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All Our Broken Pieces
"You can’t keep two people who are meant to be together apart for long...”
Lennon Davis doesn’t believe in much, but she does believe in the security of the number five. If she flicks the bedroom light switch five times, maybe her new L.A. school won’t suck. But that doesn’t feel right, so she flicks the switch again. And again. Ten more flicks of the switch and maybe her new step family will accept her. Twenty-five more flicks and maybe she won’t cause any more of her loved ones to die. Fifty times more and then she can finally go to sleep.
Kyler Benton witnesses this pattern of lights from the safety of his treehouse in the yard next door. It is only there, hidden from the unwanted stares of his peers, that Kyler can fill his notebooks with lyrics that reveal the true scars of the boy behind the oversized hoodies and caustic humor. But Kyler finds that descriptions of blonde hair, sad eyes, and tapping fingers are beginning to fill the pages of his notebooks. Lennon, the lonely girl next door his father has warned him about, infiltrates his mind. Even though he has enough to deal with without Lennon’s rumored tragic past in his life, Kyler can’t help but want to know the truth about his new muse.
Lennon Davis doesn’t believe in much, but she does believe in the security of the number five. If she flicks the bedroom light switch five times, maybe her new L.A. school won’t suck. But that doesn’t feel right, so she flicks the switch again. And again. Ten more flicks of the switch and maybe her new step family will accept her. Twenty-five more flicks and maybe she won’t cause any more of her loved ones to die. Fifty times more and then she can finally go to sleep.
Kyler Benton witnesses this pattern of lights from the safety of his treehouse in the yard next door. It is only there, hidden from the unwanted stares of his peers, that Kyler can fill his notebooks with lyrics that reveal the true scars of the boy behind the oversized hoodies and caustic humor. But Kyler finds that descriptions of blonde hair, sad eyes, and tapping fingers are beginning to fill the pages of his notebooks. Lennon, the lonely girl next door his father has warned him about, infiltrates his mind. Even though he has enough to deal with without Lennon’s rumored tragic past in his life, Kyler can’t help but want to know the truth about his new muse.
405 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2019
77 people are currently reading
5077 people want to read
About the author
L.D. Crichton
2 books112 followersL.D. Crichton is a coffee devotee and lip gloss enthusiast whose infatuation with music is truly astonishing. If she’s not reading, writing, or checking her horoscope for signs from the Universe, you can find her by the water in search of mermaids because they're real. ALL OUR BROKEN PIECES is her first young adult novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
December 15, 2025
Omg!! I love this book so freaking much!!
Lennon has some mental issues which I can relate to as I have many of my own. Kyler is a beautiful, brooding boy with his own issues. I love them both soooo much!! I needed this book. Favorites list!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Lennon has some mental issues which I can relate to as I have many of my own. Kyler is a beautiful, brooding boy with his own issues. I love them both soooo much!! I needed this book. Favorites list!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
April 11, 2019
Super cute teen romance that gives a convincing portrayal of OCD and offers uplifting examples of healthy family dynamics. One can't help but root for Lennon, a girl wrestling with her compulsion in the wake of her mother's untimely death, and Kyler, a boy scarred from a tragic childhood accident who looks tough and unapproachable on the outside but has a heart of gold on the inside. Felt like it could have been 50 or even 100 pages shorter, but overall an enjoyable tale of acceptance, courage, and love.
-
*Note: Quotes taken from and Uncorrected Advanced Proof.
Lennon
Los Angeles. City of Angels. City of Eternal Damantion. It's a matter of perspective, I suppose. Considering my life is cursed, I'm placing all my figurative chips on a solid bet that it is eternal damnation. Since the air is hot, sticky, and humid here, it's fair to say I'm surrounded by hellfire. It clings to my skin and smothers me like plastic wrap.
I'd rather be back at the mental hospital.*
Kyler
Yeah, a tree house. Go ahead. Laugh. Let me find the fucks I give.
Hint:
None.
That is correct. I do not give a single solitary fuck about how absurd it is. I'm seventeen. Six foot one and growing, and I still prefer to remain hidden in the trees. It's rad and if anyone knocks it, I'll knock their teeth clean out of their face, no joke.*
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*Note: Quotes taken from and Uncorrected Advanced Proof.
April 22, 2019
I had read the author's previous book and really enjoyed it, so I requested this one without really absorbing the synopsis. And when it came time to read it, I was a bit apprehensive...I don't do angsty times well, but I was still excited to get to it. Man, I'm so happy I read it.
I love love loved Lennon and Kyler. They're both so smart and snarky and struggling. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship progressed and while they were hopelessly in love, it never felt like one couldn't go on without the other. Between them, there was humor and swoons and most of all: acceptance. I couldn't get enough of it. I'm pretty sure Lennon's little brother was the best part of the entire story and I loved how Lennon and Kyler both included him.
Plot wise, it didn't go in the way I was expecting and I loved it. The majority of the story is angsty-lite, but there is a bit conflict. My main complaint about this story is that the person who caused the conflict was punished off the page and there wasn't a real apology. That was something I was irritated about -- the small scene towards the end just wasn't enough for me.
I don't know much about OCD, but this book was quite informative when it came to explaining how a person with Lennon's rituals sees things. It felt authentic and didn't romanticize anything. I truly hope this story helps.
Overall, it was an amazing and captivating read with characters who were so easy to root for. This is definitely one of my top books of 2019.
**Huge thanks to Hyperion for providing the arc free of charge**
I love love loved Lennon and Kyler. They're both so smart and snarky and struggling. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship progressed and while they were hopelessly in love, it never felt like one couldn't go on without the other. Between them, there was humor and swoons and most of all: acceptance. I couldn't get enough of it. I'm pretty sure Lennon's little brother was the best part of the entire story and I loved how Lennon and Kyler both included him.
Plot wise, it didn't go in the way I was expecting and I loved it. The majority of the story is angsty-lite, but there is a bit conflict. My main complaint about this story is that the person who caused the conflict was punished off the page and there wasn't a real apology. That was something I was irritated about -- the small scene towards the end just wasn't enough for me.
I don't know much about OCD, but this book was quite informative when it came to explaining how a person with Lennon's rituals sees things. It felt authentic and didn't romanticize anything. I truly hope this story helps.
Overall, it was an amazing and captivating read with characters who were so easy to root for. This is definitely one of my top books of 2019.
