days before the viewing of the movie.....because well they are die hard fans! During this time, all three strike a friendship while Elena gets to know Gabe is not exactly a complete stranger...
Both these stories are absolutely adorable with cute, goofy characters and with equally cute illustrations. My favourite is the 2nd one...not that I have ever staked outside a cinema before but if ever I had or get a chance to do so, I think I would; although I doubt it would be for a Star Wars movie. (I have watched all the movies except for the last 2, but I certainly cannot be qualified as a die hard fan....getting me to do a trivia quiz will be a terrible, terrible idea :3).
P.S.: My favourite Star Wars movie btw is Rogue One....I think it was a super duper movie! Diego Luna being in it was an added bonus too ;) :*.
June 27, 2018
Just over here drinking up every last drop of Rainbow Rowell literature.
August 8, 2018
It’s been a couple of days since I’ve finished this book, and I still find myself smitten like a girl with ribbons in her hair, twirling in her favorite dress in the sunshine! Rainbow Rowell just keeps winning my heart with her comforting and deeply enjoyable style of telling a story. While “Almost Midnight” has 2 short stories with simpler, less exciting story lines, it still has Rowell’s trademark of phenomenal dialogue and well-drawn characters. No angst, no villains, no great deception -- just simple settings with cute scenarios, and characters I cared about very much. I would have loved for the stories to never end!
“Midnights”
I think this is a wonderful love story. It has great flow, and is extremely addictive without being overly dramatic. I just couldn’t help rooting for Mags and Noel. They are equally adorable and their story unfolded naturally. Rowell is one of those writers who has the ability to write tons of emotion in as few words as possible.
“Kindred Spirits”
This is more of a “meet-cute”, and I’m not really sure if it’s going to end up into a love story, but it is just as adorable. I’m not a “Star Wars” fan, but I find myself identifying in some way with Elena and Gabe. This is what I love most about Rowell -- she is an expert at painting characters in such a real and relatable way. I didn’t find this romantic at all, but in a way, it’s nice to see the beginnings of a beautiful friendship that will stand the test of time.
Yup, I still have a stupid smile on my face and I’m not really sure if it will wear off soon. “Almost Midnight” may be short and simple -- but it is a fantastic and entertaining book that can make you giggle and sigh, and wish that it doesn’t have to end so soon!
“Midnights”
I think this is a wonderful love story. It has great flow, and is extremely addictive without being overly dramatic. I just couldn’t help rooting for Mags and Noel. They are equally adorable and their story unfolded naturally. Rowell is one of those writers who has the ability to write tons of emotion in as few words as possible.
“Kindred Spirits”
This is more of a “meet-cute”, and I’m not really sure if it’s going to end up into a love story, but it is just as adorable. I’m not a “Star Wars” fan, but I find myself identifying in some way with Elena and Gabe. This is what I love most about Rowell -- she is an expert at painting characters in such a real and relatable way. I didn’t find this romantic at all, but in a way, it’s nice to see the beginnings of a beautiful friendship that will stand the test of time.
Yup, I still have a stupid smile on my face and I’m not really sure if it will wear off soon. “Almost Midnight” may be short and simple -- but it is a fantastic and entertaining book that can make you giggle and sigh, and wish that it doesn’t have to end so soon!
August 21, 2021
¡Extremadamente encantadora!
Almost Midnight es un libro con una edición preciosa, con ilustraciones y pequeños detalles. En este libro hay dos historias, una de ellas es Midnigths que viene en el libro Un regalo de mi gran amor, la compilación de historias navideñas de Stephanie Perkins. Como ya hable de esa historia en la reseña de ese libro me enfocare en la segunda historia llamada Kindred Spirits.
Esta es una historia corta de Rainbow Rowell que escribió para el World Book Day y especialmente para las celebraciones que se llevan a cabo cada año en el Reino Unido. Es una historia súper cortita pero es adorable y se convirtió en una de mis historias cortas favoritas de toda la vida.
Esta historia es ideal para un día en el que te quieras sentirte mejor. Me tuvo todo el tiempo diciendo awww y riendo como loca. El tema central es Star Wars, pero no tienen que ser grandes fans para entenderla y apreciarla. Esta historia es sobre ser fangirl y nerd y los distintos tipos de fangirl junto con nerd y todo que ver siendo fangirl y nerd. Hay muchas cosas con las que me sentí identificada, como ese sentimiento de que quieres que todos amen algo y esperas que no se vuelva popular para que no lo estropeen.
