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There Is A Light
Jamie Gilmour is starting over. A new school, a new city, a tenth attempt at a second start. All he has to do is stop making bad decisions and stick to something for once in his life. All he has to do is stop being himself.
Jude Pujari is thinking of calling it all off. He’s overstressed, depressed and frozen in place, trapped by grief and fear of change. He doesn’t exactly want to die—but he’s not sure he wants to live.
When Jamie gets a job at Jude’s family bookstore and crash lands into his life, all the stories they tell themselves come crumbling down. If they want to make it through, Jamie has to stop running, and Jude has to stop hiding.
THERE IS A LIGHT is a Scottish New Adult novel that follows Jude and Jamie through 80s music, childrens’ fiction, communism and climate change as they figure out if it’s really possible to start over, and if life is safe to live.
Jude Pujari is thinking of calling it all off. He’s overstressed, depressed and frozen in place, trapped by grief and fear of change. He doesn’t exactly want to die—but he’s not sure he wants to live.
When Jamie gets a job at Jude’s family bookstore and crash lands into his life, all the stories they tell themselves come crumbling down. If they want to make it through, Jamie has to stop running, and Jude has to stop hiding.
THERE IS A LIGHT is a Scottish New Adult novel that follows Jude and Jamie through 80s music, childrens’ fiction, communism and climate change as they figure out if it’s really possible to start over, and if life is safe to live.
430 pages, ebook
Published April 26, 2020
16 people are currently reading
1,721 people want to read
About the author
Ban Gilmartin
2books148followersBan Gilmartin is the author of WEAK HEART (2019) and THERE IS A LIGHT (2020).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 27, 2022
rep: biracial Indian Scottish gay mc with depression and anxiety, bi mc, Black trans side character, nonbinary side character, Indian Scottish side characters
TW: alcoholism, past drug use, past suicide, suicidal ideation
fellas is it gay to just want to keep another boy safe, and maybe cuddle
TW: alcoholism, past drug use, past suicide, suicidal ideation
fellas is it gay to just want to keep another boy safe, and maybe cuddle
October 26, 2020
I loved this so much. I laughed! I cried! I got very personally invested in these characters, who are now my closest friends and confidants! I was reading it on an e-reader and kept getting so sad that the percentage was creeping up because I just wanted MORE. LOVELY.
May 20, 2020
This was a grownup version of a Pixar movie—a rollercoaster of happy and sad, funny and emotional—and I absolutely loved it.
Now, not every book is for every person, so please pay attention to the trigger warnings and be gentle with yourself. That being said, this book addresses a few subjects very close to my heart, and yes, my heart ached as I read them. But they were written so kindly and carefully (and with such poetry!) that I never felt it was more than I could handle.
This was a book about second and sixth and tenth chances; about being broken and still worthy of love; that life is messy and confusing and imperfect, but also really, really beautiful.
You’re in for a treat.
Edit: I wrote the above after reading the first complete draft, when it was still in its awkward teenager stage. This update is my third read—the first time reading the finished, published version—and it’s still all true. But now the gangly promising teenager has grown into their own, and it’s so incredibly lovely.
This book fits into my chest like there was always a space for it.
This. This is one of the good books.
Edit 2: For those who wonder about triggers, this is from the front of the book:
“THERE IS A LIGHT is a book about the ups and downs of life and the messiness of lived experience, and as such it contains content warnings. Please be advised that this story includes discussions and depictions of depression, anxiety, dissociation, internalised homophobia, suicide and ideations, alcohol abuse and recovery. While this book aims to address these subjects in a healthy, careful and hopeful way, readers are encouraged to be aware.“
Now, not every book is for every person, so please pay attention to the trigger warnings and be gentle with yourself. That being said, this book addresses a few subjects very close to my heart, and yes, my heart ached as I read them. But they were written so kindly and carefully (and with such poetry!) that I never felt it was more than I could handle.
This was a book about second and sixth and tenth chances; about being broken and still worthy of love; that life is messy and confusing and imperfect, but also really, really beautiful.
You’re in for a treat.
Edit: I wrote the above after reading the first complete draft, when it was still in its awkward teenager stage. This update is my third read—the first time reading the finished, published version—and it’s still all true. But now the gangly promising teenager has grown into their own, and it’s so incredibly lovely.
