The Man I Never Met

I very much enjoyed this book. However, I could not give it 5 stars as the pacing seemed a bit off. As the story progressed, it seemed as if the climax would be happening quite quickly. Some of the events that progressed the story felt gratuitous at times and a bit much. I quite liked the progression of the story after what felt to be the initial climax. I enjoyed the resolution as well. The characters were well written and quirky.

I saw this as a must-read recommendation on Bookstagram and was noted as similar to Josie Silver's writing. Now, I enjoy Josie Silver so I had to check this book out, and it definitely did not disappoint! I loved the insta-love trope as well as the main characters. Hannah reminds me of myself in the sense that she's kind-hearted, falls easily, and is willing to go the extra mile for those she loves. Davey is swoon-worthy upon first meeting him, tackles a life-changing illness, and - in complete opposition to Hannah - turns inward, pushing away those he loves. This story was a roller coaster that kept me craving more. I loved Hannah and Davey's initial relationship - until Davey pushed Hannah away. I felt for Hannah - and tried to sympathize with Davey's struggle - mentally and physically. Fortunately, I have not personally gone through this situation, but I have, unfortunately, witnessed someone I love go through that struggle. (I don't want to name exactly what this struggle is, as it's kind of a little bit of a shock to the reader). The one grievance I do have is that Hannah is half-ass-committed to George for a year!! There's severe lack of vulnerability, communication and expression within the relationship, and I literally - the whole span of the relationship - thought we'd discover that George was a big ‘ole cheater. Besides that, I was relieved when the relationship (FINALLY) ends - rightfully so (long-time coming). I overall was settling on a 4-star rating, but after reading the Author's Note at the end, my heart couldn't resist bumping it to a 4.5.

I think this book is best experienced without knowing anything about its plot. But on the other hand, if you do that, there might be some moments that blindside. It's your choice, but either way my review is safe to read.

This is a beautiful story of two people, at times heartbreaking, at times heartwarming, trying to just make their way in life, and maybe towards each other?

I loved the emotional authenticity of the book. Both of the main characters have things they're dealing with (one more than the other), their emotional journeys through these were handled so beautifully. They don't always make the best choices, and you do want to give them a good shake sometimes, but they always stay true to themselves.

I also loved the way the book handled those giddy feeling of falling in love online. Throughout the beginning of the book where the two main characters don't meet face to face but get to know each other, and have feelings for each other on the phone. Despite the distance, and relative short time that this spans, the author did such a great job making their connection feel deep. I couldn't avoid reading these sections with a goofy grin on my face. It took me back to the excitement of chatting with crushes on MSN (AIM for you Americans).

There were some fantastic side characters in the book. I would LOVE a spin off for at least one of the characters (one of the MC's best friends). But everyone (with just one exception) was just awesome. I especially thought the adorable older neighbor with the very serious coffee rating just fantastic.

I would highly recommend not skipping the author's note in this one. I feel that it adds one more layer to the depth of the emotions in the book, making aspects of it feel even more meaningful.

Now on to what I didn't like. There was one character that I really was not OK with, not only did they stick around for WAAAAY longer than they should have, I didn't like all the body positivity issues they pushed onto the main character. Some said that this was inevitable because of their job, but not only do I not agree with that, I also think, it was a disservice to make this person such an obvious ass

Finally, my biggest issue with the book was that I didn't see the main character go through any growth. She is a bit of a She is a bit of a pushover, and she acknowledges this too, so I really wanted to see her make some of her own choices towards the end. Take her life in her own hands and drive it in the direction she wanted it to. But even to the very last page, it felt like she was being pulled along.

Overall rating: 4.2⭐

Thank you so much to Ballantine, Dell Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!

I fell in love with all the characters in this book especially Hannah and Davey - the writing flowed beautifully, the places within the novel came to life and I couldn't stop reading it.

Will definitely be picking up this authors future books!