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Wake
Love Among Pigeons
In this companion novella to Wake, Frank invites the Kirk family home to Smiths Falls for Thanksgiving weekend. Holidays are always a trial for the family that lost their daughter and sister, but Frank is hopeful that this Thanksgiving will be the exception. He has some happy news to share. If only he wasn't so reluctant to talk about it.
147 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2013
About the author
Abria Mattina
5 books192 followersAbria Mattina works in marketing and book production. She holds a Certificate in Publishing from the New York University Summer Publishing Institute and a degree in English Literature and Psychology from the University of Ottawa. When she isn’t writing she enjoys travelling, eclectic books, blogging, and baking. She lives with her fiance, Daniel.
Her debut novel, WAKE, is about the struggle to redefine life after experiencing cancer and caring for an ill loved one.
* Currently available for interviews, promo spots, contests, and reviews. Just ask.
Her debut novel, WAKE, is about the struggle to redefine life after experiencing cancer and caring for an ill loved one.
* Currently available for interviews, promo spots, contests, and reviews. Just ask.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 26, 2013
First let me say this book does not have to be read after Wake, but it would be better if you did read Wake first. Because then you would have all the back information on both main characters Jem and Willa and how their story comes together.
When I seen this book came out I jumped on it. I loved Wake and loved both characters. They always kept a special place in my heart. Then this book came out and I was eager to jump back into these characters. This is a short book. Way shorter than Wake. But it left me not satisfied in a way that I wanted to continue reading about everything that has been going on since Wake.
There are additional POV's in this book. There is Frank, Willa's brother, I loved getting his flash backs. Then there is the home video's part, that was a perfect piece to add addition to this book. I loved having this book around the Thanksgiving holiday.
I missed these characters, and so glad that Abria gave them a second short book.
When I seen this book came out I jumped on it. I loved Wake and loved both characters. They always kept a special place in my heart. Then this book came out and I was eager to jump back into these characters. This is a short book. Way shorter than Wake. But it left me not satisfied in a way that I wanted to continue reading about everything that has been going on since Wake.
There are additional POV's in this book. There is Frank, Willa's brother, I loved getting his flash backs. Then there is the home video's part, that was a perfect piece to add addition to this book. I loved having this book around the Thanksgiving holiday.
I missed these characters, and so glad that Abria gave them a second short book.
March 25, 2021
I loved Wake and so was excited to re-visit this universe. Some reviewers here have complained that you must read Wake first - yes. This novella won't make much sense if you don't, but lucky you! You have an excellent read in front of you!
I enjoyed Pigeons very much. It was so wonderful to hear about the characters again. But I do have two complaints. Perhaps I'm just greedy, but I want more! There seem to be several avenues that she introduces in this novella but doesn't resolve - Elise's present life and Jem's health/repercussions of his cancer, primarily. In some ways, this felt like a teaser for a longer book that is upcoming. I wish it were.
I wasn't crazy about how she structured her chapters - swapping back and forth between POVs. I didn't mind it at all in Wake - I love hearing points of view from multiple characters - but most of these chapters were short, so I was just getting into a voice when she would then swap. Again, I think this is just a by-product of the fact that I really want more from this story than the confines of a novella will allow.
I really enjoy Mattina's writing. She writes vivid characters that have the wonderful quality of feeling like friends. I loved reading about Frank's history, and the scene when they watch old home movies was very good.
I mourned finishing Wake because I didn't want to leave them behind. This novella has done it to me again.
I enjoyed Pigeons very much. It was so wonderful to hear about the characters again. But I do have two complaints. Perhaps I'm just greedy, but I want more! There seem to be several avenues that she introduces in this novella but doesn't resolve - Elise's present life and Jem's health/repercussions of his cancer, primarily. In some ways, this felt like a teaser for a longer book that is upcoming. I wish it were.
I wasn't crazy about how she structured her chapters - swapping back and forth between POVs. I didn't mind it at all in Wake - I love hearing points of view from multiple characters - but most of these chapters were short, so I was just getting into a voice when she would then swap. Again, I think this is just a by-product of the fact that I really want more from this story than the confines of a novella will allow.
I really enjoy Mattina's writing. She writes vivid characters that have the wonderful quality of feeling like friends. I loved reading about Frank's history, and the scene when they watch old home movies was very good.
I mourned finishing Wake because I didn't want to leave them behind. This novella has done it to me again.
October 8, 2013
After reading Love Among Pigeons, I immediately went to Amazon and purchased Wake. After just reading this short novella I loved the characters. Willa and her boyfriend Jem go home for Thanksgiving and things don't quite go according to plan. I think just about everyone could relate to some of the events that took place. Whether it's Frank, Willa, or Jem. I have a feeling mine would be more like Jem's Thanksgiving. I believe we had pizza once for Thanksgiving dinner. The past plays a big role in these characters lives and I can't wait to learn more about it in Wake.
I really liked the characters! Frank and Doug were great and the way Willa pokes fun at them is hilarious. I also liked how Jem talked with his sisters boyfriend. I would hope that my brother would do that for me. Also Frank and Willa's grandma was a hoot! I loved her!
Will and Jem seem perfect for each other. They kind of level out the crazy they deal with everyday. Their romantic life is a little interesting as well. I would like to learn more about what happened with Jem's illness. That might also be because of the nurse in me. Either way I would like to learn more about their relationship.
This was a lovely novella and I am excited to read Wake!
I really liked the characters! Frank and Doug were great and the way Willa pokes fun at them is hilarious. I also liked how Jem talked with his sisters boyfriend. I would hope that my brother would do that for me. Also Frank and Willa's grandma was a hoot! I loved her!
Will and Jem seem perfect for each other. They kind of level out the crazy they deal with everyday. Their romantic life is a little interesting as well. I would like to learn more about what happened with Jem's illness. That might also be because of the nurse in me. Either way I would like to learn more about their relationship.
This was a lovely novella and I am excited to read Wake!
July 23, 2013
When I got the opportunity to read “Love Among Pigeons” by Abria Mattina, I jumped on it. Why would I not want another glimpse into a literary world that I had come to love? So here’s my review, keeping in mind that I don’t want to give anything away.
First, rewind. If you haven’t yet read “Wake” you need to get your priorities straight. (That, and “Wake” has to be read in order for this novella to make sense.) I purchased “Wake” in paperback form a year and a half ago and became so engrossed in the story that I read it—all 725 pages—in a 15-hour marathon seating. I’m also a chronic re-reader, so going back to these characters is heartbreaking, heartwarming and amazing every single time. There’s an ebook available for download…do yourself a favor and get it, pronto.
Fast forward to “Love Among Pigeons.” Truth be told, I had a split second of being terrified that what I had imagined in my head (as far as continuing the characters’ storylines) would not come to fruition. You get invested in characters and just want things wrapped up neatly, so diving back in an unknown direction can be worrisome.
But I am so glad I took the plunge! “Love Among Pigeons” revisits most of my favorite characters, starting just a year or so out from where we last left them. And while I will always hope for another more detailed sequel, “Love…” offered great insight into characters who didn’t get as much play in “Wake.” The chapters containing Willa’s brother Frank and his partner Doug are absolutely my favorites, and I admittedly didn’t think that I would even care to know more about them. But what fantastic back-stories and explanations on them both, their themes running parallel to so many offered by Jem and Willa’s storylines in “Wake.” And the sassy family dynamics are incredible throughout.
I crave so much more than a novella could ever offer and would love to see additional insight into troubles, insecurities and love from Mattina. There was a brief discussion of Jem’s sister Elise that got me curious. The same goes for Willa’s reaction to “seeing” Tessa again. And of course the continued recovery from cancer—from physical and emotional challenges, to individual relationships and family dynamics. That’s where “Wake” and Mattina really shine: I always felt like I was experiencing every single thing that her characters were. The stories included in “Love…” follow that style perfectly, making you feel like you’re along for the ride. But of course I want to know more! What was going though their minds? Why didn’t she push him in that scene? Why didn’t he divulge more information?
I highly recommend this companion volume. I’m convinced that Mattina could write just about anything in this universe—minus gut-wrenching heartbreak…I got my fill in “Wake”, thank you very much—and I’d drop anything to read it. “Love Among Pigeons” gave me just enough to make me happy, beg for another (happy) full-length novel and re-read “Wake” again, of course.
Love Among PigeonsAbria Mattina
First, rewind. If you haven’t yet read “Wake” you need to get your priorities straight. (That, and “Wake” has to be read in order for this novella to make sense.) I purchased “Wake” in paperback form a year and a half ago and became so engrossed in the story that I read it—all 725 pages—in a 15-hour marathon seating. I’m also a chronic re-reader, so going back to these characters is heartbreaking, heartwarming and amazing every single time. There’s an ebook available for download…do yourself a favor and get it, pronto.
Fast forward to “Love Among Pigeons.” Truth be told, I had a split second of being terrified that what I had imagined in my head (as far as continuing the characters’ storylines) would not come to fruition. You get invested in characters and just want things wrapped up neatly, so diving back in an unknown direction can be worrisome.
But I am so glad I took the plunge! “Love Among Pigeons” revisits most of my favorite characters, starting just a year or so out from where we last left them. And while I will always hope for another more detailed sequel, “Love…” offered great insight into characters who didn’t get as much play in “Wake.” The chapters containing Willa’s brother Frank and his partner Doug are absolutely my favorites, and I admittedly didn’t think that I would even care to know more about them. But what fantastic back-stories and explanations on them both, their themes running parallel to so many offered by Jem and Willa’s storylines in “Wake.” And the sassy family dynamics are incredible throughout.
I crave so much more than a novella could ever offer and would love to see additional insight into troubles, insecurities and love from Mattina. There was a brief discussion of Jem’s sister Elise that got me curious. The same goes for Willa’s reaction to “seeing” Tessa again. And of course the continued recovery from cancer—from physical and emotional challenges, to individual relationships and family dynamics. That’s where “Wake” and Mattina really shine: I always felt like I was experiencing every single thing that her characters were. The stories included in “Love…” follow that style perfectly, making you feel like you’re along for the ride. But of course I want to know more! What was going though their minds? Why didn’t she push him in that scene? Why didn’t he divulge more information?
I highly recommend this companion volume. I’m convinced that Mattina could write just about anything in this universe—minus gut-wrenching heartbreak…I got my fill in “Wake”, thank you very much—and I’d drop anything to read it. “Love Among Pigeons” gave me just enough to make me happy, beg for another (happy) full-length novel and re-read “Wake” again, of course.
Love Among PigeonsAbria Mattina
August 23, 2013
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Love Among Pigeons tells the story of two Canadian families and groups of friends, coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving in Smith Falls, Ontario. However, the Kirk family has a lot of tension to work through, as they are still grieving the loss of their daughter and sister, Tessa. Frank invites his family to his apartment in hopes of telling them some big personal news. But can he do it? How will they react? Will the Kirk family finally come together or will this Thanksgiving go down in history as a disaster?
This was a fast read, but an entertaining one. I found that it held up pretty well to being read as a stand-a-lone novella. It was difficult to know what events were being referenced to, and getting to know the characters, especially the two main characters, Jem and Willa. I wasn’t a big fan of these two, but that may have been because they had little character development, and I didn’t know them from Wake. Still, I really liked this novella!
Most of the novella focuses on Frank and his story, along with his best friend and husband, Doug’s. I thought this was a wonderfully done LGBTQ storyline! I loved reading the flashbacks which told the story of how Frank and Doug fell in love and how their relationship progressed.
What I liked best was it was very realistic. The family drama and tension wasn’t melodramatic or annoying, but relatable. I think everyone has had at least one family gathering that has been awkward and they wanted to avoid, am I right?
Oh and this book will make you want it to be fall and to have a Thanksgiving meal ASAP. Willa is in school to become a chef, so she dishes up a mouth-watering meal, complete with PEANUT BUTTER PIE!!! The neat thing is the author has these recipes available on her website, so if you really want to make them for yourself and your family, you can!