This book fits into my chest like there was always a space for it.
This. This is one of the good books.
Edit 2: For those who wonder about triggers, this is from the front of the book:
“THERE IS A LIGHT is a book about the ups and downs of life and the messiness of lived experience, and as such it contains content warnings. Please be advised that this story includes discussions and depictions of depression, anxiety, dissociation, internalised homophobia, suicide and ideations, alcohol abuse and recovery. While this book aims to address these subjects in a healthy, careful and hopeful way, readers are encouraged to be aware.“
June 27, 2022
Rep: biracial Indian Scottish gay mc with depression and anxiety, bi mc, Black trans side character, nonbinary side character, Indian Scottish side characters
CWs: alcoholism, past drug use, past suicide, suicidal ideation
CWs: alcoholism, past drug use, past suicide, suicidal ideation
October 29, 2022
if take on me by aha appears on my spotify wrapped this year it will because of this book
jaime gilmour is starting over for the tenth time. he’s trying to stick to something for once in his life. so, he gets a job at a bookstore where he meets jude pujari. jude is not sure he wants to live—he’s frozen in place, trapped by grief and afraid of change. one is running, the other is hiding. together, they try to make it through and figure out if life is safe to live.
there is a light is fiercely gentle.
because sometimes life isn’t. sometimes it burns and it tears and it’s horribly messy and ugly. it’s full of us stumbling through, sometimes forward other times backwards, trying to claw ourselves back up. and this book says: that’s okay.
it’s acknowledges our desire to see how we’ve come, to see something tangible to show that we’ve grown and done something with ourselves. & how terrifying it is to look in a mirror and not see anything to point to. and to that this book says: remember to celebrate small wins, baby steps are just as important as strides.
it sees how difficult it is to ask for help. how love is not enough to miraculously fix everything. but this book says: let others in, and you can help each other while working on yourself. that life is horribly terrifying but you can find safety with each other.
there is a light is a really lovely celebration of life. a life that is messy and imperfect. but also: one that is beautiful. there’s the sun on your face, the countdown during new years, laughing with your friends. a life that’s going to have so much happiness one day, and then it might be gone the next time you try to reach out and grab it. but it will come back because it was here once. we just have to keep going.
now i know there’s always space in my heart for jaime and jude, and hopefully they’ll find a place in yours too.
“you can’t say you’re living for others and simultaneously hide from life and hope it won’t find you. other people can be your push, but you have to do it yourself. you have to face your life and take control of it. you have to try.
jaime gilmour is starting over for the tenth time. he’s trying to stick to something for once in his life. so, he gets a job at a bookstore where he meets jude pujari. jude is not sure he wants to live—he’s frozen in place, trapped by grief and afraid of change. one is running, the other is hiding. together, they try to make it through and figure out if life is safe to live.
there is a light is fiercely gentle.
because sometimes life isn’t. sometimes it burns and it tears and it’s horribly messy and ugly. it’s full of us stumbling through, sometimes forward other times backwards, trying to claw ourselves back up. and this book says: that’s okay.
it’s acknowledges our desire to see how we’ve come, to see something tangible to show that we’ve grown and done something with ourselves. & how terrifying it is to look in a mirror and not see anything to point to. and to that this book says: remember to celebrate small wins, baby steps are just as important as strides.
it sees how difficult it is to ask for help. how love is not enough to miraculously fix everything. but this book says: let others in, and you can help each other while working on yourself. that life is horribly terrifying but you can find safety with each other.
there is a light is a really lovely celebration of life. a life that is messy and imperfect. but also: one that is beautiful. there’s the sun on your face, the countdown during new years, laughing with your friends. a life that’s going to have so much happiness one day, and then it might be gone the next time you try to reach out and grab it. but it will come back because it was here once. we just have to keep going.
now i know there’s always space in my heart for jaime and jude, and hopefully they’ll find a place in yours too.
