Something Phenomenal

by April Avery

Gabriel is sick and Shane is beside her during her ups and downs. But with both of them losing time and connection, will they be able to pull off an adventure of a lifetime?

"This is not a love story. This is a story about falling in love... with being alive."

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Angel Angel A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Gab, the girl who fell inlove with being alive, I'm here to say goodbye."

this part was so painful.

[reen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gab, wake up with the sunrise for me."
"I'll always wake up with the sunrise for you."

I promised myself that I will not reread this after having read it for the first time five years ago, but I knew not to miss its physical release.

The story beautifully depicts a love and grief that 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴. It's like as if "what is grief, if not love persevering?" were turned into a novel and Gab & Shane is its personifications.

Their relationships is what Taylor Swift exactly meant with 'Ruin the Friendship.' It's almost like the song was written for them, except they had already existed way before the song came out. They've tread a line that they did not know they've already crossed long ago. And yet, I don't think any label would surmise to what they have with each other.

Among the other things that this book taught me is that the grieved for had also once grieved. They grieved while they try to remember every piece of us that they will bring to their grave. They grieve for the many sunrises and sunsets that they will have missed. They grieve for the time that they will never spend.

This thought hurt me upon reflection, but it has comforted me that grief is a shared experience. That grief is as much as love that is shared. That is what Gab & Shane had shown.

Thank you, April Avery, for always bringing in tear-jerking slice-of-life sensations. 'Something Phenomenal' is, and always be, something phenomenal. 🤍💫

[Cosmo Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I'll ever get over how much I loved the Something Spectacular, so going into Something Phenomenal, I already knew I had big expectations.

But don't get me wrong, that's just me. With all the hype from my previous review and everyone telling me I had to read this next, I was honestly really excited going in.

And while this one still made me feel things, it just didn't hit me the same way. There were moments that really got to me, the kind that makes you stop for a second and just take everything in. It still carries that emotional weight and reminds you how fragile things can be, and the message about life and appreciating it while you can.

But at the same time, I found myself not as attached as I wanted to be. Some parts felt a little predictable, and I wasn't completely invested in the way I was before.

I still liked it, don't get me wrong, it was heartfelt, it was meaningful, I love the writing, and I can see why others would love it just as much or even more. Maybe it's just one of those cases where the first book set the bar a little too high for me.

[Elocine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
Usual plot but the writing still works. Just didn't hit the same when I read the Something Spectacular. Even though it promised that it would make you feel in love with life, but with someone who doesn't feel and have the same kind of love that Gab has in this book, results in only jealousy all throughout the book (a review that sounds bitter? omg sorry but this is just my opinion 😭) anyways, this book still feels like more of a love story, so if I'd just put that in mind maybe I'd like it more. But I expected nothing like that. Well I did like her different dynamics w her family but it felt short or too shallow. I wanted more is what I'm trying to say. Still, it could be a good read for others. Not just my fave though....

[GEM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! I was able secure a copy of this book and finally read it. This book may not have the same impact as Something Spectacular, but the feels and the writer's way of writing never change. It affects and reach people's emotion in a way you both can and can't understand. 

'Hindi ako mapapagod sa'yo.' -Shane

Simple words being said but sometimes, it's so difficult to stand firm with these words nowadays. (in real life)

Overall, a very good read and companion book to April Avery's Something Spectacular

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

“There's a love beyond romance, and I believe it is one of the greatest forms of love— a love that chooses you, especially in your darkest days.”

I knew where the story was headed but it didn’t make it any less painful.

I gave it three stars because I wanted happier moments for Gab and Shane as lovers. Still, it was a good story to remind us that life is meant to be lived.

(Kaya kung bet mo, grab mo na siz. Life is short.)

[Avi · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOOOO FUCKING GOOD !!!!!! this book will always be my comfort story kahit wala siyang comfort HAHAHAHA grabe damang dama ko yung sakit

[iuza · Rating 4 out of 5]

i js don't understand why that happened, it was so heartbreaking. after reading this in middle school, my life perspective has changed.

[Mary Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ang sakit.