About Stacy Udo

I am the current teacher-librarian at Olympia High School. I have worked as a teacher-librarian since 2013; prior to that I taught high school English for 11 years.

The Last Saxon King by Andrew Varga

Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Chase C.

Andrew Varga’s The Last Saxon King features a fast-paced quest through medieval England in the 11th century, during which the last Anglo-Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, defends his rule from invading Viking armies. Varga takes the reader through this journey in the eyes of Dan Renfew, a homeschooled 16-year-old who spends his days haunting the local mall and being taught by his father, a professor of history at a local university. Unbeknownst to him, Dan and his father come from a line of time travelers whose job is to correct “glitches” in history that threaten the present and future. Reminiscent of Mary Pope Osbourne’s The Magic Treehouse series, following a fateful confrontation between a mysterious man and his father, Dan is sent back in time to medieval England to correct changes in history caused by rogue time travelers who seek to use time travel for their own selfish ends. Varga excels at bringing this era of history to life in The Last Saxon King in a way that engages young and adult readers alike. While he takes some liberties in his novel for readability in exchange for historical accuracy, he uses clever workarounds (the time travel device acts as a sort of “universal translator” from English into Old English a la Star Trek) to maintain internal continuity. Ultimately, this novel can be enjoyed by hobbyist historians and sci-fi nerds alike.

Olympians #12, Dionysos, the New God

Reviewed by: OHS Substitute, Chase C.

In this graphic novel, George O’Connor tells the myth of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine (among other things), through colorful art and a form that is approachable to those learning about Ancient Greek myths. The start of the novel is dedicated to the story of Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth (and the first Olympian). Her story, with themes of stability and order, is juxtaposed with the story of Dionysus, whose chaotic and avant-garde journey takes him from his adolescence in the woods with satyrs and the creation of wine, to his entry into the temple on Mount Olympus. The reader will get to enjoy bold and expressive art that brings these ancient myths to life. While the novel is engaging, readers unfamiliar with the series or Greek mythology may find it useful to reference preceding installments or external sources to fully grasp the Olympians’ interactions.

Enter the Body by Joy  McCullough

Reviewed by OHS substitute, Victoria O.

Juliet. Ophelia. Cordelia. These are names you are likely already familiar with, as they are among the most iconic heroines to ever grace the pages of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedies, all of whom suffer grisly ends by the time the final curtain falls.

In “Enter the Body,” these ill-fated women and girls are given new life by author Joy McCullough, who allows each to retell her story from her own perspective, reclaiming their well-worn tales to create a vibrant new narrative, teeming with righteous fury, unresolved trauma, and a deep desire to be heard.

Each chapter focuses on a different character, alternating between stark prose poetry in which one heroine narrates the sad trajectory of her life before shifting back to a mysterious, liminal space occupied by Shakespeare’s other unfortunate leading ladies. This space takes the form of a dimly lit, below-stage purgatory with a trap door through which each girl comes crashing down every time they are forced to (once again) relive their harrowing experiences on stage. As the heroines take turns telling their stories, the others look on, recalling their own past lives and how the pain, violence, and heartbreak suffered by each is often echoed in the others. 

Reading this book is like watching a series of searing monologues steeped in female rage and driven by a deep sense of historical injustice for women who were permitted little control over their own bodies, much less an ability to direct their own lives. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Shakespearean drama updated for a modern audience and retold through a darkly feminist lens. 

Talk Santa to Me by Linda Urban

Reviewed by: OHS student, Rory C.

The novel, “Talk Santa To Me” by Linda Urban, is a short but satisfying story destined to become someone’s comfort book. Despite her Aunt attempting to ruin the family business and her past kiss coming back to haunt her, Francie continues to try and save the business while juggling her social life. This book has great comforting characters for anyone wanting to sit back and relax. It also has excellent pacing and it does not go too fast or too slow.

I like the characters and how they are simply teenagers. In my opinion, this book is a read for when you have had a bad day and want to read something easy but sweet. The characters help with that. The drama in place is also not super serious like some other books. If you’re trying to read something for only the romance, I would not recommend this book. I believe the romance is sweet but it is not the focus of the book. Some may like that more and others may not based on their preferences. It was not how the romance was not the main point of the novel for me but how it seemingly popped up out of nowhere. I thought there should have been more of a build up in chemistry however that never happened. It sort of felt like Francie gained a crush on the guy randomly a couple chapters into the book. Maybe I am missing something but she seemed way to focused on everything else going on in her life to even think about this guy. How could she get a crush on him like that? It’s like she mentioned him three times before she ended up liking him so much. The romance was cute but it had no build up and I could not see the connection. It felt forced.