November 16, 2022
I’ve always loved Ban’s writing. I read her fics during some of my darkest moments. They made me laugh out loud and feel a little less crazy and manic. Then I read her novels, and let me just say *that shit hits different*. Reading There Is A Light is like getting a mirror shoved in your face and having someone yell at you “life sucks but it doesn’t have to!” With too many cups of coffee and tea, children books, and really great music, this book takes you by the shoulders and shakes you until you understand that you’ll be okay, things will get worked out, change can be good, and life is worth living. I saw myself between these pages, and maybe not everyone can say the same, but for me that means this is a really fucking good book, so you should read it.
And I’m a sap so I gotta say it: There is a light. Always remember that.
And I’m a sap so I gotta say it: There is a light. Always remember that.
September 3, 2023
Das Buch hat mich mal wieder absolut zerrissen.
Eine der wenigen Lovestories die ich lesen konnte, ohne es super unrealistisch und Weird zu finden.
Habe mich zu oft selbst in dem Buch erkannt, was es zwischendurch tatsächlich schwer gemacht hat das Buch zu lesen. All in all aber ne Empfehlung wert.
Eine der wenigen Lovestories die ich lesen konnte, ohne es super unrealistisch und Weird zu finden.
Habe mich zu oft selbst in dem Buch erkannt, was es zwischendurch tatsächlich schwer gemacht hat das Buch zu lesen. All in all aber ne Empfehlung wert.
April 18, 2025
Endlich aus meinem Reading Slump draußen ✊😝🙏
March 28, 2020
In a word, kind.
Witty humor accents these complex characters, as they struggle, and come to find, that which we all long for, a sense of connection.
Gilmartin’s approach to the most challenging themes were no short of brilliance.
At times it felt like being pulled deep into a crevasse, but instead of hitting the walls you’re safely lifted back up again by the thoughtful words of the writer.
I highly recommend reading this book over a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.
Witty humor accents these complex characters, as they struggle, and come to find, that which we all long for, a sense of connection.
Gilmartin’s approach to the most challenging themes were no short of brilliance.
At times it felt like being pulled deep into a crevasse, but instead of hitting the walls you’re safely lifted back up again by the thoughtful words of the writer.
I highly recommend reading this book over a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.
February 20, 2023
the way this book was like actually gay love is all about healing and community and taking care of ourselves and others and putting in the work to love someone while still holding them accountable and accepting that you don't have to go through it all alone and learning how to be vulnerable and receive love and being worthy of love despite all our worst mistakes and also life is a lot easier when surrounded by books and cats and poetry and tea and blankets......genuinely one of the most beautiful love stories i've ever read
September 5, 2022
B e a u t i f u l
Review to follow
Thank you to Dorte for the recc
Review to follow
Thank you to Dorte for the recc
October 24, 2023
3.5/5
December 31, 2022
jesus christ on a bicycle. one if the best fucking books i have ever read. the author is amazing. how have i not heard of this before? have genuinely fallen in love with each of the characters. love them, love the themes, the writing style, the pacing. the humor. the simplicity. the representation. huge recommendation
October 17, 2020
Man I haven’t inhaled a book at this pace in YONKS. Just lovely tho - a wholesome, realistic, messy, feel good, coming-of-age romance in beautiful rainy Edinburgh. And the diversity!! Think this is the first fiction I’ve read featuring a trans character?? which is unreal, but very welcome.
November 15, 2022
a warm and gentle read abt mental health and all kinds of love with a bookstore, a cat and some found family vibes!!
but i have to say, i did end up liking it a little less than i thought i would. the romantic story line didnt catch me at all sadly even tho i was pleasantly surprised bc it actually feels like a slowburn?? rarely have that in standalone books. also i think a lot of things that had a lot of importance placed on them in the beginning just kind of got lost throughout the book which was a bit unsatisfying. it was still a pretty enjoayble read tho
anyways my biggest takeaway is that i really wanna go to edinburgh now
but i have to say, i did end up liking it a little less than i thought i would. the romantic story line didnt catch me at all sadly even tho i was pleasantly surprised bc it actually feels like a slowburn?? rarely have that in standalone books. also i think a lot of things that had a lot of importance placed on them in the beginning just kind of got lost throughout the book which was a bit unsatisfying. it was still a pretty enjoayble read tho
anyways my biggest takeaway is that i really wanna go to edinburgh now
August 24, 2022
“today i’ve been the kind of person i want to be. the kind of person i think i can be. like, maybe if i can do things like this—be useful, be good, help others, maybe it’ll help me stop treating everything like it’s temporary.”
