Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Book Review: Mayluna

By Allyson Bales

Where do I even begin with this book? I just finished reading and there are tears in my eyes. 

I read for many different reasons.  I read because I want to be transported, to feel deeply, to learn, to explore, to meet characters I wish were my best friends, to feel understood, to cope.  This book encompasses all of those reasons and more and will be a book I recommend to everyone.  When people ask me for recommendations it really is my love langage to find a read that will provide them with an unforgettable experience.  This book did that for me and I think no matter what kind of read you are looking for, this one is it.  It will make you take pause and evaluate your relationships, your people and things that you care about most, and it will make you want to listen to your favorite song. But be prepared, it is a ride.

To start, I am recommending that you really don't read the synopsis, as I went into this one on cover alone and I am so glad I did.  If you need more than that, I understand and here's what you need to know.

Firstly, I highlighted so much of this book.  McNeil's writing is lyrical, thought provoking, and impactful.  There are so many quotes I would tattoo on my body.  Truly.  The things these characters say and feel will break your heart, make you feel seen, and stick with you.  There is beautiful ebb and flow in the writing.  There is slow burn and build up which is my favorite mixture. 

Secondly, while the story is being compared to Daisy Jones and The Six, there are some comparisons and the vibe is definitely similar, there is so much that is different.  Also while I am a huge Taylor Jenkins Reid fan and loved Daisy, dare I say I loved Evie more?  And this story more?  I think so. Evie is your best friend, your mom, your sister, you.  She struggles and is vulnerable and makes difficult decisions all with grace and I found her so relatable. 

Thirdly, if you love music, this book will be your bestie. Here’s the quote that starts this book off: 

“He often said that time travel was more accessible to us than we realize, and that music is one of the ways we do it.

He's right, I think. After all, few things have the ability to transport us so completely and powerfully as the sound of the perfect, meaningful song.

The music of our lifetime is woven into the fabric of our existence, our own personal soundtrack behind our stories.

Maybe it takes us to a memory, an echo of something that once was, or maybe to a place where we can live out an imagined dream.”

That quote hooked me and I think it’ll hook you too. 

Lastly, I am not really sure how I am going to move on from this story.  I already miss the characters and McNeil's writing.  It's helpful that she has another book I can dive into, A Day Like This, which is already on the way to my house.  Read this one and then please reach out to me so we can talk all about it! 

Thanks to BookSparks for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase Mayluna here.

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3 comments:

Phyllis Jones Pisanelli said...

Awesome review!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more with your review. I'm having a hard time moving on from it myself.

Anonymous said...

I give it a 5 star and 1 star. I haven't been this invested in a story in a long time. Haven't been so heartbroken since Cold Mountain
I really hope the author pursues a sequel to help manage the pain