2.75/5 � (generous) This was not it. I’ll write out more thoughts later (maybe?). I’m glad that this wasn’t the first book I’ve read by the author bec2.75/5 � (generous) This was not it. I’ll write out more thoughts later (maybe?). I’m glad that this wasn’t the first book I’ve read by the author because I loved HOE (...more
**spoiler alert** Rating: 3.6�/5 If you enjoy thoughtful symbolism, layered themes, and humorous chaos, it’s worth the read—even if it leaves you with **spoiler alert** Rating: 3.6�/5 If you enjoy thoughtful symbolism, layered themes, and humorous chaos, it’s worth the read—even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.
Whew! Nostalgia, suburban surrealism, and chaotic romance collide. Think As the World Turns soap opera meets Little Orphan Annie.
In a nutshell: The Last One at the Wedding is a thoughtful exploration of belonging, nostalgia, privilege and (to an extent) social pressure to conform or appease the folks who are near and dear to us, but its fast-paced ending felt too neat and tidy. It doesn't help that I'd just finished watching The Perfect Couple on Netflix, which shared some wedding-centric similarities to this book. The symbolism is rich and thought-provoking, yet its potential feels unfulfilled, especially with the unresolved mysteries and lack of closure (see: my questions listed below). Still, there’s so much to appreciate in its exploration of motherhood, connection, and the messiness of relationships.
Ms. Toggart’s depiction of motherhood stood out—I’m glad Frank braved that arduous trek down the hill (and outside Hugo’s watchful eye) to visit her and (try to) uncover the truth about Dawn. It added an emotional layer to Frank’s journey and showed a quieter strength in Ms. Toggart’s story.
The Potterhead in me loved the Harry Potter mentions: the "next JKR" quip, the "Bible" (under the disguise of maybe The Deathly Hallows), and the Hogwarts LEGO castle were subtle but meaningful nods to nostalgia and the struggle between childhood comforts and adult chaos. That said, some motifs—like the daddy long legs. bird-themed cottages at Osprey Cove and Waffle House pancakes—felt underexplored, and Ms. Szatowski’s death? A glaring mystery left untouched.
So many unanswered (rhetorical, Book Club conversation starter) questions: * Was "the picture" real or fake? If fake, why? * How did Ms. Szatowski die? And why was her death left unexplained? * How much does it cost to ignore the obvious (Tammy, looking at you)? * * * HOW did Maggie get away with so much chaos (almost) unscathed? * Did Frank ever resolve his back pain (literal or metaphorical)? * * * * * Why did the wedding charades continue after someone died on the property?
Observations The book’s physicality was so vivid—Frank’s back pain, Hugo’s piercing interrogations, and the disgust (and mystery) surrounding watching Catherine wither away in her room all leapt off the page. The geography of Osprey Cove was meticulously described, emphasizing just how much exploration Frank undertook in the longest (and messiest) 72 hours of his life.
Verdict The ending felt rushed, like the story ran out of steam just when it needed to slow down. It left me feeling like I’d experienced an Orange is the New Black-style whirlwind—chaotic, intriguing, but incomplete. Still, I don’t regret reading it. Matching its dreamy, gaslighting, and messy romantic energy to Chemtrails Over the Country Club, Sea Change and Frank Sinatra ballads added another layer of enjoyment and a way for me to expand my music playlist....more
This Time Next Year is both inspirational and aspirational, encouraging readers to love themselves enough to discern what constitutes a “good e3.3/5 �
This Time Next Year is both inspirational and aspirational, encouraging readers to love themselves enough to discern what constitutes a “good enough� love—whether from family, friends, or potential romantic partners. The story beautifully highlights how friendship can be an anchor in life’s toughest moments and reminds us that our parents are people, too, with their own flaws and struggles.
While the romantic comedy tropes and film references occasionally felt heavy-handed, the music mentions inspired me to create a playlist to follow the story. That said, the premise of repeatedly crossing paths with your “perfect 10� lover felt a bit unrealistic, and the ending leaned heavily into drama. Still, I found myself enjoying the journey overall. Minnie having a brother helped showcase how differently her mom adored him. However, I wanted more insight into why Minnie’s mother was so aloof toward her. I was glad to see how Minnie and her father's relationship differed, but it would've been nice to have more writing scenes with her brother, too. Similarly, Quinn’s father’s absence—both figurative and literal—was intriguing but underexplored. I also wished the book had delved deeper into how Connie and Tara rekindled their happenstance friendship, as it felt like a missed opportunity for emotional depth.
On the surface, the story might seem familiar and trope-heavy, but it’s worth pausing to reflect on the recurring symbolism of clocks and owls. Their presence prompted me to consider themes of time passing, watchfulness, and wisdom gained through observation. I even had to look up the term “lemming o’clock,� which added another layer of curiosity to my reading experience. At the time, I didn’t realize the book had been adapted into a movie, but now I’m intrigued enough to watch it. I also wanted more from Greg and Lucy—opening the story with them was some of the most engaging writing in the book. I’m glad Minnie eventually broke up with Greg and found strength in her resilient friendship with Leila. Ultimately, This Time Next Year is a feel-good book that left me reflecting on my own aspirations. It encouraged me to think about where I might want to be by the start of 2026—a perfect reminder to be intentional with the time I have....more
Rating: 3.5/5 � Coincidentally, Cissy released this book New Years 2013 and it’s my first read of 2025. Whitney (2018), a Netflix documentary, is whatRating: 3.5/5 � Coincidentally, Cissy released this book New Years 2013 and it’s my first read of 2025. Whitney (2018), a Netflix documentary, is what made me want to read more about her life, so why not start with her mama’s rendition? I found out A LOT about Cissy’s own upbringing & career that (eventually) helped me understand Whitney’s intro into the music industry, and her personality (that her mama contrasted to her own “toughness� a bit too harshly to me�). I do not believe whatsoever that her mama wasn’t aware of her drug use. Every other chapter was “I didn’t know�. For a family that big, and this being her only daughter, their relationship was painfully estranged and I suspect if it was because her mama came across as extremely judgmental and tough. This family’s legacy is full of both talent and gut wrenching heartbreak. My takeaway from this book: family has the incomparable power to bring you happiness, hurt, hindrance, and/or harm. Or a mixture of all. ...more
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