Just finished 'The Great Alone' and wow, I'm emotionally wrecked in the best way possible. Kristin Hannah has this magical ability to make you feel like you're actually living inside her books.

The setting of 1970s Alaska is breathtakingly described - I could practically feel the biting cold and see the Northern Lights through Leni's eyes. But man, this isn't just a pretty nature book. It's raw, real, and sometimes painfully uncomfortable to read.

What hit me hardest was the mother-daughter relationship. Cora and Leni's bond had me reaching for tissues multiple times. That moment when Leni realizes her mom loves her dad too much to leave? Gut punch.

The domestic violence aspects were tough but handled with such care. Ernt's character broke my heart even as I hated him - war really does destroy people in ways we can't imagine.

Favorite quote that still gives me chills: 'Alaska didn't create character; it revealed it.' So true! The wilderness strips everyone down to their core.

Finished this in two days because I physically couldn't put it down. My first Kristin Hannah novel but definitely not my last! If you're ready for an emotional rollercoaster that'll stick with you for weeks, this is your next read.