Jennifer Weiner

4.5 stars - This is a great story of how one small life choice can either derail us or make us happy. Told from Rachel and Andy's POV from the point they meet in the hospital as young children, until they are in their thirties, I enjoyed reading about Andy's life and how he overcame so many obstacles. There were a lot of great plot twists to the story and probably the main thing I didn't like was all the sex details (I know, I sound like an old fuddy-duddy!) That was a drawback to me in an otherwise great story of perseverance and love.… (mer)

I have only read one other Jennifer Weiner book, Mrs. Everything, that I thought was well written and interesting. This book, however, although well written, has a very predictable plot and is full of cliches.

Abby was overweight as a child and still is as an adult. Her mother focuses on Abby's weight, sending her as a young teenager to a weight loss camp. There she made an immediate connection with Mark, another camper, who was kind, considerate and encouraging. They serendipitously meet after college, and Mark is now trim and toned after gastric bypass surgery. Despite having little in common, he becomes her attentive boyfriend. During a bachelorette weekend, Abby meets Sebastian. Their one-night stand is memorable, but she feels that he is "out of her league" and tries to forget him. When she agrees to lead a two week bike trek in New York, he appears as part of the group she is leading with his best friend.

During this trip, relationships and resolutions are numerous, both for Abby and other members of the group. Although this wasn't the book for me, there are probably many who would enjoy it.… (mer)