Overall, what did you think of Look on the Bright Side (no spoilers)?
Created: 06/12/24
Replies: 28
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I decided to request this book because I usually read thrillers, mystery, and science fiction. I wanted something light with romance. This was a very easy read, great for reading on the beach. I wish there had been deeper character development or less side stories
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I liked it a lot. I also read many deep books and was ready for something not so heavy. I actually liked the side stories and the way the story was revealed. I liked Lark as a main character. I did want to know what happens to Lorenzo. Did this experience ope him up?
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Not a favorite Kristan Higgins book. While it was an easy read and there were a few instances of “funny” that made me smile, it didn’t have the light, rom-com and summer read vibe I expect from Higgins. Also, the story felt unbalanced - too much emphasis on the past, not enough development of the story in the current, and the side story (with landlady) was a distraction.
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This one will stay with me for a while. It’s a heartwarming and heart-wrenching novel that has serious themes but remains light and hopeful. The character development is superb, with each character growing in ways that feel authentic and moving. I found myself invested in their stories, particularly in how they navigated their personal struggles and triumphs. However, I didn't quite connect with Dante, whose storyline felt less compelling compared to the rest. One critique I have is the title. "Look on the Bright Side" feels generic, hard to remember, and doesn't capture the depth and nuance of the story. A more relevant title could have better encapsulated the novel’s themes and emotional impact. Even “Lark” would have been a more intriguing title. Despite this, the book is a beautiful read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Join Date: 05/12/11
Posts: 240
This was the first book of Higgins' I have read. The story was cute with a few emotional moments. I didn't care much though for the writing style. Chapter 4 was an abrupt insertion of Ellie's life. These abrupt changes disrupted the smooth flow of the book. But I did like the description of Justin and Lark's relationship.
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I didn't read anything by Kristan Higgins in the past and now, I'll be looking for her books. This showed messy real families and was kind of a romance because it ends that way, but it's more about real people that do smart and super dumb things. I really love character driven books with good plots.
Join Date: 02/19/20
Posts: 2
Humor, likable characters, set in lovely locals, interesting storylines, that tackle both the light and serious issues of family life. Also, I enjoy the way her books interweave characters from previous novels, it’s like catching up with old family friends.
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I understand the trend to have flashbacks to tell the story. Back and forth storylines lend a more compelling and engaging story, keeping the reader focused on the story. Would a straightforward timeline make the story a bit more boring? In this story , I preferred the back and forth. I also liked the variety of characters. But one thing I couldn’t understand was Lark’s puppy love with her Kindergarten boyfriend. Just kind of weird to fall in love at 6 years old, then stay in love forevermore.
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