Some fans may fear that Garmus can’t create another story as tender, captivating, or triumphant as her 2022 hit, Lessons in Chemistry. But good news—she can, in a book both poignant and heartwarming ... In this vividly drawn tale, readers will feel all the emotions Gray does and suffer through his confusion, desperation, and finally, his exhilaration, as he discovers and understands who he is. A stunning novel.
Tender-hearted ... The story runs a bit too long, but in its unorthodox workplace, Garmus has crafted a canny analogy of the era’s ruthless corporate culture, which Batter can’t escape even by devoting his life to poetry. The author also packs the novel with the antic humor and colorful characterizations that drew readers to her debut. There’s much to cherish in this charming tale.