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stepharina's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a fan of Emily Giffin books and this was no exception. This was a different kind of story and I don't feel like anything major happened. There were no major twists, turns, secrets or bombshells but i still loved the story and was excited to pick it up and read it when I got the chance. The sisters kind of reminded me of me and my sister in subtle ways which made me relate to the story more. I'd recommend it for a quick read.
amy_siewert's review against another edition
2.0
Insufferable characters. I couldn’t stand the amount of negative comments regarding weight and body image.
sportsnguyz12's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
leerinder's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
srartese's review against another edition
4.0
I love the candidness of the characters. Sometimes you are a jerk and don’t mash well with you family but it comes down to honesty and understanding. Although it is a story I think there is a bigger picture and lesson to learn. The voice change per chapter was also done very well.
dphillips's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't underwhelmed; I wasn't overwhelmed. The untraditional family turns kept the book moving along as well as the nice writing. A decent summer read for fans of this genre.
vro521's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
mbkarapcik's review against another edition
4.0
Although this was not my favorite of Emily Giffin's, I enjoyed it and think it deserves a sequel. There's potential there.
celjla212's review against another edition
4.0
There are few things in life stronger than the bond between siblings, which is why, when it is shattered, lives can be changed forever. Emily Giffin's novel First Comes Love explores this phenomenon in quite an emotional offering.
Growing up, Daniel Garland often had to be the go between for his two younger sisters, Josie and Meredith. Josie, the middle child and known for her partying ways, and Meredith, serious, unflinching, perfectionist, couldn't be more different. Then, in an instant, they lose their brother--the rock, the golden child, the glue holding the family together. Not only does the relationship between the two women become hopelessly and instantly strained, but their parents divorce, they lose touch with friends, and more.
The events in this book take place fifteen years after Daniel's death. Everyone's lives have moved forward with time, but their hearts are still broken. Josie, now a teacher, is pushing 40 with no romantic prospects and a ticking biological clock. Meredith is a lawyer, mother, and wife to Daniel's childhood best friend. As the fifteen year anniversary of the death comes around, the sisters clash again and again as they cannot fathom each other's decisions, but they can't stay out of each other's lives, either.
Emily Giffin is a fantastic author with a real knack for getting inside her character's heads. The chapters are told from both Meredith and Josie's alternating points of view, and it's fascinating to see how one sister internalizes what the other meant, when often times they are so wrong about the other's intentions. The reader gets to see both of their true thoughts, feelings, plans, and the ways they hide the truth from one another.
I have 3 younger siblings myself, so I absolutely know about the intricacies between brothers and sisters, and Giffin nails it. So often we have to bite our tongues not to hurt our sister or brother's feelings, but other times they need to hear that truth, no matter how harsh.
I found some parts slightly predictable, but others really surprised me--such as the meeting with Daniel's former girlfriend. I very much enjoyed getting to know the characters, so the book really flew by. I have to say even though it wasn't truly a happily ever after, I was very satisfied with the ending. Emily Giffin has written another probable bestseller.
Growing up, Daniel Garland often had to be the go between for his two younger sisters, Josie and Meredith. Josie, the middle child and known for her partying ways, and Meredith, serious, unflinching, perfectionist, couldn't be more different. Then, in an instant, they lose their brother--the rock, the golden child, the glue holding the family together. Not only does the relationship between the two women become hopelessly and instantly strained, but their parents divorce, they lose touch with friends, and more.
The events in this book take place fifteen years after Daniel's death. Everyone's lives have moved forward with time, but their hearts are still broken. Josie, now a teacher, is pushing 40 with no romantic prospects and a ticking biological clock. Meredith is a lawyer, mother, and wife to Daniel's childhood best friend. As the fifteen year anniversary of the death comes around, the sisters clash again and again as they cannot fathom each other's decisions, but they can't stay out of each other's lives, either.
Emily Giffin is a fantastic author with a real knack for getting inside her character's heads. The chapters are told from both Meredith and Josie's alternating points of view, and it's fascinating to see how one sister internalizes what the other meant, when often times they are so wrong about the other's intentions. The reader gets to see both of their true thoughts, feelings, plans, and the ways they hide the truth from one another.
I have 3 younger siblings myself, so I absolutely know about the intricacies between brothers and sisters, and Giffin nails it. So often we have to bite our tongues not to hurt our sister or brother's feelings, but other times they need to hear that truth, no matter how harsh.
I found some parts slightly predictable, but others really surprised me--such as the meeting with Daniel's former girlfriend. I very much enjoyed getting to know the characters, so the book really flew by. I have to say even though it wasn't truly a happily ever after, I was very satisfied with the ending. Emily Giffin has written another probable bestseller.
samrkenyon's review against another edition
3.0
I won an ARC from a Goodreads Giveaway.
For the most part, this was what I expected from a typical Emily Giffin novel – a quick, light ride free of any real issues that linger in one’s mind once the story is over. I was a big fan of Something Borrowed and Something Blue, but her latest novels have left me wondering how her recent works could deviate so far from those great stories. First Comes Love hooked me in quickly, but I found myself waiting for a “big moment” that never really arrived. The characters weren’t likable, I wasn’t even sure which pairings I should be rooting for, and I’m still frustrated that a teacher (granted, a fictional character, but still!) would endorse the whole “this little boy is only picking on you because he likes you” scenario. Can we as a society please stop promoting this primitive idea? C’mon Giffin, we know you can do better than this. (2.5 stars)
For the most part, this was what I expected from a typical Emily Giffin novel – a quick, light ride free of any real issues that linger in one’s mind once the story is over. I was a big fan of Something Borrowed and Something Blue, but her latest novels have left me wondering how her recent works could deviate so far from those great stories. First Comes Love hooked me in quickly, but I found myself waiting for a “big moment” that never really arrived. The characters weren’t likable, I wasn’t even sure which pairings I should be rooting for, and I’m still frustrated that a teacher (granted, a fictional character, but still!) would endorse the whole “this little boy is only picking on you because he likes you” scenario. Can we as a society please stop promoting this primitive idea? C’mon Giffin, we know you can do better than this. (2.5 stars)