La historia se narra en tercera persona y se divide en cuatro, los cuatro días en los que se desarrolla la trama.
A los personajes de este libro no se les llega a conocer muy a fondo pero es muy fácil cogerles cariño, especialmente a Elena, me ha parecido un personaje muy hilarante y entrañable.
Se lee muy rápido no es solo porque sea breve, la manera de escribir de Rainbow Rowell ha hecho también bastante en ese sentido, los que hemos leído a Rainbow conocemos que su forma de narrar me resulta muy amena y divertida, y sabemos lo buena que es escribiendo una buena historia en pocas páginas sin concentrar demasiado ni dejarse muchas cosas en el olvido.
No soy fan de Star Wars, creo que en realidad nunca he visto una de sus películas completas, pero he llegado a comprender por completo su fanatismo, hasta me he sentido fan. Y no es para nada necesario saber sobre Star Wars para leer el libro, ni hay spoilers ni nada.
En pocas palabras, Kindred Spirits es una novela corta con una gran historia, muy entretenida y jovial que se lee en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.
No hay muchas cosas más que pueda decir sin spoilear esta historia, pero la recomiendo mucho, como fan de Rainbow Rowell, principalmente como fangirl.
Almost Midnight es un libro con una edición preciosa, con ilustraciones y pequeños detalles. En este libro hay dos historias, una de ellas es Midnigths que viene en el libro Un regalo de mi gran amor, la compilación de historias navideñas de Stephanie Perkins. Como ya hable de esa historia en la reseña de ese libro me enfocare en la segunda historia llamada Kindred Spirits.
Esta es una historia corta de Rainbow Rowell que escribió para el World Book Day y especialmente para las celebraciones que se llevan a cabo cada año en el Reino Unido. Es una historia súper cortita pero es adorable y se convirtió en una de mis historias cortas favoritas de toda la vida.
Esta historia es ideal para un día en el que te quieras sentirte mejor. Me tuvo todo el tiempo diciendo awww y riendo como loca. El tema central es Star Wars, pero no tienen que ser grandes fans para entenderla y apreciarla. Esta historia es sobre ser fangirl y nerd y los distintos tipos de fangirl junto con nerd y todo que ver siendo fangirl y nerd. Hay muchas cosas con las que me sentí identificada, como ese sentimiento de que quieres que todos amen algo y esperas que no se vuelva popular para que no lo estropeen.
La historia se narra en tercera persona y se divide en cuatro, los cuatro días en los que se desarrolla la trama.
A los personajes de este libro no se les llega a conocer muy a fondo pero es muy fácil cogerles cariño, especialmente a Elena, me ha parecido un personaje muy hilarante y entrañable.
Se lee muy rápido no es solo porque sea breve, la manera de escribir de Rainbow Rowell ha hecho también bastante en ese sentido, los que hemos leído a Rainbow conocemos que su forma de narrar me resulta muy amena y divertida, y sabemos lo buena que es escribiendo una buena historia en pocas páginas sin concentrar demasiado ni dejarse muchas cosas en el olvido.
No soy fan de Star Wars, creo que en realidad nunca he visto una de sus películas completas, pero he llegado a comprender por completo su fanatismo, hasta me he sentido fan. Y no es para nada necesario saber sobre Star Wars para leer el libro, ni hay spoilers ni nada.
En pocas palabras, Kindred Spirits es una novela corta con una gran historia, muy entretenida y jovial que se lee en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.
No hay muchas cosas más que pueda decir sin spoilear esta historia, pero la recomiendo mucho, como fan de Rainbow Rowell, principalmente como fangirl.
January 8, 2018
That was gooooood !! and i needed it !
two short stories, the first one about friendship (and it was nice and sweet nd i'm smiling right now), the second one was different, i don't know how to describe it, the whole time i was thinking about BBT( since Sheldon nd his friends used to camp in order to watch star wars), nd i have that feeling abt Elena and Gabe *-* (secretely cheering for the two of them (・ω・)b )
the illustrations were nice, and added some sort of "a taste" to the whole thing, it felt like the characters were alive.
two short stories, the first one about friendship (and it was nice and sweet nd i'm smiling right now), the second one was different, i don't know how to describe it, the whole time i was thinking about BBT( since Sheldon nd his friends used to camp in order to watch star wars), nd i have that feeling abt Elena and Gabe *-* (secretely cheering for the two of them (・ω・)b )
the illustrations were nice, and added some sort of "a taste" to the whole thing, it felt like the characters were alive.
