Cover Image: 100 Days of Sunlight

100 Days of Sunlight

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Member Reviews

This is a well written book that is a quick read. It is a beautiful story full of love and emotions. Thank you Abbie Emmons via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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*Thank you so so much NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the arc of “100 Days Of Sunlight” in exchange for a honest review!* where do I even begin?? 100 Days Of Sunlight is about a girl named Tessa whose world was turned upside down due to a car accident that took her eyesight, even if just temporary it, indeed, sucks. Ahhh but then there’s Weston, my dear Weston, I want a Weston of my own. Weston comes in Tessa’s life and he doesn’t take no for an answer, he is going to help her SEE that there’s more to the world than just sight. I must admit that Tessa was being a little too rude when all her grandparents wanted was to help her BUT I can only imagine the frustration it must be to have something like sight taken way from you all of the sudden, so she obviously gets a pass for being a brat and she does get nicer as the story goes on. I love every little thing about this book to be completely honest, the only thing negative I have to say it’s the reference to “messy buns” that just scream fanfiction to me as I was an avid fanfiction reader back in my pre teen years. 100 Days of Sunlight talks about much more than just two teens who fall in love, I loved how close Weston and his brothers were and how Tessa’s lovely grandparents treated her just like a daughter and she never felt unloved. The friendship between Rudi and Weston was amazingly written and it portraits really well how boys can and should show their emotions too. Overall great book and I can’t stress this enough. WESTON.

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You know those books that capture your attention in the first few pages? The books you read and think to yourself "This is exactly what I needed right now." The kind of books that hit you so hard that they could knock you out of any reading slump?

I haven't had a book take hold of me so strongly since I first discovered my love for Nina LaCour books.

100 Days of Sunlight hooked me from the beginning.

Abbie Emmons has a way of creating characters so real that you want to root for them even if they are making you mad. Her poetic descriptions make you want to close your eyes & picture the atmosphere the way Tessa is experiencing it.

This debut is breathtaking and I can't wait to see what this author has up her sleeve next.

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Abbie Emmons's debut novel, 100 Days of Sunlight, is a charming love story between two teenagers: a temporarily blind girl and a boy with no legs. After Tessa becomes temporarily blind after a car crash, Weston begins to help her write poetry for her blog, not telling her that he doesn't have legs. But he can understand her disability like no one can, and their relationship grows from its rocky beginning. At the heart of this book, these two teenagers are figuring out how to love themselves, trust each other, and overcome their fears.

I love the idea of this book. The premise caught my eye, even if the plot was a bit predictable. The book started off pretty rocky for me though. I couldn't connect to the characters because they didn't seem believable--Weston was too happy and Tessa was too annoyingly mean. There were also pages of unnecessary dialogue and exposition that didn't move the plot along, so that was hard to muddle through. But by the middle of the book, the characters had changed enough that I was interested in finishing (even if the ending was a bit predictable, as I mentioned before).

If I had to choose a couple words to describe this book, it would be cute, slow moving, predictable, and conventional. Is it worth reading? I would say yes to those who live for contemporary.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3.5
Overall: 3

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3.5* To start with I wasn't really into the writing style in this book, as it came across very young and the characters- especially Tessa- seemed quite superficial. But it was an easy read so I stuck with it and it definitely grew on me. I didn't love Tessa to begin with, she didn't really read as 16 to me- mentioning 'boy germs' and just acting quite childish- but she did develop more and become a bit less irritating as the story progressed. I really didn't like the poems that were included, I thought they brought the writing down a bit as they just weren't strong poems to me (but I'm really not a fan of most of the 'instagram' kind of poetry that's popular lately, and Tessa's character is a blogger so it does make sense). I also skimmed the churchey stuff coz that's not my thing, but it wasn't overwhelming religious so I was still able to get into the story and Tessa's recovery journey. I did really like Weston's story, and found him a lot more fleshed out as a character, especially as the secondary characters supporting him were also quite strong (his friends and brothers). All in all it isn't going to go on my favourites list but it was a cute contemporary romance that I did end up quite enjoying, especially as I've read a few pretty heavy books recently. So, I'd recommend if you're looking for a sweet YA read. Also the coverage art is gorgeous!

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Abbie Emmons is a skilled writer and manages to create a fun read. This was okay for a debut novel, but there is work to be done that can only be learned through time and practice! Overall, I loved the characters. They really drove the story and kept the plot moving. I didn’t particullary like some of the elements of styled that were being used, but that’s just from my personal preference. Nonetheless, I look forward to reviewing future books from Emmons!