If simple and cute books are your thing, then I would totally recommend this novel to you. Although I did not like this book as much, I have to admit it was fun to read. It was a different feeling from those high-action and thrilling fantasy books. I think this book has everything you would want for when you just want to read and not be so stressed about what is happening in the story!

Delicious Monsters, by Liselle Sambury

Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Victoria O.

Let’s be clear: Daisy does not enjoy being special. How can she when what makes her so unique is the fact she can see swarms of dead people wandering the streets of downtown Toronto, drawn to sadness and despair like clouds of gray flies to honey? And now, the one source of happiness in Daisy’s life seems to have abandoned her: After their first fight as a couple, her boyfriend, Noah, has been spotted around town with a pretty white girl on his arm and is no longer answering any of her texts. 

Meanwhile: Brittney, an ambitious young content creator and aspiring filmmaker, works a dead-end internship for a scummy media corporation to help pay the bills so she doesn’t have to rely on her abusive, wealthy mother for support. As she continues work on her surprise hit YouTube series, Haunted, she and her best friend, Jayden, begin investigating the house that made her self-help guru mother famous, hoping to uncover its dark secrets and solve the mystery behind the tragic loss of life that occurred there 10 years earlier: The unexplained death of a young black girl named Daisy

Author Liselle Sambury interweaves themes of generational trauma and coming of age within a framework of compelling supernatural mystery, featuring two timelines with two equally intriguing protagonists. This thrilling haunted-house-turned-ghost-hunter novel will keep you up at night until the wee hours of the morning as you turn pages in a race alongside Brittney to find out just what happened to Daisy on the night she disappeared all those years ago… Recommended for those who loved Netflix’ The Haunting of Hill House and Sadie

Light Enough to Float by Lauren Seal

This novel in verse follows protagonist, Evie, as she struggles to acknowledge and overcome her eating disorder. Evie’s dysmorphia prevents her from seeing and thinking about herself accurately; instead she is continually able to justify her food avoidance behaviors and thoughts as normal. Her family’s concern over Evie’s weight and behaviors propels them to take her to her doctor where they learn that she is anorexic and that her internal organs have begun to shut down. Evie is immediately taken to an in-patient facility in order to nurture her mind and body back to health. This is not an easy journey for Evie; she is angry at her family and continues to find ways to remain in control of her calorie intake. Throughout her recovery she connects with therapists and other people suffering with eating disorders; fortunately for her these connections fuel her to continue the work of healing.

The author’s note at the start of the book lets readers know that Evie’s story is based closely upon the author’s own experiences. It’s clear when reading how intimately the author knows the thoughts, emotions, and struggles that Evie is dealing with. The book is very heavy in topic and plot; the verse style helps readers access the content more easily.

Readers who enjoy realistic fiction dealing with difficult topic will enjoy this book. Although there are many dark, challenging moments in Evie’s story we still feel a bit of hope in the end.

The Reunion by Kit Frick

Reviewed by OHS Student, Kloie P.

The Mayweathers and Hunts all officially meet each other in Cancún for an engagement party. However, old problems arise and relationships become tense, with the breaking point of someone mysteriously dying. This book has plenty of suspense- since the first page, tidbits of information is given of a murder that happens further along the two families week-long vacation in Cancún. In between, events leading up to the death explain backstory, as well as more side stories that account for certain distasteful relationships between characters.

This book keeps you guessing; you think you know everything, and think that you can probably draw a good conclusion, except more information is constantly revealed and keeps you pretty hooked. It also had some representation, which is always nice. However, I feel like the way the author portrayed how teenagers act is how they acted in 2005-2015 (and caused me to cringe a couple times). The vocabulary is also not that advanced. The latter kept me from finishing this book as quickly as I usually would, as it just felt somewhat bland to me.

I think anyone could read this book if they enjoy thriller (and are above maybe 5th grade?), and the vocabulary doesn’t have too many fancy words.

