Author: Jamie Hoang 
Release: December 11th 2014
Series: None
Genre: Travel | Adult
Edition: Kindle
Pages: 
Publisher: Self-published
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon

Blurb

Hailed as “One of the best technical painters of our time” by an L.A. Times critic, 27-year-old Aubrey Johnson is finally gaining traction with her work. But as she weaves through what should be a celebration of her art, a single nagging echo of her doctor’s words refuses to stay silent—there is no cure. In less than eight weeks Aubrey is going blind. Traveling on a one-way ticket around the world with childhood friend Jeff Anderson, Aubrey is in complete denial. But a blindfolded game of tasting foreign foods in China jolts her into confronting the reality of her situation. So begins her quest. In this adult coming-of-age story, Aubrey struggles to make sense of her crippling diagnosis. But on her journey she finds a deeper understanding of herself and her life—sometimes fragmented and complex, but always with relentless truth.

Rating

Review

Plot/Story:

I love the travel throughout the world and the author did a great job letting us follow Aubrey in her magnificent journey. I will say this that at first I really thought this would be more about the romance and I am beyond happy that it’s more about Aubrey herself. Her struggles and her journey, loved that. I can relate to this plot a lot (a lot). After I’ve been diagnosed I went through a lot of thoughts and acceptances and I was happy to see it in the story as well.

Characters:

You fall in love with the main character immediately. Aubrey is a creative artist, she is so strong, and no matter the fact that she is about to be blind. She still fights through her initial feeling of lost and sorrow and start living and following her heart.

Romance/Kills:

Here the story a bit fell for me. The romance between Aubrey and Jeff was sweet and beautiful but very predictable, but it was still a nice and didn’t harm the overall story.

Writing:

The author took a heavy subject and placed it in a wonderful and strong character like Aubrey. The author is showing us all the thoughts and emotions Aubrey is going through with a very inspiring way. I love her writing style in this book and the way she describe all the places Aubrey travels, it’s as if getting a glimpse of those wonderful places like: China, India, Italy and more.

Beginning:

The beginning start in a very dramatic way and from the very start you see yourself wanting to know more about Aubrey and how she will deal and what she will do.

Ending:

Wow, what to say here… I will say that when the book ended I cried, a lot. I leave you with that 😉

Cover Art:

I love the cover art. It’s so beautiful.

Blurb:

The blurb is well written in a way that you just want to start reading the book. In was intriguing and delivered what I thought this book will be about.

You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: “HAVE you ever noticed that fire hydrants are rarely alike in shape or color? I have.”

Highlights: The plot itself and the wonderful main character, I love Aubrey.

Lowlights: None

Quotes:

Everything in life— our thoughts, our emotions— are always fragmented. For me, art brings it all back together. With any kind of art, you can feel something and empathize with it on a very deep level without having to put restrictive words to it,” I said. “Music is the same way. Take Beethoven for example, his combination of notes and spacing evoke emotion without the use of any words.

Just because I have to eat it doesn’t mean I need to see it.

Just because you can’t see the stage, doesn’t mean you can’t dance on it.

All the book, lol, really!

Final Thoughts: This book is wonderful and a must read, to everyone.

Review contributor:

Galit Balli

I am an avid reader, coffee addict, a writer and a blogger. I am a bit of agoraphobic (people scare me, lol). Me and my hubby love to spend every moment together, we even game together. I live mostly in my own imaginary world full of dragons, magic and vampires and from time to time I pull myself away to deal with the real world. Read more about Galit here.