When We Collided by Emery Lord / Review
It's been a while since I've sat down and typed out a good book review as in all honesty, I've been struggling to find one that really grips me. The problem is that despite the lessons we are taught, I can't help but judge a book by its cover and its blurb, and sometimes that just doesn't correlate with the pages. However, I came across this book in a pile of chick lit I save for rainy days or for when I'm in the mood for an easy read. It's not every day I have the concentration to indulge in a historic, notable piece of literature and, to be honest, I have a soft spot for chick lit.
When We Collided follows the character of Vivi, a vibrant young woman who embraces her sexuality and promiscuousness. She is the definition of mischievous and falls into step with a boy named Jonah Daniels.
The story watches Vivi and Jonah's relationship blossom to more than just friends as they come to depend on one another in times of need. Vivi suffers from bipolar disorder and struggles to come to terms with her medication. She is also plagued by a father she never knew and a flaky mother who, whilst devoted to Vivi, is somewhat of a free spirit and seems to struggle with supporting her daughter at times, despite her best efforts. Jonah is still mourning the loss of his father, a man he aspires to be like and longs for that male role model. His mother has fallen into a deep depression following the loss of her love and so Jonah and his older brother and sister and left to maintain the house and look after their three younger siblings. Jonah juggles working in the kitchen his father created with playing the role of mother, father and big brother to his younger siblings and when Vivi flies into his life, he was unsure he even had any time left for another human being. But she comes to be a part of his family and together, they lean on each other when they don't quite feel whole.
I love the portrayal of Vivi in her moments of eccentricity and the depiction of a mental health issue that can be triggered at random. Her sporadic thoughts are what I love about her and what I can identify with the most. I love Jonah for his selflessness and desire to keep everyone happy, even at the cost of his own freedom and happiness. The unexpected ending left me reeling with both delight at humanity and sadness. I couldn't put this down and I know you won't either.
When We Collided follows the character of Vivi, a vibrant young woman who embraces her sexuality and promiscuousness. She is the definition of mischievous and falls into step with a boy named Jonah Daniels.
The story watches Vivi and Jonah's relationship blossom to more than just friends as they come to depend on one another in times of need. Vivi suffers from bipolar disorder and struggles to come to terms with her medication. She is also plagued by a father she never knew and a flaky mother who, whilst devoted to Vivi, is somewhat of a free spirit and seems to struggle with supporting her daughter at times, despite her best efforts. Jonah is still mourning the loss of his father, a man he aspires to be like and longs for that male role model. His mother has fallen into a deep depression following the loss of her love and so Jonah and his older brother and sister and left to maintain the house and look after their three younger siblings. Jonah juggles working in the kitchen his father created with playing the role of mother, father and big brother to his younger siblings and when Vivi flies into his life, he was unsure he even had any time left for another human being. But she comes to be a part of his family and together, they lean on each other when they don't quite feel whole.
I love the portrayal of Vivi in her moments of eccentricity and the depiction of a mental health issue that can be triggered at random. Her sporadic thoughts are what I love about her and what I can identify with the most. I love Jonah for his selflessness and desire to keep everyone happy, even at the cost of his own freedom and happiness. The unexpected ending left me reeling with both delight at humanity and sadness. I couldn't put this down and I know you won't either.