Book reviews often begin with the description and, at times, quotes from the book to support why they like or dislike what they have read.

I’m not going to do that. I want you to experience every word, every sentence, every everything just as I did. All for the first time. 

Therefore this review is solely based on emotion.

That’s why we read books. Isn’t it?

To be stirred? Stimulate the imagination? Step in another’s shoes? Maybe we do so just because we want to feel.  

Every time we crack open a book we wish, and hope, for so much.

That’s why we read books.  

But then, there’s THAT book. That magnificent page turning beauty we hope it will be.  We all want it. When we hear that binding crinkle it’s first time we are hoping – wishing – it will be something we haven’t experienced before. 

I think we are all realistic enough to know we’re not going to find something amazing every time we open one.  But we are graciously willing to. accept a “that was good, I liked that,” book and we are on to the next. 

This book, however, is different. You CAN WISH for something extraordinary. 

Wish for something beautiful.

For something thoughtful and kind. 

Wish for something poetic and artistic. 

For a story not told before – even if you can liken it to others you’ve read (it was A Little Life for me).

Wish for picture-perfect imperfections with brief and calming respites for your heart. This way the rest of your body can catch up to how hard it is beating. 

One you could read again and again, finding more beauty in each experience.

Wish for the book you want to wake up with in the morning, nestled in your arms, not wanting to let these people go (I felt that with A Man Called Ove).

Because when you have finished you’ll realize My Friends will forever be a part of you. 

You will feel a want – maybe even a need – to be a kinder and more understanding person than you already are. 

You will be stirred by memories of your youth. 

You will feel something profound happening in your chest … You’ll realize it is your heart growing larger.

But most of all, and best of all, you will find your wish had come true.

That’s why we read books.

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Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.