**Huge thanks to Hyperion for providing the arc free of charge**
December 11, 2018
Um, excuse me, I am annihilated. My insides have been blown out and replaced with tears, and now I cannot breathe. I just finished L. D. Crichton's gorgeous book, and wow, I did not see that coming. Her characters--Lennon, a beautiful girl trying her best to hide OCD, her inner monster, and Kyler, a boy people think is a monster because he cannot hide his scars--are so completely formulated that I really am wondering what they're up to right now. Crichton's writing is rich and lush, perfectly imaginative, and her song lyrics took my breath away. I swooned, I cried, and more important than anything, I imagined myself in both of these character's places. Crichton created empathy in me for those suffering from both physical scars and mental illnesses, and that is absolutely invaluable to me as a reader, as a mother, and as an educator. This is a must-read. MUST-READ.
October 3, 2019
Reminded me of one of my favorite books, Letters to the Lost. This was an easy, feely read with likable and relatable characters that you want to root for. A tad predictable with a smidge of instalove, but an overall entertaining YA contemporary.
January 29, 2021
As someone who's been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that manifests in a similar way (rules and rituals involving certain numbers and symmetry), I could relate to Lennon's character, which made me deeply appreciate and enjoy All Our Broken Pieces.
Since I also have a visible disability/facial abnormality (strabismus) that made me hide one side of my face behind long hair as a teenager, I could also relate to Kyler's character. He hides the scar on his face (which he got from being in a house fire when he was 5 years old) by always wearing a hoodie. I understood exactly how he felt.
Kyler plays guitar and writes songs, so I also share his passion for music (which I studied in university -- I have a trombone degree) and tree-houses (which I need in my backyard someday, next to a swimming pool and a swing) ^.^
It's not very often that I get to see parts of myself reflected in TWO main characters at the same time, which gives this book a special place in my heart ♡ I borrowed it from the library but I'm going to buy myself a copy. The cover is absolutely gorgeous! And it's my favourite colour! Yay!
I felt inspired by how each of the main characters evolved throughout the story as they learned to accept themselves a little bit more, guided by their admiration and respect for each other. They learned to confront their fears and gained confidence in their strengths. I was so proud of them!
Gosh, how I fall for romantic references to the night sky and outer space. Give me all your stellar metaphors, please.
There's nothing more infinitely epic than stars and galaxies.
I adored the main characters' siblings (well, everyone except Andrea who was a terrible person). Lennon's step-brother, Jacob (a superhero disguised as a newspaper reporter), and Kyler's sister, Macy (a ballet dancer), were equally awesome. Lennon's step-mother, Claire, was pretty cool, too.
L.D. Crichton's writing style is impeccable, lyrical (which is fitting for a story about a musician/songwriter), and heartfelt. I loved the songs that were interspersed throughout the novel, written for Kyler's fictional band, Fire to Dust. If they had an album, I'd buy it and fan-girl so hard.
Even the acknowledgments at the end of the book were beautifully written and emotionally powerful. I'm impressed. I have so much respect for this author, my newest favourite writer of YA contemporary fiction.
This novel took all my broken pieces and wrapped them in a big, healing hug. I'm so glad I read it and highly recommend it to anyone who fancies YA contemporary romance, especially those who are struggling with low self-esteem, disabilities, or mental illness.
♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡
"My scars are invisible, buried deep inside, guarded by the monster in my head."
Since I also have a visible disability/facial abnormality (strabismus) that made me hide one side of my face behind long hair as a teenager, I could also relate to Kyler's character. He hides the scar on his face (which he got from being in a house fire when he was 5 years old) by always wearing a hoodie. I understood exactly how he felt.
"His scars are there, literally written on his face."
Kyler plays guitar and writes songs, so I also share his passion for music (which I studied in university -- I have a trombone degree) and tree-houses (which I need in my backyard someday, next to a swimming pool and a swing) ^.^
I'm proud of the mask, but he doesn't need it. I wish he could see himself the way I do—the truth I see reflected in an old soul that has too much wisdom for a seventeen-year-old kid, the smile on his lips when he's observing me and doesn't think I notice, the water of his eyes, calm as a glass sea yet harboring the constant threat of a riptide."
It's not very often that I get to see parts of myself reflected in TWO main characters at the same time, which gives this book a special place in my heart ♡ I borrowed it from the library but I'm going to buy myself a copy. The cover is absolutely gorgeous! And it's my favourite colour! Yay!
"I get anxious. I think about terrible things. Awful things. Things that no person should ever think about, or at least admit to thinking about. And once I think them..." I pause nervously. "Once I think about them, it consumes my brain and eats at it like some kind of cancer. The thought dominates every single waking moment, over and over and over again. Like being forced to watch a gruesome movie in your head with your eyes wide open. The only way to make it stop, to get relief, to silence the goddamned thought, is to do things in patterns of five or whatever stupid, irrational, illogical idea my mind has in store."
I felt inspired by how each of the main characters evolved throughout the story as they learned to accept themselves a little bit more, guided by their admiration and respect for each other. They learned to confront their fears and gained confidence in their strengths. I was so proud of them!
His hand slides across the underside of my jaw. "Don't cry for me."
"I'm crying for the little boy who was you," I say. My arms are shaking like mad, trying to keep myself upright.
Kyler closes his eyes and pulls me forward. He doesn't hesitate.
He kisses me.
And the minute his mouth touches mine, I'm a supernova.
Gosh, how I fall for romantic references to the night sky and outer space. Give me all your stellar metaphors, please.
Her voice is laced with sadness that loves to bloom through quiet tears. "Are any of us ever okay, really?"
I stroke her hair with my fingers. "No. No one is okay in a literal sense. Everyone is screwed up, and they're either screwed up enough to admit it, or too blinded by ego to see it. But I think we can be okay for moments, Lennon. Sometimes for hours, days, even weeks. And I don't know about you, but in this moment I'm pretty okay."
Her arms wrap around my neck.
It's the best feeling in the entire world. In the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies combined.
"Yeah," she says, "I'm pretty okay, too."
There's nothing more infinitely epic than stars and galaxies.
When Lennon came into my galaxy it was a welcome surprise. I didn't see it coming., hence the surprise part, but then she was there. Beside me. In a different direction. It felt as if she belonged there, like she was always there and would always be there, so now that Josh had removed her from my orbit, the tear in my patchwork will spread until it's a gaping black hole.
I adored the main characters' siblings (well, everyone except Andrea who was a terrible person). Lennon's step-brother, Jacob (a superhero disguised as a newspaper reporter), and Kyler's sister, Macy (a ballet dancer), were equally awesome. Lennon's step-mother, Claire, was pretty cool, too.
The night is blinded by your wonder,
So it steals you from my grasp,
These walls we've built come tumbling down,
Our wills were caving fast.
