This book is more serious than the previous books in the series, though some of them got plenty serious in places. But this one is heavy in lots of different parts, and the whole story has a more serious flavor.
Not sure if this is a spoiler or not, but treat it like it is if you haven't already heard about what happens in this book. Laney Vanderbeeker is diagnosed with leukemia early in the book, and the bulk of the story centers on her stays in a children's hospital getting treated for cancer. As a result, Aunt Penny and Mr. B keep wanting to postpone their Christmas wedding, but Laney holds onto the promise of their wedding as something to look forward to throughout her treatments.
While there are plenty of fun and cute and even funny moments in the book, Karina Yan Glaser never treats Laney's illness lightly. She explores how scary a life-threatening illness is not only for the person who has it, but for every family member. Much kindness and love is shown to Laney, but not every child at the hospital has a family like the Vanderbeekers. And not every child at the hospital has cancer that has a high survival rate like leukemia. Glaser never lets the book get too grim, but she keeps it realistic too. Any reader who has watched a loved one suffer with cancer is going to feel seen here, and find understanding.
The book does end on an upbeat and hopeful note. But I wouldn't hand this one to kids under 10 who are very sensitive or easily upset.
Particularly Good Bits:
Laney tucked that memory into her heart, another reminder that the kindness of strangers could brighten any day (p. 60).
Love came in all forms, whether it be from hugs or words or gifts or food (p. 148).
Everyone had their own story filled with joys and hardships -- no one was spared from pain (p. 360).
If This was a Movie, I Would Rate It: PG-10 for some heavy topics and the off-page death of a side character. Parents should consider whether or not their kids can handle all that before letting them read it.
This has been my 9th book read from my TBR shelves for the 2024 Mount TBR Reading Challenge.
I'm glad this series finished strong! Anytime I see these books out and about, I think of you.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, yes! I'm so glad the whole series is wholesome and uplifting. And I love that you think of me when you see these :-D
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