The one person who makes Ryden feel like his old self is Joni. She’s fun and energetic—and doesn’t know he has a baby. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep his two worlds separate. Finding one of Meg’s journals only stirs up old emotions, and Ryden’s convinced Meg left other notebooks for him to find, some message to help his new life make sense. But how is he going to have a future if he can’t let go of the past?
My Review:
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Platypires for What You Left Behind
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
What You Left Behind pulls on those heartstrings thoroughly the whole story which I wasn't expecting even though the word "cancer" was in the synopsis. Honestly, I thought it was going to a be a love story about someone after they lost a loved one through illness. While the story arc did somewhat have that theme there was much more depth to it.
Ryden a teen father trying to raise his daughter while also trying to work, and go to school must come to terms with the fact that his life is no longer the same. I thought his portrayal was pretty realistic even when I wanted to bang his head. There were times he came across as really selfish but I think Ryden still being a teen he was still trying to rebel. How does one move on when the mother of their child left their journals to read with her inner most thoughts? The guilt he was carrying was a lot for him to take. I felt the author was able to relay those feelings really well and thought she did a good job.
Overall, I did enjoy "What You Left Behind," and thought it was a good read with some unexpected twists. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy mature ya.
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