So wash away the world we've built,
But please don't let them break you,
Brace yourself, you gotta fight,
Don't let the thoughts control you.
L.D. Crichton's writing style is impeccable, lyrical (which is fitting for a story about a musician/songwriter), and heartfelt. I loved the songs that were interspersed throughout the novel, written for Kyler's fictional band, Fire to Dust. If they had an album, I'd buy it and fan-girl so hard.
Shock and awe, surprise them,
those who think you're weak.
Look to the sky and chase them,
those answers that you seek.
The stars will light the sky for us,
They'll illuminate the way,
They show you how to find me,
They'll make you want to stay.
Even the acknowledgments at the end of the book were beautifully written and emotionally powerful. I'm impressed. I have so much respect for this author, my newest favourite writer of YA contemporary fiction.
To anyone dealing with any kind of mental illness in yourself or in your families. You are bold. You are brave. You are badass. Talk about it. Please use your voices to shake up the world! Be informed and show support and understanding. No one should have to walk through life alone. Find strength in community and be good to every person you meet, because you don't know what their story is, you don't know about the scars they carry. Be kind.
This novel took all my broken pieces and wrapped them in a big, healing hug. I'm so glad I read it and highly recommend it to anyone who fancies YA contemporary romance, especially those who are struggling with low self-esteem, disabilities, or mental illness.
"Get back here. You have nothing to hide, nothing to be embarrassed for. If you have to ritualize, so what? All that means is a whole bunch of people who have OCD or know someone with OCD or love someone with OCD will feel like they have a voice. Ordinary people do ordinary things while people like you do extraordinary things."
♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡ ~*~ ♡♡♡♡♡
I'm broken and you're beautiful,
You're my Juliet,
I might just be your Romeo,
The one you can't forget.
The scars that burn inside my mind,
They fascinate you so,
You're my fateful fairy tale,
I'm never letting go.
April 15, 2019
"You all right?"
"Is anyone all right, really?"
I was surprisingly swept away by this book. Lennon and Kyler easily started to become two of my favorite broken people that I have ever read about. I read this in one afternoon. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I became quite invested in these two characters.
”My scars are invisible, buried deep inside, guarded by the monster in my head. Kyler who was in a house fire. His scars are there, literally written on his face.”
These two are different but also one and the same and really became important to each other. They both had scars and insecurities and found something similar in each other. The feels that the author puts you through was astounding and it showed so much intensity and strength.
This book focuses heavily on Lennon’s OCD, so if that is triggering for you then I would either skip this one or wait until you are in a headspace where you can read it.
I do feel that things were a bit too tidy at the end of this book, but oh well. These two had been through so much that them just having each other was worth it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would stay that this was a really good debut! Like I said before, make sure that you are in the right headspace to read the topics of this book.
✨I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.✨
✨Quotes were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.✨
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"Is anyone all right, really?"
I was surprisingly swept away by this book. Lennon and Kyler easily started to become two of my favorite broken people that I have ever read about. I read this in one afternoon. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I became quite invested in these two characters.
”My scars are invisible, buried deep inside, guarded by the monster in my head. Kyler who was in a house fire. His scars are there, literally written on his face.”
These two are different but also one and the same and really became important to each other. They both had scars and insecurities and found something similar in each other. The feels that the author puts you through was astounding and it showed so much intensity and strength.
This book focuses heavily on Lennon’s OCD, so if that is triggering for you then I would either skip this one or wait until you are in a headspace where you can read it.
I do feel that things were a bit too tidy at the end of this book, but oh well. These two had been through so much that them just having each other was worth it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would stay that this was a really good debut! Like I said before, make sure that you are in the right headspace to read the topics of this book.
✨I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.✨
✨Quotes were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.✨
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May 22, 2020
THIS WAS GOOD!!!
I loved it. It had such a great OCD rep.
I loved it. It had such a great OCD rep.
July 6, 2023
this book made my heart happy
please read it :)
please read it :)
May 22, 2019
***Actual Rating: 5/5 Fire-to-Dust Stars***
”Idyllic Trepidations,” he whispers. “Could be a band name, Davis. Think about it. Our slogan could be ‘Make Peace with Your Fears.’”
For starters, I honestly wasn’t expecting this book to be that good. The blurb sounded highly intriguing to me (as usual as a contemporary romance novel always is) and thus, I signed up to be part of the blog tour from Rockstar Book Tours. Mercifully, I was granted the opportunity to read this book prior to its official release date, and guess what? It turned out that I totally devoured the story in a sitting, which had never happened this year so far.
All Our Broken Pieces was told from the two main characters’, Lennon’s and Kyler’s POVs. Their thoughts were quite distinctive yet easily recognizable to the readers, in my opinion. Both of them were in their own heads a lot, but somehow, their perspectives on daily life around them were unbelievably on point.
Lennon was aproud teenage girl with slightly severe OCD. She was obsessed with the number FIVE, so she practically had to do everything with an interval of five times, five terms, or five rounds. For example, turning the doorknob five times before entering a room gave her a sense of security, and switching the light on-and-off five times or any numbers multiply by five was the only way to calm her down when she was upset.
Kyler was a musical genius, a lead singer in his high school band named Fire and Dust, and sort of a goner. What Kyler and Lennon had in common was their scars. Kyler’s scar was visible on his face and body for everyone to see, criticize, and laugh at, whereas Lennon’s scar was more of an invisible black hole in her heart due to her dear mother’s sudden passing.
Truthfully, All Our Broken Pieces was pretty much a modern retelling of one of my all time favorite musicals, The Phantom of the Opera. I was extremely thrilled to find out this specific feature of this book. Besides, the entire storytelling as well as world building were exceptionally well-done, so I’ve got nothing to complain about.
What captivated me most was undoubtedly the characters. This book was 100% characters-driven and the fast pace of the story made the entire book unputdownable. In other words, I loved the way the protagonists grew as a person and as a role model. I absolutely appreciated the positivity by the end of everything. It was unbelievably, incredibly encouraging and I seriously couldn’t praise it enough.
Aside from the unforgettable characters, I also LOVED the delivery of Lennon’s OCD symptoms. There were times when she simply couldn’t take the vicious peer pressure at school so that she totally broke down in front of everybody regardless of Kyler’s thoughtfulness and comfort. Honestly, I seriously couldn’t have come up with anything better than the presentation of that scene in this book.
I could FEEL the rage and frustration in Lennon’s every movement, every tantrum she threw, and every word she cursed. Never did I ever expect those seemingly meaningless vocabularies could convey such powerful and demanding ideas to the readers. Hence, I was fairly impressed with Lennon and Kyler’s story.
