The Wedding People: A Novel

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.

Fun romp. Compelling and developed characters, sweet story. My only issue was Mel/Juice. The writer has her as an 11 year old, but her dialog doesn't ring true for that age.

When a book is this popular, it may seem like there's not much left to say. But I have to weigh in, because this is one terrific book, full of heart and hope and humor, despite the fact that it seems, in its opening pages, to be going in a dark direction (it's not). I loved Alison Espach's writing, her quirky observations, and the surprising turns in the plot. And the characters are without exception engaging and likeable (I have a special, sneaking affection for the bride). When I really enjoy a book, it becomes something like a companion -- you just really want to spend time with it and share it with others. This one? I've recommended it to at least a half dozen people, and though I bought it only last February, I've read it myself three times. It's a treat.

The ending was just so disappointing to me that I just have no words. Why set up? This is a perfect hit at bat? And then miss on purpose. What are we doing here. This book is so predictable all the way up until the last ten pages and it's like I know what this is, I know what it's gonna be and I'm okay with it, in fact I want to happen, i welcome it and then you end it.....WITH NOTHING. I think there's a famous meme that says, I can't I I can't.

This book was compelling and authentic while being almost a caricature of each typical person in a mid life crisis melodrama. The writing was catching and I really got hooked in even though it was a bit cheesey at times. It would be a great beach read even tho it touches on some darker themes.

I loved how it tackled deep, heavy topics with so much honesty while still managing to be genuinely funny and full of heart. The balance of emotional depth and comedic relief felt so real and human. The characters were unforgettable, and the banter had me smiling constantly. Every interaction felt authentic, messy, and meaningful in the best way. This book somehow made me laugh, reflect, and feel comforted all at once.

Overall the book was very well written. The story itself was very interesting and engaging. I must admit, though, that I was going to not finish it a number of times as the language was unacceptable and way too much. The part where God was mentioned was blasphemous. That is why I only gave it a 4.

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely takes some turns but honestly I liked how it addressed issues. It’s not a feel good, easy beach read, but it’s also not a tense, suspenseful read either. It’s thoughtful and makes you see people are just people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a good yarn with a bit of romance thrown in. The two women, Phoebe (the narrator character) and Lila (the bride) form the irresponsible dual focus of this escapade, with the men thrown in as supporting, but timid and weak, characters. Other women are portrayed with bit parts and only the receptionist, Pauline, seems to have grown up. The child "Juice", a progeny of the widowed groom's first marriage, also seems to exhibit maturity denied to the adults. The characters are all caricatures like in a cartoon, and bash each other in the same way. It contains a fair bit of American style humour (humor) like altering the hotel decor to fit personal style, and American style assertiveness, particularly in Lila whose personal insecurity is manifest in demanding thoughtless behaviour. The crass adults all have tragic backstories which might go some way to explaining their idiosyncrasies, but the main driver is merely the screenplay like a theatre farce, to drive the rapid progression of one slapstick to another. However, the yarn is supported by an excellent understanding of human behaviour, and thoughts and emotions, and these are expressed by the characters in highly unlikely private discussions, or in Phoebe's own thoughts rendered into text to convince the reader that she is a real person. In addition, most, if not all the adult characters indulge in episodes of coupling, which personality attribute is further enhanced by the booking of a sex lady for the hen night. These insights make the book much more enjoyable than if it was merely the child's cartoon that the actions alone might portray. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but you must take it on the level it is written and don't reject it simply because real people are not like these characters at all; it is a good story, just enjoy it.

I started off quite disliking this book. At first I scanned a few passages of descriptive as I found them excessive and unnecessary. But gradually as more dialogue developed, it became a real page-turner. And this is where the book shines; the sparkling, witty, amusing dialogue. It's all very middle-upper class New York, highly entertaining, funny, sad and engrossing. A very engaging book, thoroughly recommended.

The condition of the book was really well, it is one of my birthday gift. So I really appreciate the way I received it. And plot of the book was really good. The book was anyways supposedly recommended multiple times so I'm sure I'll enjoy it. :)

I really enjoyed this book. It manages to balance emotional and heavy topics with humor in a very natural way. The story starts in a way that feels a bit intense and unusual, but the characters quickly pull you in, especially the dynamic between them. I also loved the writing style — it was engaging, easy to read, and emotional without feeling overly dramatic. Overall, it’s one of those books that makes you laugh, reflect, and feel attached to the characters at the same time. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy contemporary fiction with emotional depth and a bit of dark humor

Hermosa novela, con personajes reales, en movimiento y bien definidos. Es difícil cortar la lectura para seguir luego, te engancha desde el inicio. Mucho humor, diálogos exquisitos y una trama finamente armada. Muy recomendable.