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internationalreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a fun book to kick off the new year! Serena is charming, ambitious, and dealt with an issue that many of us face throughout our adult lives. All of her old friends seemed too busy to hang out with her, so she went on a quest to make some new gal pals! Her various friend dates were both awkward and hilarious, really demonstrating the risks inherent in "putting yourself out there."
I also loved how Serena navigated her complicated family relationships by getting some distance when necessary, but also stepping up and putting in the work to mend fences with her sister and parents. Lalli included some lovely chapters from the viewpoint of Serena's mother, Sandeep, as she explained what it was like to immigrate to the U.S. from India and raise two daughters in a new country.
I do agree with other reviewers that the story would have been stronger without the romance elements. It also felt like some elements came out of nowhere and were subsequently wrapped up too quickly at the end of the story. Still, this was an enjoyable, lightheaded book about a woman who knows what she wants out of life and doesn't succumb to expectations about what she "should" be doing, which made for a truly refreshing read.
I also loved how Serena navigated her complicated family relationships by getting some distance when necessary, but also stepping up and putting in the work to mend fences with her sister and parents. Lalli included some lovely chapters from the viewpoint of Serena's mother, Sandeep, as she explained what it was like to immigrate to the U.S. from India and raise two daughters in a new country.
I do agree with other reviewers that the story would have been stronger without the romance elements. It also felt like some elements came out of nowhere and were subsequently wrapped up too quickly at the end of the story. Still, this was an enjoyable, lightheaded book about a woman who knows what she wants out of life and doesn't succumb to expectations about what she "should" be doing, which made for a truly refreshing read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexism, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
bpop's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, and Racism
Minor: Bullying and Sexism
editoryalizing's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Alcoholism
bookdragon217's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, and Domestic abuse
linesiunderline's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was intrigued by the premise of this book, since I think there are not enough stories out there that explore some of the issues that seemed to be at the heart of this story, specifically: finding new and fulfilling friendship in adulthood, and women who choose to prioritize their independence over a long term relationship.
I think Lalli succeeds on several fronts. I really enjoyed the central friendship between Serena and Ainsley. We don’t see enough portrayals of how adult friendships can begin and develop. I loved how we were invited to appreciate how their friendship was “meant to be”, in the kind of way usually reserved for romantic relationships. It was refreshing to see that level of attention paid to the importance of a friendship relationship.
I also enjoyed having the perspective of Serena’s mother, Sandeep, take centre stage in some of the chapters. It allowed us to appreciate more of where Serena came from, and added layers around her cultural background and her parents’ own stories as immigrants. I think we could have benefited from even more understanding of Sandeep’s past.
Be ready for a story that is slow paced. At times I wasn’t sure if the novel was missing some tension or jeopardy. What was at stake was more subtle. This really is a more of a character study. Even so, it moved rather slowly and I did find some of the action at Serena’s work to be a little repetitive.
I would have been happier to see Serena finish this story without a man beside her. I would have liked to see that kind of ending validated. However, I did find the conclusion believable and portrayed with some complexity. It wasn’t unbelievable.
This book made me curious to read the author’s previous books, and it left me thinking, which I always appreciate.
I think Lalli succeeds on several fronts. I really enjoyed the central friendship between Serena and Ainsley. We don’t see enough portrayals of how adult friendships can begin and develop. I loved how we were invited to appreciate how their friendship was “meant to be”, in the kind of way usually reserved for romantic relationships. It was refreshing to see that level of attention paid to the importance of a friendship relationship.
I also enjoyed having the perspective of Serena’s mother, Sandeep, take centre stage in some of the chapters. It allowed us to appreciate more of where Serena came from, and added layers around her cultural background and her parents’ own stories as immigrants. I think we could have benefited from even more understanding of Sandeep’s past.
Be ready for a story that is slow paced. At times I wasn’t sure if the novel was missing some tension or jeopardy. What was at stake was more subtle. This really is a more of a character study. Even so, it moved rather slowly and I did find some of the action at Serena’s work to be a little repetitive.
I would have been happier to see Serena finish this story without a man beside her. I would have liked to see that kind of ending validated. However, I did find the conclusion believable and portrayed with some complexity. It wasn’t unbelievable.
This book made me curious to read the author’s previous books, and it left me thinking, which I always appreciate.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
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