This book had the perfect title to capture my interest: aesthetically evocative with just a hint of emo-ness.

It is a credit to the writing that I was able to finish the book even after deciding that I wanted the main character to go die in a fire. I HATED him. He was the worst. I wanted him to fail at life. He was like the epitome of a fucked-up “nice” guy who pines for the perfect girl but then is an asshole when he gets his chance. I had zero sympathy for him and I didn’t even feel bad about it.

Despite all that, I actually enjoyed the book. It’s so beautifully written. I was genuinely drawn in to story and while I didn’t care for the guy, I rather liked the girl.