Book Review: "We Burned So Bright" by TJ Klune

TJ Klune is one of my favorite authors of all time. Three of his books have been #1 on three year-end lists. His books leave me sobbing, smiling, and thinking, usually all at once. Thanks so much to Tor Books and NetGalley for the complimentary advance copy of this book!

“‘Do we live to be remembered?,’ Don asked. ‘Or do we live to live?’”

Don and Rodney have been together for more than 40 years, and even got legally married in 2015. They’re both a little grumpy and stubborn at times, but the love they have for each other is fierce and beautiful. They’ve seen good times and bad, but they’ve faced everything together.

And while they take their vows seriously—even “‘til death do us part”—they’re not expecting the news that a black hole is headed for earth and the planet is going to be destroyed in a month. But they’re not going to wallow. They’re going to leave their home in Maine and drive to Washington State, to complete one final task they promised to do.

Along their drive across the country they encounter many different people. Some demonstrate great empathy and love despite their fears, but others definitely threaten the men’s sense of security. But as they reach their final destination, they realize how lucky they are to have shared each other’s lives.

This was absolutely beautiful. Of course it made me cry, but I also thought about what I would do in this situation. I highlighted so many sentences in this book; Klune’s prose always leaves me awestruck!

The book will publish 4/28.