Review: Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell

'Midnights' - 5 stars

I am utterly obsessed with this story. It's the perfect length and told in one of my favorite formats: one night over the course of several years. I love seeing how things have changed over time and what about that is sad or exciting. It also just helps a short story romance be more believable because the characters have already known each other for years (also I'm a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers/years long pining).

Another thing I loved about this story was something I really appreciate in Rainbow Rowell's work in general—characters during/after their first year of college. I feel like this is a time so under-represented in literature and one that is the most necessary for people to read about! Going back to see high school friends after college and the changes that come with that can be something very unique to navigate and it's a shame there aren't more books that talk about it.

The writing in this story was also great and really pulls you right into those 'alive' moments—the 'infinite' moments of parties and holidays and late nights (as The Perks of Being a Wallflower describes them).

This is definitely a story I want to revisit.

'Kindred Spirits' - 4 stars

This story didn't come as full circle for me or leave as much of an impact, but I did enjoy my time reading it. It chronicles the four days that Elena decides to wait in line for the next Star Wars movie (despite the fact that it's 2016 and she already ordered her ticket online). She gets to know Troy and Gabe and a romance begins to bloom with the latter. This is very much just a meet-cute and not a full-on love story like Midnights, but it was still really fun.

Overall rating - 4.5 stars

In total, this collection rounds out to a 4.5! I really enjoyed it and will definitely go back and read Midnights again when I just need something cute and hopeful. I also absolutely adored the illustrations in both these stories—they added so much charm to the experience.

If you enjoyed this collection I would highly recommend Night of Cake & Puppets by Laini Taylor! It's another short winter romance with amazing illustrations. I might need to give that one a re-read soon too! :)

🎁holiday week 🎁

book one- 10 blind dates

book two- almost midnight

book three- the afterlife of holly chase