1. Something Blue
When I first started reading this book, I honestly did not think I would enjoy it. A whole book from the point of view of Darcy Rhone, the character I hated most in Giffin's first novel, Something Borrowed? I just didn't think it was possible for me to read this entire book from a character that I despised. But the impossible happened. I read the book and when it was over, I fell in love with this character and wanted to hear more of what she had to say. In fact, I missed her. That is what's so special about this book, to have the ability to change a character, but in a way that feels realistic and authentic to who she is. By hearing her thoughts this time around, you feel like you understand Darcy, and all of her crazy antics. You begin to justify them, just like she does. When she begins her journey in London, the reader is with her each and every step of the way. When she falls, so do you, and when she gets back up, you're right there with her. It's ironic that it's her pregnancy, that actually forces her to grow up and stop being a baby herself. The relationship she develops with Ethan is equally memorable and beautifully written too. Everything about this book is magical, from the visual descriptions that make you feel like you're there, to the themes itself. This is my favorite Emily Giffin book and I highly recommend it.2. Something Borrowed
Having been Giffin's first book to be written, I think it has exceptional writing and her characters are very well-thought-out and developed. The movie version isn't as good as the book. I feel like they made it into typical romantic comedy instead of the smart story about friendship and love that it actually is. Something Borrowed is about Rachel White, who on her 30th birthday, ends up sleeping with her best friend's fiance, Dexter. However, there's more to this story than meets the eye. Rachel has been in love with Dexter since she met him in college. Everything changed though when her best friend, Darcy, came into the picture, because after all, who wouldn't fall in love with Darcy? Rachel is then faced with the biggest decision of her life, as she must choose the love of her life, or her friendship with Darcy. Yes, the novel has elements of good vs. bad, especially with Darcy, who isn't as innocent as she seems. But it's more about finding your own path and doing what's best for you. The ending will take you by surprise, but will leave you feeling satisfied with Rachel's choice, whatever it may be. 3. Baby Proof
4. Where We Belong
This is also one of Giffin's better books, though it's different from her other ones. It's told in a two person narrative between the novel's main character, Marian, and her 18-year-old daughter Kirby. Where We Belong really kicks in during it's second half, as that's when the story heats up and you actually see the emotions these character's are feeling. Throughout the book, Marian grapples with the decision of putting her daughter up for adoption, and what that meant to Kirby, the father, and most importantly herself. Her life is put in a whirlwind when she meets Kirby again, as she has blocked this person and event in her life away for the last 18 years. Perhaps though, her life is just starting and has the possibility again, to change and be different. It took me a little longer than usual to actually get into this novel, but once it hooks you, it doesn't let you go. I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters when I had finished, especially Conrad, one of the most ideal male characters in recent literature. The book teaches us that we all have a place where we belong, and once we find it, we never want to leave. In the same way, you'll have a hard time putting this book down. 5. Love the One You're With
I really enjoyed this book while I was reading it. However, that changed when I had finished it. It wasn't like I suddenly disliked it or threw the book across the room in disgust. No, it wasn't anything too drastic. I suppose I was just left feeling a little unfulfilled. Let me tell you what the novel is about. Love the One You're With tells the story of Ellen, who is reveling in her first year of marriage with her perfect husband, Andy. Things go awry when she encounters her ex, Leo. Leo isn't just any ex-boyfriend though. He's the one that got away. You know, that one guy you were still pining over, even after he left you in the dust. Yeah, that's Leo and somehow, Ellen is still not over him, despite all these years. When Leo expresses interest in getting back together, Ellen must make a decision. Should she choose a love that's safe and comfortable? Or go after the one thing she's always wanted, passion and spontaneity? I really like this overlapping theme Giffin seems to express throughout all of her novels, in which her characters are forced to make choices that can and will alter their lives. I normally like the outcomes of these decisions, but this time around, I'm not so sure I agree with Ellen's. From beginning to end, I kept asking myself, "Who should she choose? Who should she choose?" The reader is faced with the same dilemma as Ellen, in not knowing who the right guy is for her. And while Ellen does make her choice, supposedly the correct one for her, I'm just not sure it's the one I wanted her to make. 6. Heart of the Matter
Everyone has a least favorite book by an author, and I guess Heart of the Matter is mine. I've never completely disliked any of Giffin's novels. Her writing is spectacular and definitely draws you in from start to finish. The problem with this book is that I just wasn't that intrigued by the story, and sorry to say, felt I've heard it before. Heart of the Matter weaves two different stories by two entirely different women. The first, Tessa, is a mother and wife, who recently quit her job in order to focus on her family, which is something her husband just can't seem to do. The second, Valerie, has little in common with Tessa. Though also a mother to a son, Charlie, her life has never been picture-perfect. Charlie's father has been out of their lives essentially since the day he was born. Since then, Valerie has a hard time believing that true love actually exists. These two seemingly diverse women will be brought together by a chance encounter, one that will forever change their lives in more ways than one. Without spoiling too much, a major element from this novel felt eerily familiar to that from Something Borrowed. And since I already read about it there, I wasn't interested in reading about it again. I also had a hard time relating to the characters, something that's not usually hard for me to do. The two-person narrative didn't help matters either, as I felt not enough time was given to both to develop them fully. Specifically, for Valerie, by the end, I just sensed that she didn't learn anything and I didn't understand what her point was. I feel like she never moved on or grew in the same way as Tessa did. She was just stuck in point A, never being able to progress to point B. That's my criticism for this book and why I would least recommend it to others. It's still a good read though, just not as strong as her others.
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