No Spoilers until the end (where labeled)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I’d like to start out by saying that this book lived up to the hype, but no one is talking about how triggering it is. Topics include: feeling worthless/meaningless in your life, fear of dying/dying young, loneliness, car crashes/drowning, and anxiety/overthinking. I don’t recommend this book to anyone younger than about 16 – even at 20 this book hit me really hard. TW from here on.
I seriously don’t think I’ve ever read a sadder book. Even the title did not prepare me. I am not a crier – I can’t even remember the last time I actually shed a tear over a book or movie – and this had full tears running down my face so many times I lost count. It’s not even sad just because they die, it’s sad because how the boys start talking about from the beginning everything they regret in their lives and how they should have lived differently. What makes it worse is knowing there’s no hope for these characters (at least that’s what the title suggests, I’m not saying I confirm that so as to not spoil). You are just along for this journey that we all (characters included which makes this book unique in its spoiled ending) know will end tragically. The ending made me full-on sob and have to put the book down, but I think the book did the characters justice.
I was kind of prepared for an adventure story and it’s kind of that – but it’s not really a crazy ride in what they do as much as it is in what they feel. I also thought this book was about appreciating life and living it to its fullest, but, to be frank, it’s not a story that makes me want to live – it’s a story that makes me fear death around every corner. I’m not saying I regret reading this book but I am questioning why I did so. 😅 It was very good, but I’m also destroyed – take that as you will.
All that being said, it really was a great book. All of the characters were really well developed and the plot kept moving forward (I personally didn’t find it slow as others did). I felt so connected to Mateo and I will miss him. He’s one of those characters that’s going to stay in my heart forever. ❤️
MAJOR SPOILERS from here on———
The one thing I’m mad got left open-ended is Delilah’s story. We followed it for so long and never learned how she died nor did it even tie in with the other characters much. I think the idea is that Victor is the one to run over Rufus at the end because he is speeding to meet her but I just wish this was confirmed in some small way.
Also, they manage to escape a lot of death during this day which is SUPER convenient but keeps it interesting and me guessing so I’m not mad about it.
Life Is Just A Blur 