jamie gilmour is ready for a new start. so he follows his childhood best friend to edinburgh, hoping to start making better choices and sticking to them. when he gets a job at a bookstore, he crash lands into jude pujari’s life. jude is terrified of change, but everything around him is changing. he’s living, but he’s not sure if he’s really alive. together, they conquer change, second chances, and face who exactly they might want to be.
there is a light is an actually comfort read; it feels like a warm blanket around your shoulders, your hands held up to the fire before they grow too cold.
it’s a slow burn, it’s a forced-proximity, it’s a strangers to lovers with many stops in between. it’s a journey in mental health, a journey in addiction, a journey in grief. it’s finding your place and your people. it’s a book about allowing yourself to be seen, and allowing yourself to be loved for all that is seen. it’s allowing yourself to take all the chances you need. it’s knowing that love can’t fix you, but neither can shutting out love entirely.
i’ve read there is a light maybe three or four times now, and i love it every time. as an independently published book, it’s not one that has a lot of traction. but it’s one i don’t talk about often because of how tightly i hold onto it. but i’m loosening my grip a little now. i’m allowing this part of me to be seen.
and if you take a look—maybe you’ll like what you see.
cw: alcoholism, discussions of suicide and suicide ideation, anxiety & depression, internalized homophobia
jamie gilmour is ready for a new start. so he follows his childhood best friend to edinburgh, hoping to start making better choices and sticking to them. when he gets a job at a bookstore, he crash lands into jude pujari’s life. jude is terrified of change, but everything around him is changing. he’s living, but he’s not sure if he’s really alive. together, they conquer change, second chances, and face who exactly they might want to be.
there is a light is an actually comfort read; it feels like a warm blanket around your shoulders, your hands held up to the fire before they grow too cold.
it’s a slow burn, it’s a forced-proximity, it’s a strangers to lovers with many stops in between. it’s a journey in mental health, a journey in addiction, a journey in grief. it’s finding your place and your people. it’s a book about allowing yourself to be seen, and allowing yourself to be loved for all that is seen. it’s allowing yourself to take all the chances you need. it’s knowing that love can’t fix you, but neither can shutting out love entirely.
i’ve read there is a light maybe three or four times now, and i love it every time. as an independently published book, it’s not one that has a lot of traction. but it’s one i don’t talk about often because of how tightly i hold onto it. but i’m loosening my grip a little now. i’m allowing this part of me to be seen.
and if you take a look—maybe you’ll like what you see.
cw: alcoholism, discussions of suicide and suicide ideation, anxiety & depression, internalized homophobia
January 6, 2021
Content warnings: discussions of suicide/suicidal ideation; alcoholism; explicit language; some uh mild-ish explicit sexual content; dissociation; anxiety; depression; yeah I think that's it (but if you like, check other comments or Ban Gilmartin's website for the official list)
My copy of this book is spiny with sticky notes; Gilmartin is as witty and warmhearted as ever; I laughed through the book and cried through the ending. This novel earnestly discusses everything from grief to New Wave, with wrenchingly lovely characters and delightful Scottish slang. But for me, at least, at its core this novel is about wanting to be okay.
Jude (or Julian) Pujari, one of the two main characters (my favourite), is a depressed college student mourning his mother and generally just breathing. Over the course of the book, Jude falls in love, makes loads of tea, and tries living.
There Is A Light is exemplary in its portrayal of mental illness, and it is gorgeous in its language, character development, and love story. It made me so happy, and it gave me so much hope for being happy, and I might just carry it everywhere with me.
"It's gonnae be a mess. I think it's gonnae be brilliant."
Julian smiles. A real one. I think I get what he meant about kind cheeks when he smiles. I don't think I have them, but he definitely does. Kind cheeks and mussed up hair and messy beauty, clutching a chipped mug and trying to look happy.
"Thanks, Jamie," he says softly. "I want to think that too."