August 2, 2020
The best part of the book were the illustrations. They were very beautiful. Both stories were cute but they were not interesting enough for me to love them.
May 17, 2020
"Not everyone knows how to reach out for the things they want. Maybe midnight is exactly what these two need to get rolling—would you begrudge them that?"
Almost Midnight is a collection of two heartwarming stories of young love. And I just can't get enough of it! I love every bit of it, how the chapters are chopped into every New Year's eve until the time I finally reached that beautiful conclusion. I just can't help but feel giddy all over this one shot, plus all the illustrations are so adorable! Recommended to everyone who craves for a light and heartwarming read. My review for Kindred Spirits is here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... if you'd want to read it. (I got a separate book for it and it's only then that I realized it was actually compiled into one.)
December 31, 2017
*Evil Cackle*
I managed to have a sneaky extra read to finish 2017 with! This is my third/fourt Rainbow Rowell book I've read this year, and I really like her has an authour.
Midnights was so good and I'd give the a 4 stars! To say it was less than 50 pages I really wanted to know more, and I was completely invested. Quite fitting I read it on New Years Eve as well!
Kindred Spirits is probably a 3 Stars, even though it was longer I just wasn't as interested, and I didn't get the Star Wars references (I've never seen it... I know) but it was nice enough.
A nice quick read to end my year off, and the illustrations are beautiful!
Overall 3.5 Stars!
I managed to have a sneaky extra read to finish 2017 with! This is my third/fourt Rainbow Rowell book I've read this year, and I really like her has an authour.
Midnights was so good and I'd give the a 4 stars! To say it was less than 50 pages I really wanted to know more, and I was completely invested. Quite fitting I read it on New Years Eve as well!
Kindred Spirits is probably a 3 Stars, even though it was longer I just wasn't as interested, and I didn't get the Star Wars references (I've never seen it... I know) but it was nice enough.
A nice quick read to end my year off, and the illustrations are beautiful!
Overall 3.5 Stars!
March 21, 2018
MIDNIGHTS - 5 stars
This one was a little confusing at the start starting in 2014 then going back a few years then jumping back to 2014. After the confusion I loved it. I really enjoyed seeing the glimpse of the friendship and how it grew over time to something more. Loved this one and would have liked to have seen more.
KINDRED SPIRITS - 3 stars
I enjoyed this story and would love to be in a line myself one day with people all dressed up. It would be so fun. When I started this story I wasn’t expecting what I read.
This one was a little confusing at the start starting in 2014 then going back a few years then jumping back to 2014. After the confusion I loved it. I really enjoyed seeing the glimpse of the friendship and how it grew over time to something more. Loved this one and would have liked to have seen more.
KINDRED SPIRITS - 3 stars
I enjoyed this story and would love to be in a line myself one day with people all dressed up. It would be so fun. When I started this story I wasn’t expecting what I read.
April 25, 2018
Both the stories and illustrations were adorable!
December 28, 2017
I wish I would have saved this one for New Year eve.
These are two tiny dazzling pods with delightful illustrations.
Midnights:
Noel & Mags – Why can’t we keep love as simple as them? The only question that did hit me at the ending was all of sudden what changed Noel’s heart from being best friends to love? And then a thought followed that some questions are never meant to be answered.
Kindred Spirits:
I loved this one. Elena, Gabe & Troy are so devoted to the Star Wars, their anticipation is quite contagious. (*Don’t kill me because I haven’t seen any star wars movie yet.)
These are two tiny dazzling pods with delightful illustrations.
Midnights:
Noel & Mags – Why can’t we keep love as simple as them? The only question that did hit me at the ending was all of sudden what changed Noel’s heart from being best friends to love? And then a thought followed that some questions are never meant to be answered.
Kindred Spirits:
I loved this one. Elena, Gabe & Troy are so devoted to the Star Wars, their anticipation is quite contagious. (*Don’t kill me because I haven’t seen any star wars movie yet.)
January 20, 2018
Actual rating: 3,75 stars
Almost Midnight was really cute, it deserves my 4,75 stars , I don't really care about Star Wars and half of the story nothing happens but the protagonist is a freaking Vietnamese how cool is that and I love that Rowell used "dì" instead of aunt so Kindred Spirits gets 3 stars from me .
