This library book from Libby arrived in the midst of our move to Hawaii and it turned out to be the perfect read during a major life change filled with uncertainty. I had first heard it praised by The Spines and added it to my holds without any context. It turned out to be a surprising, original 5-star story that is far more complex, and funny, than first meets the eye.
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
Genre: Humor/Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 384
My Rating: ★★★★★
Divorced, depressed Phoebe checks into a beach hotel the same week as a large wedding party and the various “wedding people” irrevocably change the course of her life.
The Wedding People is a character-driven exploration of how to continue when all feels lost, the importance of simple kindnesses, and the auspiciousness of chance meetings. Having met my own spouse at a hotel in Miami by coincidence, I have a soft spot for the random run-in plot device.
Tackling heavy, hard themes with humor and hope, I found myself experiencing every emotion as I absorbed page-after-page of this book. The first chapter has an incredible hook (that left me a bit speechless). And the pacing proceeds to be a mesmerizing dance right up until the very end, told through a series of flashbacks and the events during the “wedding week” itself.
It’s laugh out loud funny, even when it shouldn’t be. A book that fully encompasses the “laugh or you’ll cry” mentality.
The main character, Phoebe, has inner monologues that are both relatable and thought-provoking. From the trajectory of her life, how she views the world, and what it means to truly be here. We get a glimpse into this character’s mind and though it’s dark at times, it is riddled with inspiration and hilarity. I devoured this book in two days and wished it did not have to end.
I’d recommend this book for those that like:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
The Guncle by Steve Rowley
Until next time!
