Many thanks to my friends at @atriabooks for the #gifted copy of this book.  

 

I still remember the overwhelming emotion I felt as I closed the pages of In Five Years.  The friendship.  The romance.  I went into it looking for a love story, and I got it.  But not at all in the way I expected.  That book surprised me.  

 

So going into Expiration Dates, I had high hopes for a similar experience.  Oh, but… those expectations…

 

Each time Daphne meets a new man, a piece of paper appears.  On it, she’s given the expiration date for the relationship.  But one day, a paper arrives, and no date is to be found.  

 

It’s not often I feel this conflicted about a book.  Did I enjoy this book?  Is this a book I can recommend?

 

With short chapters and an interesting premise, I found myself easily immersed in the story right away.  And about halfway through, in typical Serle fashion, the reveal indicated there was much more to be gleaned from the storyline than mere romantic forays.  The plot brimmed with potential.  

 

But for me, the execution held back the possibilities within the premise.   For one, I love the way magical realism can enhance and enchant.  But in this instance, I found that the magic hindered.  

 

Most notably, the reveal had SUCH opportunity to expose us to important representation.  It could’ve made SUCH an important impact.  Instead, it fell… short….flat.  

 

Though this was a mixed bag for me, there were several people in my buddy read that really enjoyed it.  I think this one will find an audience that appreciates it in the way I had hoped to.  

 

Loved getting to chat about his one with friends!  Check out their reviews for other perspectives.  @brandy_reads @keepingyouonread @chicagobooklover @buckeye_jenna_reads_again @lit_with_kristen @laurenreadsitall @readwithras @meghan_reads @naesreadingnook @letsget.thisread @mybiblioescape