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A review by becmcgrath
While You Were Reading by Ali Berg
3.0
*2.5 stars
I reallyyyy wanted to like this book - it seemed like it would be a great fun, light, romantic read.
Unfortunately, it just...didn't hit the mark for me. The book was fine, and the concept was great, but it just wasn't executed in the way I was hoping/anticipating.
The writing wasn't my style, and there was more than one occasion of "I let out a breath I didn't realise I'd been holding". I also found the bookish aspects and references of this novel to make me want to eyeroll pretty often. Maybe it's just me, but just because I love books and literature, I don't go around quoting them every day?? And how are these characters expected to remember everything they once read?? I might love a book but struggle to recall all the characters names a few months later...
The main character, Bea, was a 30-year old woman but acted like a teenager. I think the book would've been better if she was in her very early 30's, just finished uni and then realising she hates the career she's chosen.
But the main disappointment was the plot and pacing. When I reached about 50% of this book, the plot seemed to wrap up, but we were only halfway through the novel. I actually ended up enjoying the second half of the book waaay more, and think that could've almost stood alone. There was just a lot of unnecessary side plots that lead nowhere, and the ex-best friend Cassandra could almost be eliminated (except that she works as a plot device).
I think I was just expecting more from this! It was very light and easy to read, but I was searching for a bit more heart, relatability and romance.
I reallyyyy wanted to like this book - it seemed like it would be a great fun, light, romantic read.
Unfortunately, it just...didn't hit the mark for me. The book was fine, and the concept was great, but it just wasn't executed in the way I was hoping/anticipating.
The writing wasn't my style, and there was more than one occasion of "I let out a breath I didn't realise I'd been holding". I also found the bookish aspects and references of this novel to make me want to eyeroll pretty often. Maybe it's just me, but just because I love books and literature, I don't go around quoting them every day?? And how are these characters expected to remember everything they once read?? I might love a book but struggle to recall all the characters names a few months later...
The main character, Bea, was a 30-year old woman but acted like a teenager. I think the book would've been better if she was in her very early 30's, just finished uni and then realising she hates the career she's chosen.
But the main disappointment was the plot and pacing. When I reached about 50% of this book, the plot seemed to wrap up, but we were only halfway through the novel. I actually ended up enjoying the second half of the book waaay more, and think that could've almost stood alone. There was just a lot of unnecessary side plots that lead nowhere, and the ex-best friend Cassandra could almost be eliminated (except that she works as a plot device).
I think I was just expecting more from this! It was very light and easy to read, but I was searching for a bit more heart, relatability and romance.