Daughters of Oduma by: Moses Ose Utomi

Reviewed by OHS Student, Quinn P.

This book takes place in a world unlike any others, with complex characters and a plot that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. Main character, Dirt, must take the place of her sister in a type of fighting competition that she has long retired from, knowing that if she fails, her family will be split apart.

At first I was unsure whether I would be able to read the entire book, because for quite a while there was very little happening. I only began to actually want to pick the book up and read it when I was more than halfway through. Additionally, there are several terms related to the fantasy world that cease to be explained either during the entire book, or for a long time. Because of this, I found a few scenes to be confusing and had to re-read them later.

I do like how surprising the plot of the book is– you can’t tell what is going to happen until it happens. I also appreciate how each character had some kind of growth throughout the story, some subtly and some dramatically. This book was also very quickly-paced at times, making the reader want to continue, whereas there were also many calmer parts of the book that felt like a breath of fresh air. The balance between the two elevated the reading experience for me. Overall, Daughters of Oduma is well-written with interesting and complex characters.

This book falls under the genres of fiction and fantasy, and contains coming-of-age themes. I think anyone who appreciates an action-filled (and slightly gruesome at times) fantasy book that still has its quiet moments will enjoy reading Daughters of Oduma.Daughters of Oduma is a good pick for any fantasy reader.

Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear by: Robin Wasley

Reviewed by OHS Student, Rory C.

Robin Wasley’s novel, “Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear,” was an imaginative masterpiece with such a thoughtful and meaningful plot filled with wonderful characters that is definitely worth every reader’s attention. In her crazy town full of magic, Sid Spencer has always been normal until a guardian of the magic in town is killed, leaving her to join other extraordinary guardians and fight to make things right. The captivating, constantly growing, and interesting plot truly makes the story even more charming than it already is. The imagery present in the novel is also extremely detailed and well-written; every scene felt as though you were with the characters as well.

I really loved how well the characters were written. Every character was human with flaws, regrets, mistakes, etc. They felt real and not superficial. They all had things to add to the story and push events forward in various ways. Every character was important with their unique differences. It was wonderful to read and connect to as it truly resonated with me a lot. I also loved the message of the novel. It is such a beautiful and amazing message that I think everyone should hear and remember. The imagery and details were also astounding and captivated me whenever I read a scene. Overall, the novel felt inspiring and truly meaningful to me.

At first, I will admit, I did not really like the novel at the start (though that definitely changed as it progressed). It was confusing at first and a little boring as I had not really found a reason to care about it specifically. This led it to being a novel that I had a hard time getting into but once I did, it was amazing. Also, a fantasy novel being confusing at first happens all the time so I do not think that is a true negative aspect to the book. Besides that, I think sometimes the pacing up to the point of the reveal of certain important things was a little off. I don’t know if it’s just me but it never really felt that suspenseful or jaw-dropping when it seemed like it should’ve been. This made some reveals be a little less satisfactory for me.

Anyone who enjoys fantasy and emotional roller-coasters in novels should read this book. I think it will satisfy and go beyond each of your standards when it comes to fantasy.

Man O’War by: Cory McCarthy

Reviewed by OHS student, Cyrus P.

River McIntyre is a young high school trans person who spends his life in Haley, Ohio swimming, raving about jellyfish, exploring life and love, and battling all forms of discrimination. He spends the most significant of his days at the local SeaPlanet swimming with fish and being queer. Giving the full scope of a coming of age novel this book puts the reader through the full athletic queer experience the perfect read for someone who wants to learn about marine biology and life as a queer person.

I like the “sciencey” aspects to the book and the ways that River connects those aspects to themselves. At times I felt that it was egregiously queer. Gay to a fault – making the issues seem too forced at times. Queer people and athletes may like this book. They should read it because it’s a great, full journey and keeps you invested in the lives of these people while teaching you about marine biology.

The Dagger and the Flame by: Catherine Doyle

Reviewed by OHS Student, Lakshitha R.

In The Dagger and the Flame, Doyle puts together an enthralling narrative with an air of mystery and hint of romance drawing the reader in.

