This could be exactly what the author meant, but it struck me as odd and inconsistent. However, when you hear the narrator speaking in the present day, it’s 18 years from past events, which would place the year as 2022/2023. There was a mention in the book how Facebook was just starting, which would tag the flashbacks of the past at 2004/2005. One of the things that bothered me while reading is that time-wise, it didn’t seem like things added up. I slowed down my pace because of that suggestion, but it was so good, that I just kept picking it back up again! Mine said, “This is easily one of those read-in-one-sitting books, but I encourage you to take it slower and savor Buntin’s expert depiction of an intoxicating young friendship”. Whenever you receive books from Book of the Month Club, the judge who picked the book writes a little note as to why they picked it.

Lastly, this book is a very quick read.

But, I like it because I think there are a lot of relatable moments for everyone, regardless of your upbringing, financial status, or whether or not you were involved in anything about drugs, alcohol, and the like. There are some who weren’t that over the moon about it.

Now, on a more controversial note, I like the storyline.

I think she hit the nail on the head with both.

There seems to be two main addictions: drug and alcohol. I think Buntin did an amazing job at displaying poverty in the US and addictions.

You know those books where you’re like, “Whoa, that spoke a truth”? Yup, this is definitely one. There were many good lines in the book that I had to stop and write down.I really hope Julie Buntin comes out with more and soon! I was honestly shocked that this is a debut novel because, usually, the writing isn’t this good when it’s someone’s first book. They’re real and raw thoughts from the narrator’s perspective. It’s written in a way that you feel like you’re right inside the narrator’s head. I truly felt like I was reading a work of art, not just a book. There’s more than these five points, but I think these are great starters. I’ll summarize for you in my usual five points.

First Line: “Tell me what you can’t forget, and I’ll tell you who you are.”.

Structure: Linear first-person with varying time perspectives.

Marlena by julie buntin