The blurb for the book was very intriguing, so I bought the book the day it was released. I'm very happy that I did, because as soon as I started reading it, I realized I was entering an emotional whirlwind. The story is both poignant and sad, but also very hopeful. The characters are so well-written that you feel their pain as you read the novel. Kelsey is so lost, confused and messed up that it makes her a little unpleasant, especially because of how she treats Chase. But the fact is that grief makes one feel exactly how Kelsey feels, it doesn't make one a good company or fun, instead it messes with one's heart, mind and just about everything else. The way Erin Butler wrote Kelsey is so realistic that Kels's pain becomes almost tangible.Chase is a very inspirational character. Despite the entire world hating and despising him, despite the overwhelming guilt, he tries his best to make something good out of the tragedy. He tries again and again to redeem himself, and just the dedication itself makes him redeemable. I suffered with the characters throughout the story, and in the end I was rewarded by their hopefulness and positive outlook. Worth reading. This was a story about three best friends: Kyle, Chase, and Kelsey - but the trio is now a duo since Kyle killed Chase in a drunk driving accident 5 months ago. And even though Chase has done everything he knows to do to prove that he's a different and better person, the small town he lives in can't seem to forgive him for his transgressions - the hardest part might just be learning to forgive himself. I thought this story was touching and heartwarming. I thought the characters were relatable and I adored Chase - we've all had things in our past that we wish others would allow us to redeem ourselves for and that was all that Chase needed - at least from Kels.
What do You think about How We Lived (2014)?
Emotional read but it was quick and it had a great love story. I enjoyed it.
—callmehephzibah
i loved this book it was a really beautiful story
—Jade
