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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
This is a cute but painfully obviously amateurish first novel. I saw the movie years ago and LOVED it, so am now getting around to reading the book (which I would usually do before the movie, of course). The screenwriters (and actors) gave this a more mature emotional arc, even though Holly comes off a but petulant in both. The novel just falls into every bad early writing mistake in the book-- too many characters, too much description of the characters' clothes, too much 'telling' instead of 'showing' the familial relationships. After this I'm extremely reluctant to read any of Ahern's other novels (she's apparently written several since) but I may eventually give one a try, hoping she's grown in her writin abilities. So overall, an probably for th first time ever, I highly recommend the movie but say steer clear of the book!
I love how this book took place after Holly lost her loved one and how she coped with her loss, rather than their story during Gerry's condition. This book took place in a different point of view compared to other books out there.
This is definitely one where the movie was better than the book.
The book caught my attention because it sounded extraordinary the fact that a love story could go further than death, how much love Gerry felt for Holly. I like the story but at the middle of the book I started to get tired of the way the author wrote the story, I felt I was a 12 year old reading the story. I must say is pretty original but this is one of those few times where I honestly prefer the movie over the book. I think it was so much better how Holly was from New York and only had 1 sister than the millions siblings mention on the book. Anyway, good story but I prefer the movie.
I had to keep in mind throughout the book that this was Cecilia Ahern's first novel, she wrote it at 21, and she never really intended for it to become a book in the first place. I preface with that because while the writing was moving and touching in all the right places, at times, I felt it was a bit undeveloped and "tell-y." Some of the timelines moved forward a little too quickly as well.
Holly Kennedy is bereft with grief and doesn't know quite how to put her life back together after her husband Gerry dies. Holly is only 30 and has her whole life ahead of her, and yet she doesn't want to continue living. But when she discovers a series of notes from Gerry meant to help her move out of her grief and back into the real world, she begins looking forward to living again.
Each month, she sweetly waits until midnight of the new month, opens the note, and cherishes each word. It's a way of holding onto Gerry for just a little while longer. As readers, we discover that Gerry is slowly letting go of Holly just as Holly needs to let go of him.
What I loved most about this book was Ahern's ability to touch on the emotion of grief so significantly. Most of the books I read have happy endings. I look forward to that. But Holly also found a happy ending even if it wasn't the way she anticipated. Ahern explored the effect grief has on friendships, family relationships, and even new love. She left no stone unturned, and for a first-time writer, she succeeded brilliantly.
Holly Kennedy is bereft with grief and doesn't know quite how to put her life back together after her husband Gerry dies. Holly is only 30 and has her whole life ahead of her, and yet she doesn't want to continue living. But when she discovers a series of notes from Gerry meant to help her move out of her grief and back into the real world, she begins looking forward to living again.
Each month, she sweetly waits until midnight of the new month, opens the note, and cherishes each word. It's a way of holding onto Gerry for just a little while longer. As readers, we discover that Gerry is slowly letting go of Holly just as Holly needs to let go of him.
What I loved most about this book was Ahern's ability to touch on the emotion of grief so significantly. Most of the books I read have happy endings. I look forward to that. But Holly also found a happy ending even if it wasn't the way she anticipated. Ahern explored the effect grief has on friendships, family relationships, and even new love. She left no stone unturned, and for a first-time writer, she succeeded brilliantly.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
The real question is - is this book really a four star book or is it just THAT MUCH BETTER THAN THE MOVIE? It is difficult to believe this genuinely moving and funny novel was the source material for the movie P.S. I Love You. The movie wasn't bad - but it was solidly average and did no credit to the much better book.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes