Same As It Ever Was Review

 Same As It Ever Was

By: Claire Lombardo

5/5 Stars

I don't cry when reading books.  In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times that a book has been so evocative that it has brought me to tears or made me laugh out loud.  But, this book, is one of those books.  It made me smile, it made me cry, it made me deeply feel.  I know this sounds dramatic, and even with the risk of sounding totally insane, I'm going to declare that this book changed me.  It swam deep into my soul, found my open wounds, and somehow dug them deeper while bandaging them up, all at the same time.  

Claire Lombardo is my new favorite author.  I adored her first novel, "The Most Fun We Ever Had", and I didn't think this one could compare.  And it shouldn't be compared to her first because they're so different... it would be like comparing apples to oranges.  But I digress.  As I was saying, Lombardo is a brilliant and extremely talented writer.  She's humble too; I don't think she even halfway understands how gifted she is.  She somehow is able to write about experiences she hasn't even been through, and she writes about them in the most genuine, relatable, believable way.  She puts into words the things that I've never been able to put into words... and that takes true mastery of craft.  Lombardo should be praised for her ability to capture so many of the fleeting and difficult-to-define feelings that come with motherhood, family, and the curse/blessing of growing older.  

This book is a bit of a slow-burn in that there isn't one big climactic moment.  It's not a typical page-turner or a book that is going to keep you on your toes.  But it's not supposed to be.  Instead of wondering how this book ends, you'll find yourself contemplating your own story, your own existence, your own family patterns and dynamic.  You'll consider the ways you treat people, and the relationships that you have in your life.  You'll wonder how others perceive you and you might even be inspired to be just a little bit more fair and open-minded.  Like i said earlier, you'll be wholly changed after reading this book.  Your soul will feel more tender and vulnerable but so understood and content.

The last five pages of this book are the best written pages of any book I've read, ever.  If I had a frame large enough to include the last 10 paragraphs of this book I'd print them off and plaster them on my walls.  Or maybe I wouldn't, because who wants to feel such deep emotions every time they look at a quote on their wall?

I cannot praise this book enough.  It's grippingly beautiful and even though I received a digital copy of this novel in exchange for a review, I bought it in hardcover so I can forever have it on my shelves (when it isn't loaned out to someone with the hearty promise that their life will be changed upon reading it).  I am so grateful to Lombardo for taking the time to write such a meaningful novel; one that will make thousands of readers feel seen.

So, thank you Claire Lombardo.  We, your fans, cannot wait for your next release.  Please don't take too long.

*A massive thanks to netgalley and the author for allowing me to read and review one of my new favorite novels.*