👶👶👶👶: We Burned So Bright

At its core, this is a powerful story of love, grief, and compassion. It captures the human condition in a way that is as edifying as it terrifying. The author highlights the best of humanity that stems from hope and kindness as well as the worst that emerges from fear and ignorance. This book wrecked me😭😭😭... given our current vulnerabilities as humans, the emotional weight is even more profound.

I will warn you, this novel is unlike any other TJ Klune novel I've read. It is not the uplifting, good-humored writing that I've grown accustomed to from this author. Much of it is depressing, unsettling, and raw. Having said that, the fact remains that TJ Klune is a master with words. His ability to weave empathy into his stories is nothing short of magical. I appreciate that inclusion always plays an important role in Klune's narratives; in this particular story, the gay protagonists have shared their lives for 4 decades so there is a depth in their shared experience that is relatable to everyone who has ever been in a long-term relationship.

More than anything, Klune challenges readers to reflect deeply on their place in the world. He always manages to encourage us, through his work, to find ways to make it a better place. It is in the most difficult times that finding the light that "burns so bright" in each of us is most important, no matter how hopeless things may get.

Many thanks to partners, @torbooks and TJ Klune for sharing this #gifted early review copy.

Read 4/28/26