Almost Midnight was really cute, it deserves my 4,75 stars , I don't really care about Star Wars and half of the story nothing happens but the protagonist is a freaking Vietnamese how cool is that and I love that Rowell used "dì" instead of aunt so Kindred Spirits gets 3 stars from me .
June 12, 2021
Rainbow Rowell's stories and books have this magic that leave me wanting more and thinking about the characters and stories until days after if not all the time. This book has two short-stories that are equally delightful. Both these stories warmed my heart and made me smile throughout.
I don't know how she does it but she does it every time and even these cute little stories and their characters have left a mark on me. Rainbow Rowell is magic and no wonder she is my favorite author.
5 magic stars
I don't know how she does it but she does it every time and even these cute little stories and their characters have left a mark on me. Rainbow Rowell is magic and no wonder she is my favorite author.
5 magic stars
December 28, 2019
Help, this is the cutest thing I have ever read. And I'm so glad I finally read Kindred Spirits.
November 7, 2017
When I got it couldn't get over myself how cute it was. Smallish, glittery and with amazing illustrations. But then, the downsides began: the quality of the paper wasn't that great, and the darker illustrations had bleed through to the next page. In some cases, it also had happened with some of the text, which was in negative on the following page. If the book had been cheaper it wouldn't have been so important, but this book is on the expensive side for what it is (almost 12€ for not ahundred pages, small and yes, HC).
Also, the first story, "Midnights" wasn't that good for me, makes little sense and don't see why the guy changes what he does at the end... why didn't he do it sooner? Or her? And why do they do that now?
The second story, "Kindred Spirits" was an enjoyable one, but I already have this one, so it doesn't look like I will be keeping this book :(
Also, the first story, "Midnights" wasn't that good for me, makes little sense and don't see why the guy changes what he does at the end... why didn't he do it sooner? Or her? And why do they do that now?
The second story, "Kindred Spirits" was an enjoyable one, but I already have this one, so it doesn't look like I will be keeping this book :(
July 7, 2025
2 stars.
January 1, 2018
3.5 stars
I didn't realise that Almost Midnight already contained two short stories that I already owned, but I'm glad that this edition came with the beautiful, glittery cover and the illustrations. The illustrations added a whole another dimension to the story and I thought they were completely adorable. Both stories were super cute and fluffy.
Midnights was the perfect short story to read on New Years Day, featuring one of my favourite romantic tropes - best friend to lovers relationships. It was cute and memorable when I first read it, and it still was the second time I read it. I adored how Mags and Noel knew each other inside out, but only when they spent time apart their relationship could evolve. It's actually quite a short read, but I thought it was effective in its length.
Kindred Spirits is an adorable story about fandoms, dedication and connecting with complete strangers over something you love - in this case, it's Star Wars which I adore. Loved all the Star Wars references and how real each and every character felt, as we get to know them over the course of the week that they camp out for the premiere for. I also related so much to Elena's thoughts in being a geek girl especially when you felt like you need to prove yourself to other geeks.
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
I didn't realise that Almost Midnight already contained two short stories that I already owned, but I'm glad that this edition came with the beautiful, glittery cover and the illustrations. The illustrations added a whole another dimension to the story and I thought they were completely adorable. Both stories were super cute and fluffy.
Midnights was the perfect short story to read on New Years Day, featuring one of my favourite romantic tropes - best friend to lovers relationships. It was cute and memorable when I first read it, and it still was the second time I read it. I adored how Mags and Noel knew each other inside out, but only when they spent time apart their relationship could evolve. It's actually quite a short read, but I thought it was effective in its length.
Kindred Spirits is an adorable story about fandoms, dedication and connecting with complete strangers over something you love - in this case, it's Star Wars which I adore. Loved all the Star Wars references and how real each and every character felt, as we get to know them over the course of the week that they camp out for the premiere for. I also related so much to Elena's thoughts in being a geek girl especially when you felt like you need to prove yourself to other geeks.
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
November 12, 2017
Two adorable short stories with lovely illustrations. The only short stories (contemporary fiction) that I like are written by Rainbow Rowell.
She should write another novel soon thou, just sayin´.
She should write another novel soon thou, just sayin´.
