Love the One You're With

In the past year I have read all of Emily Giffin's novels. I read them in the order which they were published -- though not on purpose -- and I'm glad I did. Otherwise, I might not have kept reading her work. After reading Something Borrowed and Something Blue, I was a big fan of hers. Baby Proof was OK, and if I had been reviewing it for this site, I would have only given it two or two and a half coconuts. I thought that maybe she just struck out with Baby Proof, but now I wonder. I have finished Love the One You're With, and while I liked it more than Baby Proof, it did not hold a candle to her first two novels (in my opinion). There were parts of this story that I felt were tedious page fillers... I even started speed reading (which is what I do during books, or parts of books, when I do not feel emotionally invested). However, during the last third I slowed down, and soaked it up. I enjoyed this part of the story and if the author had created that tension during the first two-thirds, I think the novel would have been more of a success.

I understand what Giffin was trying to get across in this book. The feeling of seeing an ex and wondering if you met them at the wrong time, if you should try again, if they really are the one. But (and here's the crux of the matter) I felt that there were no compelling reasons for Ellen's pull toward Leo (ex-boyfriend) and away from Andy (her husband); which was supposed to be the purpose of the novel. Andy and Ellen's relationship was described as healthy and good, while the reader only gets information about the poor things concerning Leo and the relationship that Ellen shared with him. I not only felt no desire to see Ellen choose Leo, but I felt confused as to why this was even an issue (until later in the second half of the book). The entire premise of the book is for us to actually feel something for Ellen and the situation she is going through; to be invested in the outcome. The author has proved that she knows how to do this in Something Borrowed (in fact, she did a fantastic job of helping you connect to the "villain"), but somehow missed the mark here. Although I will say that she leaves it to the last minute to ell you which man Ellen chooses, so kuddos to her for that. 

Now that I have read her entire body of work, I have to say that I am only (apparently) 50% on the Emily Giffin bandwagon. I highly recommend Something Borrowed and Something Blue... they are two of my favorite books of contemporary women's fiction. If you are wanting to read some fun, engaging, 
brain candy, try these first. You will then have a good sense of what Ms. Giffin is capable of and can 
decide for yourself if you want to venture to her other two novels.
Three Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Library

Comments

[Jennifer Black]

I love your enthusiam for books and for reading. I subscribe to your blog and enjoy your recomendations. Since your such a 'bookie' I was wondering if I could ask you a question. My dad is an avid reader and checks out 10 or so books each week from the library. But he's checked out so many that he cant always remember what he's read and which authors he liked and disliked. So I was wondering if you know of anywhere on the web where you can list the books that youve read and then based on that have it generate a list of suggested books to read. I looked, but couldnt find anything, and honestly the only person that I thought might know is you. Anyways, sorry to ask you this through the comment section, but I didnt know how else to ask you. Thanks for reading this, and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!!

[Coconut Library]

Hi Jennifer! First, thank you so much for the compliments... I'm so glad you're liking the blog! Hearing feedback like this is very encouraging.

Yes, I know the trouble of not remembering what I've read. In fact, there was a book that I loved SO much as a young adult, and can't remember the title of it for the life of me. I have been searching for years-- but still can't find it. That said, I do know of a couple of sites where one can catalog their books, review them, join on-line book clubs, and get recommendations.

The site I belong to is called GoodReads.
This is my post about it: http://coconutlibrary.typepad.com/coconut-library/2009/07/can-i-take-a-moment-to-tell-you-about-goodreads-its-my-new-favorite-site-and-its-all-about-books-its-not-only-your-persona.html. Read that post, it will give you more detailed information and has a link to the site. I am a moderator of a group on there called Heartwarmers (though I imagine this is not the kind of literature that interests your father).

The other site is called LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com/. Though I don't have an account on this site, I have heard that it is highly recommended.

I hope that helps! Any time you have a question, or need a recommendation feel free to comment!

[Jennifer Black]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question..I totally appreciate it, and I'll definately check out the two web sites.

I had to chuckle when I read the part about you forgetting the name of a book you loved as a child. I too had a favorite but I SWEAR that I do remember the correct name of it. Ive looked for it for years, everywhere I can possibly imagine, but I just cant find it. Ugh!! But the search continues. :)

Anyways, thanks again..I look forward to your blog updates. Take Care :)