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Review
“There is a larger plan out there. Everything happens for a reason. Isn’t that what they say?”
OMG, I love this book! It’s unique, surprising, engaging from start to finish, and really gets you thinking. I sat down to start it today and read it the whole way through, unable to put it down. There’s not a whole lot I can say without giving away spoilers, so I’m purposely keeping this review vague.
29 year old Hannah is struggling with her life. She is completely directionless and has bounced around from city to city, job to job since graduating college. Now, having just ended a disastrous relationship, she is on her way home to LA to try and make something of her life.
She moves in with her best friend, Gabby, and on her second night at home they head out for drinks. There she runs into her high school boyfriend, Ethan. At the end of the night she has to decide whether to call it a night and go home with Gabby or whether to accept Ethan’s invitation to stay a little longer. It seems like such a small decision, but even the small decisions can have life-changing repercussions.
From this point in the book, the story splits in two, showing us how Hannah’s story plays out based on her decision that night. In alternating chapters, two incredible stories unfold, taking Hannah’s life in very different directions.
“Everything that is possible happens”
I love Hannah! She’s such a wonderful character, flawed but real and trying hard to create a meaningful life for herself. In both stories Hannah’s life twists and turns in ways she (and the reader) never would have expected. It’s life – it’s messy, emotional and complicated with some huge surprises, and even though it’s painful and devastating at times, there is also incredible joy and great love.
“I love you,” he says. “I don’t think I ever really stopped.” … “I was going to tell you that tonight … Before all of this.”
“And now?” I say.
… “I still love you,” he says. “I’ve always loved you. I might never stop.”
Yes, there is romance (stunningly swoony and again, realistic), but the themes of friendship and family are featured just as strongly, and it’s all beautifully done. Of all of the relationships in this book, Hannah’s friendship with Gabby (and by extension, Gabby’s parents) was probably my favourite.
The whole thing has a bit of a <i>Sliding Doors</i> feel to it, and as that is one of my favourite movies, I knew I’d enjoy this one before I started. It’s done differently though, and I have to say that I love the way this book ended – it was unexpected but perfect for the story, and definitely leaves you thinking about the possibilities of your own life.
Life is long and full of an infinite number of decisions. I have to think that the small ones don’t matter, that I’ll end up where I need to end up no matter what I do.
My fate will find me.
Beautifully written, I laughed, I cried, I felt EVERYTHING, and I devoured every moment of it. I absolutely loved it.
5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.