Many thanks to my partner @simon.audio for the #gifted audiobook.  

 

“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.”

 

Hannah’s life is in total disarray.  She’s hopped from city to city and job to job.  Nowhere seems just right.  Now back in her hometown surrounded by friends, chosen family, and a certain old flame, Hannah hopes to finally feel at home.  On the first night out in her hometown, she’s met with a choice: leave with her best friend or stick around with an old flame.  

 

In Sliding Doors fashion, TJR explores both paths through concurrent storylines.  While this is an intimate look at fate, choices, and finding happiness, it’s also an all-around fun story, full of heart. 

 

I started this one in an in-between moment.  I knew I’d like it  But I didn’t expect to find myself lost in it as completely and wholly as I did.  I found ways to keep myself busy just so that I could listen a little longer… until I had finished the book completely.  This was an easy, fast binge.

 

But what made it so bingeable?  Was it the nostalgia over Sliding Doors?  Was it the lighthearted storytelling with a deeper message?  I love ponderances over fate and choice.  “What if” might be my favorite conundrum.  And the way TJR presents it in this tale was satisfying and unputdownable.  

This isn’t my favorite by Reid.  (There were some hiccups, particularly with Hannah.)  However, it’s obvious Reid had writing chops from the beginning.  And this earlier work of hers proved to be a fast paced, entertaining read.

 

🎧 There are just certain narrators that I’ll listen to without a second thought.  Julia Whelan is at the top of that list.  This story is a perfect example of why:  with 2 different stories yet the same central character, Whelan is able to create a distinction between the worlds while also creating unity between the commonalities.  #masterclass

 

*The new audio release includes a conversation with Julia Whelan & Taylor Jenkins Reid at the end that adds a depth to the read.  A total “chef’s kiss” addition.