By the way, my top favorite part of this book was definitely the last section of the story where Lennon and Kyler had to correspond with each other via paper airplanes! Paper airplanes were such a lovely memory in my childhood, so I was touched in person when reading that part. Besides, I also adored all of the side characters in this book. From Lennon’s mean stepsister, to Kyler’s supportive band members, all of them were equally amazing, equivalently memorable. Frankly, I’d love to be their friends in real life if possible!
In conclusion, All Our Broken Pieces was a huge delight to read for me. Needless to say, I’d HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to EVERYONE. Lennon and Kyler’s story was a must-read and not only was it adorable in its essence, it was an incredibly uplifting masterpiece as well. Ahhhh, this was easily one of the BEST books I’ve read this year so far and I can’t wait for all of you to give it a shot! Quit hesitating and you can thank me later!
***Massive thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
”Idyllic Trepidations,” he whispers. “Could be a band name, Davis. Think about it. Our slogan could be ‘Make Peace with Your Fears.’”
For starters, I honestly wasn’t expecting this book to be that good. The blurb sounded highly intriguing to me (as usual as a contemporary romance novel always is) and thus, I signed up to be part of the blog tour from Rockstar Book Tours. Mercifully, I was granted the opportunity to read this book prior to its official release date, and guess what? It turned out that I totally devoured the story in a sitting, which had never happened this year so far.
All Our Broken Pieces was told from the two main characters’, Lennon’s and Kyler’s POVs. Their thoughts were quite distinctive yet easily recognizable to the readers, in my opinion. Both of them were in their own heads a lot, but somehow, their perspectives on daily life around them were unbelievably on point.
Lennon was a
Kyler was a musical genius, a lead singer in his high school band named Fire and Dust, and sort of a goner. What Kyler and Lennon had in common was their scars. Kyler’s scar was visible on his face and body for everyone to see, criticize, and laugh at, whereas Lennon’s scar was more of an invisible black hole in her heart due to her dear mother’s sudden passing.
”His face. It’s not a birthmark. He’s tortured. Like the Phantom of the Opera. A reclusive musical genius with a burned-up face.”
Truthfully, All Our Broken Pieces was pretty much a modern retelling of one of my all time favorite musicals, The Phantom of the Opera. I was extremely thrilled to find out this specific feature of this book. Besides, the entire storytelling as well as world building were exceptionally well-done, so I’ve got nothing to complain about.
What captivated me most was undoubtedly the characters. This book was 100% characters-driven and the fast pace of the story made the entire book unputdownable. In other words, I loved the way the protagonists grew as a person and as a role model. I absolutely appreciated the positivity by the end of everything. It was unbelievably, incredibly encouraging and I seriously couldn’t praise it enough.
Aside from the unforgettable characters, I also LOVED the delivery of Lennon’s OCD symptoms. There were times when she simply couldn’t take the vicious peer pressure at school so that she totally broke down in front of everybody regardless of Kyler’s thoughtfulness and comfort. Honestly, I seriously couldn’t have come up with anything better than the presentation of that scene in this book.
THOUGHTS: MY MOTHER DIED IN A CAR GOING SOMEWHERE. BUT AT LEAST SHE HAD A DESTINATION. I DIE INSIDE STANDING STILL.
I could FEEL the rage and frustration in Lennon’s every movement, every tantrum she threw, and every word she cursed. Never did I ever expect those seemingly meaningless vocabularies could convey such powerful and demanding ideas to the readers. Hence, I was fairly impressed with Lennon and Kyler’s story.
I opt for one last push of OCD me into the atmosphere. I make it loud and clear to everyone I will never fit in, and that’s okay. “I’ve waited 3,628,799.996 seconds to hear you say that. I missed you, too.”
By the way, my top favorite part of this book was definitely the last section of the story where Lennon and Kyler had to correspond with each other via paper airplanes! Paper airplanes were such a lovely memory in my childhood, so I was touched in person when reading that part. Besides, I also adored all of the side characters in this book. From Lennon’s mean stepsister, to Kyler’s supportive band members, all of them were equally amazing, equivalently memorable. Frankly, I’d love to be their friends in real life if possible!
In conclusion, All Our Broken Pieces was a huge delight to read for me. Needless to say, I’d HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to EVERYONE. Lennon and Kyler’s story was a must-read and not only was it adorable in its essence, it was an incredibly uplifting masterpiece as well. Ahhhh, this was easily one of the BEST books I’ve read this year so far and I can’t wait for all of you to give it a shot! Quit hesitating and you can thank me later!
***Massive thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
May 3, 2019
A mix of Beauty and The Beast, Phantom of the Opera, and Romeo & Juliet, plus a real talk about how to live mental health issues, especially OCD.
Lennon has OCD and this only got worse when her passed away in a car accident—for which she feels responsible.She now needs to live all the way in Los Angeles with her father's new family, which includes an evil stepsister and a charming mysterious neighbor. Enters Kyler, whose face has a horrible scar from a fire he survived when an infant. The two get each other and soon a romance develops, to the distaste of both families, who believe it's not healthy for either of them.
I'm torn between calling this interesting and a bit boring. Because I thought how both teenagers' issues were presented to be interesting yes. But then we're left with this weird romance, constantly compared to R&J's tragedy. Which really put me off. (Don't get me wrong, their personal issues were indeed big, but the drama wasn't about them, but about how their parents didn't like them together... BORING!)
Considering the intended audience are teenagers and I remember liking some drama back then, I can see it not bothering them. For me, I wasn't ever into emo culture and I'm past all that drama too, so it just made me go, WHYYYY??? It just seemed too little for too much reaction, especially considering all the real problems they'd been through before. Though I'm probably that bothered because way more than half the book goes on and on and on about the same (non-)issue, I'd prefer it if it took less space in the story.
But this book has many up sides. Lennon's stepmother is my favorite character. She punctuates from the beginning she's no evil stepmother, and the book shows that to us again and again how cool she is. Kudos! And I liked the parts about music, the lives. Above all, the approach on mental health. They focused on how people treat those with those issues and it was an eye-opener to me. I really like it in the beginning when Lennon explains to her little brother how she feels about OCD and mentions how her father definitely didn't know how to explain it. That was a very memorable scene.
I do think there's a public for this and it did add something, but it could have been much more with better editing.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
Lennon has OCD and this only got worse when her passed away in a car accident—for which she feels responsible.She now needs to live all the way in Los Angeles with her father's new family, which includes an evil stepsister and a charming mysterious neighbor. Enters Kyler, whose face has a horrible scar from a fire he survived when an infant. The two get each other and soon a romance develops, to the distaste of both families, who believe it's not healthy for either of them.
