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atreegrowsinbooks's review
dark
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
The Wedding People by Alison Espach (#gifted, thanks Henry Holt)
CW: suicide attempt, depression
Note: While this book has a wholesome meaning, please don’t proceed if the above warnings are triggering.
Have you ever felt like you were in the right place at the right time? That you were meant to meet someone or have a certain conversation, experience, or moment?
Well, that feeling is this book. We follow Phoebe, who is extremely depressed to the point of attempting to take her life, as she arrives at a hotel just in time for the kickoff of a week long wedding. Phoebe and the wedding people meet and ultimately impact each other’s lives in different ways. You’ll have to read the book to see how those interactions impact everyone.
Espach’s writing is full of humor, and that humor is essential for the main point of the book to permeate the pages: THERE IS A REASON FOR YOU TO BE ALIVE.
I would suggest this book with a warning, if you aren’t ready to read about a character making an attempt on her life (which is then referenced several times) please don’t read this. Please be kind to yourself. And if you’re having suicidal thoughts and/or struggling please know that’s it’s okay to reach out to someone and that you’re not alone. Some resources are the 988 lifeline 988lifeline.org and The Trevor Project thetrevorproject.org
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Animal death, Drug use, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Infertility
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, and Pandemic/Epidemic
amdawson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-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
5.0
Phoebe has nothing left to live for. Her husband left her for her best friend during the pandemic, after struggling with infertility. She’s ready to end it all. Phoebe books a room at the fancy hotel her husband wouldn’t splurge on when they were married, but upon checkin she realizes the whole place is booked for a wedding. Lila, the bride, cannot believe Phoebe got a room during her wedding week. What transpired from that moment on is a masterclass in revealing the depth and complexity of a diverse group of characters. For every dark, grief-filled moment, we are given a funny one. For every passive-aggressive remark we receive a surprisingly tender moment. It was the kind of book you want to linger in and yet, cannot put down.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Miscarriage and Pandemic/Epidemic
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