Another new category to add to this year. I must admit a lot of people say find your niche and stick to it, but I honestly think I’d get bored of writing under the same topic all the time, as there’s so many things that I enjoy. I think this will be the last of the new categories for a long time, as I’ve already added two this year, and so I think 12 categories is enough! Funnily enough the reading category has been there for a while, I just hadn’t posted under it yet. I got back into reading at the beginning of last year. I mainly read thrillers but occasionally when I feel I need a break, I will read a few romances in-between. I thought I’d do my first book review on a book by the very controversial Colleen Hoover, I feel like most people have heard of her and have read at least one of her books now but I think it’s safe to say she is like marmite! I wanted to see what all the hype was about so I decided to get “All Your Perfects.” I didn’t realise this book was part of a series however I was told it can be read as a stand alone. Please be aware this review does contain some spoilers.
Book Title: All Your Perfects
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Romance – Contemporary – Drama – New Adult
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 305
Recommended by: No one however heard a lot of hype around this author
Themes: Infertility – Forgiveness and Redemption – Vulnerability – Healing
Book started on: 28th July
Book finished on: 12th August
Rating: ★★★★
Book Summary
“All Your Perfects” by Colleen Hoover is a novel that dives deep into the complexities of marriage, particularly when infertility casts a shadow. Quinn and Graham’s love story is initially a whirlwind romance, but years into their marriage, they’re struggling with the emotional toll of not being able to conceive. The story alternates between their past where they fell deeply in love, and their present, where they’re barely holding on. Quinn becomes deeply consumed by her desires to have a child, which puts a strain on her relationship with Graham. He remains supportive, but the constant setbacks and treatments take a toll on both of them. As they navigate their struggles, secrets and resentments come to the surface, forcing them to confront difficult truths about themselves and their marriage. They have to decide if their love is strong enough to withstand the challenges they face, or if the pain of their infertility will ultimately tear them apart.
Book Review
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel like this gave quite a real perspective of how hard marriage can be. I can’t comment on the infertility side of things, but I feel like the guilt, confusion, sadness, defeatism and self-hate you feel, are all emotions that are experienced throughout this sad situation that affects so many, not to mention the strain it must put on your relationships, because you are both so mentally exhausted. I liked that we got to see more of Graham’s perspective on their marriage, because we don’t often get to hear that from a male point of view. I liked how the book went back and forth from past to present. This wasn’t done in a confusing way, and it allowed us to build a picture of how things were at the beginning, and unfortunately how things got reached the point they are in now. Graham and Quinn’s story is messy and full of imperfections, yet it’s beautiful, and shows the importance of trying and having that communication with each other.
Favourite Parts & Quotes
My favourite parts were the letter exchanges between Quinn and Graham. Grahams letters are super touching, and reveal his innermost thoughts and feelings about his relationship with Quinn. As already mentioned, I did also like the flashbacks to the beginning, and seeing how their relationship was full of hope and promise, makes the current struggles even more impactful. The conversations throughout the book between Graham and Quinn were raw and honest, showing the couple’s vulnerability and their attempts to work through their issues. This helped resonate with them more and you was routing for them the whole time. There are definitely a few favourite quotes from this book, one being “No matter how much you love someone, the capacity of that love is meaningless if it overweighs your capacity to forgive.” The other one is “Until then, I will continue to love you more and more with every struggle we face, than I love you when all was perfect.” I found both of these quotes quite touching.
Notes & Thoughts
The novel explores the complexities of a marriage struggling with infertility. Quinn and Graham’s relationship is initially built on intense passion, but the inability to conceive strains their bond leading to resentment and distance. The story is told through a dual timeline, contrasting then “then” (the beginning of their relationship) with the “now” (their current struggles). This structure effectively highlights the changes in their relationship and the impact of their challenges. Quinn is portrayed as a woman deeply affected by her infertility. Her emotional struggle, insecurities and desperation are palpable. At times I didn’t think she deserved Graham for how cold she was towards him, even if he did cheat, I found it hard to not feel sorry for him. He is initially presented as the perfect partner, supportive and loving. However, as the story progresses, his own frustrations and coping mechanisms are revealed, adding depth to his character. Overall “All Your Perfects” is a poignant and thought provoking story. Although I think some of Colleen’s writing is cringey and at times a bit simple, I still enjoyed the book. The fact that it only took me 2 weeks to read this one tells me that.
Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? What would you suggest for me to read next?
Amy x
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