My copy of this book is spiny with sticky notes; Gilmartin is as witty and warmhearted as ever; I laughed through the book and cried through the ending. This novel earnestly discusses everything from grief to New Wave, with wrenchingly lovely characters and delightful Scottish slang. But for me, at least, at its core this novel is about wanting to be okay.
Jude (or Julian) Pujari, one of the two main characters (my favourite), is a depressed college student mourning his mother and generally just breathing. Over the course of the book, Jude falls in love, makes loads of tea, and tries living.
There Is A Light is exemplary in its portrayal of mental illness, and it is gorgeous in its language, character development, and love story. It made me so happy, and it gave me so much hope for being happy, and I might just carry it everywhere with me.
"It's gonnae be a mess. I think it's gonnae be brilliant."
Julian smiles. A real one. I think I get what he meant about kind cheeks when he smiles. I don't think I have them, but he definitely does. Kind cheeks and mussed up hair and messy beauty, clutching a chipped mug and trying to look happy.
"Thanks, Jamie," he says softly. "I want to think that too."
August 22, 2021
3.5
someone in the reviews said: "in a word, kind." and i couldn't agree more. it took me a long time to get invested, the first 200 pages could've been a bit more condensed, but i kept reading because the writing was very emotionally intelligent since the beginning and i'm glad i did. i really enjoyed the different POVs showing us what is going on with the characters through their thoughts instead of telling us.
someone in the reviews said: "in a word, kind." and i couldn't agree more. it took me a long time to get invested, the first 200 pages could've been a bit more condensed, but i kept reading because the writing was very emotionally intelligent since the beginning and i'm glad i did. i really enjoyed the different POVs showing us what is going on with the characters through their thoughts instead of telling us.
September 3, 2023
I randomly found this book a while ago, and then learned that the author was a very popular Snowbaz fanfic writer whose fanfictions I've enjoyed for YEARS (I've probably read all of her fanfics, I'm being deadass). So I wasn't surprised at all that I enjoyed this book!
I will say: I don't think this is for everyone. The pacing is quite slow, and, honestly? Not much happens in this book. We simply follow Jamie and Jude as they go through a couple of months in their life, dealing with their personal issues, becoming friends and, eventually, falling in love.
I really liked the way the MCs issues were handled. Jude's depression, anxiety and self-isolation were very relatable to me, and Jamie's alcoholism and unaddressed trauma were very well represented. And I appreciate that these serious topics were addressed and handled with such care. The author clearly cares a lot about these problems, and about the characters themselves, so this story was very tender overall.
Jude and Jamie's romance was a very slow-burn, and it was very sweet and wholesome. They both had their own issues, which made their relationship a bit angsty: Jamie was very open about liking Jude, but wanted to give him space; meanwhile Jude clearly liked Jamie but was too scared he had "too much baggage" and didn't want to hurt Jamie. It's very easy to understand and sympathize with both of them, which made the angst in this book just 👌👌👌.
I unfortunately have to say that I wish there'd been a bit more development in the romance... There were really sweet moments where they showed signs of liking each other, but *I*, the reader, didn't really feel it... 🙁 To make matters worse, there were a few moments of "telling instead of showing", like:
➨ at some point Jamie mentions that he'd thought about sleeping in Jude's bed several times, but *we* never saw him think about that before
➨ it is mentioned that Jude got a lamination machine and had been leaving signs for Jamie all over the house. It would've been cool to see this slowly become a tradition, and to see Jamie's initial reactions.
➨ Jamie and Billie always try to convince Jude to watch TV with them, and make him sit in the middle and use him as a foot rest, but again: we don't see this happening
➨ Jude says that Jamie is always affectionate when he's drunk, and comes home to poke Jude's cheeks and play with his hair, but *we* never really see any previous mention of this
➨ apparently they text regularly, but we only really see like 2 instances of this (and it's not even a back and forth, it's just said that one of them send a text and the other responded)
These are all very small things, but I really think that actually seeing these things happen instead of just having them be mentioned would've helped me believe in their romance a little more. Overall, I just feel like something was *missing* from their romance. Don't get me wrong!!! I really liked what we got! (Especially because they're so wholesome together!!!!!). But having a bit more banter and moments together *ON PAGE* would've made a huge difference, methinks.