While it was a bit difficult to relate to some of the characters, Frank and Doug’s story drew me in, and I became invested in how their story was going to play out. The story was realistic and engaging and had me hankering for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m definitely going to be reading Wake soon so I can learn more about these characters! So if you are looking for a quick, contemporary read be sure to check out Love Among the Pigeons (and find out the meaning behind the cute title!).
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Love Among Pigeons tells the story of two Canadian families and groups of friends, coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving in Smith Falls, Ontario. However, the Kirk family has a lot of tension to work through, as they are still grieving the loss of their daughter and sister, Tessa. Frank invites his family to his apartment in hopes of telling them some big personal news. But can he do it? How will they react? Will the Kirk family finally come together or will this Thanksgiving go down in history as a disaster?
This was a fast read, but an entertaining one. I found that it held up pretty well to being read as a stand-a-lone novella. It was difficult to know what events were being referenced to, and getting to know the characters, especially the two main characters, Jem and Willa. I wasn’t a big fan of these two, but that may have been because they had little character development, and I didn’t know them from Wake. Still, I really liked this novella!
Most of the novella focuses on Frank and his story, along with his best friend and husband, Doug’s. I thought this was a wonderfully done LGBTQ storyline! I loved reading the flashbacks which told the story of how Frank and Doug fell in love and how their relationship progressed.
What I liked best was it was very realistic. The family drama and tension wasn’t melodramatic or annoying, but relatable. I think everyone has had at least one family gathering that has been awkward and they wanted to avoid, am I right?
Oh and this book will make you want it to be fall and to have a Thanksgiving meal ASAP. Willa is in school to become a chef, so she dishes up a mouth-watering meal, complete with PEANUT BUTTER PIE!!! The neat thing is the author has these recipes available on her website, so if you really want to make them for yourself and your family, you can!
While it was a bit difficult to relate to some of the characters, Frank and Doug’s story drew me in, and I became invested in how their story was going to play out. The story was realistic and engaging and had me hankering for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m definitely going to be reading Wake soon so I can learn more about these characters! So if you are looking for a quick, contemporary read be sure to check out Love Among the Pigeons (and find out the meaning behind the cute title!).
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2013
This is a perfect companion novella for the Wake. After all the stress Wake caused me, I of course, deserve a breather. This book really cracked me up that sometimes I end up snorting because I can’t control laughing. I so love Willa in this book. It seems like she finally found her old self. I really love her sense of humor. She manages to turn something serious into something really funny. In fact, I have several dialogues involving her.
When she went home to celebrate thanksgiving with her family, she got home late and unfortunately, she heard sounds that should have been private. Apparently, Douglas is already living with Frank. And she got home during a time when Doug and Frank are doing it. LOL! That’s really funny.
“Were you tired when you got in? Did you go to bed right away?” Frank stares at m probingly. I know what he’s getting at.
“You need a sturdier bed frame.”
Frank scrubs a hand over his face. “God, you heard?”
“Relax. I hear it’s only gay if you make eye contact.”
Frank doesn’t seem amused. I put my hands up in surrender. “Just trying to make light. I have no intention of bonding with you over our shared love of penis.”
Another conversation I can’t forget is when Frank paid her to come out for him. And here goes their convo:
“Dollars. Give me a hundred dollars and I’ll tell them for you.”
“I wasn’t serious.”
I hold out my hand. “We both know you were.”
Frank glances at my hand and smirks condescendingly. “Sorry, I don’t keep hundreds stashed in my bathrobe.”
“You can pay me later.”
I get up to clear my bowl. Frank shakes his head slightly, still smirking. I think the idea of paying me to come out amuses him.
"What would you say to them?” he asks.
I pause to clear my throat. “I would say, beloved parents…Gotta lay it on thick, y’know? It is my great pleasure to inform you that your favorite son is very much in love with someone quite special.”
Frank rolls his eyes.
“…and he’s also an incurable cocksucker.” I narrowly dodge the spoon he whips at my head.
