The premise is interesting but unfortunately it didn't work on me. The dialogues felt force and the sci-fi element didn't work.
It's not the worst book I've read but it could be better. This might work to others but sadly not for me.
If you're in for alternate timeline, another road not taken kind of story, this might be a treat for you.

On a foggy New York morning, a man and a woman collide, leading to an unforgettable connection. From a spontaneous embrace to a whirlwind romance, Josh and Abby's story is both magnetic and heartbreaking. But as their paths cross and diverge, "Lines" delves deep into the choices we make and their ripple effects on our lives.

Sung J Woo masterfully weaves a tale of possibilities, tracing the star-crossed journey of two souls through love, loss, and the unpredictable twists of fate. The author's writing is exceptional, bringing every emotion to life with vivid clarity.

I really liked this book—the ending was beautiful and left a lasting impact. This novel captures the essence of life's beautiful mess, where every decision shapes our destiny. A must-read for those who cherish stories that explore the delicate balance between chance and choice.

This book will stay with me for a long time!

3.25 ⭐ "When she paints, it is not to become someone else but to become no one at all. It is to disappear, but even deeper than that, to not exist at all, to have never existed."

Unfortunately, this book just didn't click with me. I didn't like the characters and the sci-fi aspect of the story confused me. A few things really bothered me, but I can see how others might enjoy it.

On the other hand, this story is unique. It focuses on relationships and different perspectives, especially an artist and someone who reimagines her art to tell a new story. It's about connections and life-changing moments, making it a thought-provoking read.

thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an arc :)

Unfortunately, this didn't work with me.
I didn't relate or care for the characters; the writing didn't please me, the sci-fi element pulled me out of the story everytime, and the setting didn't vibe with me.
I can see other readers enjoying this book. I'm sure it has its audience, but unfortunately I'm no part of it.

I can’t remember when I’ve read a book that was so very different from anything I’ve read before - not in a bad way, mind you. In some ways it seems quite ordinary, with a story that sometimes revolves around relationships, both good and bad. But when it comes to the characters, their perspectives, the changes taking place throughout this story, you can feel the tension rising, as one side sees it one way, and the other side, of course, sees it another way.

This is a story about art, and an artist, and someone who, unbeknownst to the artist, decides to ‘adopt’ her art and pair it with a story that he sees in her work. Unbeknownst to the artist at least until she knows, which isn’t long. But beyond that, it is a story of so much more. Of connections, of moments that change the course of our lives, of hope and despair, and every moment of beauty, as well. Not just the beauty that is fresh and new and unavoidable, but the beauty that is almost invisible. The kind of beauty that is appreciated the more you look at it, the more you see. The kind of beauty that becomes a part of how you view the world, and thus, a part of you.

A beautifully written, thought provoking and heartfelt story.


Pub Date: 29 Oct 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by BooksGoSocial

I loved the premise of alternate timelines and the butterfly effect. Flipping between timelines and POVs was so interesting to see how the characters differed between timelines. I loved how there would be the same event with different outcomes between the timelines to show just how much things can differ. It was a little difficult in the beginning to keep track of the characters and details of their lives when switching between timelines, but I eventually caught on.

"Lines" by Sung J. Woo is a captivating contemporary novel that masterfully intertwines the lives of its characters, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. Published by Unsolicited Press, this novel explores the profound connections and seemingly insignificant moments that define our existence.

Woo’s storytelling is both engaging and poignant, with a knack for creating characters who feel incredibly real and relatable. The narrative flows seamlessly, pulling readers into the heart of the story and holding their attention from start to finish. The novel's structure, cleverly divided into various perspectives and timelines, adds depth and intrigue, making every chapter a new discovery.

What truly stands out in "Lines" is Woo's ability to capture the beauty in everyday life. The novel is filled with moments of quiet reflection, gentle humor, and insightful commentary on the human condition. Woo's prose is elegant yet accessible, making it a joy to read and leaving a lasting impact.

"Lines" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Sung J. Woo has crafted a remarkable story that is both intimate and universal, making "Lines" a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.

I read a fair amount before deciding to DNF. The alternate universes similar to Sliding Doors made me want to read this book, it sounded so good. However, I found the characters not likeable and the writing style is not for me. It is probably a me problem.

Great book. I loved It even though it was a stretch out of my comfort zone as a reader. I would read another book by this author.