When reviewing a book I often think of this truism: there is the truth and then there is everyone's perception of the truth. Most if not all of us bring our own experiences and life choices to what we read as well. Hence, divergent opinions from readers about any selected book being reviewed at the time. Fortunately there are thousands upon thousands of authors writing books from which we can choose. So, then, one person may think there is too much descriptive material which slows the narrative down while another will want more. Of course some authors are better than others at writing narratives about places, clothes, food and the like but if they did not include such tangible items then we would all be reading nothing but short stories.
Another divergent point is how realistic should the narrative be? In my opinion, an author has done his/her job when some facet of the human condition, whether negative or positive but certainly negative, is turned into a great read as nuanced, as wise and as powerful as THE WEDDING PEOPLE: A NOVEL by Alison Espach. Even though suicide is a serious topic and is not treated lightly in the book, it should be noted that those suffering depression have our concern and our hope for those needing it to seek help. On a positive note however, statistics show that people who were saved or rescued from the final act are grateful that they did not succeed regardless of how the "rescue" happened. Add Phoebe Stone, the MFC, to such a "literary" saved list!
I try not to include spoilers but Phoebe's intentions for checking into the exclusive Victorian Hotel have been mentioned several times already so consider that even though she meant it, she did not realize she had checked into the hotel with improper equipment for such a final act. However, regardless of her plan, the contrast is startling between her self-agonizing, self-criticism and constant worry about how others see her compared to the bombastic over-the-top, her-first-concern-is-herself, Lila, the bride. What better way to lift Phoebe up than being put in a position to help others with less weighty concerns than her own--or are they less weighty to each particular individual?
Phoebe's upbringing was so quiet and calm that she could not step outside what she assumed others thought of her, even when she was married. Once she met the crew in Lila's wedding party, Phoebe started broadening her outlook for the first time in her life. How all this happens is a serious, laugh out loud, shed a few tears very believable fictional narrative about self discovery and self determination. Each character contributing to Phoebe's evolution is fully presented as being different from one another with each having their own quirks, hangups and personalities. Then there is Clay, the groom, a person Phoebe could look in the eye and be totally honest with about her feelings and opinions. Phoebe's growing relationship with each person is clever. Special note: there is a scene about a vintage car that will have readers laughing for days.
Books that have stood the test of time are not compact, quick reads though many of us enjoy those too but rather are about the difficulty we have growing up then living a "normal" life (whatever that is) or that are written about unforgettable subjects i.e. the orphanages of Dickens day and then the "snake-pit" mental hospitals in the early 20th century (and do not forget the future--1984) and so on. One of the reasons so many of those books are still being read today is that they took a terrible situation and turned it into a story most of us could relate to while being grateful the situation(s) were eventually adequately resolved. I believe we will be reading this book for a long time. I loved it, read it in a day and will read it again, something I have only done one other time in all the centuries I have been an avid reader (LOL). With no hype or personal fixations, just simply my truth: the best book of the year.
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Popular Highlights in this book
There is no such thing as a happy place. Because when you are happy, everywhere is a happy place. And when you are sad, everywhere is a sad place.Highlighted by 10,120 Kindle readers- “Your husband is not going to take care of you the way you think,” Phoebe says. “Nobody can take care of you the way you need to take care of yourself. It’s your job to take care of yourself like that.”Highlighted by 9,921 Kindle readers
- It is so much easier to sit in things and wait for something to save us.Highlighted by 9,817 Kindle readers
- Phoebe was the only person waiting in the dark to condemn herself for every single thing when the day was over.Highlighted by 9,004 Kindle readers
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A great read
A good book to read and so easy to follow the characters. I will say it will leave you with some questions afterwards.
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FrancescaReviewed in Italy on June 24, 2025
Consigliato!
Mi è piaciuta tantissimo la storia. È un libro che sicuramente ti strappa un sorriso e in cui è facile immedesimarsi. Personalmente non mi ha fatto impazzire la versione con copertina flessibile perché preferisco formati più piccoli.FrancescaConsigliato!
Reviewed in Italy on June 24, 2025
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- Another Read By AngieReviewed in Canada on March 17, 2025
A beautiful touching story filled with so many feelings !
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book has sat with with me for a few days and what I can tell you is it’s ALL about feelings, so many feelings 🫶🏼Another Read By AngieA beautiful touching story filled with so many feelings !
Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2025
The Wedding People was full of the most complex , real , raw characters and so heartfelt, and I never have related so much to a character like Phoebe.
I did this as a buddy read with @thefictionphysician and I am so glad I did this with Melany because no one should ever feel alone . The crazy thing is I’ve never met Melany but the friendship we’ve made on Bookstagram shows you how you can find connections in the most unlikely places if your willing to open your heart ♥️ and for that I am thankful ! So please go check out her page and show her some love 💕 I am so glad you are Here 🫶🏼
“But it is also true that one day she can be alone in a room preparing to die, and the next, she can be preparing to be on a boat with beautiful strangers .”
“Alive,” Gary says “ You struck me as a person who was fully alive . It was inspiring, actually.”
This story as my dear friend pointed out is definitely targeted to a more mature audience aka 40 and up 😜 because of the relatable content with the main character Phoebe.
This book is heavily weighted on mental illness and suicide but with threads of humour and sensitive touches dusted through out the story and about new beginnings and finding strength in ourselves and others .
If your looking for a heartfelt read that is beautifully written then I HIGHLY recommend The Wedding People it’s filled with Unlikeable characters that the author made me feel sorry for them at times and characters you will love and be filled with so many emotions you’ll feel like a yo-yo at times and you’ll be so glad to be here ❤️
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