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A review by tashanixon_
Five Feet Apart by Tobias Iaconis, Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott
5.0
Where do I start??!
After watching this film about 2 years ago, I knew that reading the book was a must. But I never thought that I'd be more affected reading than watching it. I was laughing, smiling, sobbing.
I had to stop multiple times, because I was crying so much that the words became blurry...
I think the best way to review this book is to separate the fiction from the very real world of living with CF, and as I can't speak from experience, I'll stick to the former point.
The wholesome romance between Will and Stella is very different to any other romance. I mean after all, for the majority of the book they are 5+ feet apart. And I believe that is what touched me so much. "can you love someone you can never touch?"
I've read many other reviews, claiming this for, I will admit, what it is - a cliché YA romance with sick teenagers, defying the odds and rebelling against their illness.
But... I'm a sucker for that!
After watching the film, I was curious to compare the differences with the book, but to be honest I couldn't find many. The pacing is perfect, and fits with the timescale of the few weeks, and I was hooked on every last word, which made this a quick, glued-to-my-hands, read. And despite this, there is still time for the authors to establish the stages of Will and Stella's relationship - from first meeting all through to the end.
Will would definitely charm the socks off me, and I adore Stella. While the focus is heavily on those two, I must acknowledge and appreciate Barb and Poe, and then Will and Stella's respective parents. Stella's friendship with Poe was so natural, and even when they disagreed they'd always reach a mutual understanding of each other. Barb, is like Stella's second mother, and she does a damn good job of it.
None of these characters are perfect though. They each show weaknesses, imperfections that flesh them out, and the occasional lapse in judgement.
Most of all, I think what is most important about this book, is the awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. This after all is a work of fiction, and the romance is completely unrealistic. But it is very thought-provoking. Real people are living with CF. Everytime a character was struggling for breath, I was breathing naturally and without struggle. And I think this is what is so powerful, and I puts into perspective how grateful I am.
And lastly, I have to mention Claire Wineland. The beautiful Claire who got her new lungs and was stolen of time to use them. Thank you for opening my eyes. And to those living with CF, I couldn't think of anything more admirable than your courage.
And for that very reason, this is undoubtedly a 5 star
Overall: 5/5 stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and themes: 5/5
After watching this film about 2 years ago, I knew that reading the book was a must. But I never thought that I'd be more affected reading than watching it. I was laughing, smiling, sobbing.
I had to stop multiple times, because I was crying so much that the words became blurry...
I think the best way to review this book is to separate the fiction from the very real world of living with CF, and as I can't speak from experience, I'll stick to the former point.
The wholesome romance between Will and Stella is very different to any other romance. I mean after all, for the majority of the book they are 5+ feet apart. And I believe that is what touched me so much. "can you love someone you can never touch?"
I've read many other reviews, claiming this for, I will admit, what it is - a cliché YA romance with sick teenagers, defying the odds and rebelling against their illness.
But... I'm a sucker for that!
After watching the film, I was curious to compare the differences with the book, but to be honest I couldn't find many. The pacing is perfect, and fits with the timescale of the few weeks, and I was hooked on every last word, which made this a quick, glued-to-my-hands, read. And despite this, there is still time for the authors to establish the stages of Will and Stella's relationship - from first meeting all through to the end.
Will would definitely charm the socks off me, and I adore Stella. While the focus is heavily on those two, I must acknowledge and appreciate Barb and Poe, and then Will and Stella's respective parents. Stella's friendship with Poe was so natural, and even when they disagreed they'd always reach a mutual understanding of each other. Barb, is like Stella's second mother, and she does a damn good job of it.
None of these characters are perfect though. They each show weaknesses, imperfections that flesh them out, and the occasional lapse in judgement.
Most of all, I think what is most important about this book, is the awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. This after all is a work of fiction, and the romance is completely unrealistic. But it is very thought-provoking. Real people are living with CF. Everytime a character was struggling for breath, I was breathing naturally and without struggle. And I think this is what is so powerful, and I puts into perspective how grateful I am.
And lastly, I have to mention Claire Wineland. The beautiful Claire who got her new lungs and was stolen of time to use them. Thank you for opening my eyes. And to those living with CF, I couldn't think of anything more admirable than your courage.
And for that very reason, this is undoubtedly a 5 star
Overall: 5/5 stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and themes: 5/5