Review Detail

When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney was such a powerful book. It tackles the hard hitting subjects of death and coping, along with acceptance, first love, and growth.

I loved how flawlessly Daisy Whitney weaves in not only a new setting, but really a people's culture and way of life. It is a rare thing in many novels for this to be so authentic, but it just felt like I was right there next to Danny in Tokyo.

In addition to the intriguing setting, the story is told not only through writing, but there is a sense that there are many layers: through the letters left behind, the letters sent, photographs, emails. It all adds up to one bigger picture, even though the writing tells you everything you need to know.

"It makes me like Tokyo more, seeing it through your eyes."

I love the layers even the characters themselves bring with one another - one sees something they already know in a different way when another is there to experience it with them.

Also, Sandy Koufax is one of the coolest dogs ever - she has so much character and I just loved the role she plays for Danny. Additionally, I loved Holland, and I just constantly wanted to know more about her - what exactly was her story. Kana is very spunky and someone so many people can admire. She isn't afraid of what others say or think about her; instead she completely owns it.

When You Were Here is absolutely heartbreaking - beautiful, but heartbreaking none the less. It brought out all the feelings at so many points throughout the book. I loved Daisy Whitney's debut, The Mockingbirds, and its followup, The Rivals, but I think When You Were Here was even stronger than the pair. It was such an empowering story that had me completely engrossed the entire time.