This week I decided I wanted something quick and easy. So I picked Emily Giffin’s Something Borrowed. I knew it was chick-lit but I knew nothing else about the book. I thought it would be light and sweet like most chick-lit.
I did not like this book.
I didn’t know the book was about cheating and for some reason the overpowering sense of how wrong the whole premise was interfered with everything else about the story. I felt this way when I read The Bridges of Madison County so many years ago. But this was even worse. I know the author tried to get me to sympathize with Rachel by making her friend not so desirable (but throwing some gems to make sure she wasn’t totally 2-dimensional) but I did not feel any empathy at all. I felt like I was being told to feel empathetic and not actually feeling it. I never cared enough about her to root for her. I kept thinking the plot would twist and she would end up with someone else. (there was a twist but something completely different and in my opinion a totally inappropriate one for the characters she was building but I can’t talk about that without spoilers.)
Anyhow, I can go on and on but I’ll just say for me this wasn’t a good book. Characters were flat and uninteresting and the plot left much to be desired. If you’ve ever read her, please let me know if all her books are this way or should I give this author another chance?
I read Something Blue by the same author. It was chick-lit in the true sense but it was at least a decent story. The next time you need something light, I highly recommend Julie Kenner’s The Prada Paradox. Excellent!
hmmm okie, i will give it a try. Never heard of Julie Kenner.
Neither had I. But I bought it because the cover looked appealing. I thoroughly enjoyed her and so has everyone in my office. Great story.
I felt exactly the same way when I read “Bridges of Madison County.” Everyone raved about the movie, but I, too , couldn’t get past the infidelity!
thank you! I’m glad it wasn’t just me!