Reviews

It is funny because I really didn’t care for this book for about the first third. I found the characters irritating, the plot trite and honestly didn’t care about this love story. I kept thinking I normally love Taylor Jenkins Reid… but this?!

At some point that changed and it wasn’t until nearing the end, while sobbing, that I notified the dramatic shift. In the beginning I couldn’t stand Ryan; he is selfish and childish. I mean the birthday sex scene.. Yuck! But somehow I grew to love him through the emails, through the flashbacks, through Lauren starting to love him again. The way that Reid is able to have readers resent these characters in the same way they resent each other, only to root for them 50 pages later speaks to her talent as a writer. What I mistook as I simply unlikeable characters was purposefully choice; one that made their reunion all the more beautiful.

Like all the other novels I have read of hers, Reid understands families. She writes in a way that reveals profound themes without feeling cliche or obvious. Her characters are thoughtful and wise, at ultimately loveable.

There were so many beautiful moments in the back half of this novel that had me reflecting on my our marriage and family that it is hard to pick a favourite, but when

Charlie’s son is born, the moments in the hospital room were emotional, but honest. I also loved the narrative for grandma Lois. Her arch was sweet.

For anyone feeling frustrated with the lead and turned off by an irritating love-interest, stick with it. This is a beautiful love story about choosing the life and the love that brings you happiness, but also comfort. All that to say Taylor Jenkins Reid is always a good choice.

melm413's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

romyschnaiberg's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jennclark's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lglan's review

Go to review page

4.0

“Just because you can live without someone doesn’t mean you want to.”

This book scared me. I was so worried about where these characters were going to end up. Ryan and Lauren are college sweethearts who had life all planned out, but what they did not plan for was the point in life where they might hate each other beyond the reach of love. They decide that it is for the best to spend a year apart for space to understand what to do next.

I loved the concept of the story, as well as how the other characters are linked. Everyone surrounding Lauren has their own ideas of love. I enjoyed seeing how every relationship played out throughout the story. I really liked seeing Rachel's and Charlie's life play out as well.

This book had me holding my breath until the end. But as always TJR delivers with a side of needed tissues. The emails from Ryan, the grandmother, and the reunion had me sobbing!!

essencethebookbeau's review

Go to review page

hopeful reflective medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.0

More...