February 7, 2018
Two adorable, fluffy short stories I need before kicking off 2018! I've missed Rainbow Rowell writing style for a while and this book totally brings back all the feels ❤️ Can't wait to dig in more books next year 📚
April 3, 2021
This is the tiniest book that I own.
September 4, 2024
4,5 stars
The world would be significantly less beautiful without Rainbow Rowell and her books in it.
This is a short story collection, consisting of two stories that are both so incredibly adorable and heartwarming, I can't even pick a fave. It's exactly what I needed at the moment. I'm usually not easy to please when it comes to contempary romance, especially when it's short stories, but THIS. This is exactly the type of contemporary romance I need in my life. Like, I honestly really really wish both of these scenarios would happen to me. Rainbow Rowell just KNOWS.
✨ MIDNIGHTS ✨
🎆 " I know things have to change, but... I can't lose you. I don't think I'll get another one like you." 🎆
This is a story about two best friends who always meet at a party every New Years Eve. Obviously they're even more than best friends. It just takes them several New Year's Eves to notice it. That whole idea alone kinda screams ' When Harry Met Sally ' to me, which is probably among my top 5 favourite movies EVER (and that's saying something since I probably have more favourite movies than I can count). It was very short, but very sweet and left me feeling warm and fuzzy and in need of a rewatch of ' When Harry Met Sally '.
✨ KINDRED SPIRITS ✨
🌌 "However Elena changed or grew, Star Wars seemed to be there for her in a new way. If you broke Elena's heart, Star Wars would spill out. This was a holy day for her - it was a cosmic event. This was her planets lining up. (Tatooine, Coruscant, Hoth.) And Elena was going to be here for it." 🌌
I have the feeling Rainbow Rowell is a genius especially at writing fandom related stuff. Because wow.
So the second story is about Elena, who loves Star Wars. She loves Star Wars so much she wants to line up for the preview of 'The Force Awakens'. 4 days earlier. Outside the cinema, in the cold. Although there are numbered seats and she already has a ticket. But Star Wars is so important to her that she feels the need to do this, because she wants to have this experience.
Which is something I can relate to on a spiritual level.
When things don't turn out as planned - she was expecting a whole lot of nerdy, excited people she could bond and celebrate with, instead of one older guy and some grumpy jerk with glasses - she's starting to think her experience is doomed to be a negative one. Or is it?
This story was on one hand extremely adorable, but on the other hand also extremely relatable, at least for me. Because, in case you didn't know: I'm a huge geek. I'm extremely passionate when it comes to my several fandoms, ranging from movies to bands to tv series to books, and camping in front of a cinema in mid december for some of them is something I totally would do. And it's just really really great to see yourself represented in that way. It's also really really great to read about love blooming between two people who meet in such a scenario, because this keeps my daydreams alive that one day, such a thing might happen to me, too. A girl can dream, right??
The world would be significantly less beautiful without Rainbow Rowell and her books in it.
This is a short story collection, consisting of two stories that are both so incredibly adorable and heartwarming, I can't even pick a fave. It's exactly what I needed at the moment. I'm usually not easy to please when it comes to contempary romance, especially when it's short stories, but THIS. This is exactly the type of contemporary romance I need in my life. Like, I honestly really really wish both of these scenarios would happen to me. Rainbow Rowell just KNOWS.
✨ MIDNIGHTS ✨
🎆 " I know things have to change, but... I can't lose you. I don't think I'll get another one like you." 🎆
This is a story about two best friends who always meet at a party every New Years Eve. Obviously they're even more than best friends. It just takes them several New Year's Eves to notice it. That whole idea alone kinda screams ' When Harry Met Sally ' to me, which is probably among my top 5 favourite movies EVER (and that's saying something since I probably have more favourite movies than I can count). It was very short, but very sweet and left me feeling warm and fuzzy and in need of a rewatch of ' When Harry Met Sally '.
✨ KINDRED SPIRITS ✨
🌌 "However Elena changed or grew, Star Wars seemed to be there for her in a new way. If you broke Elena's heart, Star Wars would spill out. This was a holy day for her - it was a cosmic event. This was her planets lining up. (Tatooine, Coruscant, Hoth.) And Elena was going to be here for it." 🌌
I have the feeling Rainbow Rowell is a genius especially at writing fandom related stuff. Because wow.
