Book Blog #359: The Wedding People by Alison Espach

 

Title: The Wedding People

Author: Alison Espach

# of Pages: 384 (hardback)

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Synopsis: It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.

Review: I was expecting a fun romance from the protagonist being in an unexpected situation.

What I did not expect is that very very early on, it's revealed that our protagonist Phoebe is actually at the hotel to KILL herself. I even had to reread the synopsis (I briefly skimmed it before reading to get general vibes), and this rather large detail that sets the tone of the book is deceivingly MISSING.

Although more of an existential read than I was expecting, I could almost give it 4 stars since it's covering a topic (being true to yourself) that is less typical of other chick-lit adjacent reads (although being targeted more to an in their late 30s to early 40s audience going through a midlife crisis).

The problem is that the pace is sooo slow. I expected having to learn about various people at the wedding via Phoebe meeting them at the hotel, but many chapters were of unnaturally staged conversations that served as a long expositions on a character's backstory.  

I couldn't help but repeatedly put the book down. I wouldn't recommend it in a hurry. 

Book Blog #358: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

 

Title: The Backyard Bird Chronicles

Author: Amy Tan

# of Pages: 280 (hardback)

Genre: Nonfiction

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Synopsis: A gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us that hides in plain sight. Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world. In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

Review: I knew exactly what I was getting myself and that I wouldn't be interested in the topic (birds) of this book any more than the average non-birder. Did that stop me? Apparently not.

This book deserves 5 stars for delivering exactly what it advertises: whimsy journal entries from famous author Amy Tran on her birdwatching hobby with some very realistic illustrations.

But based on my level of enjoyment, it would be 2 stars. I don't share Tan's fascination of birds. She even humanizes their behavior which can either come off as charming or a bit obsessed (nothing wrong with an obsession but makes it harder to relate). While I was open to learning more, the entries got repetitive as she sees more of the same birds visit her backyard. This book really should have been limited to a max of 80 pages, if that.

So I'm settling on 3 stars for delivering but maybe not worth being delivered for the average reader. I would only recommend this if you're interested in a birds and want to see some amazing illustrations (although I didn't appreciate the larger-than life yellow jacket drawing).