I'm torn between calling this interesting and a bit boring. Because I thought how both teenagers' issues were presented to be interesting yes. But then we're left with this weird romance, constantly compared to R&J's tragedy. Which really put me off. (Don't get me wrong, their personal issues were indeed big, but the drama wasn't about them, but about how their parents didn't like them together... BORING!)
Considering the intended audience are teenagers and I remember liking some drama back then, I can see it not bothering them. For me, I wasn't ever into emo culture and I'm past all that drama too, so it just made me go, WHYYYY??? It just seemed too little for too much reaction, especially considering all the real problems they'd been through before. Though I'm probably that bothered because way more than half the book goes on and on and on about the same (non-)issue, I'd prefer it if it took less space in the story.
But this book has many up sides. Lennon's stepmother is my favorite character. She punctuates from the beginning she's no evil stepmother, and the book shows that to us again and again how cool she is. Kudos! And I liked the parts about music, the lives. Above all, the approach on mental health. They focused on how people treat those with those issues and it was an eye-opener to me. I really like it in the beginning when Lennon explains to her little brother how she feels about OCD and mentions how her father definitely didn't know how to explain it. That was a very memorable scene.
I do think there's a public for this and it did add something, but it could have been much more with better editing.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
September 15, 2019
This book started with so much promise, but it quickly spiraled into a disaster. As someone who has been formally diagnosed with OCD, I was really looking forward to this book. There were sections where aspects of OCD were explained really well, but the OCD presented was not consistent throughout the story. I know that everyone’s OCD varies and differs from person to person, but we are made to believe that Lennon’s OCD is at a bad stage, but the author only seems to bring out the symptoms when it is convenient. Before I had my OCD under control my days were completely dictated by my thoughts and my compulsions to try rid myself of those thoughts. I know that the author didn’t want to make the character solely their diagnoses, which I totally understand, but I didn’t feel like it was featured enough. OCD is not our personality, but unfortunately, it is a part of who we are.
The love story presented started out really sweet but halfway through the book it turned into a desperate, unhealthy Romeo and Juliet style infatuation. This turn completely went against the personalities of the main characters that were laid out in the beginning of the story. Towards the end of the book, I found myself skimming and flipping pages because the love story had gotten so bad. Their relationship became highly toxic and it was portrayed by Lennon (the character with OCD) that Kyler was the only thing that made her OCD better. That in itself is a major red flag. None one should be so dependent on another person for their mental wellbeing.
The love story presented started out really sweet but halfway through the book it turned into a desperate, unhealthy Romeo and Juliet style infatuation. This turn completely went against the personalities of the main characters that were laid out in the beginning of the story. Towards the end of the book, I found myself skimming and flipping pages because the love story had gotten so bad. Their relationship became highly toxic and it was portrayed by Lennon (the character with OCD) that Kyler was the only thing that made her OCD better. That in itself is a major red flag. None one should be so dependent on another person for their mental wellbeing.
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May 24, 2020
April 5, 2019
This wasn't a book for me. As a mother of four girls I could not get over Lennon's attitude of not being able to live happily without Kyler. Granted that is probably how some teenage girls feel when it comes to their first love. I'm just not one of those and have never been. I come from a family of strong willed women, so that irked me to no avail. The beginning was very fun to read though and I loved the Kyler and his dramatic, emo feelings and his accepting of Lennon's OCD and stepping out of his comfort zone for her. But as the story went along and the obvious Romeo and Juliet family feud, which didn't seem to quite fit into the narrative in my opinion, it was a bit of a struggle to finish it.
April 2, 2019
While there is certainly need for more books that address mental health issues such as OCD, this book was too full of overdramatic speeches, contrived plot lines, and inauthentic secondary characters for any sophisticated reader. The fact that they had a report to work on about Romeo and Juliet and then their dads both decide they shouldn't see each other any more is just too on the nose. This book has enough drama to appeal to teens if they can get past both of the main character's need to speechify every moment. Lennon does explain some of the misconceptions about OCD but the explanations feel pedantic amongst all the other drama.
May 8, 2019
ALL OUR BROKEN PIECES was such a great read! I enjoyed the story and loved the characters. The leads in ALL OUR BROKEN PIECES are complicated and fully imagined, just how I like them! Highly recommend!
August 28, 2018
Leah will DESTROYYYYYY you will feels, stunning prose and vivid characters. I am so blessed to have read an early edition of this book, and can't wait to devour the final, published version.
May 6, 2024
4.5 STARS | This was a AMAZING read! Loved the romance and story that L.D. Crichton gave us! ALL OUR BROKEN PIECES is a novel of the importance of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and never be afraid of what you look like! This is such a beautiful piece of fiction, and the connection and love between Lennon Davis and Kyler Benton is quite special! A perfect read for this month as well since it’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
May 1, 2019
This was such a great debut ahh, I had such a great time reading it. I loved the characters, the romance warmed my heart and Lennon's younger step-brother had my heart. SUCH a great debut, really, I know I'll be recommending this one. <3
Read my full review of All Our Broken Pieces on the blog.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. This did not, in any way, influenced my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bloglovin'
Read my full review of All Our Broken Pieces on the blog.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. This did not, in any way, influenced my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bloglovin'
October 7, 2018
I'm tempted to write, "Don't waste your time reading this review when you could be reading this book!" Honestly, it's nearly impossible to put it down. Lennon and Kyler are as unusual as their names, and their unexpected love story is as compelling as they come. They are tremendously likable and sympathetic, and they - and their story - will stay with me for a very long time. Okay, NOW you can go read the book. :)
April 10, 2020
ALL ABOARD THE FEELS TRAIN. Holy hell, this book slay’d me in ways I was completely unprepared for and now I am left with a complete book hangover and a need for everyone to read this book so we can talk about it!
I should have known a book titled All Our Broken Pieces was going to take my heart, squeeze the heck out of it, and leave me smiling on the floor afterward. A story of trauma, love, and compassion, this story finds its way from the beginning and draws you in completely. I have not stayed up late to read a book in 5 years (no joke) and I stayed up til 3am and was up at 7am to finish this one.
Lennon, one half of the dual POV, walks us through her world, one where she uses uneven counting to cope through the day. Terrified that someone will notice, she shies away from her peers. Thrown into a new life after tragedy strikes, I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her a hug.
Kyler, the angsty boy next door, has a no-fucks attitude that followed after years of peer bullying. He wears his trauma on his face, literally, after a house fire leaves him burned. This boy is full of lyrics and love and I just.