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Tessa is reeling after a car accident leaves her with transient cortical blindness when she meets a stranger who wants to help her. Weston has suffered a loss of his own and continues to show up for Tessa every day, helping her overcome her fears and insecurities.

This is a sweet book about loss, friendship, healing and love between two teenagers who have had a rough go of things. This was a quick read with sweet characters. I loved the innocence and depth of their relationship. I was rooting for them throughout!

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*I received an ARC of this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.*

I really wanted to like this novel since I really adore the author and her beautifully made YouTube videos on writing, but it was tiresome trying to get through this book. You can really tell that Abbie knows what she's doing when it comes to writing on a technical level, but the execution is poorly done.

First off, I found a lot of the main character's thoughts/mission statements being berated to the reader over and over again, sometimes even on the same page. And it felt like Abbie either didn't trust her skill enough, or didn't trust the reader to be smart enough, to understand the emotional journey the main character was going through.

It also read very plainly like an outline. Usually, when you're reading a book, if it's done well you're able to be fully immersed in the world and the characters. The plot points and the beats are all there, but you're too busy worrying and caring and learning about the character's to notice. That's not the case with this book, unfortunately.

I didn't care for any of the character's either. They didn't breathe. They were YA character's in a debut YA novel. They didn't feel real. I honestly can't tell you anything about Tessa other than she's temporarily blind and likes to write poetry. She's also a rude enough for it to be annoying, as Abbie really beats us over the head with it.

As I said, I really wanted to like this book. I was excited and thought I was going to love it. But even from page one, it really felt off, and the breath never left the page. I ended up skimming through the last portion of the book because I really, really, couldn't read any more of it. A painful thing for me to say since I really do like the author.

This is a review of the book though, not the author, so I had to be honest.

I will probably follow Abbie's work in the future, but I won't go out of my way to read it.

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I absolutely loved this book. It was everything I needed in a book: lovable characters, swoon-worthy romance and an uplifting message. I fell in love with the characters instantly and, particularly Weston, was so inspiring and empowering. I really appreciated the representation of those with disabilities and I think it added lovely depth to the book.
But, despite the often heavy subjects, this story was still fun, light and lovely to fall into. For a debut novel, this was amazing and I can't wait to read more of Abbie Emmons' work in the future!

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*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

The first thing that caught my attention with 100 Days of Sunlight was the beautiful cover. The yellow. The pictures. Before I knew what the book was about I had decided I wanted to read the book. Yes. I judged a book by it’s cover. Once I actually read the synopsis, I wanted to read this book even more so. Now 2 days later, I sit here wishing the book had more to it as I wasn’t ready for it to end.

I very much enjoyed this book. I love how the author gave us insight to both of the main characters, Tessa and Weston. You get to experience both of their journeys to overcome their personal obstacles. There is more to life that what we SEE. The author dedicates a section to each of the other senses, showing more than the visual beauty in the world. People get so caught up in their lives they take for granted each of the senses we have. They are each amazing in their own way and Abbie Emmons helps remind us of that.

I hope those of you that choose to read 100 Days of Sunlight enjoy it as much as I did!

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I can not begin to tell you how much joy this book gave me! Not only does Abbie Emmons tell a beautiful story of two people who needed each other she takes you on a journey with them. As I was reading this book I felt like I was a part of it! Every part of this book made me feel a little something as I read it.

100 Days Of Sunlight is a feel-great book and one that I am going to remember reading for a long time!

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*I received this book to read in an exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

I counted down the days with Tessa.

This book was written so well, the plotline neatly brought forth, and that I truly expected from such a talented person :) The cover grabbed my attention, but the storyline even more. As I read it, I was gripped by the difficultly that Tessa faced, but also pulled forth with the hope of how the book would end. The sweetness of loving life with the help of Weston was sweet and made me smile. I love the progression of their relationship! :)

While I found the story sweet and gripped me from page one, the swearing and bad language was way too much...I actually had to stop reading a couple times because it hindered me from enjoying the actual story. I was aware going in that there would be swearing, but definitely more than I anticipated (even more than many YA or secular fiction I've read before). Really that is the main reason why I didn't love this book and I'm sad it took away my full enjoyment of an otherwise lovely story.

*Other content* There was talk about going to church (Tessa's grandfather is a pastor), and a couple mentions of unsure about believing in God. There were a couple kisses and some touching that enticed strong emotions.

