Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
What would you do if you had to spend the next 15 days with your lifelong crush?
Felipe gets it — he’s fat. Not chubby. Not big-boned. Fat. And he doesn’t need anyone to remind him, which is, of course, what everyone does. That’s why he’s been waiting for this moment ever since the school year began: school break. Finally, he’ll be able to spend some time far away from school and the classmates who tease him incessantly. His plans include catching up on his favorite TV shows, finishing his to-be-read pile, and watching YouTube tutorials on skills he’ll never actually put into practice.
But things get a little out of hand when Felipe’s mom informs him that Caio, the neighbour kid from apartment 57, will be spending the next 15 days with them while his parents are on vacation. Felipe is distraught because A) he’s had a crush on Caio since, well, forever, and B) Felipe has a list of body image insecurities and absolutely NO idea how he’s going to entertain his neighbour for two full weeks.
Here the Whole Time is a wholesome and heart-warming story that deals with serious topics whist convey a number of great and positive messages. I feel like so many people are going to fall in love with Felipe and Caio. I’m so glad that this book was translated by Larissa Helena so that it could be published in the UK and US. It is such a beautiful book and I loved it a lot.
This book deals with a lot of very important themes such as fat shaming, body images, homophobia, bullying, insecurities and anxiety. Despite this it never felt like a heavy book to me. Instead I found it to be a very positive story and it really brought a smile to my face.
Another thing that I really appreciated about this book was how openly and honestly the author discussed the importance of therapy. I’m also a big fan of how loving the home that this story takes place in. His mother is so supportive and caring and it is so wonderful to read. Reading the interactions between Felipe and his mother always brought a smile to my face!
I adored the characters in this book, especially the main character Felipe. He is such a fun character and is so unique. He faces so many insecurities about his body image and who he is and all of these felt very real. It isn’t always easy to read about how Felipe feels about his body and I think some people would find it triggering. I think it is done incredibly well and it is clear to see how things change for his as his story progresses.
Caio is beyond adorable! I loved the relationship between Caio and Felipe. It is so cute and will be making me smile for a log while. I was a huge fan of how their relationship develops gradually and how they discuss everything with each other.
This book is packed full of some excellent side characters as well. Like I said earlier I loved Felipe’s mother. She is so supportive and their relationship is so sweet and wonderful. I cannot write a review for this book without mentioning Becky, Melissa and Felipe’s therapist who are all incredible too.
Overall, I cannot recommend Here the Whole Time enough! It is so heart-warming and wholesome and a book I won’t be forgetting any time soon. I highly recommend you give this one a read as soon as it comes out!
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