Something Borrowed
by Emily Giffin
This was the February pick for the Blogger Book Club. I’d already seen the movie and had been ‘meh’ about it, so I hoped when this pick was announced that the book would be better. But it was also a solid ‘meh’. And there are some spoilers below, so quit reading if you don’t want to know how the book goes (though, really, you wouldn’t be hard put to guess any of what I’m revealing).
I didn’t have a problem with the writing, or even the general plot. But the characters? Blah. I didn’t like any of the main players, which makes it hard for me really like or get into a book. And yeah, Darcy is a bitch and Rachel is a pushover, and it’s great she eventually cuts that toxic influence out of her life (even though that choice ended up being mostly out of her hands). But actually my biggest issue was with the character of Dex. Sure, he’s handsome and a lawyer and perfectly adequate. But how great/intelligent can he really be if he’s willingly involved with Darcy? Her only saving grace is that she’s hot, because otherwise she’s a manipulative, spoiled liar. So either he doesn’t mind her behavior because he’s spineless/a terrible judge of character, or he’s willing to overlook it because he’s shallow. And then he cheats on her, so obviously he’s not loyal. And he’s a complete coward about choosing between the two girls for most of the book. Not exactly a real catch for Rachel. And I didn’t really buy that she was in love with him; attracted to him, sure, but not in love. And vice versa. I just didn’t believe, from the actions of either one, that they were really in love.
We’re supposed to be happy at the end because Dex & Rachel are together, but honestly I was hoping the book would differ from the movie and she’d end up with Ethan. He was the most likable character of the whole bunch. Sadly, he didn’t get much page time.
So, yeah. A big meh on this one. And I will probably not be reading any of this author’s other books.
I give it 2.5/5 stars.
8 comments
I didn’t realize that Something Blue was the sequel to this book and I accidentally read it first! I have to say though, I’m so glad that I did. It made me feel for Darcy, since it’s from her point of view. It really changed my entire opinion on the story. Nick and I went to see the movie (with Emily Giffin!) and he felt the same way you did about the characters. But I think in this case, my accident actually led me to enjoy the books more!
I didn’t realize it was a series. Hrm. Doubt I will be picking the sequel up, but I’m glad the accident worked out for you. How did you get to go see the movie with the author?!
I totally agree with you. I was not really into the movie and I read the book hoping it would be different and I just thought it was awful. The book was written ok I suppose but the plot was just meh. I find it really hard to complete a book when I disagree with the main character. I really really didn’t like Darcy and I just thought that this book describes a bunch of spineless obnoxious people that I wouldn’t hang out with. I heard this book is part of a series but there is no way I would try to read more on their stories.
Bahahahaha yes on “a bunch of spineless obnoxious people that I wouldn’t hang out with.” Glad I’m not alone! I have a hard time enjoying a book/getting into a story if I don’t find at least one of the main characters engaging/likable. And this book just didn’t deliver. I won’t be picking up the sequel either.
When I read books like this I really try to not look too deeply into them or else I’d probably hate them. Usually they’re just fun reads.
I don’t usually look too deeply into chick lit like this either. But since I really didn’t like it, I felt I needed to analyze/explain why exactly I didn’t like it, since it was for a book club review. Normally a chick lit pick is just a fun light fluff read, and if I don’t like it I just don’t review it here.
I think the reason I really liked this book was because it was so ridiculous. It was an easy read, so I didn’t really focus on any deeper meanings. I didn’t love Rachel, but I hated Darcy enough that I was able to really get into it. I think this is the type of book I love for mindless entertainment – you know, something I can really get into, read quickly, and get over without dwelling on it. After reading the sequel, I think I’ve had my fill of chick lit for a while, but I did enjoy reading this. Would I have liked it if Giffin’s writing style was not as good? Probably not. I think that her writing style played a huge part in my opinion of the book. But… Yeah! That’s all! Sorry you didn’t like it! Hopefully march’s pick will be better! I think the genre is sci fi/ fantasy, but am not positive!
No worries. It’s not something I would probably have picked out on my own, so book club is getting me to read new stuff at least. If I’m reading romance, I usually go full-out steamy historical romance, not modern chick lit. I mean, c’mon, pirates! Highwaymen! Masquerade balls! Haha.
Looking forward to finding out this month’s pick! 🙂