The Paper Palace (Reese's Book Club): A Novel

Easily one of my favorite books of all time and one I know I will reread again and again. It’s one of those books where I feel like each time you read it, something else stands out. The character development is phenomenal- the trauma, the realness, relatable yet not at the same time- it’s difficult to put down. I also find the imagery simply beautiful. This is a must read.I brought the book user and it was in good condition! Ever so slightly used but the pre-loved feel made the book all the more enjoyable !

This book is filled with so much angst and yearning. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time just trying to see it all unfold. There was no way for a happy ending here. Either way, someone gets hurt. I loved both of the characters. They were all so fully developed in the story and both of the male characters had me wanting her to choose them. The ending was confusing at first but in the end, I still can’t figure out if I love her choice. Either way, it was a great book!

A bit of everything. Impulsively purchase, an engaging read, well-crafted: talented writer.

A little depressing. It is a little hard to follow because it keeps switching time periods. Nothing really happens, and at the end, there didn’t seem to be any conclusion. In fact, after I finished the last chapter, I thought that maybe I missed something. It is written well, but I just didn’t have a connection with any of the characters. This is a very popular book, it just wasn’t for me, I guess.

I found that The Paper Palace is a meticulously detailed and constructed story, that paints a vivid picture of life and emotion. It takes you through the deepest perspectives that the protagonist/her family experience throughout their lives, back and forth in time. The author creates an atmosphere that feeds a deep sea of emotions, nostalgia, and heartbreak, all while wanting to be left with hopefulness. The characters are raw, realistic, and make you question different decisions/perspectives/situations.The ending leaves you wanting more; to know what happens after it ends. It may been seen as unsatisfying to some, but I found it to be fully intentional, as to put you in the same shoes of the protagonist.I’m giving it 3.5/5, only because the details sometimes became muddy and hard to follow at times, but otherwise provided a vivid story. It is definitely something you need some tissues for, as well as the understanding that it is triggering (concerning childhood abuse), and almost leaves you with a sense of longing.

4.5 wth stars!!I absolutely loved this book (other then the end). This was a book with so many lessons and so many hardships. While going through the past you get to enjoy watching characters blossom. With that there was a lot of pain in so many characters lives throughout. It was necessary. I can see why this book was chosen as a book of the month club book there is ALOT to discuss. Shoot I am discussing with myself nonstop.I think my favorite part is jumping from past to present. I needed that. It was all perfectly placed as well. It gave you background on why you ended up here with these characters. I mean I was in the Paper Palace with all the girls and I grieved with them. It was not all about negative stuff there was a lot of growth and love. It felt like a true story. Like was this someone’s life because I’ll be damned if it didn’t feel like it. And so I give you my second favorite thing is the characters. Omg I love everyone of them and despise many others too. You cheer them on and you cry with them. You second guess everything and wonder what could have been as well. This book was deep for me.Be aware there is a lot triggers and that comes with people writing all these negative reviews. What I say to that is know your boundaries and what you are comfortable with. There are warnings and people say I can’t handle child sexual trauma and that’s understandable. But it’s a part of a story. It builds this story. The pain, the strength, the hopelessness leads to the growth. I don’t think it was done poorly either this is real to some peoples life and I think it felt like it could have happened to anyone. Sadly it has.Now my only critique and the reason I could not give this 5 stars is because the damn ending. She left me. She has me mind boggled. And in some case that’s good.I guess it made me think non-stop about this book, so yea, that’s good. But I need more!! I told my hubby about it because even the next day I am frustrated. He says “is there a part two?” No dang it there is not!!!Get ready to ride the rollercoaster of emotions with this book. I think it is a fabulous summer read.

I really enjoyed this book. There were moments in my day that I just couldn't put it down. I loved the location(s) (the scenery/imagery) the book took place in and the characters. Especially the relationship between Elle and Jonas and Elle and Peter. There were moments in the book that were twisted and difficult to read which may trigger certain people. So just know it does contain sensitive topics. The ending left me feeling bittersweet but overall a great summer read.

Enjoyed this book very much. Got me hooked from first page.