The City of Fantome is run by the Cloaks and Daggers made up of thieves and assassins. Seraphine Marchant, the daughter of a smuggler, lives a happy life in the plains until the day her mother is murdered by the order. In seeking refuge with the Cloaks, Seraphine uncovers the secrets of her mother’s murder. Ransom, the heir to the mysterious order of the Daggers, is tasked to kill Sera but soon becomes drawn in by this mystery spitfire and her strange abilities; thus leaving him torn between duty and desire. This enthralling, forbidden romance is enhanced by magic and mystery.

The vivid details, spicy romance, and constant suspense will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Readers who like books by Sara J. Maas and other romantasy books would like one, too.

The Quiet and the Loud by: Helena Fox

Reviewed by OHS Student, Connie C.

The book “The Quiet and the Loud” highlights the importance of addressing your mental health and your personal needs, and raises awareness to ongoing problems in our world. Set in Australia, we follow Georgia, a girl who finds peace in kayaking and art. As we watch her overcome her past struggles and her present struggles we learn what is truly important in life. The heavy emphasis of art and poetry makes this book both touching and beautiful. As well as the common reoccurrence of mental health/abuse makes this book relatable and deep.

I like how this book is extremely relatable and how you can see things that are happening in real time in the book. I also like how poetic/artistic is it and how it battles important topics of mental health, relationships, and climate change. I dislike how poorly they built the setting. I had to guess they lived in Australia but I didn’t know exactly until like halfway through the book where the header said “Sydney”… That made me really confused. And (since it dealt with tough topics) it was not the most interesting book and I found myself getting bored really easily and I really wanted the book to end.

I think people who are interested in reading books about LGBTQ+ romances and mental health/climate change topics.

Sync by: Ellen Hopkins

True to form, Ellen Hopkins latest book pulls readers right in! Sync follows twin siblings, Storm and Lake, as they try to navigate their circumstances of being pulled apart and sent to different foster homes, repeatedly throughout their adolescent years. Although the siblings are physically forced apart their connection cannot be broken, not through time spent in juvenile detention or on the streets. Fortunately for each, they have people to love and care for no matter the circumstances.

Lake is placed with a foster family who is very conservative and expects her to follow suit; however, she has a girlfriend and wants to challenge the ideals consistently pressed upon her within the foster home. Storm is placed with a loving, caring foster father, but ends up in juvenile detention after trying to seek revenge on someone who sexually assaulted his long-time girlfriend.

In the worst of circumstances, the siblings are unable to connect – trying to keep tabs on each other through their caseworkers. Although things seem pretty hopeless for both twins, they continue to persevere.

Students who like to read about difficult topics and trauma will be pulled in by these characters and their circumstances. Ellen Hopkins knows how to tug on a reader’s heartstrings. If you have other books by this author in your collection, you will want to add this as well.

The Queens’ English by: Chloe O. Davis

Reviewed by OHS Student, Cordelia W.

The Queens’ English is super colorful and will be a hit with those researching or wanting to know more about all things LGBTQIA+. The point of The Queens’ English is to inform readers of some of the slang terms used within and about LGBTQIA+ community, as well as definitions for different sexualities and genders.

The colorful pages of this book gives this nonfiction dictionary a fun look, making readers (such as me) interested because each page is different and doesn’t have consistent look to it. It’s a nice complement to the LGBTQIA+ theme of the book. It’s very colorful and uses inclusive and interesting patterns and the same is true for the wording, with it being blunt and referring to other parts of the book and using terms that were earlier in the book. Something I didn’t like is when a term had the same definition as another it would just refer you to a different page such as, 3 different words had the same definition and the book kept referring you to the one at the very end of the book; I would have preferred it to just be defined again.

Those who should read this book are be people doing projects on the topic of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as those wanting to learn more about the community as a whole and its origins.

Nothing Like the Movies by: Lynn Painter

Reviewed by OHS student, Audrey L.

This book is a cute, light contemporary romance that also covers serious topics, such as dealing with the loss of a loved one. The light, fluffy plot makes this romance an easy and enjoyable read.

After something awful happens during freshman year at college, Wes Bennet must give up his dreams, and his girlfriend, to return home to Nebraska. Flash forward 2 years later, Wes is starting fresh at college determined to win the girl of his dreams, Liz Buxbaum, back.

