Book review: Part of your world by Abby Jimenez
I started reading this book last year, sometime around October. I only got through a few chapters before putting it down because at the time, I was also reading Never Lie by Freida McFadden—and I was so into that one compared to Part of Your World. But last week, during Holy Week, I decided to pick it up again. I figured, why not give it another shot? Honestly though, my main motivation was just that the book was expensive, so I felt like I had to finish it haha.
I want to keep this a non-spoiler review, so I’ll try to share my thoughts without giving too much away.
When I first picked up Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez, I struggled a bit. The pacing felt slow, and the romance unfolded very gradually. I’ll be honest—slow burns and slow-paced stories aren’t really my thing, which is why I ended up putting the book down for a while. I just couldn’t get into it at the time. But eventually, I came back to it, and I’m really glad I did.
Once I got deeper into the story, it hit me in ways I wasn’t expecting. There was one moment with Daniel that just wrecked me emotionally. I actually cried—his vulnerability, the way he opened himself up, especially in that moment of desperation... it really hit home. I felt like I knew him, like he was a real person. That’s when I realized the emotional build-up from the slow burn really paid off.
One of the standout things about this book for me was the town of Wakan and its people. The sense of community there is so heartwarming. It’s the kind of place where everyone genuinely cares. If one person is struggling, the rest step in without hesitation. It’s this beautiful, interconnected support system that honestly felt magical compared to the cold, transactional world Alexis comes from. Her world is ruled by money, image, and obligation. In Wakan, it’s about kindness, connection, and love—and you can really see how that contrast starts to shift her worldview.
Through Daniel and the people of Wakan, Alexis slowly learns that life doesn’t have to be about wealth or status. She starts realizing that she deserves more than just surviving in a world that doesn’t really see her. Even her heart—guarded and conditioned by years of pressure and emotional manipulation—starts to soften. You see her open up, slowly, and it feels earned.
As for the side characters… not all of them sat right with me. Alexis’s friends (aside from Bri, who was great) honestly made me mad. Some of them were just so judgmental, acting high and mighty like they were above everyone else. It was frustrating to read. And Neil—ugh. Sure, he apologized, but it didn’t feel real. There was no depth or sincerity behind his words. He felt like someone who says sorry just to move on, not someone who actually wants to change.
And then there’s Alexis’s dad. I have no words except: what a jerk. He treated her like she was just a tool for maintaining his legacy. No respect for her as a person, no regard for her happiness—just control. And the worst part is, he stays that way throughout the book. No growth, no redemption. It was infuriating to watch.
Thankfully, not all hope is lost. Alexis’s mom, who felt distant and passive for most of the book, does have some character growth by the end. It was a small win, but a meaningful one.
In the end, I’d say this book has a lot of depth and meaning. Even if it started off slow for me, it ended up delivering powerful messages—about healing, about choosing love over obligation, about building a life that feels good for you, not for others. It teaches you how important it is to show up for people, to be part of something bigger than yourself, and that wealth and status will never be more valuable than kindness and connection.
If you're someone who enjoys emotional stories with meaningful relationships and a strong sense of place, Part of Your World is definitely worth the read. And even if you’re not into slow burns, give this one a chance—you might be surprised how much it sticks with you.
