Review: Every Time You Go Away by Abigail Johnson
Ahhh we’ve waited so long for Abigail’s next story and I am so glad it is out in the world! Known for her complex love stories that are wrapped in family dynamics and dual narrations, you can count on Abigail to make you cry at some point in the story. Every Time You Go Away is no exception. Check out my full thoughts below and pick up Every Time You Go Away, out now!
Every Time You Go Away
by Abigail JohnsonPublished by: Inkyard Press
on December 5, 2023
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
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Perfect for fans of Jennifer Niven, Abigail Johnson draws a searing and lyrical portrait of grief, forgiveness, and the kind of love that blooms in the aftermath.
Eight years ago, Ethan and Rebecca met, two trouble-making kids sharing secrets and first kisses in a treehouse, until Ethan’s mom returned to take him away. Each and every visit, his only goodbye was a flower on Rebecca’s windowsill.
Three years ago, Ethan left for the last time to take care of his mother, who’s struggled with addiction his whole life.
Two years ago, Rebecca was in a car accident that killed her father. She’s been learning to navigate life as a wheelchair user ever since.
Now, they discover if their hardships have torn them apart…or will bring them closer than ever.
Review
Most of the time I read books and then the details just…leave my brain. But not with this book (or really, any of Abigail’s books). She has a unique way of emotionally entangling you in the characters where they just stay with you. And for that, I thank her every time we get a new story!
Told from dual points of view, Every Time You Go Away is a story of grief, loss, friendship, love, and shared history. There were moments of pure joy and moments where I cried (some of those moments are the says tbh). You see these characters not only in their present but through significant moments of their lives. The bond between Ethan and Rebecca is undeniable from the first page and even though I trusted that they would make it through, I caught myself audibly cheering and crying out as I plowed through their stories.
Because of the substance use aspects, this story had a personal touch for me. Ethan’s grief and longing and hope for his mother hurt and I just wanted to hug him the whole time. Same for Rebecca and her strained relationship with her mother. Both characters felt so real and I felt like I knew them from the first page.
Even now, over a year after I’ve read Every Time You Go Away, I feel the things that I felt when I first read it. And if that doesn’t tell you all you need to know about reading this (or any!) Abigail book, all I can ask is that you trust me when I say: GO NOW and read it!
