I'm sorry but, no. The narration of this book was great as always. Emily Giffin is a superb storyteller.

However, it's the plot that I have a problem with. From page one to the end, I just found myself shaking my head no.

Someone may argue that this book is made of "real" people, in "real" situations, but I disagree. The stream of badness and drama has no end. It's like a reverse "Happily Ever After" story where everything, instead of being filtered in pink positiveness, is filtered in black drama. Gone are the days of "Something Borrowed" where you could expect a nice story with some twists and eventually a happy ending.

Down to specifics. This is the story of three siblings: Daniel, Josie, and Meredith.

Daniel dies in the prologue. Already, we start with a dark note.

Meredith is unhappily married. Gosh, I disliked this character so profoundly that I was appalled. She is an ungrateful, selfish, bitchy, happiness-sucking person. Standing next to her, you'll suddenly become cold and unhappy. Oh, she's a dementor! That's what she is.

I swear I wanted to scream at her for most of the book. She's so mean to her sister that it's disgusting. She tries to put Josie down every chance she has. I pitied her poor husband. Imagine being married to a soul-sucking dementor.

Her unhappily ever after was so atrocious that it was a bit of a "what the hell" moment. Here's why: Meredith has a gorgeous, loving husband and a beautiful daughter. But she's very unhappy because apparently, she married her husband, not loving him, only because he was her dead brother's best friend. Already, what the hell? Then she tells him, and the poor guy literally begs her to stay with him even if she doesn't love him, and they decide to stay married for the sake of their daughter. What the hell? This was so depressing! It shouldn't be allowed in a romance novel because, yes, this is still romance, chick lit, whatever you'd like to call it. I was sorry Giffin chose to make Meredith be friends with Ellen from "The One and Only". Poor Ellen!

Josie was a darling, but poor girl... With one sibling dead tragically and the other a dementor, she couldn't be expected to do well in life. Her destiny is probably what every woman dreads: ending up close to forty, single, with no kids, and a ticking biological clock. These problems aside, her portion of the book was the only one that was at least partly upbeat, and it ended, if not perfectly, with a visit to a fertility clinic to have a baby with IVF, at least with a glimmer of hope for the future. Still, her choices, even if brave, made me pity her. Because let's be honest, no one goes down that road if they're not desperate. It's nobody's first choice. More of a consolation prize. Anyway, Josie was adorable, happy, and full of life.

On a final note, the parents in this family are divorced, and the father is borderline alcoholic. As if we didn't have enough tragedy.

Despite hearing praise for Emily Giffin’s books for years, First Comes Love is the first of her works that I have delved into. And let me tell you, it was truly great!

Reading the synopsis, I initially thought it would be an enjoyable, somewhat light-hearted read, perfect for the summer. And indeed, it was enjoyable and I could barely put it down. However, the book starts on a tragic and somber note, which gave it a little more depth than I had initially anticipated.

The story revolves around sisters Josie and Meredith, who are left dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy in very different ways. Fifteen years later, they are still quite opposite in temperament and personality, and continue to grapple with their grief separately.

Josie, a single first-grade teacher approaching 40, has a growing longing to become a mom. Meredith, a few years younger, is married with a 4-year-old daughter and works at a big law firm. But are either of them truly happy with their lives?

While Meredith seems more rigid and type A, the practical side of me identified more with her than with Josie. I thought Josie appeared immature for someone almost 40 and somewhat unrealistic. But as the story progressed, Josie grew on me, especially in the final third of the book. I also loved all the various and realistic Atlanta references to neighborhoods, schools, and restaurants. Some parts of the story made me sad due to the tragic elements that persisted throughout, but the story was so good that I had to keep reading to find out what would happen.

First Comes Love is not just about family and the often tumultuous relationship between siblings. It's also about grief, which everyone experiences differently and which is not something you can simply get "over". And of course, it's about love, in all its many forms.

**First Comes Love: A Tale of Family, Guilt, and Rediscovery**

Talented Emily Giffin returns with another captivating story, FIRST COMES LOVE. This novel delves into the powerful bonds of family and the importance of being true to oneself. The story follows the lives of the family after the tragic death of Daniel, the golden child. Fifteen years later, the guilt and regrets begin to surface, tearing the family apart.

The alternating voices of the two sisters, Meredith and Josephine, add depth and complexity to the narrative. Meredith, a lawyer, is married to Daniel's childhood best friend and is mother to Harper. She is hardworking but unhappy, second-guessing her entire life. Josephine, a first grade teacher, is determined to be a mother and is considering going the donor route. Their relationship is strained, with both sisters keeping secrets and despising one another.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, and Giffin does an excellent job of exploring their emotions and inner turmoil. The setting of Atlanta adds a sense of familiarity and charm, with many recognizable locations mentioned throughout the book. From the trendy Buckhead to the cozy Blue Ridge Grill, readers will feel like they are right there in the city.
Overall, FIRST COMES LOVE is a great read that combines wit and emotion. It is a story about family, love, and forgiveness, and a reminder that sometimes we need to look within ourselves to find true happiness.

A special thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The overall rating of this book is 3.5. It presents an interesting story about family, which is both engaging and thought-provoking.

While it may not be my absolute favorite book by Giffin, it still offers a good read. The author has skillfully crafted a narrative that delves into the complex dynamics within a family.

The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are portrayed with authenticity and depth. Through their experiences and interactions, we gain insights into the joys, sorrows, and challenges that come with being part of a family.

The story takes us on a journey filled with twists and turns, keeping us hooked from start to finish. It explores themes such as love, loyalty, forgiveness, and the importance of family bonds.

Despite not being my top pick, this book by Giffin is definitely worth reading for those who enjoy stories about family and human relationships. It offers a unique perspective and a satisfying reading experience.

2⭐️⭐️This book didn't even hold a candle to "Meant to Be". I found it extremely boring. I just couldn't relate to any of the characters, which was really weird considering that one of them was a teacher. I usually have an easier time connecting with teacher characters. But in this case, it was just not happening. And the storyline? I didn't enjoy it at all. It felt flat and uninteresting. There was nothing that really grabbed my attention or made me want to keep reading. This was definitely a hard pass for me. I don't think I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a shame because I had high hopes for it, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver.

Read this if you like books on: tragedies, grief and aftermath, living with guilt, growing up, family relationships.




2019 Popsugar Reading Challenge #30—A book with "love" in the title


This reading challenge offers a unique opportunity for book lovers. If you have a penchant for stories that explore the depths of human emotions such as tragedies, the profound impact of grief and its aftermath, the heavy burden of living with guilt, the process of growing up, and the complex web of family relationships, then this challenge is right up your alley. The specific requirement of finding a book with "love" in the title adds an interesting twist. It could lead you to discover a hidden gem that not only delves into the themes you love but also presents a new perspective on love. Whether it's a heart-wrenching tale of lost love, a story of self-love and acceptance, or a portrayal of the many different forms of love within a family, there are countless possibilities waiting to be explored. So, pick up a book that meets this criterion and embark on a literary journey that will surely touch your heart and expand your understanding of the human experience.

With the anniversary of the death of their beloved brother drawing near, Josie and Meredith find themselves lost in deep reflection.

They are carefully assessing the profound impact that losing their brother has had on every aspect of their lives. Meredith, in particular, is陷入了对自己婚姻、职业选择以及作为母亲角色的深深质疑之中。

Josie, who remains single, is keenly aware of the ticking of her biological clock, feeling a sense of urgency.

Tragically, the two sisters do not get along well. They are both resentful of each other, constantly bickering and holding grudges.

However, the question remains: can the powerful bonds of sisterhood somehow bring them closer together? Will they finally be able to find closure over their brother's untimely death?

While I did enjoy certain aspects of the story, I must admit that I really didn't like Meredith. She came across as self-absorbed, petty, and overly judgemental.

Josie, on the other hand, although she had her own faults, I found her character much more appealing and relatable.

For this reason, it's difficult for me to give this story more than 3 stars.

Two sisters, Josie and Meredith, are as different as night and day.

When a tragic event strikes their family and their beloved brother Daniel is killed in a car accident, the already existing rift between the sisters widens even further.

Meredith is married to Nolan and they have a young child named Harper. Meanwhile, Josie is single and has a strong desire to have a baby, despite the fact that no suitable man seems to be in her future. The truth is, she is still deeply in love with her first love, Will. However, Will is married to Andrea and they also have a young daughter.

Josie, a popular teacher, is less than happy when Will and Andrea's daughter ends up in her first grade class. As the fifteenth anniversary of Daniel's death approaches, Josie and Meredith are forced to confront the issues that have divided them and come to terms with their own choices.

This story initially seemed like a promising exploration of family and friendship, and how tragic events can shape our lives. One line in particular, "Grief is a mystery to be lived through, not a problem to be solved," really struck a chord with me.

Unfortunately, as I read on, I found that the book devolved into a tale of two sisters who were constantly jealous of each other and did nothing but complain and whine. If this is what having a sister is like, it made me glad that I don't have one. I simply could not relate to either Josie or Meredith and found them both extremely annoying.

Throughout the book, I grew tired of hearing about how perfect Daniel was, even in death. I felt that the characters were shallow and one-dimensional. Picking up the book again became a chore, as I kept waiting for it to improve, but it never did.

Certainly, it is not the "dazzling new novel" that the publisher claims it to be. Given that this is the second book by this author that I have tried and not connected with, I suspect that perhaps this author and I are just not a good match.

That being said, I'm sure there are others who will enjoy this book. So, if it sounds like something you might be interested in, give it a try. But for me, two stars is a generous rating.

Ahhh, yet another remarkable EG book! I must dare to state that it could potentially be my absolute favorite. Her writing has evolved to a more intricate and realistic level, and thus, it no longer gives the impression of being mere "chick lit" - which is indeed a wonderful thing. The complex relationship among these sisters, who are so dramatically different from one another, is described with such finesse. I truly relished the shifting perspectives. (Oh, how I would have adored alternating fonts as Jodi Picoult does!) I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for Meredith and Josie to understand each other. It is a quite thought-provoking read, and I thoroughly loved delving into this family's story. Friends, do let me know if you have the desire to get in line to borrow the hardcover!

This book has managed to capture my attention from the very beginning. The author's ability to create such rich and multi-dimensional characters is truly impressive. Each sister has her own unique personality, struggles, and dreams, which makes their interactions all the more engaging. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what will happen next. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good family drama with a touch of mystery and heart.

Emily Giffin remains an author that I simply must read.

"First Comes Love" is truly excellent in numerous aspects.

It is an outstanding Book Club selection, brimming with a plethora of significant questions regarding life, forgiveness, and love.

The story unfolds in a captivating manner, drawing the reader in and making them reflect on these profound themes.

Emily Giffin has a remarkable ability to create characters that are relatable and engaging, making it easy for the reader to become invested in their lives and experiences.

Her writing style is both流畅 and engaging, making "First Comes Love" a page-turner that is difficult to put down.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Josie and Meredith are sisters, and they couldn't be more different from each other.

Josie, the elder one, is impulsive and loves to party. As she is approaching her late thirties, she is even considering looking for a sperm donor.

Meredith, on the other hand, is more settled. She has a husband and an adorable daughter named Harper. However, she feels that there is something missing in her life.

Tragedy then strikes their family, and everything changes. Secrets are kept, and resentment builds up. By the end of the book, when all is revealed, their relationship is in shambles.

The book is told from the alternating perspectives of Meredith and Josie, which makes the story more engaging. The characterizations are strong, and both girls seem very real. However, I was disappointed that there wasn't enough growth in their relationship by the end of the book.

I also found Josie's obsession with getting pregnant a bit tiresome, and some of her choices seemed rather unbelievable. Nevertheless, this is still a great book to read during the summer.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Is zero stars an option?

What about negative stars representing the time that this book owes me back? Seriously, how can someone write this book and then feel good about what they've done?

Here's a summary of the characters: Meredith: This really boring thing happened and I was annoyed. Then this person said this random thing to me and I sighed and was pissed off. I feel no happiness or joy whatsoever. Everyone else was put here on this earth to bother me and I can't stand any of them. I am better than everyone else and the sooner they learned that the better. Oh and my life is a mess because my brother died 15 years ago.

Josie: I am completely immature. I have no idea what it will take to raise a child but I want one so I'm doing it. Any male friend of Josie's: Quick I better get in line to impregnate my flaky friend. I have no feelings about having a child whatsoever but hey I'm sure it'll be cool. She really wants one and I don't matter so sure let me get to it. This is completely normal.

My very favorite part of this book was how Meredith and Josie both wanted and expected Chloe who dated their brother briefly 15 years ago to still be living under a cloud of grief and have had her life go nowhere because he died and how both surprised and angry they were that this was not the case.

What happened to the woman who wrote Something Borrowed? That was a nice, light summer read. Pleasant and engrossing. This was nothing but sheer misery. It is not enjoyable to read about people who are so disgusted with life and consumed with anger and regret with no redeeming message or qualities. I'm finally giving up on Emily Giffin. Her last book prior to this was abysmal as well.

It seems that Emily Giffin has taken a drastic turn in her writing style. Instead of the engaging and enjoyable stories she used to pen, this latest offering is filled with unlikable characters and a plot that is more depressing than anything else. The characters' attitudes and behaviors are so negative that it's hard to find any reason to root for them.

Perhaps Giffin was trying to explore the darker side of human nature, but she has failed to do so in a way that is either interesting or meaningful. The result is a book that is a chore to read and one that I would not recommend to anyone.

I'm disappointed that Giffin has lost her touch, but it's clear that she needs to go back to the drawing board and figure out what made her previous books so successful. Until then, I'll be looking for my summer reads elsewhere.