I am an avid reader of Young Adult Contemporary Romance and have also been diagnosed with autism. My personal experience with the condition led me to take an interest in this book, which also catered to my fondness for travel stories. Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for giving me an advanced copy to read.
Tilly travels to Europe to intern for her perfect older sister's startup company. This gives her the change of scenery she desires so she can figure out what to do away from her overbearing parents who treat her differently because she has ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Oliver, on the other hand, knows exactly what he wants in life. His autism makes it hard for him to form relationships with others, but his love of color theory allows him to feel deeply connected to the world around him. He also joins Tilly's sister's startup company as a photography intern. Even though Tilly and Oliver have very different personalities, could they ever fall in love?
The narrative’s portrayal of the disabilities of the two main characters, Tilly and Oliver, was skillfully executed. Their disabilities were integrated seamlessly into the story without becoming the central focus. The romantic aspect of the plot was well-developed and not confined to one setting, but instead took place in various locations. As an individual with autism, I found that Tilly's experiences resonated with my own. I appreciate that the story sheds light on the challenges and misunderstandings that people with disabilities often face.
The only critique I have about the book is that I wished to learn more about Tilly's past and how both Tilly and Oliver felt when they were diagnosed with autism. As a person with autism, I am often asked how I felt when I learned about my diagnosis. Therefore, it would have been great to read about their reactions to it.
In its entirety, Eddings has successfully presented a tale of two travelers that is intertwined with a mental health diagnosis. The author’s ability to weave these two themes together provides readers with a unique and compelling narrative. For those seeking a young adult contemporary romance novel that is refreshingly different, this book is highly recommended. Its ability to touch upon mental health issues in a sensitive yet honest way makes it a valuable read for anyone looking to learn more about the complexities of mental health.
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