As you can imagine, the inevitable relationship between these two is the main driver of the story, lead by music, a willingness to open up, and a treehouse. These two have a whole lot of emotional intelligence, and an unwillingness to give up, that the rest of us could benefit from learning. Readers will connect with them immediately and be left thinking about them long after the book is closed.
The mental health rep here is some of the best I’ve read. It’s tangible and the adults (parents, school officials, and therapists) handle it appropriately (at least with Lennon). This is more than a story of tragedy; it’s a story of finding the person who is willing to look past it. It’s deep and visceral and full of things I remember feeling as a youth (before critical thinking and experiences left me more jaded haha). I dare you to try putting this down once you pick it up!
I should have known a book titled All Our Broken Pieces was going to take my heart, squeeze the heck out of it, and leave me smiling on the floor afterward. A story of trauma, love, and compassion, this story finds its way from the beginning and draws you in completely. I have not stayed up late to read a book in 5 years (no joke) and I stayed up til 3am and was up at 7am to finish this one.
Lennon, one half of the dual POV, walks us through her world, one where she uses uneven counting to cope through the day. Terrified that someone will notice, she shies away from her peers. Thrown into a new life after tragedy strikes, I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her a hug.
Kyler, the angsty boy next door, has a no-fucks attitude that followed after years of peer bullying. He wears his trauma on his face, literally, after a house fire leaves him burned. This boy is full of lyrics and love and I just.
As you can imagine, the inevitable relationship between these two is the main driver of the story, lead by music, a willingness to open up, and a treehouse. These two have a whole lot of emotional intelligence, and an unwillingness to give up, that the rest of us could benefit from learning. Readers will connect with them immediately and be left thinking about them long after the book is closed.
The mental health rep here is some of the best I’ve read. It’s tangible and the adults (parents, school officials, and therapists) handle it appropriately (at least with Lennon). This is more than a story of tragedy; it’s a story of finding the person who is willing to look past it. It’s deep and visceral and full of things I remember feeling as a youth (before critical thinking and experiences left me more jaded haha). I dare you to try putting this down once you pick it up!
July 28, 2019
Actual rating should probably be 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding up, dag nab it, because despite a few flaws, this book really ran away with my heart!
If you look at my shelves, you will see that I don't give out a lot of 5-star ratings. I give out mostly 3s and 4s. A book really has to be special to earn a 5 from me. Typically, these are my favorite books, books I want to read again, books that really leave their mark. This is one of those rare stories, despite not being perfect. And actually, considering the subject matter of this book, that feels right.
If you look at my shelves again, you will see that I don't read a lot of YA contemporary fiction either. I'm much more of a fantasy and historical-fiction gal. I survived adolescence once, and reliving it in the pages of a modern high-school setting isn't my idea of a good time.
But every now and then, a contemporary comes along that intrigues me. I have always been drawn to stories of outcasts finding each other, so I knew when I read the synopsis of All Our Broken Pieces that I had to give it a try.
And I was not disappointed! This is a beautiful story, and the writing is superb. Crichton did a great job conveying what Lennon's OCD felt like. She also gave Kyler some serious song-writing chops. And she made me adore Lennon and Kyler equally, both as individuals, and together. That is not an easy feat! I enjoyed the cheeky banter between them so much. Their conversations repeatedly had me smiling from ear to ear. They both had great personalities, and they just worked together! (Oh, and don't even get me started on the Acknowledgements section. Yep, I was in tears.)
I don't want to talk about the story too much because I don't want to spoil anything. This was such a treat to read and I want others to have that same experience. I just want to mention that one of my favorite things was the part with the handwritten letters. As someone who grew up before text messaging existed, someone who wrote actual paper letters to her boyfriend, I loved this. It melted my old-fashioned heart.
It's also worth talking about the positive focus on family. Both Lennon's and Kyler's families are a major part of this book. There are some difficult dynamics, but the message is clear that family is important and that families support one another. And it was refreshing to see the portrayal of Claire as a genuinely kind and caring stepmother.
So, the flaws I mentioned? Well, first of all, I thought the stepsister's storyline should have been more fleshed out. Some things were much too glossed over, in my opinion, and that is probably the book's biggest weakness. Also, certain things that happened towards the end were almost too difficult to believe. And then, there is a fair bit of swearing in this book. It's not gratuitous. Some of it felt justified, but I don't think all of it was necessary. While this didn't detract from my own enjoyment, I know some other readers who might be turned off by it, and it would be a shame for anyone to miss this beautiful story because of it. Despite these minor issues, the heart of the story is what matters, and it is wonderful.
All Our Broken Pieces shares a theme with some of my other favorite stories, such as Jane Eyre, The Raging Quiet, and Beauty and the Beast. All these stories are about people who feel different and out of place in the world, until they find each other. Together, they find acceptance to truly be themselves. And they make each other better people. I guess that's my ideal love story.
I highly recommend this book. Definitely the best thing I've read this year!
If you look at my shelves, you will see that I don't give out a lot of 5-star ratings. I give out mostly 3s and 4s. A book really has to be special to earn a 5 from me. Typically, these are my favorite books, books I want to read again, books that really leave their mark. This is one of those rare stories, despite not being perfect. And actually, considering the subject matter of this book, that feels right.
If you look at my shelves again, you will see that I don't read a lot of YA contemporary fiction either. I'm much more of a fantasy and historical-fiction gal. I survived adolescence once, and reliving it in the pages of a modern high-school setting isn't my idea of a good time.
But every now and then, a contemporary comes along that intrigues me. I have always been drawn to stories of outcasts finding each other, so I knew when I read the synopsis of All Our Broken Pieces that I had to give it a try.
And I was not disappointed! This is a beautiful story, and the writing is superb. Crichton did a great job conveying what Lennon's OCD felt like. She also gave Kyler some serious song-writing chops. And she made me adore Lennon and Kyler equally, both as individuals, and together. That is not an easy feat! I enjoyed the cheeky banter between them so much. Their conversations repeatedly had me smiling from ear to ear. They both had great personalities, and they just worked together! (Oh, and don't even get me started on the Acknowledgements section. Yep, I was in tears.)
I don't want to talk about the story too much because I don't want to spoil anything. This was such a treat to read and I want others to have that same experience. I just want to mention that one of my favorite things was the part with the handwritten letters. As someone who grew up before text messaging existed, someone who wrote actual paper letters to her boyfriend, I loved this. It melted my old-fashioned heart.