So there. The only problem is, I kind of craved more Jem and Willa moments. It seems like life is just starting out for them. I so wanted another book for them. I also liked the fact that Frank is finally free to express his gender after 11 years of hiding his relationship with Doug. I didn't expect his parents reactions. They're quite open-minded about the matter and had already known about it for years. That kind of sucks for Frank because it turns out that he just wasted 11 years of his secret rendezvous with Doug.
When she went home to celebrate thanksgiving with her family, she got home late and unfortunately, she heard sounds that should have been private. Apparently, Douglas is already living with Frank. And she got home during a time when Doug and Frank are doing it. LOL! That’s really funny.
“Were you tired when you got in? Did you go to bed right away?” Frank stares at m probingly. I know what he’s getting at.
“You need a sturdier bed frame.”
Frank scrubs a hand over his face. “God, you heard?”
“Relax. I hear it’s only gay if you make eye contact.”
Frank doesn’t seem amused. I put my hands up in surrender. “Just trying to make light. I have no intention of bonding with you over our shared love of penis.”
Another conversation I can’t forget is when Frank paid her to come out for him. And here goes their convo:
“Dollars. Give me a hundred dollars and I’ll tell them for you.”
“I wasn’t serious.”
I hold out my hand. “We both know you were.”
Frank glances at my hand and smirks condescendingly. “Sorry, I don’t keep hundreds stashed in my bathrobe.”
“You can pay me later.”
I get up to clear my bowl. Frank shakes his head slightly, still smirking. I think the idea of paying me to come out amuses him.
"What would you say to them?” he asks.
I pause to clear my throat. “I would say, beloved parents…Gotta lay it on thick, y’know? It is my great pleasure to inform you that your favorite son is very much in love with someone quite special.”
Frank rolls his eyes.
“…and he’s also an incurable cocksucker.” I narrowly dodge the spoon he whips at my head.
So there. The only problem is, I kind of craved more Jem and Willa moments. It seems like life is just starting out for them. I so wanted another book for them. I also liked the fact that Frank is finally free to express his gender after 11 years of hiding his relationship with Doug. I didn't expect his parents reactions. They're quite open-minded about the matter and had already known about it for years. That kind of sucks for Frank because it turns out that he just wasted 11 years of his secret rendezvous with Doug.
August 24, 2013
I really like A. Mattina's writing style. "Wake" is one of my favorite books and I'm so glad that I got to read more about some of the characters. I would have better liked it if the scenes with Frank, Jem&Willa had equal space in the story. I missed their interactions as a couple and this novella offers only very few glimpses of that. A few other issues were raised -- Eric's relationship with Celeste and Elise's insecurity at school, being for the first time without her brothers and looking for solace in troubled new "friends", her relationship with Kipp.
Dr. Harpers's first name is still a mystery : - ) I just wanna know... And what's Jem short from?
In this novella Willa is shocked to find out for how long Doug and Frank have been together. I didn't go back and check but as far as I remember she already knew from WAKE (Frank was the one who told her that time too)!
There is chapter that is mislabeled (14 - Ghost - Willa) - it's actually Jem's voice.
It's no doubt that you HAVE to have read WAKE first in order to enjoy this novella; the information that is new and completes the story from WAKE.
Of course I want more and not only of Jem and Willa - I love all the characters. They are incredibly likable and realistic and that's thanks to A. Mattina's talent to infuse natural behaviors on her characters.
I'm waiting for WAKE's audio edition ; - )
Meanwhile, if Ms. Mattina will decide to write sequels for Eric and Elise or another story with the focus on all I'll be the happiest reader in the world :D
>>>>> I wonder what the ring looks like. I'd love to see a picture with Jem's ring for Willa. Maybe the author will post a drawing or something like that on her blog. I've never seen such ring. I'm familiar with claddaghs but that's about it...and I'm curious to see what Abria Mattina had in mind when she chose this kind of ring and how she came up with this! <<<<<
FOLLOW-UP: I've just seen a pic with Willa's special ring on Ms. Mattina's blog and I absolutely ADORE it - it's the wordless expression of pure love! If I'd had one I would be looking at it in awe - seriously : - )
Dr. Harpers's first name is still a mystery : - ) I just wanna know... And what's Jem short from?
