A review by readingthestars
The Wedding People by Alison Espach

5.0

"But you have the Hermit card. Your card. That's you."
"That doesn't sound good."
"That's a great sign, actually. I am really happy to see that, because that means that no matter what happens, you will always be here."

I feel very fortunate to live in the state this book takes place in, and to have attended a release week event at the luxury hotel that the one in the novel is based on. Hearing the author's insights and inspirations was so interesting, and helped me understand the concept of being a "wedding person", a stranger in a crowd who is welcoming and easy to talk to, due to them being a complete stranger.

This novel is one of those that touches on this feeling that is difficult to put into words. Phoebe, our main character, feels dejected and depressed, and now finds herself an outsider amongst a group of seemingly happy, go-lucky wedding people. But people aren't just what's on the surface - this wedding isn't as happy as it may seem, and Phoebe has more to offer the wedding party than she first believes. The result is a beautifully genuine portrayal of humanity and our messy emotions. I related to Phoebe a lot, and this quote in particular hit me reeeeally hard:

She wants to be a part of it. It's okay, the therapist said, to want to be a part of it.

This is one of those books where I finish reading it and weep because someone gets it, and if the above quote relates to you too, you should read this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinions.

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Full RTC but damnnnnn now that’s a novel!