So the second story is about Elena, who loves Star Wars. She loves Star Wars so much she wants to line up for the preview of 'The Force Awakens'. 4 days earlier. Outside the cinema, in the cold. Although there are numbered seats and she already has a ticket. But Star Wars is so important to her that she feels the need to do this, because she wants to have this experience.
Which is something I can relate to on a spiritual level.
When things don't turn out as planned - she was expecting a whole lot of nerdy, excited people she could bond and celebrate with, instead of one older guy and some grumpy jerk with glasses - she's starting to think her experience is doomed to be a negative one. Or is it?
This story was on one hand extremely adorable, but on the other hand also extremely relatable, at least for me. Because, in case you didn't know: I'm a huge geek. I'm extremely passionate when it comes to my several fandoms, ranging from movies to bands to tv series to books, and camping in front of a cinema in mid december for some of them is something I totally would do. And it's just really really great to see yourself represented in that way. It's also really really great to read about love blooming between two people who meet in such a scenario, because this keeps my daydreams alive that one day, such a thing might happen to me, too. A girl can dream, right??
June 25, 2018
it was so cute and well written, just my style. A perfect "quick-read". Beautiful cover!
It also made me laugh often.
It also made me laugh often.
December 17, 2017
Tierno pero intrascendente. Relleno literario para los días de Navidad.
December 26, 2017
THIS WAS VERY CUTE
I'll review both the short stories separately but I can say, overall, this whole thing was just...lovely. It took me like an hour to read them both but they were just what I was looking for, a nice end to my reading challenge and of 2017.
Midnights ★★★★
This is a New Year's Eve story about two friends who are at a NYE party every year, and where I did think this was a very sweet story, the romance just came out of nowhere. I think they had a nice friendship, it would have been great if it had been left at that, but they ended up together after kissing at midnight. I think the issue with is was that it was a short story, but too short. If we possibly got more about them as friends and more of a backstory about them, it would work better. The other story I felt was longer so she could have done it. But I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this though, it was very enjoyable. It's still getting a separate 4 star from me!
Kindred Spirits - ★★★★★
I'm not going to lie, I thought I wasn't going to like this one or even understand it because I've never seen Star Wars, but that really didn't matter at all. Honestly, it made me want to give the films a go which is shocking considering I've never really had the intention of seeing them.
Anyway, I think this one is my favourite out of the two, I loved it so much with it's geekiness, I can really relate to being a dedicated fan to something considering I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter which probably had something to do with why I liked it so much. I can relate.
The characters were wonderful, real, cute and definitely complete nerds but maybe that's why I like them so much. Enjoyed every bit of this one, I wish it was longer, I'd read a long novel of these characters!
Also, one of my favourite things about this book was the VERY CUTE illustrations by Simini Blocker, they really made the stories more enjoyable. I especially loved the one's with Kindred Spirits, her selfies with Gabe and Toby were just gah, so cute. I'm sharing my favourite because it makes me smile so much.
If you want fluff and adorkable people, you'll want to read this one. This is the Rainbow Rowell I enjoyed before when I first read Fangirl.
I'll review both the short stories separately but I can say, overall, this whole thing was just...lovely. It took me like an hour to read them both but they were just what I was looking for, a nice end to my reading challenge and of 2017.
Midnights ★★★★
This is a New Year's Eve story about two friends who are at a NYE party every year, and where I did think this was a very sweet story, the romance just came out of nowhere. I think they had a nice friendship, it would have been great if it had been left at that, but they ended up together after kissing at midnight. I think the issue with is was that it was a short story, but too short. If we possibly got more about them as friends and more of a backstory about them, it would work better. The other story I felt was longer so she could have done it. But I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this though, it was very enjoyable. It's still getting a separate 4 star from me!
Kindred Spirits - ★★★★★
I'm not going to lie, I thought I wasn't going to like this one or even understand it because I've never seen Star Wars, but that really didn't matter at all. Honestly, it made me want to give the films a go which is shocking considering I've never really had the intention of seeing them.
Anyway, I think this one is my favourite out of the two, I loved it so much with it's geekiness, I can really relate to being a dedicated fan to something considering I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter which probably had something to do with why I liked it so much. I can relate.
The characters were wonderful, real, cute and definitely complete nerds but maybe that's why I like them so much. Enjoyed every bit of this one, I wish it was longer, I'd read a long novel of these characters!
