This was a heartbreaking and totally relatable story about the end of a friendship, but also so much more than that.

Having been through friendships ending, I thought this story captured the pain, confusion, and growing distance really well. This wasn’t a friendship that ended after a fight, but one that ended slowly as two people changed and grew apart.

While I think I identified more closely with James throughout the story (I also distance myself when hurting), there were moments when I identified with Kat as well.

Both girls are experiencing life changing shifts in their worlds, but they respond to them very differently. James is dealt a devastating blow and shuts down to protect herself, pushing everyone away. She listens to Kat talk about the changes in her own life, but James doesn’t reciprocate and share any of her pain or anger with her. But Kat also never asks and seems unconcerned about the changes in her friend.

On the other hand, Kat’s changes are mostly positive, though still emotionally confusing. Kat is filled with so many doubts and lingering grief, but masks it, hiding behind a positive, bubbly attitude. She throws herself into a new friendships and a new relationship, making James feel left out or a third (or fifth) wheel whenever she sees her. She’s angry when she finds out everything James didn’t tell her, but doesn’t really consider why.

Communication may have saved their friendship, but sometimes friendships do need to be left behind. Neither of them wishes the other ill, they both still care, but they are just moving in completely different directions.

I was happy with the way the story ended. The author didn’t feel the need to “fix” everything but kept a window open.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.