Overall, I found this to be a sweet story that holds a lot of reminders for those struggling to face life each day.

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Tessa Dickinson is a home-schooled, 16-yr old poetry blogger who lives with her grandparents. She has no friends, except for her blogging community friends who she group-chats with. When Tessa loses her eye-sight in an accident, she becomes miserable and angry and is no longer the same person she was before. In an attempt to cheer her up, her grandparents decide to run a advertisement looking for help - a typist - someone of Tessa's age to write in her blog while she dictates. Enter Weston Ludovico, son of the newspaper where the ad is about to be printed. He decides to help Tessa even though she refuses it and shuts the door in his face. He loves how he is poorly treated by Tessa not because he is some sick psycho but because he lost his legs three years ago and is tired of people treating him differently. The book describes 100 days of Tessa's life where she is temporarily blind and how her pessimistic self changes over the period.

When I first began with this book I thought why was Tessa's character written this way - so pessimistic, so cold and inconsiderate about actual visually impaired people who might be reading it. But let me tell you, this book has been written through the point of view of Tessa, who is recently blind, is unable to accept it and is rightfully angry about it. And there's a whole lot of sunshine and positive aspects that come up later in the book that makes the initial whining acceptable and realistic.

Weston's story was sooo good, so so good. I loved how the alternating POV's were used, from Weston's past and Tessa's present. I fell in love with how reckless he is initially showed and how he doesn't quit and grows through his pain and does not allow the amputation to stump his life. Instead of using all of it to Tessa and giving a TedX talk to her, he gradually shows her there's so much to life, so much more to experience and I totally loved how obnoxiously optimistic he is. And Weston's family ? God!! I loved every sibling of his and his mother, his best friend Rudy. They aren't just secondary characters and I loved how Abbie Emmons has given importance to every one of them.

This isn't your Insta-love story, because Tessa can't see and Weston isn't there to fall in love with her (initially..) but to help her cope up. This isn't about absent parents, prom dates, drugs or college applications. This is about finding light in the darkness and accepting yourself. This is a heartbreaking-uplifting kinda book that balances out romance, grief, friendship, family and happiness altogether.

"You're not your asthma," I continued "or your diabetes or you depression or your anorexia or your social anxiety. You see, most people would look at me and say that I have every right to be miserable. But I don't. I have no right. And neither do you."

Obviously, a 5 star read for me, considering it's a debut that is so beautifully written.

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What an amazinggg story. I absolutely loved the premise of this plot and this feels like the cousin novel to Me Before You but unique in its own ways.

I have only recently gotten insight into the world of blindness by following Molly Burke’s story on youtube and if any of you want to learn more about blindness as a disability and the understand a little more of what blind people have to go through you should definitely check out her channel! Though Tessa is only temporarily blind, her journey is emotional and allows the reader to understand just a fraction of the frustration.

There is everything you need in contemporary: romance, interesting characters, a beautiful plot, and emotions galore. I can also picture how this book could be turned into a gorgeous movie as well! (So hurry up and pick up a copy so you can say you read it before it became famous!)

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Oh what a light and unforgettable read this was! The story is unique with amazing characters which are developed beautifully. Readers of Eleanor & Park will enjoy this one.

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If one word is used to describe this book, it has to be optimism. Home-schooled Tessa is temporarily blinded following a car accident. The church plays a big role in Tessa's life and is her main area of physical social interaction, but she's isolated herself and fallen into a depressive state.
Weston is hired to help her update her poetry blog and slowly uses his time to introduce her to everything that life still has to offer Tessa.
Tessa and Weston are complete opposites in lifestyle, family, attitude, outlook and behaviour, but somehow, they click.
Weston knows about despair and he has a strength of character that will leave you awestruck. I don't know if his background that helped him - he had to be strong for his brothers - or if it was just his wilful and upbeat nature. Perhaps it was a combination of the two, but it supported him through the most harrowing of times.
The story drip feeds Weston's history to give us a taste of the boy behind the philosophy. It grated at first as I wanted the book to be about Tessa. I thought it was going to be about Tessa. But actually, it was more about Weston and the influence of a positive attitude.
The romance is slow and sweet.

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This book was fantastic. If you loved Five Feet Apart, you will also love this. Due to it being a YA book, it was a quick read. However, the depth of the characters and their relationships was astonishing. This book examined so many different facets of love. A parents’ love for their children, a grandparents ‘ love for their granddaughter, a love between friends, and a first love between two young people.

