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musiquedevie's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't have the stereotypical college experience so I wasn't sure if this book would be for me. I was however, intrigued by the story line about revisiting old friends and going back down memory lane.
Without ever being sappy or overtly sentimental, "In Twenty Years" takes us on a reunion trip back to Philly for five friends that were once close (a six point star) yet now separated due to life and two splitting events.
I enjoyed the different chapters dedicated to each character that told and moved along the story from their point of view. While I didn't click completely with any one character, I grew to love all of them - even Lindy. Yes, she grated on my nerves from time to time but Allison Winn Scotch wrote these characters so wonderfully and vibrantly that as a reader you were able to relate to them, to root for them in some way. I do wish we could've seen more into Owen's thoughts and see his life with Catherine from his POV.
While I usually don't enjoy open endings (they drive me crazy - especially when I really get into the characters!); I appreciated this one. Yes, I definitely would be for a sequel because I'd love to find out how the characters moved on after their reunion but the last few chapters really gave a great impression as to the possible path each one would be on after they all returned to their respective homes. It was a satisfying ending to a really fantastic read.
Without ever being sappy or overtly sentimental, "In Twenty Years" takes us on a reunion trip back to Philly for five friends that were once close (a six point star) yet now separated due to life and two splitting events.
I enjoyed the different chapters dedicated to each character that told and moved along the story from their point of view. While I didn't click completely with any one character, I grew to love all of them - even Lindy. Yes, she grated on my nerves from time to time but Allison Winn Scotch wrote these characters so wonderfully and vibrantly that as a reader you were able to relate to them, to root for them in some way. I do wish we could've seen more into Owen's thoughts and see his life with Catherine from his POV.
While I usually don't enjoy open endings (they drive me crazy - especially when I really get into the characters!); I appreciated this one. Yes, I definitely would be for a sequel because I'd love to find out how the characters moved on after their reunion but the last few chapters really gave a great impression as to the possible path each one would be on after they all returned to their respective homes. It was a satisfying ending to a really fantastic read.
gertyp's review against another edition
2.0
Did this, to anyone else, feel like "St. Elmo's Fire--20 years later"? A little long winded....didn't much like the characters. Except Bea, who we really don't get to enjoy.
ioanaisreading's review against another edition
2.0
College never ends.
That was the phrase that kept poping into my head while reading this book. I did find myself cheering for the characters and cheering some of them on. The premise of the book was appealing, but after I reached the half of the book and nothing seemed "to happen" I started fearing for the characters. If you are looking for a book that changes dramatically over its length, this is not it. There were little bits of information thrown throughout the novel alluding to the ending, bur for the most part things stayed constant.
A tight group throughout college, 5 old friends reunite in their old college house. What prompted them was their old friend's wish to celebrate her birthday two years before their twentieth college reunion. They are changed and unchanged at the same time, their friendship no longer their lifeline as it used to be in the past, they are akward in each other's presence, but they carry on with the weekend.
The novel zooms in on a different character in each chapter, so you learn something about everyone, both from their college life and their present day life. My favourite thing about this novel was that it didn't end how I predicted or how I hoped. However, the ending did feel like the best natural way to wrap things up . It left you hoping and rooting for the characters, without tying it with a pretty ribbon as if their lives ended with the last full-stop of the novel.
It is not the deepest novel I have ever read, but it gives the reader some things to ponder on. I am sure it would be better appreciated by readers who are in their late 30s or early 40s, but we the 20s can find valuable things in it as well.
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
That was the phrase that kept poping into my head while reading this book. I did find myself cheering for the characters and cheering some of them on. The premise of the book was appealing, but after I reached the half of the book and nothing seemed "to happen" I started fearing for the characters. If you are looking for a book that changes dramatically over its length, this is not it. There were little bits of information thrown throughout the novel alluding to the ending, bur for the most part things stayed constant.
A tight group throughout college, 5 old friends reunite in their old college house. What prompted them was their old friend's wish to celebrate her birthday two years before their twentieth college reunion. They are changed and unchanged at the same time, their friendship no longer their lifeline as it used to be in the past, they are akward in each other's presence, but they carry on with the weekend.
The novel zooms in on a different character in each chapter, so you learn something about everyone, both from their college life and their present day life. My favourite thing about this novel was that it didn't end how I predicted or how I hoped. However, the ending did feel like the best natural way to wrap things up . It left you hoping and rooting for the characters, without tying it with a pretty ribbon as if their lives ended with the last full-stop of the novel.
