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Editorial Reviews
Review
A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice
The #1 Indie Next Pick for August 2024
One of The Washington Post’s 10 Noteworthy Books for July and August
Named a Best Book of Summer 2024 by People Magazine, Bustle, Star Tribune, Goodreads, and LitHub
“The Wedding People is the perfect book to wrap up your summer reading. . . . heartwarming [and] hilarious.”
―Jenna Bush Hager, The Today Show's #ReadwithJenna
“A collision of diametrically opposed life events and general drama, the likes of which we haven’t seen since Maggie Shipstead’s Seating Arrangements. . . . Espach has an eye for the full gamut of emotions that go hand in hand with lifelong commitment, from humor to self-involvement to pathos.”
―Elisabeth Egan, The New York Times Book Review
“Espach’s wit and warmth deliver a gratifying story about how people who have given up might find a reason to start caring again.”
―Becky Meloan, The Washington Post
“Deeply satisfying. . . . A story of what it means to lift oneself out of one life and into another through acts of individual will and fellowship with others. . . . Espach is now three for three on delivering funny, emotionally moving explorations of the difficulties people have in being themselves.”
―John Warner, Chicago Tribune
“A feel-good testament to the life-altering magic of chance meetings.”
―People
“Full of witty dialogue and lovably imperfect characters you’ll root for till the end.”
―Real Simple
“They say a good actor can read a phone book and still keep an audience spellbound. Alison Espach is that kind of writer. She is a master of taking the seemingly mundane and creating moments that transfix.”
―Maren Longbella, Star Tribune
“Filled with hilarious scenes and brilliant banter.”
―Marion Winik, Newsday
“By deftly invoking many popular romantic comedy tropes, Espach fills this novel with champagne-tinged fizz, while never losing sight of the more sober emotional truths that kicked off her narrative.”
―Bustle
“It’s simply delightful, entertaining, and heartfelt.”
―Stephanie McNeal, Glamour
“Think: Eleanor Oliphant and Meredith, Alone vibes. As of this writing, The Wedding People is my favorite book of 2024.”
―Isabelle Eyman, Camille Styles
“Witty dialogue is just a bonus in this engrossing read centering on complex women making life-changing decisions. Recommend to readers who enjoy Sally Rooney, Curtis Sittenfeld, or Elizabeth Berg.”
―Library Journal (starred review)
“The Wedding People is so much more than a funny story (though it is very funny). Espach has penned a keenly observed novel about depression, love, the ways women make themselves small, and how one woman got over it. Fully realized and completely memorable.”
―Booklist (starred review)
“Sparkling . . . Readers are in for a treat.”
―Publishers Weekly
“The Wedding People is a wickedly funny and deeply satisfying novel about a woman with nothing to lose, armed with a green dress, some chocolate wine, and a coconut pillow, cut loose to cause delightful mayhem. It’s a story of lovers who turn into strangers, strangers who turn into friends, and the weird and wonderful connections that make us feel truly alive. I loved it.”
―Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street
“The Wedding People is my very favorite kind of novel―hilarious and witty with enormous heart and characters I fell in love with. I was delighted to be at this wedding, in the middle of the drama and gossip, watching the entanglements of friendships old and new. I haven’t stopped talking about this book since I finished it, and I won’t stop until I’ve made everyone I know read it . . . so read it! Now! You can thank me later.”
―Jennifer Close, bestselling author of Marrying the Ketchups
“Alison Espach! How does she do it? I mean, really―how? The Wedding People is so utterly, ringingly true it feels less like fiction than like a field guide to personhood. It's so funny and romantic that I sometimes laughed out loud and sometimes got actual goosebumps. I tore through it like I didn't have a disordered deficit of attention. It's a perfect novel. I loved it.”
―Catherine Newman, author of Sandwich
About the Author
Alison Espach is the author of the novels The Adults, a New York Times Editors' Choice and a Barnes & Noble Discover pick, and Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance, which was named a best book of 2022 by the Chicago Tribune and NPR. Her short stories and essays have appeared in McSweeney’s, Vogue, Outside, Joyland,and other places. She is a professor of creative writing at Providence College in Rhode Island.
Review:
4.5 out of 5
90.91% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars tag, you're it, hollywood
This book is, like, someone challenged Allison Espach to write the funniest possible novel about a suicidal 40 year old depressed woman.Phoebe's husband had an affair with her friend, she has no job and no prospects, and she wakes up to find her dog has died. She decides to check in for one night at a beautiful luxury hotel in order to end her life. $900 per night luxury, in Newport, Rhode Island. Every other guest in the hotel is there for a million dollar wedding. Through chance encounters, Phoebe connects with the bride, an incredibly nuanced well-written character named Lila. Lila's father, the waste management king of New Jersey, died of cancer 2 years earlier and wished to see his daughter married. Lila is spoiled and self-centered, but so smart and confident. I can't believe this author made me like such a spoiled 28 year old gorgeous girl so much.Phoebe connects with Lila, the grieving widow mother of the bride, the groom, his sister, and most of the other wedding people. Surviving her suicide attempt, Phoebe is on borrowed time and becomes an oracle to help The Wedding People to find connection and truth.It absolutely needs to be made into a movie.Phoebe- Kate HudsonLila- Sabrina CarpenterGary- Paul RuddTip: A Coconut Pillow is not a real thing, I know this, because I searched it on Bolo. (I wish it was real)Did I mention this book is hilarious? If you like contemporary fiction, chick lit, beach town, dark humor, you will love this fun book. I have already pre-ordered a copy to re-read.Audiobook narrator- 5 stars- well done
4.0 out of 5 stars This book opens up dialogue to be true to you
An insightful book that delves into the topics of relationships, loss, and a lesser story on weddings. It's really a book about the choices we make. There is meaning behind the plot: we can be our authentic selves and make different choices. Ones that makes us feel more alive, more happy, more ourselves.The beginning is depressing but keep going because it does get better, just like real life. The characters all have flaws, but that's what makes you want to like them. And you do because the good and bad characteristics are what makes them seem real.On page 313, "...for the rest of your life, [you] would have to keep 'checking in.' Look in the mirror and repeatedly ask herself [yourself], Am I being honest right now?" That's what we have to do single every day. Check in with our feelings and be honest with ourselves about our wants, hopes, dreams.It all starts with being open of doing the work to learn about you, then going after what you want. And not worrying about what others will think. Sometimes easier said than done, I know. We all get caught up in pretending to be what we think someone else wants us to be. But we get this so wrong. What we think others want from us is not usually correct and we lose ourselves in the process. We become confined and chains to this persona and this makes us unhappy. If anything, this book opens up conversation to be true to yourself. And that my friends is a lovely gift. :)
5.0 out of 5 stars Smart and Fun
The Wedding People starts off like your typical rom-com—wedding chaos, quirky characters, plenty of humor—but don’t be fooled. It quickly dives into darker territory, using weddings as a backdrop to explore broken relationships, family dysfunction, and all the messiness that comes with them. The humor stays, but it’s sharper, more nuanced, and set alongside the serious moments.The characters are flawed in a way that feels refreshing and realistic. You’ll be shaking your head at decisions one minute and rooting for them the next. It’s more about self-discovery than happily-ever-after, and that’s what makes it so different and engaging.Espach’s writing really steals the show. Her sharp, witty prose elevates even the mundane moments, and when the story gets darker, her clever observations keep you hooked. If you want a rom-com with more bite and depth, this is a smart, satisfying read.
3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected
While reading this book, I had flashbacks to a wedding I attended once in Florida…only the place I stayed couldn’t even compare to the elegance and extravagance of this wedding venue. Phoebe was a very complex character, but I felt tremendous growth for her throughout the book. And Gary was trying to live again but still had a few things to learn about himself.The story ended well enough, but it left a lot to the imagination and I like to leave the characters in a good place. Interesting read.
4.0 out of 5 stars An unexpected surprise!
The cover of this books gives a light, fluffy vibe, almost rom-com esque. Which is not for me. I went in blindly and was surprised by the heavy subject matter. The first couple of chapters were hard to get thru. It was a far stretch from a beach read. I’m glad I stuck with it. The author did a great job of shedding light and insight on a dark subject matter. I loved the chemistry between the male and female leads. I feel as though there could almost be a follow up book about where their life after the wedding. I also loved how the lead female gave the wedding guests their own names; neck pillow and high bun. I can relate when going to a hotel; giving the people you see each day their own specific names. The quirkiness tied together with deep life moments made for a great read!
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book Ever
I had preordered this book from a recommendation in a magazine. When it came I immediately started to read- and never put it down until I finished. It was fascinating and probably not only one of the best story lines but some of the best writing by an author EVER. I read it with a highlighter because there were so many good phrases and sentences to remember. I then passed it on to my daughter and she loved it so much that her book club is going to read it next month when it is her turn to pick the book. It was by far one of the best books I have ever read. I will say that the main character is one that almost anyone can identify with, and the bride was delightful and one could not help but fall in love with her and her enthusiasm for everything she did. Ans that’s all I’ll give away about the plot. This book was unforgettable. I highly recommend.
Fantastic book
Obviously, since I've rated it five stars, I loved this book. I wish I'd had this book to read when I was in my 20s. Life would have been much different. There are so many sensible pieces of advice for women in this story but they're part of Phoebe's journey so the author doesn't sound like she's trying to teach us something. But she IS teaching us how to stand up for ourselves and to love ourselves and what we want in life and out of life. Beautiful story and wonderful characters. Every character has a good reason for being there in the story.Highly recommended.
There are some people in this world who remind you exactly of how you like to speak.
And books that remind you of how you love to read.This book is brave and generous and raucously funny; underpinned by a grief that if you know, you know. Really astoundingly good. May its spine never be turned to the back of a bookshelf.
Blunt and fast-paced.
This book is very far outside my normal genre, but I found I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. As I am also a quarantine divorcee I identified with Phoebe far more than I would like to admit. The author writes banter in an addictive manor, and every conversation is fast-paced and realistic. Also, Marla, the sister of the groom to be, is quite possibly the most vile character in the book. There are several quotes that stood out to me while reading; but the first and the one that rang the loudest in my heart is “Because when you’re happy, everywhere is a happy place. And when you’re sad, everywhere is a sad place.”
could not stop reading
Loved it and could not put it down. The story was nice and the writing was easy to get in to and understand !!
smart funny poignant and inspiring
It’s a good story. I cared about the characters. It has something strong to say about life and the importance of being yourself in it.
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The Wedding People: A Novel
BHD15455
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