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A review by elizabethh724
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg
4.0
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I do try to read new to me authors and was mostly rewarded by my decision to read this book. There is mention of the main character being Jewish, and I'd argue the essence of Maggie's personality is inherently Jewish. It's definitely not a focus. Maggie Vine is an aspiring singer - songwriter with talent, a New Yorker we meet on her 30th birthday. We don't actually find out when her birthday takes place, but I'm guessing early summer.
The format of the book takes us into the future and past, most of the plot taking place in her 35th year. Maggie is torn between two loves: Garrett, a best friend, Trader Joe's shopper, and a confidant who moonlights in rock music with an adult day job in finance. We learn about the unrequited love between the two. Well, they love each other, but the timing just never works out. Then there's Asher Reyes, Maggie's summer camp boyfriend she met at 15 and hadn't seen since she started college at 17, 18 years old. Asher is a famous director/ actor and is making Maggie's favorite book into a film. Maggie wants to write the original music for the movie.
The other major character is Maggie's best friend, Summer, who is her opposite personality wise. Their friendship reminded me of mine with my best friend, who tends to be pragmatic when I'm emotional.
This isn't really a love triangle so much, and the description may be somewhat misleading as well as the cover. It seems like a fluffy rom com, but Greenberg gives us an emotionally fulfilling tale of love, loss, and life goals. There should be a trigger warning for grief, loss, sexual assault and the aftermath. Don't overlook this book as another typical adult contemporary romance. There are some funny moments too that give levity for more serious moments. I couldn't relate to the main character wanting a baby, but that's just me. I really enjoyed the musical references made with some of my favorite artists, including Stevie Nicks, Fiona Apple. Please note to take care with the trigger warnings I mentioned.
4/5☆ out 10/3/23
The format of the book takes us into the future and past, most of the plot taking place in her 35th year. Maggie is torn between two loves: Garrett, a best friend, Trader Joe's shopper, and a confidant who moonlights in rock music with an adult day job in finance. We learn about the unrequited love between the two. Well, they love each other, but the timing just never works out. Then there's Asher Reyes, Maggie's summer camp boyfriend she met at 15 and hadn't seen since she started college at 17, 18 years old. Asher is a famous director/ actor and is making Maggie's favorite book into a film. Maggie wants to write the original music for the movie.
The other major character is Maggie's best friend, Summer, who is her opposite personality wise. Their friendship reminded me of mine with my best friend, who tends to be pragmatic when I'm emotional.
This isn't really a love triangle so much, and the description may be somewhat misleading as well as the cover. It seems like a fluffy rom com, but Greenberg gives us an emotionally fulfilling tale of love, loss, and life goals. There should be a trigger warning for grief, loss, sexual assault and the aftermath. Don't overlook this book as another typical adult contemporary romance. There are some funny moments too that give levity for more serious moments. I couldn't relate to the main character wanting a baby, but that's just me. I really enjoyed the musical references made with some of my favorite artists, including Stevie Nicks, Fiona Apple. Please note to take care with the trigger warnings I mentioned.
4/5☆ out 10/3/23