I saw this meme a while ago, and while was reading, laughing and crying my way through Daydream, the words from this tweet kept coming back to me.
Abelism can hit you even if you don’t know you’re disabled yet.
I cried more than I expected I would while reading Daydream. It is a fantastic romance novel, which I’ll get to, but it was also a realisation. And as romantically cliche this will sound, it was also healing.
Because I didn’t realise I was missing seeing my internal experience reflected on the pages I read.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Daydream by winning a competition on Instagram, and if you know what the ARC’s look like, you know they come in two different options: Halle’s Version, and Henry’s Version. I’m honestly so stoked to have received Henry’s version.
Grace has mentioned that she’s been asked numerous times if Henry will receive a diagnosis, (I can’t find where I read this), but ultimately decided against it, as for Henry it doesn’t define him. It’s so lovely to read a book where the quirks of someone neurodivergent are supported by their peers in a wholesome way. It’s how I wish we held space for all people, particularly those of us that have different needs.
Onto the book review part!
I don’t really know what to say, other than I loved it! It’s my favourite by far of the Maple Hills series. The character development is really fleshed out (which I think Grace does well with all her protagonists), but this one feels more alive. Though I’m unsure if that’s simply because I was relating so hard to Halle being the eldest daughter, or from Henry being (clearly) neurodivergent.
There’s baking, a cat, an adorable stuffed toy, and friendship. Halle finds her voice and Henry finds love.
I did love this book so much I also ordered the normal version from QBD Books. I was lucky enough to pre-order in time to get a signed copy and artwork by Ashley Nobes Art too. <3
This one was a five star read for me. I feel like it will be one that I return to many times as a new go-to comfort read.