Who Would Like This Book:
This gem is clever, funny, and deeply moving - perfect for anyone who loves a blend of sharp wit and authentic emotion. Espach’s writing truly sparkles, making even ordinary moments feel meaningful. The book strikes a balance between humor and heavier themes like self-discovery, heartbreak, and learning to be true to yourself. Readers who enjoy stories featuring quirky, flawed characters and unexpected friendships will find it irresistible. Fans of both rom-coms and literary fiction will be pleased with this fresh, honest take on life and love.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re looking for a pure, frothy romance or a tidy, traditional happily-ever-after, this one may surprise you. The story kicks off with some heavy, even dark themes, and doesn’t shy away from the messier sides of life and relationships. The tone shifts between lighthearted banter and moments of real sadness, which might not appeal to those who prefer their fiction straightforward or purely uplifting. Some readers also found parts of the plot predictable as it went on, or wished the ending offered more closure.
About:
'The Wedding People' is a narrative that initially appears to follow the typical rom-com formula, filled with wedding chaos and quirky characters. However, as the story unfolds, it delves into deeper themes of relationships, family dysfunction, and personal growth, using the backdrop of weddings to explore life's complexities. The characters are flawed yet relatable, engaging readers in a journey of self-discovery rather than merely a quest for a happily-ever-after. With moments of humor intertwined with darker reflections on loss and choices, the book presents a nuanced portrayal of the messiness of life.
Alison Espach's writing style is marked by sharp wit and clever observations that elevate even the mundane moments of the plot. Her prose captures the humor and poignancy of the characters' experiences, allowing readers to feel both the lightheartedness and the weight of their struggles. The narrative encourages introspection, urging readers to consider their own desires and authenticity. Through the lens of weddings, the story unfolds in a way that resonates with readers, prompting them to reflect on their choices and the importance of being true to oneself.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include themes of depression, suicide ideation, and grief.
Has Romance?
While there is a romantic subplot, the main focus of the novel is on friendship and personal healing.
From The Publisher:
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A Today Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club Pick
A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.
It's a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn't here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she's dreamed of coming for years-she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she's here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan-which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can't stop confiding in each other.
In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach's The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined-and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.
Ratings (49)
Incredible (13) | |
Loved It (17) | |
Liked It (7) | |
It Was OK (9) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (104):
Read It (47) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (49) | |
Did Not Finish (4) | |
Not Interested (3) |
5 comment(s)
4.5 stars. This book was so charming, and it was exactly what I needed right now. The story begins with Phoebe abruptly walking out of her life and into a luxury hotel with the intention of killing herself. Her husband left her, her cat died, her career is no longer fulfilling. She feels utterly alone. Phoebe arrives at the hotel at the same time a week-long wedding is taking place. Phoebe’s chance encounter with the bride (and groom) may just end up altering the course of her life. When you have nothing left to lose and become your most authentic self, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. —that sounds cliché oh well…
I loved this book. The characters were so charmingly flawed. I found myself not wanting the story to end. I only docked 0.5 star because I wanted more at the end. Nevertheless I will read this again whenever I need a reminder of the importance of living as my most authentic self.
I think for most readers will be surprised by this book. Especially those who pick this up without being surrounded by the overwhelming buzz of 2024.
One thing I want to emphasize is that this really isn’t a light read. This isn’t a book to pick up when you’re feeling low and want a frothy tale that goes down easy right off the bat.
I actually had a really difficult time with this book for the first 1/4 or so. The depiction of the depths of depression the narrator has fallen into is tough, especially if you yourself have experienced depression. Her struggle is very on the nose, and as a pretty sensitive person who has been depressed, it was almost too much. Please tread carefully if you’re in recovery from depression or are at a particularly low point. While the narrator does recover and the tone changes quite a bit for the rest of the story, I think a massive trigger warning is necessary.
Reader, know thyself for this one.
3.5 stars for an ok middle and ending. I enjoyed the humor. I came to enjoy Phoebe and her fellow wedding people. I loved how she got to know herself, and trust herself to be honest, to find that she actually likes herself. I just wish it hadn’t seemed so easy.
On that note, this story ties up a bit too neatly in the end; a fact that wouldn’t bother me if the beginning had felt less “real”. Phoebe is able to go from one extreme to the next in the space of a week, something that I wish was a reality for more people who find themselves at such a loss that they consider ending their lives.
Anyway, if feel like I’m babbling a bit. This is a decent book with meaning and sharp wit. I’d recommend it to most, but not all.
5⭐️ I really enjoyed this book… the storyline, the characters, the writing style that gets your attention from the beginning and not once something I was distracted from the story… was so invested in it that kind of felt part of it too! Very fun read and close to reality which makes it even better…
Funny, great writting, thought provoking
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
This was a total surprise! I thought it'd be a classic cutesy summer romance but it was really very heartfelt and deep, thought provoking. I'm going to add it to my book club list it was such a well rounded, well thought out story.
What can you read after
The Wedding People?
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