It is not the deepest novel I have ever read, but it gives the reader some things to ponder on. I am sure it would be better appreciated by readers who are in their late 30s or early 40s, but we the 20s can find valuable things in it as well.
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
inliterarylove's review against another edition
5.0
Twenty years is a long time to hold grudges, lose friendships and forget who you were. Allison Winn Scotch perfectly captures what it's like to approach 40 and rekindle old friendships and resolve those issues. The drama and heart is very real and can be any one of us. Though it's unlikely any of us are rock stars or blog superstars, I think anyone in their mid-30s and up can relate to some part of this in some way. Losing someone dear to you, reminiscing on what could have been, finally confronting issues that you have carried with you since you left school, a marriage losing it's traction....I highly recommend reading this book. You will find at least a part of yourself in one of these characters, guaranteed.
conroykl's review against another edition
3.0
Book about a group of college friends and how their lives have taken such different paths since college when they come back together 20 years later.
robinsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I love Allison Winn Scotch's contemporary novels and thoroughly enjoyed her latest fraught with complicated connections between friends, partners, and spouses. Six students meet in college and through a set of circumstances end up living together in a house for the rest of their college years. Twenty years after graduation, everyone receives a letter from a deceased housemate requesting the estranged friends (along with their partners) reunite for a few days at the same residence. What follows is a tale full of old resentments, unfulfilled loves, and strained relationships between husbands and wives, and the realization that dreams achieved haven't quite reached expectations.
As usual, Scotch has written a smart novel filled with appealing characters (well, except for one who is, well, a pain in the rear but we’ve all known someone like that, right?) who all find themselves coping with their complicated relationships and everything else life throws in the way. And I always like the way Scotch authentically resolves everything by the end--sure, there are happy and satisfying solutions, but there are no guarantees, just like in real life.
This an excellent novel for those who like books by Jennifer Weiner, Emily Giffin, Jane Green, Laura Dave, and Marisa de los Santos.
I love Allison Winn Scotch's contemporary novels and thoroughly enjoyed her latest fraught with complicated connections between friends, partners, and spouses. Six students meet in college and through a set of circumstances end up living together in a house for the rest of their college years. Twenty years after graduation, everyone receives a letter from a deceased housemate requesting the estranged friends (along with their partners) reunite for a few days at the same residence. What follows is a tale full of old resentments, unfulfilled loves, and strained relationships between husbands and wives, and the realization that dreams achieved haven't quite reached expectations.
As usual, Scotch has written a smart novel filled with appealing characters (well, except for one who is, well, a pain in the rear but we’ve all known someone like that, right?) who all find themselves coping with their complicated relationships and everything else life throws in the way. And I always like the way Scotch authentically resolves everything by the end--sure, there are happy and satisfying solutions, but there are no guarantees, just like in real life.
This an excellent novel for those who like books by Jennifer Weiner, Emily Giffin, Jane Green, Laura Dave, and Marisa de los Santos.
atalinay's review against another edition
1.0
Altogether a nice story about five old friends who are brought together twenty years later by their leader friend Bea long after her death. I will say it was hard to accept how impossibly successful these people were and I was irked by their well-to-do personalities at times. But they were far from perfect or happy. The best part that i gathered from this read has to be the wisdom imparted by Bea throughout.
hilaryrowell's review against another edition
3.0
Quick read. Interesting characters. Nothing outstanding. A group of university friends who have drifted apart reunite 20 years after graduating with all the usual soul searching and self-finding that occurs in a book like this. Chapters rotate between characters so that we see inside each of them. None has any real depth to be honest. I pity their children.
suzannefine's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first of Allison Winn Scotch's books which I have read, and it kinda left me longing to go back to my college days as well. I really enjoyed the six characters and didn't feel it was difficult to keep their stories straight as sometimes might happen with an ensemble cast.
I look forward to going back and reading the rest of her books soon.
Would definitely recommend this book!
This was the first of Allison Winn Scotch's books which I have read, and it kinda left me longing to go back to my college days as well. I really enjoyed the six characters and didn't feel it was difficult to keep their stories straight as sometimes might happen with an ensemble cast.
I look forward to going back and reading the rest of her books soon.
Would definitely recommend this book!
bookmarklit's review against another edition
3.0
Ugh finally. Three stars feels generous, to be honest. I liked certain parts of the book and some scenes but god these characters were T E R R I B LE. Like, the worst I've encountered probably ever? I loved the two boys but the three girls omg I cannot. Selfish and annoying and frustrating. I loved the reunion aspect (obviously) but the rest felt heavy-handed and overall blehhh.