In this novella Willa is shocked to find out for how long Doug and Frank have been together. I didn't go back and check but as far as I remember she already knew from WAKE (Frank was the one who told her that time too)!
There is chapter that is mislabeled (14 - Ghost - Willa) - it's actually Jem's voice.
It's no doubt that you HAVE to have read WAKE first in order to enjoy this novella; the information that is new and completes the story from WAKE.
Of course I want more and not only of Jem and Willa - I love all the characters. They are incredibly likable and realistic and that's thanks to A. Mattina's talent to infuse natural behaviors on her characters.
I'm waiting for WAKE's audio edition ; - )
Meanwhile, if Ms. Mattina will decide to write sequels for Eric and Elise or another story with the focus on all I'll be the happiest reader in the world :D
>>>>> I wonder what the ring looks like. I'd love to see a picture with Jem's ring for Willa. Maybe the author will post a drawing or something like that on her blog. I've never seen such ring. I'm familiar with claddaghs but that's about it...and I'm curious to see what Abria Mattina had in mind when she chose this kind of ring and how she came up with this! <<<<<
FOLLOW-UP: I've just seen a pic with Willa's special ring on Ms. Mattina's blog and I absolutely ADORE it - it's the wordless expression of pure love! If I'd had one I would be looking at it in awe - seriously : - )
September 4, 2013
I received an e-copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so thankful to Abria for letting me review Wake. It is absolutely one of my favorites! I was so curious about Frank and Doug back then. Now here's Love Among Pigeons to fill in my thoughts!
Love Among Pigeons is just a novella. But it wasn't a hindrance for me to feel how Frank and Doug's relationship grew. It wasn't very detailed unlike with Willa and Jem's. Yet it is enough for me. It captured the most important moments of Frank and Doug's relationship. How they started, how they were able to come to terms with their sexuality and how they were able to stay together for such a long time even without telling other people.
I also enjoyed how the other characters were present. Of course, Willa and Jem were present! God, I love those two. No words can describe how much I admire their relationship. They pretty much define love in the most unconditional way. I also like how Elise was growing up here and how Kipp was so concerned about her! So cute! I'm happy as to how Willa's family was able to surpass their sadness, guilt and anger. Somehow with Wake, I was actually rooting for Willa's family to reconcile with one another and just be a family again. But I guess the timing wasn't right yet. But here, the timing was so so so great. I guess, no matter what really happens, family will always be family. I actually hated Willa's parents before but I was able to see through them here. They were great parents, really. Especially when coming to terms about Frank's secret.
Love Among Pigeons is a great novella. You'll love the characters even more despite the length of the story. It will make you feel how unconditional love is always present especially in our families. And you'll want a Thanksgiving right at the moment.
Originally posted at The Bookish Confections
I'm so thankful to Abria for letting me review Wake. It is absolutely one of my favorites! I was so curious about Frank and Doug back then. Now here's Love Among Pigeons to fill in my thoughts!
Love Among Pigeons is just a novella. But it wasn't a hindrance for me to feel how Frank and Doug's relationship grew. It wasn't very detailed unlike with Willa and Jem's. Yet it is enough for me. It captured the most important moments of Frank and Doug's relationship. How they started, how they were able to come to terms with their sexuality and how they were able to stay together for such a long time even without telling other people.
I also enjoyed how the other characters were present. Of course, Willa and Jem were present! God, I love those two. No words can describe how much I admire their relationship. They pretty much define love in the most unconditional way. I also like how Elise was growing up here and how Kipp was so concerned about her! So cute! I'm happy as to how Willa's family was able to surpass their sadness, guilt and anger. Somehow with Wake, I was actually rooting for Willa's family to reconcile with one another and just be a family again. But I guess the timing wasn't right yet. But here, the timing was so so so great. I guess, no matter what really happens, family will always be family. I actually hated Willa's parents before but I was able to see through them here. They were great parents, really. Especially when coming to terms about Frank's secret.
Love Among Pigeons is a great novella. You'll love the characters even more despite the length of the story. It will make you feel how unconditional love is always present especially in our families. And you'll want a Thanksgiving right at the moment.
