Under Rose-Tainted Skies
Genre: Contemporary
Original publication date: July 2016
Book description: At seventeen, Norah has accepted that the four walls of her house delineate her life. She knows that fearing everything from inland tsunamis to odd numbers is irrational, but her mind insists the world outside is too big, too dangerous. So she stays safe inside, watching others’ lives through her windows and social media feed.
But when Luke arrives on her doorstep, he doesn’t see a girl defined by medical terms and mental health. Instead, he sees a girl who is funny, smart, and brave. And Norah likes what he sees.
Their friendship turns deeper, but Norah knows Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can walk beneath the open sky. One who is unafraid of kissing. One who isn’t so screwed up. Can she let him go for his own good—or can Norah learn to see herself through Luke’s eyes?
Thoughts:
This is a reread, so I knew where it was going since I started it. That generally does not hinder my reading, but this time around I did not enjoy it as much.
The topics explored were great, Norah is a sarcastic and realistic character, you get annoyed you feel for her and find her story appealing, it feels like she is really going through it. Yet the romance was not my favorite. Odd, as it is a very important aspect of the whole thing.
The insta-love and confidence and the way both are very invested in each other with no real fundament for the caring of each other.
It felt like it went too fast, in an odd way. Norah was starved for attention and caring especially in a romantic way but Luke was too awkward with her as well and he didn't really try to woe her all that much and he was suddenly very into her for no reason. It would have benefited from a bit more building in that area.
Not to say I hate their romance. It still felt very sweet the way he struggles and tries to meet her in situations that make her comfortable, it shows realism in a way that simple actions people might seem as normal such as hand-holding ad hugs were a big struggle for Norah. We even get a few scenes where she actively recoils from contact with him and how he struggles to understand for real. He does not shame her, he does not pressure her and she does not suddenly become super into him that he becomes the only exception. I find that aspect to be very well handled.
I do love the mother-daughter and father-son feelings and relationships. Parents don't have to be perfect they are humans and might have faults but still care about each other.
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