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rscuderi's review against another edition
3.0
The writing was good and the story interesting and well developed, though fairly predictable. However, I did not like or relate to either of the sisters and found it difficult to be compassionate.
ashleybhaley's review against another edition
4.0
I'm going with 3.5 stars because the ending felt rushed to me.
Josie and Meredith are interesting characters... Josie's funny and a bit on the self-absorbed side. Meredith is just a bitch and you can't really like her from the beginning.
The ending is satisfying enough that you're in a pleasant place about the characters but she really left it open so you really don't know what their future holds.
Josie and Meredith are interesting characters... Josie's funny and a bit on the self-absorbed side. Meredith is just a bitch and you can't really like her from the beginning.
The ending is satisfying enough that you're in a pleasant place about the characters but she really left it open so you really don't know what their future holds.
karenleagermain's review against another edition
2.0
Thank You to Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine Books for providing me with an advanced copy of Emily Giffin's latest novel, First Comes Love.
PLOT - Sisters Josie and Meredith are polar opposites, and the grow even further apart after the tragic death of their brother. Elementary school teacher Josie, is single, impulsive, and free-spirited. In Meredith's eyes, Josie is a child who never grew up and who keeps screwing up. Meredith has a successful career, is married, and is a mother. On paper, her life looks perfect, but she is unhappy. As the fifteenth anniversary of their brother's death approaches, will the sisters be able to come together to remember him, or will secrets of the past threaten to drive them further apart?
LIKE- I'm a fan of Giffin's previous novels and I was happy to have been given the opportunity to review her latest book. Her writing is fluid and she has a wonderful ability to create multifaceted characters facing gut-wrenching dilemmas. Her characters are relatable and my biggest take-away from all of her novels, is her ability to write a wide range of emotions.
DISLIKE- While I felt that both Meredith and Josie were realistically rendered ( I know people just like Josie and Meredith), I didn't like either character. I'm not saying that protagonist likeability is a prerequisite for liking a novel, but in this case, it would have helped. I wanted to feel joy for both of the sisters at the end of the story, but I felt ambivalence.
RECOMMEND - Maybe. Yes, if you're a Giffin fan. I'm a Giffin fan and no matter what other reviews may say, I would have still read First Comes Love. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I don't think that First Comes Love will be a novel that sticks in my memory.
PLOT - Sisters Josie and Meredith are polar opposites, and the grow even further apart after the tragic death of their brother. Elementary school teacher Josie, is single, impulsive, and free-spirited. In Meredith's eyes, Josie is a child who never grew up and who keeps screwing up. Meredith has a successful career, is married, and is a mother. On paper, her life looks perfect, but she is unhappy. As the fifteenth anniversary of their brother's death approaches, will the sisters be able to come together to remember him, or will secrets of the past threaten to drive them further apart?
LIKE- I'm a fan of Giffin's previous novels and I was happy to have been given the opportunity to review her latest book. Her writing is fluid and she has a wonderful ability to create multifaceted characters facing gut-wrenching dilemmas. Her characters are relatable and my biggest take-away from all of her novels, is her ability to write a wide range of emotions.
DISLIKE- While I felt that both Meredith and Josie were realistically rendered ( I know people just like Josie and Meredith), I didn't like either character. I'm not saying that protagonist likeability is a prerequisite for liking a novel, but in this case, it would have helped. I wanted to feel joy for both of the sisters at the end of the story, but I felt ambivalence.
RECOMMEND - Maybe. Yes, if you're a Giffin fan. I'm a Giffin fan and no matter what other reviews may say, I would have still read First Comes Love. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I don't think that First Comes Love will be a novel that sticks in my memory.
kirbylm12's review against another edition
3.0
I love Emily Giffin, but this one took a long time to unfold and left a lot to be desired. It built up and built up and then all of the details came out in the last chapter. It left me desiring more details about the relationship of the characters. It would be great if there was a sequel!
jencook29's review against another edition
3.0
First Comes Love is a story about sisters. Josie and Meredith lost their brother years ago and both of them are still trying to move on from their loss. Josie never lets herself love or be loved again but is desperate to have a child. Meredith has what seems on the surface to be a perfect family, a husband who adores her and a beautiful little girl. But she can't help but think something is missing. Although there are many aspects of this book, it's ultimately a book about sisters and family.
I enjoyed the book, although I struggled a bit with how the story lines. It wasn't a satisfying ending for me because there were still a lot of loose ends. I prefer my books to be wrapped up with a bow at the end with a happy ending. However, the writing was strong, I fell in love with the characters and a saw them grow and change throughout the book. I saw glimpses of happy endings and I suppose that will be good enough. It's worth reading!
I enjoyed the book, although I struggled a bit with how the story lines. It wasn't a satisfying ending for me because there were still a lot of loose ends. I prefer my books to be wrapped up with a bow at the end with a happy ending. However, the writing was strong, I fell in love with the characters and a saw them grow and change throughout the book. I saw glimpses of happy endings and I suppose that will be good enough. It's worth reading!
daromano13's review against another edition
2.0
Definitely, meh. I have adored every other book she has written, but was really underwhelmed. I struggled to connect or care about the characters. They both seemed a little whiny. I also wasn't super impressed with the male characters either. I ended up wondering why they were putting up with the females. I love her writing style, but this really missed the mark for me.
tlcher's review against another edition
2.0
I was entertained but i wanted more meat.
I keep reading books with characters that need more. More time to develop or more meat to them. This just fell a little flat for me
I keep reading books with characters that need more. More time to develop or more meat to them. This just fell a little flat for me
shailydc's review against another edition
2.0
Emily Giffin writes well but the characters and storylines are just bad.