52 pages • 1 hour read
Love and Other Words
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Book Brief
420
Novel • Fiction
California • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren tells the story of Macy Sorenson and Elliot Petropoulos, who meet as teens in a small Bay Area town and bond over their mutual love of literature. Through alternating "then" and "now" chapters, the novel explores their developing romance and the 11-year separation caused by a traumatic event. Sensitive topics include explicit sex scenes, drug addiction, and sexual assault.
Emotional
Romantic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
691,118 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is generally praised for its emotional depth and well-developed characters, capturing the tender nuances of young love and loss. However, some readers felt the dual timelines disrupted the narrative flow. Overall, it's a compelling read that appeals to fans of heartwarming romance with a touch of nostalgia.
Who Should Read Love and Other Words?
A reader who would enjoy Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is likely fond of contemporary romance with a mix of emotional depth and relatable characters. Fans of works like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes will appreciate this heartfelt narrative that explores love, loss, and second chances.
691,118 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elliot
Elliot
A book-loving neighbor whose deep bond with Macy influences her emotional journey and helps her face her feelings.
Sean
Sean
Macy’s fiancé in the present timeline, an artist who copes with his past relationship loss and supports Macy's decisions.
Duncan and Laís
Duncan and Laís
Macy’s parents whose intense love story sets an example of soulmates and influences Macy’s understanding of relationships.
The Petropoulos Family
The Petropoulos Family
A lively family with four boys and a baby girl, providing Macy with a sense of warmth and openness different from her own home life.
Sabrina
Sabrina
Macy’s friend who offers honest feedback and serves as an emotional contrast, supporting and challenging Macy in equal measure.
420
Novel • Fiction
California • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
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