Between Friends & Lovers - Shirlene Obuobi

I think for once I’ll start with praises. I found this book to be perfectly paced. I don’t know if you understand how important and rare that is. It’s quite a page turner. This is my second Shirlene Obuobi book and I have to say, she delivered with this one. 

Jo and Mal are such relatable characters and I think that’s what keeps pulling you in. I like that we learn from Jo that medicine can exist in more dimensions than just working in a hospital. I like that Mal shows us we don’t have to write off love after being jilted. 

I needed more of this story. It was over too soon. Mental health was explored a bit in this book through the characters and I wish it went a bit deeper. 

You know the drill. Spoilers beyond this point. 

I disliked Ezra so much that would’ve thrown a fit if Jo ended up with him. I was so ready but thankfully I was spared from that. (He literally made excuses for Jo’s childhood bully - with such friends who needs enemies). 

I liked Renata but her behaviour towards the end was a bit muggy. How can you claim that Jo is like a daughter to you but when she’s having a depressive episode all you can say is you couldn’t reach her on the phone?? Like you don’t have an address? Mind you she was a huge contributing factor to said episode. Loved when Mal called her out for that. 

Anyway you can clearly see why the book was good. It evokes emotions and that’s what reading is about. Definitely a yes for me.