I enjoyed the supporting characters, and how the author added more to the plot than *just* Wes trying to win Liz back. I also liked how Lynn Painter made the story dual-POV, unlike the first book. The book felt too slow in the beginning, and it had a pretty predictable plot. I felt like the breakup was so rash, odd, and out of place. And, while I understand that Liz is a grown adult now, I kind of miss the way she was in the first book, but it does make sense for her character to change and mature. Someone might like reading this book if they enjoy reading romances. It’s also a good sequel for the first book, “Better Than the Movies,” but can be read as a standalone.

Nothing Like the Movies - overall review statement.

Twenty-four Seconds from Now . . . by Jason Reynolds

I have been waiting for a book like this to be written – thank you, Jason Reynolds! Reynolds accurately portrays all the thoughts and feelings of a teenage boy who is planning to lose his virginity to his long-time girlfriend. Not only is this book insightful, its funny, touching, and real. Told in a flash-back style, we get a clear picture for the relationships between main character, Neon and his girlfriend Aria, his parents, and his siblings. All of these relationships play a pivotal role in the way that Neon thinks about sex and his readiness for it.

This sex-positive books addresses many topics including: consent, love, masturbation, pornography. All of these delicate subjects are presented in practical, safe ways that many readers, of any gender will relate to. There are no explicit scenes, nor any vulgar discussions – even though the sex definitely happens in the end.

This book is one all high school libraries should have on their shelves!

Conditions of A Heart by: Bethany Mangle

Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Sandy H.

This coming of age story will connect readers with the difficulties of being a teenager as well as showing how family struggles impact life. Brynn Kwan balances friends, family, and boys on top of struggles to let an unattainable persona go. Meanwhile pain rears its head. In this book, the protagonist (and her father) has chronic pain resulting from a health disorder which is a young adult topic not frequently encountered, for this primary reason I appreciated reading the book.

Diary of A Confused Feminist by Kate Weston

Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Sandy H.

This novel will be a hit with young adult readers who enjoy coming-of-age struggles.

Kat Evans tries to get a date, deal with friends, and manifest self-acceptance, while trying to think of everything through the lens of feminism. Meanwhile she’s also rabidly documenting everything in her diary. This young adult fiction dives deep into the anxieties, dreams, and ideals of a teenager trying to make her way through high school – so believable, the anxiety just oozed off of the pages!

Reading it as an adult, I liked being reminded of how tough it really is to be a teenager.

Diary of A Confused Feminist - book cover. Pink text - outline of lips.

Ever Since by Alena Bruzas

This book was really difficult to read because of the content; it’s very powerful, but will need content warnings if added to a high school collection.

The main character, Virginia, is a victim of sexual assault and abuse – but she is keeping it hidden. Instead, she displays risky behaviors with drinking, drug use, and sex. As the reader, we are not made aware of the extent of the abuse, and the fact that there are multiple abusers, until much later in the book. Instead we follow Virginia’s journey of self-loathing desire to feel love.

As details about Virginia’s story unfold, other victims come forward – all of which are close friends of Virginia’s and all were groomed by the same abuser.

This book should be considered for high school libraries only.

It is set in Washington State and has some local references, which I always appreciate.

Mall Goth by: Kate Leth

Reviewed by OHS Library Secretary Mikel

This colorful and easy-to-read graphic novel will appeal to a young adult reader who enjoys a book set in the early 2000’s and can empathize with an outcast goth girl.

Liz Holme isn’t a good fit at her new high school and is struggling with multiple social issues. Just as she finds some sanctuary in the mall scene, gets a job, and makes a few new gaming friends, a possibly dangerous situation develops with a creepy teacher.

Liz’s realistic experiences will resonate with contemporary teens, especially those who may be negotiating a parental divorce or are dealing with being LGBTQ issues. I like that Liz is a strong character who demonstrates resiliency in the face of many odds; however, it was a bit clunky for me to read – the transitions were not very smooth in the storyline.

Mall Goth: 9781534476943: Leth, Kate, Leth, Kate, Sousa, Diana, Crank,  Robin: Books - Amazon.com

Betting On You by: Lynn Painter

Reviewed by OHS Student, Eliza T.

This book beautifully combines a soft romance with the challenges of having divorced parents.

Bailey and Charlie first meet on a plane when they are both flying to live with their other parent. They meet again when they are older, and their initial hate blossoms into a beautiful romance as they connect through their shared parental experiences.

