I was first attracted by The Very Nice Box because of its comparison to Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I can definitely see the resemblance between the character Ava Simon and Elinor Oliphant because of their odd routines and loneliness, but that's about it.
This book was a paradigm to me. I knew the exact format that was going to unfold from the very beginning. I wouldn't consider it a mystery, but more of a love and self-forgiveness book. However, the last few chapters presented a mystery-solving ending. I really didn't understand the appeal of Mat Putnam. Ava had clearly been more into women, and was even previously engaged to one. Yet she was somehow automatically attracted to and absorbed by this "Bro." I didn't think he was a likeable character at all. I think if he had a little more substance their relationship would have made more sense. I found the book difficult to get through because I just lost interest in the middle when it was deep in the relationship issues Ava was having with Mat.
Honestly, this book is not something I would normally choose to read - so take my opinion with a grain of salt if this is your genre!
This book was a paradigm to me. I knew the exact format that was going to unfold from the very beginning. I wouldn't consider it a mystery, but more of a love and self-forgiveness book. However, the last few chapters presented a mystery-solving ending. I really didn't understand the appeal of Mat Putnam. Ava had clearly been more into women, and was even previously engaged to one. Yet she was somehow automatically attracted to and absorbed by this "Bro." I didn't think he was a likeable character at all. I think if he had a little more substance their relationship would have made more sense. I found the book difficult to get through because I just lost interest in the middle when it was deep in the relationship issues Ava was having with Mat.
Honestly, this book is not something I would normally choose to read - so take my opinion with a grain of salt if this is your genre!