Mini Book Review: Thank you so much to Libro.Fm for the complimentary audio!

"But Phoebe was tired of work. Her whole life felt like work now. Even the parts that used to be the most fun, like reading over the summer or orgasming during sex or having conversations with her husband at dinner. They felt like things she had to be really good at now, in order to prove that everything was normal."

This was one of the top books of the summer and people I trust have rave about this book so I was excited when it was chosen as a Books, Brunch & Booze club pick. The cover alone grabs your eye because why is a woman underwater holding champagne and a peace sign? And yet it makes total sense.

If you haven't seen or heard any reviews about this, this book starts off very strong with suicide ideation. But you learn more about Phoebe and what life was like for her leading up to the decision to take her own life. And then meets the bride Lila who thought she booked the whole hotel for her wedding and was surprised to meet Phoebe staying there.

The title of the book really set the tone of the book because this book is about the people of the wedding. Espach does such a great job with all the characters and explaining who they are and seeing how they all interact with one another. Phoebe seamlessly fit in with the wedding party. She struck a friendship up with Lila's husband to be Gary and their first interaction is a funny one.

I connected with Phoebe when she talked about her fertility struggles and the stress that it puts on a marriage. It is very easy to get into a dark place while going through it and then after when the world doesn't stop for your sadness.

I read this book with the audio before turning to audio only for the last 25% and I thought Helen Laser did a great job narrating. She had a lot of characters to navigate and was able to do different voices for each one.

I understand why this book was so hyped up this summer and I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the characters.