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A review by alainachristinecrosby
In the Mirror by Kaira Rouda
4.0
Just to preface, since the synopsis could come off this way, if you’re looking for something akin to Nicholas Sparks or some fun, but poignant Chick Lit, this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. Of course, if you’re not afraid of a reality or aren’t triggered by cancer, death, manipulation, or abuse, then definitely stick around!
I just had to add in that exclamation point to lighten up that otherwise possibly wary sentence because it really is an enjoyable book. While it deals with some heavy subjects, it’s a quick read and one that keeps you thinking after you’ve put it down. In all honestly, I found myself thinking about it pretty long after I put it down: as a young mother of a two-year-old with another on the way and prominent people in my life with the same names as several of the characters, I couldn’t help but try to put myself in Jennifer’s position and think about how I’d react. I loved that the love triangle wasn’t at all what it seemed even if it played with the conventions of that trope (and that it forces you out of that comfort zone and into your own mind); that it explored the idea that cancer patients can and do go through a form of PTSD (even if it’s frustrating to the reader, as it would be to the family and friends involved); and that it’s okay to leave things, relationship wise, as a work in progress and not force the characters (or yourself) into some contrived happily-ever-after. Even when life’s not perfect (as it never is), happiness can be found within yourself and you’ll be amazed with the strength you find along the way.
I just had to add in that exclamation point to lighten up that otherwise possibly wary sentence because it really is an enjoyable book. While it deals with some heavy subjects, it’s a quick read and one that keeps you thinking after you’ve put it down. In all honestly, I found myself thinking about it pretty long after I put it down: as a young mother of a two-year-old with another on the way and prominent people in my life with the same names as several of the characters, I couldn’t help but try to put myself in Jennifer’s position and think about how I’d react. I loved that the love triangle wasn’t at all what it seemed even if it played with the conventions of that trope (and that it forces you out of that comfort zone and into your own mind); that it explored the idea that cancer patients can and do go through a form of PTSD (even if it’s frustrating to the reader, as it would be to the family and friends involved); and that it’s okay to leave things, relationship wise, as a work in progress and not force the characters (or yourself) into some contrived happily-ever-after. Even when life’s not perfect (as it never is), happiness can be found within yourself and you’ll be amazed with the strength you find along the way.