Originally posted at The Bookish Confections
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August 29, 2013Disclaimer - I received a copy of LAP in return for an honest review. Thanks Abria!
Wake is possibly one of my favourite books of all time, and I was so excited to revisit this universe! And I wasn't disappointed at all with this, except perhaps in it's length - I would have loved some more.
This was a cute snapshot at a rather dysfunctional family reunion and holiday, but I also enjoyed the flashbacks provided. I loved the fact that we were given more of an insight into Jem and Willa's relationship, as well as illuminating things between Doug and Frank.
I do wish that more attention was given to Elise in the novella - I adored the sibling relationship between her and Jem during Wake, and hardly any attention was given to her present life and any struggles she's currently having. I felt the same about Eric - what's happening between him and Celeste? Perhaps a possible revisit to the universe could deal more with Elise and Eric? I understand that this platform wasn't the time for it, although I wish it had been another full length novel like Wake!
There were a few things that needed editing, and there were some continuity issues between Wake and Love Among Pigeons - I can't remember them off the top of my head, but by and large everything was in order.
Fingers crossed that Abria continues to write more about these characters in the future!
Wake is possibly one of my favourite books of all time, and I was so excited to revisit this universe! And I wasn't disappointed at all with this, except perhaps in it's length - I would have loved some more.
This was a cute snapshot at a rather dysfunctional family reunion and holiday, but I also enjoyed the flashbacks provided. I loved the fact that we were given more of an insight into Jem and Willa's relationship, as well as illuminating things between Doug and Frank.
I do wish that more attention was given to Elise in the novella - I adored the sibling relationship between her and Jem during Wake, and hardly any attention was given to her present life and any struggles she's currently having. I felt the same about Eric - what's happening between him and Celeste? Perhaps a possible revisit to the universe could deal more with Elise and Eric? I understand that this platform wasn't the time for it, although I wish it had been another full length novel like Wake!
There were a few things that needed editing, and there were some continuity issues between Wake and Love Among Pigeons - I can't remember them off the top of my head, but by and large everything was in order.
Fingers crossed that Abria continues to write more about these characters in the future!
November 6, 2013
I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.
I have a few overwhelming thoughts on this short novella. Here's a quick sample: "Aww...they are so adorable, like puppies." Yeah, that sounds pretty close. Without the puppy part, though. But yeah, I noticed that Love Among Pigeons is actually pretty cute, meant for people who are really into very romantic books with a crazy family that stars with crazy problems.
There's not a really good amount of conflict, but a good amount of turkey fat. (The story is set around Thanksgiving). I roll my eyes at nearly every turn of conflict. I feel as if the novella doesn't move the plot forward (plot moves forward a bit), but instead add more information to the series. (Yeah, Love Among Pigeons is a series, or at least part of one). Hence, there's more stuffing in the turkey. (Yum! I want Thanksgiving, great time to get fat.)
Novellas are supposed to be adding more info to the story, but also moving it more forward. Not the baby step in this book.
The reference in the title "pigeon" is to a promise ring given by Jem to Willa. Pigeons are on the ring. It does make you think a bit. Hmm...I wonder...
Rating: Three out of Five
I have a few overwhelming thoughts on this short novella. Here's a quick sample: "Aww...they are so adorable, like puppies." Yeah, that sounds pretty close. Without the puppy part, though. But yeah, I noticed that Love Among Pigeons is actually pretty cute, meant for people who are really into very romantic books with a crazy family that stars with crazy problems.
There's not a really good amount of conflict, but a good amount of turkey fat. (The story is set around Thanksgiving). I roll my eyes at nearly every turn of conflict. I feel as if the novella doesn't move the plot forward (plot moves forward a bit), but instead add more information to the series. (Yeah, Love Among Pigeons is a series, or at least part of one). Hence, there's more stuffing in the turkey. (Yum! I want Thanksgiving, great time to get fat.)
Novellas are supposed to be adding more info to the story, but also moving it more forward. Not the baby step in this book.
The reference in the title "pigeon" is to a promise ring given by Jem to Willa. Pigeons are on the ring. It does make you think a bit. Hmm...I wonder...