It's also worth talking about the positive focus on family. Both Lennon's and Kyler's families are a major part of this book. There are some difficult dynamics, but the message is clear that family is important and that families support one another. And it was refreshing to see the portrayal of Claire as a genuinely kind and caring stepmother.
So, the flaws I mentioned? Well, first of all, I thought the stepsister's storyline should have been more fleshed out. Some things were much too glossed over, in my opinion, and that is probably the book's biggest weakness. Also, certain things that happened towards the end were almost too difficult to believe. And then, there is a fair bit of swearing in this book. It's not gratuitous. Some of it felt justified, but I don't think all of it was necessary. While this didn't detract from my own enjoyment, I know some other readers who might be turned off by it, and it would be a shame for anyone to miss this beautiful story because of it. Despite these minor issues, the heart of the story is what matters, and it is wonderful.
All Our Broken Pieces shares a theme with some of my other favorite stories, such as Jane Eyre, The Raging Quiet, and Beauty and the Beast. All these stories are about people who feel different and out of place in the world, until they find each other. Together, they find acceptance to truly be themselves. And they make each other better people. I guess that's my ideal love story.
I highly recommend this book. Definitely the best thing I've read this year!
July 9, 2019
This book was very interesting and I had a hard time putting it down whenever I needed to stop reading. I've read a few books about characters who have OCD in the past that I found to be very boring, so I really appreciated that Lennon's personality stretched beyond just a girl with OCD. I learned a lot and Jacob, Lennon's 5 year old half-brother, was a very funny character (although he should have been 7 or 8, not 5). I also really enjoyed Kyler and Macy's sibling relationship and thought that his dad's character was very interesting. However, Andi seemed to be a very one-dimensional character who was just "the evil stepsister" and there was only one short paragraph about how she was jealous of Lennon because Andi's dad didn't care about her. I also with there was some sort of twist, because everything was very predictable and the ending seemed very clean. I can't exactly figure out why I couldn't stop reading this book, and I was originally going to give it three stars, but it only seems fair to give it 4 stars if I couldn't put it down.
November 9, 2018
It’s hard to resist a story where two broken outsiders come together to love and heal each other. L.D. Crichton’s debut young adult novel, ALL OUR BROKEN PIECES, brings together a badly burned and disfigured singer-songwriter, a guy clearly destined for a great musical future, with a bright and sensitive girl with a passion for facts. Kyler’s scars are on the outside for the world to gawk at. But Lennon’s are on the inside—her OCD is making it impossible for her to live fully or truly grieve for her mother’s recent death.
Once Lennon and Kyler are thrown into each others’ orbit —they partner on an English Lit project — the laugh-out-loud banter comes fast and furious. Lennon and Kyler are smart, funny, flirty, and self-aware. They both have delightfully “strange brains.” And the class project they’re working on? A contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet, told via text message. The Shakespeare play is mirrored in the increasingly fraught family dynamics of the two protagonists—they’re neighbors in a wealthy LA suburb, but the tighter the kids get, the more their parents (and some of their siblings) want to keep them apart. Even as the tension ratchets up, chinks continue to open in their well-armored psyches to shine a lot of love light on one another. Lennon persuades Kyler to stop hiding under his hoodie and become the musician he’s destined to be. And Kyler accepts and adores Lennon, exactly as she is. Isn’t that what we all wish for?
A lovely romance full of heart and music—highly recommended. Note: I read an advance readers copy provided by the publisher.
Once Lennon and Kyler are thrown into each others’ orbit —they partner on an English Lit project — the laugh-out-loud banter comes fast and furious. Lennon and Kyler are smart, funny, flirty, and self-aware. They both have delightfully “strange brains.” And the class project they’re working on? A contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet, told via text message. The Shakespeare play is mirrored in the increasingly fraught family dynamics of the two protagonists—they’re neighbors in a wealthy LA suburb, but the tighter the kids get, the more their parents (and some of their siblings) want to keep them apart. Even as the tension ratchets up, chinks continue to open in their well-armored psyches to shine a lot of love light on one another. Lennon persuades Kyler to stop hiding under his hoodie and become the musician he’s destined to be. And Kyler accepts and adores Lennon, exactly as she is. Isn’t that what we all wish for?
A lovely romance full of heart and music—highly recommended. Note: I read an advance readers copy provided by the publisher.
September 1, 2019
I had an extremely difficult time finishing this book. I appreciated that one of the main focuses was on mental health, but that was about all I could appreciate. The characters ended up being extremely unrelatable. The dialogue was so drawn out at times. The codependent relationship between the characters was more troubling than the main characters OCD. Overall, I didn’t care for the book.
December 25, 2021
edgelord who probably listens to jugheads "im a weirdo" speech unironically ft. codependent girl overcoming her illness through the Power of Love!
my rating: 1.5/5
my rating: 1.5/5
August 13, 2019
OCD isn't cute! Mental illness isn't cute! You don't just meet a guy and suddenly get better! Stop!
June 9, 2021
Very boring book. I do not recommend unless you’d like to waste a few weeks of your life reading this.
May 10, 2020
"You all right?"
"Is anyone all right, really?"
CW's: Death/Grief, Violence, Panic Attacks
So, this was a tough book for me to review, because initially, I liked where the story was going but then things got a bit too much for me, and I also found myself bothered by some things that were going on. Some of it is personal as reading the book did stress me out a lot (which is why I didn’t end up giving it 3 stars), so I think you might still end up liking it if you’re looking for a YA contemporary romance with OCD representation. That’s why I recommend checking out the lovely Marie’s review who ended up really liking All Our Broken Pieces much more than me!
What I Liked
So despite the low rating, I did see the potential of the book and why it can appeal to a lot of readers, so let’s talk about the positive things first!
➤ In general, I did like the OCD and generalized anxiety rep. I don’t think it’s ownvoices, though the acknowledgments mention that sensitivity readers and a psychiatrist were involved. I personally liked the representation. Lennon has compulsions revolving around the number 5, as well as heavy intrusive thoughts about the horrible things that will happen if she doesn’t perform her rituals. She also struggles especially with cars, as her mother died in a car accident, and ever since she’s convinced it might happen to anyone she loves if she gets into a car. Throughout the book, Lennon is struggling with panic attacks and the grief of losing her mother and trying to navigate life without her. I loved that she had such a great psychiatrist in Dr. Lindmann, as I always appreciate a positive portrayal of therapy and here Lennon grew to respect her new psychiatrist and had a very friendly relationship with him.