This book is perfect for those looking to better understand the life of a child of divorce, or those who just want to cozy up for a sweet romance. I loved the banter throughout the book, as Charlie and Bailey learn that the other might not be so bad. Bailey’s mom’s boyfriend has a daughter, and I think there could have been more conflict there, where it felt very understated.

A Suffragist’s Guide to the Antarctic by: Yi Shun Lai

Reviewed by OHS Staff M. Debuse-Losh

This high-adventure novel takes place in the frigid Antarctic in the early 1900’s. It has a gripping storyline but I felt the narrative was somewhat too elementary and I didn’t care for the diary format.

Clara has just come from the front lines of the violent suffragist movement in England, where women were being beaten for their demand that women have the same rights as men. She signs up for an Antarctic expedition just as WWI is starting, and encounters many challenges with the tortuous expedition itself and the all-male crew.

History buffs may enjoy the rendition of the famous Shackleton expedition told from a strong female protagonist’s point of view. Trigger warning: there is an attempted sexual assault in the story.

I enjoyed the extreme adventure depictions, and the descriptions of surviving in the Antarctic. I disliked the diary format spoken in a peculiarly juvenile voice (I imagine even an 18-year-old in 1914 would be a tad more sophisticated).

Retro by Sofia Lapuente & Jarrod Shusterman

Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Megan C.

This is a fast paced thrill-ride where main character Luna competes in a competition to live without technology in exchange for a cash prize that her struggling family needs desperately. As the competition continues the stakes become high when Luna’s classmates begin disappearing. Worried for her safety, Luna must decide to continue with the competition or give up the potential cash prize.

In addition to the fast pace, I appreciated the reference to 80s/90s music. This book also highlights the role of social media in our lives and encourages readers to question it’s value.

This would be a great addition to any high school library.

The Jasmine Project by Meredith Ireland

Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Megan C.

Ireland’s book is a lot of fun – reminding me of the reality show The Bachelor. Main character Jasmine has a cheating boyfriend; after this realization her family goes on a mission to find her a replacement boyfriend while hosting her graduation party.

Not only is this book fun, it includes a lot of valuable voices and representation including mixed race voices and adopted families. In addition to prose, much of the text is written in text messages, which allows for alternating voices to come through. A great example of a YA Rom/Com.

This Is Why They Hate Us by: Aaron H. Aceves

Reviewed by OHS Student, Ffiona P.

This romance will resonate deeply with anyone who is struggling with their mental health, navigating their sexuality, or finding themselves in unrequited love.

Enrique has been in love with his close friend Saleem for quite some time now. With the help of his best friend Fabiola, and a number of potential romantic conquests, he plans to work through his crush. With each new encounter he learns more about himself, and about living as a bisexual person than he ever thought he would. Through all of this he is struggling with his mental health, attempting to come out to his parents, and inform Fabiola about his past mental breakdown. With unexpected support from various sources he is able to end his summer in a way that leaves him satisfied, though not in the ways he would have guessed.

I loved how relatable it is, Aaron H. Aceves was able efficiently explain thoughts and feelings that the character was having, in a way that was very satisfying. For lack of a better word. I loved how the author was able to trick me, and I’m guessing everyone else who read the book. I thought I knew exactly where the book was going to end up, then he convinced me I was wrong, then I ended up being right again at the last minute when I thought all hope was lost. This book was an emotional roller coaster that had me squealing, kicking my feet. Then would make my chest heavy the next minute with how deeply I felt for the MC and his situation while he was battling his mental health. THIS BOOK LEFT ME SATISFIED! I feel like whenever an author wants the book to make an impact, or to make a heavy statement about life, they feel the need to leave it on a plain note. Not even necessarily a bad one. But many authors write these types of books with the hope of the reader being satisfied with the MC being content. Which is the whole point I’m sure. But this book made me celebrate the happy ending as if it was me experiencing it. I kind of went into it with the mindset of “this seems like the kind of book where the happy ending is a given, and everything will turn out okay.” But the author was able to write the story in a way that made me feel RELIEVED almost when the happy ending came. Relief and genuine joy. He was able to capture that same feeling of when something good happens in real life. Because nobody in real life is thinking “it will all work out great for me, I will find the love of my life, and be happy.” He was able to capture that “Oh my god, how lucky am I to have this wonderful person in my life” mindset. I really appreciated that.