A tale so many can relate to: best friends who went through high school and college together, who are now navigating adult life in their own ways. Sarah comes from wealth and privilege, while Lauren is from a working class suburban family making her way in New York City on her own. They are growing up and slightly apart as their lives diverge into different paths. Sarah is getting married and expecting her first baby; she is following a fairly typical life path. Lauren goes from boyfriend to boyfriend and has no real interest in settling down. She is aware of this and doesn’t mind that this is where she is in life, even with Sarah’s occasional comments on her life choices.
We read the book through the perspective of each woman and how they view their relationship. The friendship has become a bit distant, but is still comfortable and familiar to both Lauren and Sarah. There is no major conflict in the book as they accept things to be the way they are. At one point, Sarah does express displeasure about a one night stand Lauren has during the bachelorette trip. Even though we know that Sarah is saying this just to be heard, but knows it won’t change Lauren’s mind at all. Eventually, as Lauren sees her friend become a mom she does admit to being wrapped up in her own life.
I enjoyed the intimate look at the thoughts of both characters; the internal dialogue about how they think of each other and what is going on in their lives, even the mundane things. We see that a friendship can last through the years even if it’s not as close as it used to be. This book explores the bonds that are inexplicably set up at a young age and stay intact no matter what.
TL:DR- Was an enjoyable and slightly melancholy read, but I was left wanting more to the story.
Disclosure: I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway and was asked for my opinion of it in return. This review is based on an advanced reader's edition.
Reviewed by Katie Holland, who is a Chicago based artist, creative mind and bookworm.
Publication Date: June 7, 2016 Page Count: 304
ISBN: 0062429930 Publisher: Ecco