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A review by classicalbaird
The Wedding People by Alison Espach

emotional funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

And maybe they are all lonely. Maybe this is just what it means to be a person. To constantly reckon with being a single being in one body. Maybe everybody sits up at night and creates arguments in their head for why they are the loneliest person in the world.

I haven't read many books where I can see myself in most of the characters. Lila who wants to be loved. Phoebe who wants to know herself. Gary who knows what he wants but feels like he can never have it. Juice who just wants people to "get" her. Jim who wants to finish his seaplane but never buys the frame.

I don't think this was Espach's point (though who cares? Barthes would say it doesn't matter), but weddings are one of the few places where you can pretend to be something you're not and get away with it. Before and after you're yourself, and during you're a better, pretend version. Which is why weddings are bullshit. Because if the rest of your life starts with a lie, all you'll do is burn out. 
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