Evan has everything. A stable job, a faithful girlfriend, a good life. But still, he feels something's bothering him underneath it all. So, in between his therapy sessions, he decides to email his long-lost childhood friend, Jack. Will Evan find what he's looking for? And how does his conversation with Jack help him?

Told alternatively in verse and dialogue script, I initially thought this book would be a quick read. Well, I was wrong, as I needed to pause in the middle and process details of their childhood. Both Evan and Jack don't hold back in retelling their story, all hurtful and broken and dangerous past, and while it's important, it required me to take a breather after reading. I felt for them and rooted for them, hoping things get better in the end.

Near the end, not only a neat resolution, I was also delightfully surprised to see a plot twist that I should have seen it coming, but I didn't. It isn't big (and maybe some reader could predict it easily) but satisfying. It makes sense as to why the whole story is written like this. The poems or verses consist of simple and effective words, so if you're looking for traditional rhyme or flowery quotable lines you will not find it here. However, I can't think of better writing style that showcases their personality as well as their dynamics. It's direct, gut-punching, and still melodious to read out loud.

I would recommend this adult coming-of-age verse novel for readers who like contemporary, thought-provoking, and mental health-focused reads. I'm looking forward to the author's next works.