Also, one of my favourite things about this book was the VERY CUTE illustrations by Simini Blocker, they really made the stories more enjoyable. I especially loved the one's with Kindred Spirits, her selfies with Gabe and Toby were just gah, so cute. I'm sharing my favourite because it makes me smile so much.
If you want fluff and adorkable people, you'll want to read this one. This is the Rainbow Rowell I enjoyed before when I first read Fangirl.
April 24, 2018
Midnights
4/5 stars
'I know things have to change, but...I can't lose you. I don't think I get another one like you.'
'I'm not going anywhere, Noel.'
'You are,' he said, squeezing her. 'And it's okay. Just...I need you to take me with you.'
Noel and Mags first met in a New Year's Eve party, the same one they're still attending, years later. This year is the first party after graduating from high school and something's different. Mags is tired of watching Noel kiss whichever girl stands closer to him when the ball drops.
Short and sweet, this short story would have worked well as a full-length novel.
Kindred Spirits
4/5 stars
'You've been waiting a week.'
'I've been waiting my whole life,' she said.
Elena is a dedicated Star Wars fan. She's so passionate about it that when the new movie comes out, she decides to camp outside the movie theater in anticipation of the showing. At the queue she meets Troy and Gabe, two fellow fans, and tries to make the most out of the experience.
This was a really good story that took me entirely by surprise. I didn't expect to like it (especially since I've never even watched Star Wars) but I did. Like Midnights, it was a story I felt would work just as well as a novel. I was also very happy to find out Elena was Vietnamese.
Almost Midnight contains two festive short stories with beautiful illustrations by Simini Blocker that made the whole book ten times better and cuter and a perfect lighthearted read.
4/5 stars
'I know things have to change, but...I can't lose you. I don't think I get another one like you.'
'I'm not going anywhere, Noel.'
'You are,' he said, squeezing her. 'And it's okay. Just...I need you to take me with you.'
Noel and Mags first met in a New Year's Eve party, the same one they're still attending, years later. This year is the first party after graduating from high school and something's different. Mags is tired of watching Noel kiss whichever girl stands closer to him when the ball drops.
Short and sweet, this short story would have worked well as a full-length novel.
Kindred Spirits
4/5 stars
'You've been waiting a week.'
'I've been waiting my whole life,' she said.
Elena is a dedicated Star Wars fan. She's so passionate about it that when the new movie comes out, she decides to camp outside the movie theater in anticipation of the showing. At the queue she meets Troy and Gabe, two fellow fans, and tries to make the most out of the experience.
This was a really good story that took me entirely by surprise. I didn't expect to like it (especially since I've never even watched Star Wars) but I did. Like Midnights, it was a story I felt would work just as well as a novel. I was also very happy to find out Elena was Vietnamese.
Almost Midnight contains two festive short stories with beautiful illustrations by Simini Blocker that made the whole book ten times better and cuter and a perfect lighthearted read.
June 15, 2023
ALMOST MIDNIGHT consists of two short stories: Midnight 🌙 and Kindred Spirits 🎟. Midnight is about a boy and a girl who meet at a New Year's Eve party, become best friends, and eventually lovers. I also noticed that Rainbow named one of the characters after the illustrator, Simini Blocker!
Kindred Spirits is about a girl, Elena, who queues for the latest Star Wars movie in a line that consists of only three people. She realises one of the other two in the line is actually her Spanish classmate. They form a cautious bond that is explored further and left to the reader's imagination.
As usual, Rainbow Rowell writes characters who are complex and instantly lovable, even in the span of just 50 pages!
"I'm not going anywhere, Noel."
"You are," he said, squeezing her. "And it's okay. Just... I need you to take me with you."
Kindred Spirits is about a girl, Elena, who queues for the latest Star Wars movie in a line that consists of only three people. She realises one of the other two in the line is actually her Spanish classmate. They form a cautious bond that is explored further and left to the reader's imagination.
As usual, Rainbow Rowell writes characters who are complex and instantly lovable, even in the span of just 50 pages!
December 2, 2017
5 stars
RTC
RTC
December 21, 2017
4.25 stars*
Almost Midnights: 4 Stars
Super cute ❤️️
Kindred Spirits: 4.5 Stars
Really loved this one!! I want a full length novel with these characters!
Almost Midnights: 4 Stars
Super cute ❤️️
Kindred Spirits: 4.5 Stars
Really loved this one!! I want a full length novel with these characters!
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