Rating: Three out of Five
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 9, 2013There's not much to why I decided to put this one down. The writing style wasn't necessarily one that hooked me early on, but it was going well enough that I wasn't ready to put it down or sighing out of frustration immediately upon starting it. However, I also wasn't even 14% into the book before we get to two dudes having sex. Granted it wasn't graphic, but the insinuation was enough to have me put it down immediately. I did two posts recently about this, one was Top Ten Words that Make Me Put Down a Book, and the other was Deal Breakers. Love Among Pigeons falls into these categories for me. Although, this situation did make me realize that I need to update my Review Policy. Enough said. Moving on.
For more reviews, check out Somewhere Only We Know.
For more reviews, check out Somewhere Only We Know.
April 5, 2014
Great novella to wrap a a master modern love story ...
Great novella to wrap a a master modern love story ...
Having read Jem and Willa's emotional journey through teen and young adult cancer it was great to have all the secondary plot lines resolved in this entertaining novella. I lost a very close relative to cancer as a young adult I can relate to these to families, their struggles and the love that binds them fiercely together during and in the aftermath of such suffering.
If you have not read the first book, the quality of the writing in this novella alone should inspire you that do so. Five stars!
Great novella to wrap a a master modern love story ...
Having read Jem and Willa's emotional journey through teen and young adult cancer it was great to have all the secondary plot lines resolved in this entertaining novella. I lost a very close relative to cancer as a young adult I can relate to these to families, their struggles and the love that binds them fiercely together during and in the aftermath of such suffering.
If you have not read the first book, the quality of the writing in this novella alone should inspire you that do so. Five stars!
July 28, 2013
What a great novella I just loved love among pigeons I dove straight back into Willa and Jem love story I simply can not get enough of these 2 I need more abria I'm really hoping for a sequel to wake this novella gives you and inside look into Frank and Dougs relationship and also a wee bit more on tessa and Willas family mom and dad ect was so many dynamics I loved how willas family came together a little bit at the end well done abria I just think your such a talented writer I would read anything you right thanks for the Arc it was amazing :)
August 26, 2013
I really loved Wake, so I waited for this novella with great eagerness. And it was good to have the characters back and see how they get along a year after. Also it was sweet to have some background on Frank and Doug's love story and to see that the Kirk family slowly heals after Tessa's death. I enjoyed the humour and sarcasm that still characterizes Jem and Willa's relation and I also shed some tears through some hard moments. Only negative point it was too short!.
August 26, 2013
I'm in love with Wake so it's not a big surprise that I enjoyed this book just as much. I love all the character's in this story. Another plus is that this story has a constant flow of humor.. any book that can make me laugh out loud constantly just means that the book has everything a fabulous story should have.
September 14, 2014
Nice Jem and Willa fix
It was nice to be back in the lives of Jem and Willa. Although it was a very short story I was glad to get an even closer glimpse into their lives. I really hope Abria writes Tessa story. It will without a doubt be heartbreaking...but a definitely great read.
It was nice to be back in the lives of Jem and Willa. Although it was a very short story I was glad to get an even closer glimpse into their lives. I really hope Abria writes Tessa story. It will without a doubt be heartbreaking...but a definitely great read.
January 21, 2014
I loved it. I just wished it was a little longer but I really loved it. I laughed out loud at the end. Thank you Abria Martina. I enjoy your writing style, your characters, well everything. Can't wait for the next novel.
August 28, 2013
I was surprised how much i liked frank's back story. I really loved reading a chapter from Tessa.
September 22, 2013
Loved it!!! But it was so short!!! Wake is one of my top 3 books, I would love to have even more of Willa and Jem please!!
January 1, 2014
extremely short read! Frank is the most developed character in this book, with little focus on Jem other than his lack of cooking skills.
July 8, 2014
Review to come soon!
September 15, 2015
Best Novella ever! It was sweet, sad and Funny. I loved the bits and pieces of this small book. It's staying on my bookshelf.. Along with WAKE! Oh yeah and Oma is the life of the party! LOL
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