But anywayssss! Sweet story, if you don't mind books with no plot, just a sweet slow-burn romance.
I will say: I don't think this is for everyone. The pacing is quite slow, and, honestly? Not much happens in this book. We simply follow Jamie and Jude as they go through a couple of months in their life, dealing with their personal issues, becoming friends and, eventually, falling in love.
I really liked the way the MCs issues were handled. Jude's depression, anxiety and self-isolation were very relatable to me, and Jamie's alcoholism and unaddressed trauma were very well represented. And I appreciate that these serious topics were addressed and handled with such care. The author clearly cares a lot about these problems, and about the characters themselves, so this story was very tender overall.
Jude and Jamie's romance was a very slow-burn, and it was very sweet and wholesome. They both had their own issues, which made their relationship a bit angsty: Jamie was very open about liking Jude, but wanted to give him space; meanwhile Jude clearly liked Jamie but was too scared he had "too much baggage" and didn't want to hurt Jamie. It's very easy to understand and sympathize with both of them, which made the angst in this book just 👌👌👌.
I unfortunately have to say that I wish there'd been a bit more development in the romance... There were really sweet moments where they showed signs of liking each other, but *I*, the reader, didn't really feel it... 🙁 To make matters worse, there were a few moments of "telling instead of showing", like:
➨ at some point Jamie mentions that he'd thought about sleeping in Jude's bed several times, but *we* never saw him think about that before
➨ it is mentioned that Jude got a lamination machine and had been leaving signs for Jamie all over the house. It would've been cool to see this slowly become a tradition, and to see Jamie's initial reactions.
➨ Jamie and Billie always try to convince Jude to watch TV with them, and make him sit in the middle and use him as a foot rest, but again: we don't see this happening
➨ Jude says that Jamie is always affectionate when he's drunk, and comes home to poke Jude's cheeks and play with his hair, but *we* never really see any previous mention of this
➨ apparently they text regularly, but we only really see like 2 instances of this (and it's not even a back and forth, it's just said that one of them send a text and the other responded)
These are all very small things, but I really think that actually seeing these things happen instead of just having them be mentioned would've helped me believe in their romance a little more. Overall, I just feel like something was *missing* from their romance. Don't get me wrong!!! I really liked what we got! (Especially because they're so wholesome together!!!!!). But having a bit more banter and moments together *ON PAGE* would've made a huge difference, methinks.
But anywayssss! Sweet story, if you don't mind books with no plot, just a sweet slow-burn romance.
May 8, 2020
Okay so this book was actually one of the best things I've read in a Very Long Time. I'm bad with words, so I'm gonna make a list.
...
Things that made this book great:
(I believe this is spoiler free, but here's a warning anyway!)
-The representation of depression. It's extremely accurate and kind of unsettling (in a good way). In some of Jude's parts, it was like looking in a mirror.
-LGBT Representation! There's tons of it and everyone has a purpose! No one is there just as a token extra. They all have a point to their existence.
-Jamie. Oh, Jamie. I love this mad lad with all of my heart and soul. He's a total himbo with a heart of gold and you just can't help but love him.
-Billie!!! She is amazing and I love her. She's a true friend and just a kickass chick who really shines. Also I want a pair of her egg overalls like, really badly.
-The ending. It's an open ending. It's not a fairytale where everyone is better and perfect. For the most part, everyone is still struggling with their issues and I like that. It shows that healing take time and effort!
...
FYI: This book has a LOT of Scottish slang. If you are a simple midwestern farmer like I am, it'll will take time to get used to the slang. I actually really like the slang as it really brings you into the setting! You just may want to reference Urban Dictionary now and then (It took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out Pants means Underwear haha!)
...
This book is just great and amazing!
...
Things that made this book great:
(I believe this is spoiler free, but here's a warning anyway!)
-The representation of depression. It's extremely accurate and kind of unsettling (in a good way). In some of Jude's parts, it was like looking in a mirror.
-LGBT Representation! There's tons of it and everyone has a purpose! No one is there just as a token extra. They all have a point to their existence.
-Jamie. Oh, Jamie. I love this mad lad with all of my heart and soul. He's a total himbo with a heart of gold and you just can't help but love him.