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This was super cute! I went into this expecting a John Green-esque story, but what I got was even better! Tessa and Weston's unexpected friendship was refreshing, and Weston's life perspectives are beneficial to any reader. Highly recommend this!

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100 DAYS OF SUNLIGHT is, by far, one of my favorite books of all time! Not only is it a real, bright, (at times brooding), emotional rollercoaster. But it is, for me, deeply relatable and personal. While there are books out there in the ether with themes of overcoming and bravery in the face of a daily challenge such as disability... I haven't felt quite like a story "gets me" as much as 1DOS. The author, Abbie Emmons, delves into the gritty emotions of struggling day to day when you think you'll never see or walk again. Her main characters, Tessa and Weston, help each other realize the potential that Life has all around them -- even when you're faced with the loss of one or more of your senses.

Tessa, blogger, neat-freak, and writer extraordinare, is blind -- injured in a car accident. Weston, daredevil, big brother, and all-around good guy, is an amputee -- injured in a moment of playful daring-do with his friends and brother. Together, they navigate the little triumphs and pitfalls of adapting to new life. What do you do when Life has beaten you down and you have no choice but to keep going? You adapt and keep going. I understand this all too well, met with challenges all my life. Though not an amputee, a condition called Cerebral Palsy has more or less broken the nerve signals between my brain and legs... Making it difficult and nigh impossible to walk. I am wheelchair bound after a lifetime of medical problems and personal choices... But I do not let it stop me. I live alone, pay my own bills, see my friends, graduated college, and even published my own Novel... All because I refuse to let one small lack in my Life define me. As Weston says, "You're not your asthma... or your diabetes or your depression or your anorexia or your social anxiety. You see, most people would look at me and say that I have every right to be miserable. But I don't. I have no right. And neither do you... You have a life."

I constantly have to remind myself to keep going, even when my own mind turns against me. I am a perpetual worrier and I overthink everything. I regularly get stiff legs and am in pain often. I have to crawl in my house sometimes to get from point A to point B. Then I'm in a wheelchair the rest of the time. Some days, the struggle to get up or get out is so tough I cry. I get scared when I wonder why my Life unfolded the way it has. I have anxiety, I have Cerebral Palsy, but I am not these diagnoses. And I Refuse, just like Weston and Tessa, to let them Define Me.

Anyway... If you want a cozy, happy, sad, fun, wild, relatable-as-fuck read... Look no further than 100 DAYS OF SUNLIGHT by Abbie Emmons.

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The Quick Cut: A teen girl who blogs her poetry reluctantly allows a teen boy help her keep posting after an accident has left her temporarily blind. Drama ensues when emotions get real and secrets come out.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Abbie Emmons for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What would you do if you were left temporarily blind? Would you spend your days wallowing in the short term loss or doing your best to continue life as normal? Is loss, even when it's not permanent one, as painful as when there's no going back? These and more are the questions explored in the story of Tessa and Weston.

Tessa has spent her life being raised by her grandparents, barely knowing her mom and never knowing who her dad is. She was happy with the way things were until a drink driver hit her unique family and left her temporarily blind for 100 days. In order to help her cope, her Grandpa attempted to help by putting an ad out for a typist to continue her ability to post her on her poetry blog. However, when Tessa shuts it down and he calls to cancel the ad - Weston hears her story and fills the role... VERY MUCH to Tessa's displeasure at first. What she doesn't know though is that he knows where she's coming from because he's a double leg amputee (& he made her grandparents promise not to say a word).

This story has so much soul, I'm surprised it didn't sing all on its own. I could not put this one down from the moment I started to read and I'm happy I didn't! Tessa's pain over her blindness feels so raw and real, especially since on top of that - she continues to experience PTSD of the accident that caused her situation via nightmares. That along with the headaches, her symptoms and responses feel visceral in a way that makes it easy to put yourself in her shoes.

Weston is a double leg amputee who lost his legs due to a MRSA infection turned necrotic after a skateboarding accident. It meant that in order to save his life, his legs from below his knees had to be cut off for his own safety. Because we go back in time and see what happened to him, you understand how he can be so positive even after losing so much of himself.

Weston's role is perfect with how he desires to feel normal and be treated like anyone else. Tessa's situation is perfect for him and these two fill a hole each of them have in their lives. As a reader, you learn so much about being in their headspaces after losing pieces of themselves.

It's well written, heart thumping story that will make you want to come back for more.

My rating: 5 out of 5

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