Romance

Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez

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Grade: 5

Oh man. Abby Jimenez has nailed writing books that give me all the feels. This book had me laughing, crying, questioning my own life path… what a great story. 

The third book in the same world, this can be read as a standalone. The main characters, Vanessa and Adrian, have one interaction with the characters from the previous two books, but it’s not integral to know their stories ahead of time.  I will advise though, that the other two books should be read in order. 

Vanessa has chosen to go through life with no expectations of life continuing due to familial health issues. Adrian plans everything and takes very little risk. This book shows how both ways of living means you are missing out. 

Miscommunication as a plot device is something that I hate reading. In this book, though, it was not because either of the characters were dishonest with the other. It was because they walked away from a conversation believing they understood the other’s point of view and never revisited it.  Interpretation is never really discussed in real lives, although a fair bit of it is dealt with in romance novels. It’s a really important factor to consider, make sure other people understand your point of reference completely before moving forward. 

I also am 100% behind how the author chose to end this book. Love didn’t magically solve all the world’s problems for our two characters. The books plotline is centered around embracing the moment and enjoying life.  The beauty of the book is these two finding a way to compromise and make a life together. But at the end of the day, Vanessa’s concerns aren’t wiped away, which I love! 

Bottom line: Read it.

Lori Carroll

Owner at Jan's
Starting late in life reading, Lori made up for it by becoming a voracious reader. Recently she bought an established bookstore in Beaverton, OR and now spends her day surrounded by nothing but books and booklovers!
Lori Carroll

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