-Billie!!! She is amazing and I love her. She's a true friend and just a kickass chick who really shines. Also I want a pair of her egg overalls like, really badly.
-The ending. It's an open ending. It's not a fairytale where everyone is better and perfect. For the most part, everyone is still struggling with their issues and I like that. It shows that healing take time and effort!
...
FYI: This book has a LOT of Scottish slang. If you are a simple midwestern farmer like I am, it'll will take time to get used to the slang. I actually really like the slang as it really brings you into the setting! You just may want to reference Urban Dictionary now and then (It took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out Pants means Underwear haha!)
...
This book is just great and amazing!
June 24, 2023
I have so much love for this story! The character development was beautiful and the characters themselves were real and relatable. Ban Gilmartin did a phenomenal job of approaching the sensitive topic of mental illness. There were so many great quotes that I just want to compile them and read them when I need a mood boost.
And the setting! A bookshop on the Royal
Mile in Edinburgh? Yes please! I wish the Royal Mile had an old bookshop!
There are so many more great things about this book that are hard to put into words. It was uplifting without being cliché and each of the characters truly served a purpose and had their own distinct personalities.
My only reason for giving There is a Light 4 stars is that it took me a while to get through since the beginning wasn’t as gripping as the end. Having this on Kindle definitely made my 3-hour wait at the airport fly by (the pun was genuinely not intended).
And the setting! A bookshop on the Royal
Mile in Edinburgh? Yes please! I wish the Royal Mile had an old bookshop!
There are so many more great things about this book that are hard to put into words. It was uplifting without being cliché and each of the characters truly served a purpose and had their own distinct personalities.
My only reason for giving There is a Light 4 stars is that it took me a while to get through since the beginning wasn’t as gripping as the end. Having this on Kindle definitely made my 3-hour wait at the airport fly by (the pun was genuinely not intended).
June 20, 2022
4.5/5⭐
this book is incredibly underrated whattt
this author has the ability to make you fall in love with the characters slowly buy surely as you read on. in the end it felt like I personally knew them and that I could easily be their friend. strangely, one of the best things about those characters is that they're flawed and some of their actions made me almost dislike them for a bit but ultimately it made them seem very real. the two pov's gave the characters such unique voices, showing how differently they see and approach the world around them, and the relationship between them was very well developed. the book is also very diverse: it has gay, bi, nonbinary, trans, possibly aro rep + multiple characters of color (the other mc is biracial scottish indian) and neurodivergent characters!
this book is incredibly underrated whattt
this author has the ability to make you fall in love with the characters slowly buy surely as you read on. in the end it felt like I personally knew them and that I could easily be their friend. strangely, one of the best things about those characters is that they're flawed and some of their actions made me almost dislike them for a bit but ultimately it made them seem very real. the two pov's gave the characters such unique voices, showing how differently they see and approach the world around them, and the relationship between them was very well developed. the book is also very diverse: it has gay, bi, nonbinary, trans, possibly aro rep + multiple characters of color (the other mc is biracial scottish indian) and neurodivergent characters!
May 2, 2024
There is a lot more to say but I have my final exam tomorrow and I should really start studying
I don’t think I like books with a romantic theme as their main focus, but oh I enjoyed this one.
I really need more works of Ban Gilmartin ahh
However, therapy is definitely not for me. I know I kept saying I will find a therapist soon but honestly? It’s not for me
I don’t think I like books with a romantic theme as their main focus, but oh I enjoyed this one.
I really need more works of Ban Gilmartin ahh
However, therapy is definitely not for me. I know I kept saying I will find a therapist soon but honestly? It’s not for me
May 11, 2021
4.5 STARS.
I felt so many things reading this book. Where to begin?
I don't even know. Read it yourself and find out.
I felt so many things reading this book. Where to begin?
I don't even know. Read it yourself and find out.
May 29, 2021
I need to just scream at the top of my lungs to everyone in the universe to read Ban's books.
Please & thank you.
Please & thank you.
December 31, 2021
3.5 stars
March 20, 2024
Devo decisamente imparare a mollare i libri quando non mi prendono
December 15, 2024
maybe life is worth living actually
September 11, 2024
oh this was so lovely🥲
July 5, 2020
Goddamn this book.
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