Book Review: All This Time by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott
As a book blogger, I’m often drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of grief and healing. This is what initially attracted me to All This Time by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott—its promise of exploring deep emotions amidst a backdrop of young love and loss. I was thrilled to receive an early copy from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (thank you!) ahead of its release on September 29. Little did I know, this book would take me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and not all for the reasons I expected!
Navigating Grief and Growth
From the outset, All This Time sets the stage powerfully, depicting Kyle’s tumultuous journey through heartbreak and learning to navigate his grief after a tragic loss. The initial chapters were beautifully crafted, skillfully portraying the raw, unfiltered feelings of a young man grappling with acceptance. I found myself rooting for Kyle as he stumbled through his emotions, and the character of Marley serves as a poignant lifeline—her presence a comforting reminder of hope and connection.
But then, the plot took a turn that left me scratching my head. Without giving away too much, I genuinely found myself pondering the question: What if Marley isn’t real? This seemed to be such a fitting metaphor for Kyle’s struggle, yet the narrative quickly spiraled into absurdity. As I navigated the ensuing ridiculousness—like Kyle inexplicably being in a coma the entire time or Marley “choosing” to come back to life—I felt my earlier investment wane.
A Pacing Dilemma and Writing Style
The writing style is undeniably engaging; Daughtry and Lippincott have a knack for pulling readers in with vivid imagery and heartfelt dialogue. The pacing, however, faltered in the latter half of the book. What started as a poignant exploration of grief evolved into an over-the-top, almost absurd plot twist that had me questioning the editorial choices made. I appreciated the authors’ intent to tackle heavy themes, but the execution fell flat, straying too far from the grounded narrative they had established.
Quotes like “That’s the first thing you said to me, remember? Once upon a time.” lingered in my mind, reminding me of the book’s potential. Unfortunately, the further I read, the more I realized how far removed from that initial sentiment the story had veered.
Final Thoughts
So, who might enjoy All This Time? Fans of heartfelt young adult fiction may find some merit in the emotional undertones, but I’d caution those looking for an authentic and cohesive exploration of grief. For me, the stark contrast between the beginning and the ridiculous climax ultimately dampened my enthusiasm.
I can’t deny the early chapters left me with a sense of hope and resonance, which is why I’ve bumped my rating up to two stars. While I may be hesitant to dive into future works by these authors, the writing style displayed undeniable potential. If you’re curious, approach this one with tempered expectations—there’s still a spark of something worthwhile amid the chaos.
In the end, I walked away both captivated and bewildered, a mix of reflection and disbelief hanging in the air as I closed the final pages. Sometimes a book can take you places you didn’t expect—All This Time certainly did that for me.