➤ Despite some of its flaws, I mostly liked the romance. If you love the whole ‘girl/boy next door’ trope you’ll definitely like this book! Lennon moves in next door to Kyler with her father and stepfamily, so when both get paired up with a school project they don’t even have to go far to meet each other. There’s late-night texting, doing school things in Kyler’s treehouse, and seeing each other from the window. There were some good parts to be found here, like Kyler standing up for Lennon and both of them connecting over music and being outsiders who know what it’s like to be judged by others and having to live with something heavy.
➤ We have a great focus on family! Lennon’s stepmother is actually really supportive and nice, so that was refreshing. I loved that she wasn’t threatened at all by Lennon’s mum’s past with her father and instead very open about hearing them talk out memories. It was also nice that Lennon's parents split up amicably and were still good friends afterward. Lennon’s half-brother Jacob is honestly a gem, he’s really young and a wholesome cutie! He’s got the kindheartedness children possess and immediately accepts Lennon’s mental health and Kyler’s scars, becoming their biggest champion. Also, his obsession with superheroes are really cute. Kyler’s family is a bit more complicated, as his father is a workaholic lawyer who views him as a disappointment and can get really violent and aggressive. His mom, however, seems to be a bit softer and Kyler has a really close bond with his sister Mae!
➤ I also did appreciate the characters and their growth. I wasn’t too sure about Kyler at first - he’s not exactly likable - but I grew to root for him at times. Sometimes (e.g. his sister) he comes off as a bit aggressive and we also know he’s involved in a lot of fights, though he isn’t generally violent and more really antisocial. He’s extremely introverted and only has a few selected friends, so I could really relate to his reluctance to meet new people and let them into his life. Kyler is also especially wary as a house fire as a child left one half of his face with burn scars that he tries to hide. Though he’s rough around the edges, he’s trying not to judge and instead understand Lennon’s illness. He’s also drawing strength from Lennon and getting more confident in his body and slowly gets to a point where he considers making it with his band and actually showing face in public. I liked seeing his love for music and writing lyrics, especially as they were pretty good. Lennon was definitely my favorite character out of the two, as I could relate to her more. She’s an introverted and shy person and of course also wary of anyone catching her doing her rituals and then asking questions about it. She also loves sewing and collecting trivia books, something that gets brought up a lot throughout the book.
Let’s get into what didn’t work for me
➤ Kyler’s intense protectiveness of his sister. One of his bandmates - Silas - is interested in his sister Macey and Kyler gets so aggressive at him for that e.g. thinking about physically hurting him and generally being hostile as well. I get that he cares for his sister and doesn’t want her to get hurt but I seriously hate it when the brother threatened to beat up anyone who’s interested in his sister, making it almost impossible for her to have a normal romantic relationship. It’s a little bit patronizing and annoying honestly.
➤ The book is very intense at times. Especially the last part of the book was really stressful for me to read and was so heavy I knew that I either had to plow through and finish the book in one sitting or put it down completely. That’s why I think this book won’t be for everyone. I personally found myself stressed by the last part of the book and while I enjoyed reading the book at first, my enjoyment lessened the more intense things got.
➤ Andrea as the evil stepsister. I was happy that there’s not ‘evil stepmother’ trope, but yeah Andrea is here to fill that role. I got that she was really jealous and hurt because her own father doesn’t care for her (Lennon is only her stepsister, but Lennon’s dad had another child with Andrea’s mom, who she’s convinced is pushing her to the edge as someone unwanted). However even despite that her hatred for Lennon wasn’t easy to read, especially as I didn’t think she showed any growth.
➤ There was a definite lack of friendships. I liked the romance and the big focus on family, but the friendships here fell short. Lennon mentions having a best friend - Ashley - back at home, yet she never texts or talks to her, so the friendship felt more like a prop and I’m a bit sad that it wasn’t used at all. It was a bit unrealistic for me that they were such good friends, yet Lennon only mentions her a few times in passing. I also wish we’d seen more of Jada and her bond with Lennon … we barely get any scenes showing them as friends, though Jada seems to be liking her. We see a bit more of Kyler’s friends, but they’re not that developed. Silas is a bit more fleshed out as he’s interested in his sister and therefore more in focus. Emmett and Austin are twins, but I can not tell you much more about them. Something kept bothering me while I read and it definitely was this. As much as I enjoyed seeing the romance unfold, I also craved some heartfelt scenes with Kyler and Lennon’s respective friends, as with everything going on they could have been a great comfort.
➤ The last part of the book was just TOO much. In general, the longer the book went on the more dramatic and angsty things seemed to get, to the point where the characters make impulsive, reckless decisions that clearly will the heavy consequences. I also felt like the book was stock full of intense fights that read very scripted and especially escalated towards the end. I have to say that I sadly liked the book less when things got intense, as the romance also became too much, with the characters so set on each other and willing to do everything to be together that it began to annoy me. I didn’t think that the storyline ended in a ‘mental health cure’ trope but the characters were a bit too obsessed with each other at times and took silly risks just to be together.
➤ Similarly, Kyler was a bit too blunt and insensitive at times. The brand of humor about OCD/mental health he had with Lennon was a bit iffy for me personally. She seemed okay with the jokes, but it was a bit too insensitive when it came to my liking. I also feel like their last big fight was bad.
Read for ...
🌷 #mentalhealthathon
💌 #LibraryLoveChallenge
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October 12, 2025
I know this book isn’t completely unknown, but it’s still far from being widely popular (less than 400 reviews as I write my own) and I honestly don’t understand why.
This book is AMAZING. Me, who’s really into Young Adult/Romance/Coming of Age and all of that kind of stories, I can for sure say this is one of the best I’ve read so far.
I loved the story, I loved the way it was told, I loved the paper planes, the characters, and the chemistry (even if it makes you say ewwww) between them. The tragic moments were not overwhelming, but dealt with, which is cool.
It’s always beautiful to see two people support each other through every struggle.
Easiest 10/10 I’ve ever given. No doubt. If you’re reading this review and debating whether to pick it up, just do it (trust me).
High school love story with all the charm and dramas (and the usual sideplots).
This book is AMAZING. Me, who’s really into Young Adult/Romance/Coming of Age and all of that kind of stories, I can for sure say this is one of the best I’ve read so far.
I loved the story, I loved the way it was told, I loved the paper planes, the characters, and the chemistry (even if it makes you say ewwww) between them. The tragic moments were not overwhelming, but dealt with, which is cool.
It’s always beautiful to see two people support each other through every struggle.
Easiest 10/10 I’ve ever given. No doubt. If you’re reading this review and debating whether to pick it up, just do it (trust me).
High school love story with all the charm and dramas (and the usual sideplots).
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