A review by gruizco23
Meant to Be by Emily Giffin

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

1.0

This was probably the most boring book I've read in a while. To be clear, I'm a fan of the more introspective books, I've enjoyed Normal People, Persuasion, and other more "quiet" reads. This wasn't like those books because there was basically zero introspection. At the end of the book, the characters felt the same and acted the same, there was absolutely no growth. A character going through something traumatic and having them discuss it throughout the book doesn't qualify as development, but it feels like Emily Giffin hoped it would.

I know this was based on Carolyn Bassett Kennedy and JFK jr, so I'm assuming that's why it fell so flat. Emily Giffin might have depended a bit too much on readers having prior knowledge of the couple. Even though i did have that background knowledge, the characters were so one dimensional it just felt like a waste of a concept. Overall, a super disappointing book. 

After reading some reviews I have to add that their love never felt genuine.
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