Helpful Score: 12
I listened to this book during the 12 hours it took me to drive from West Virginia to Georgia. I loved every moment of it and would spend more time in my car than necessary just to see what would happen. Many times I had to pull my car over just so I could wipe my tears away, as corny as it sounds. I laughed, I cried (a lot), and I loved it way more than the movie. A great read for anyone. The only book I have read from this author, but I definitely plan on adding some others to my growing to be read list.
Helpful Score: 10
Instead of bringing one down, upon the loss of a spouse, this book shows how a young woman can grow, with wit, charm and some sadness to learn to live again. I loved this book and it is a "must read" for getting over losses without being preachy. Wonderful reading.
Helpful Score: 6
A story that will never leave my memory. This book made me cry tears like no other book has ever done before. It was touching and sad, and every so often laugh out loud funny. You really feel the emotions of the story. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 6
I laughed, I cried, I reminised... this is a book of love, loss and readjustments. There are some unexpected twists and turns...just like real life deals to you. The ending was just right...leads you to the conclusion, but does not carry you thru...You are left to go with your imagination...and that makes it so satisfying.
A book worth the read....
A book worth the read....
Helpful Score: 5
For the most part, this was a highly enjoyable book. I had a few issues with it that would be spoilers so I won't write about them. It does have some hilarious moments and other incredibly touching moments. Altogether this was a very good first book from a very young writer.
Helpful Score: 5
Such a memorable book! You think you know the ending part way through, but NO! I love this book and highly recommend it to all Chick Lit fans.
Helpful Score: 4
I loved the story, and I do believe the book was more heartfelt than the movie. I agree that there was some Irish slang I didn't know, off the top of my head. But it was pretty easy to infer the meanings. You'd have the same problems reading any literature done by a british or irish author. Once I got over 70 pages into it, I chewed through the book in a day or so. And Holly's situation, and all the problems that she faces with the loss of her soul mate are incredibly easy to relate to. All in all, a step above your average chick-lit. :D
Helpful Score: 4
Fabulous book. Could not put it down. Read it in one day. You'll laugh and cry and then laugh some more.
Helpful Score: 4
A really great book about a woman who is dealing with the loss of her husband and how she still has to live each day without him. Very sad in some parts, but just a great book!
Helpful Score: 4
Sad and Sweet. Be prepared to laugh and cry as this goes beyond chick lit adding some real life emotions, drama and problems. The best book I've read in a long time, better then all chick lit.
Helpful Score: 3
Such a great book. I wanted to read it before I saw the movie (still haven't seen the movie!). This totally made me cry and now I might not see the movie. The books always seem better. Great read!
Helpful Score: 3
It was truly a journey throughout this book. I didn't want the letters from Gerry to end. What a wonderful story about true love and realistic grieving.
Helpful Score: 3
Okay, So it wasn't as good as I heard it was! It was very poorly written. I felt like the author was more stating the situations then letting the characters feelings and thoughts explain everything. The ending was good, but I wouldn't reccomend it.
Helpful Score: 3
This is a love story (not to be confused with a romance). This is the story of how a young woman copes with the loss of her husband and the sudden change in the direction she thought her life was going in. The emotional roller coaster is well portrayed as is the depth of emotion. I was often surprised to find myself crying as I read this.
Helpful Score: 2
Cried! Cried and cried and cried! Great, great book!
Helpful Score: 2
Great read...a young woman learning to live after the death of her husband.
Helpful Score: 2
Such a heartwarming book dealing with the loss of a husband. I would recommend it to anyone!
Helpful Score: 2
Holly and Gerry, a married couple in their 30's are leading the ideal life, until a terminal illness causes Gerry's death. Months after his death, Holly receives a package of letters that Gerry left for her. He instructs her to do a series of unexpected tasks. Little does she know, Gerry is still enabling her to grow and live a good life.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a wonderful book. I haven't had time to see the movie but I always enjoy the books far more.
The story is about Holly who is learning to live again after the death of her husband Gerry. Before his death, Gerry wrote cards to Holly to open every month after he was gone. It is a truly heart touching tale of love and learing to live again.
The story is about Holly who is learning to live again after the death of her husband Gerry. Before his death, Gerry wrote cards to Holly to open every month after he was gone. It is a truly heart touching tale of love and learing to live again.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is funny all the way through. I liked it even more than the movie.
Helpful Score: 2
Although I liked the book, it was definitely a consistent feeling throughout that you were just being told what was happening within the different scenes, not just reading, feeling, and experiencing it, as you would through other novels. There were so many startling places throughout in which things seemed out of place, and the point of view switched so quickly at one point, that it was noticeable. The best moments, though, were the descriptions of emotions that Holly was feeling over losing Gerry, and it was touching. Overall, I was disappointed in this book, and thought the movie was much better, but although I haven't read this author's latest books, I have a feeling that her stories will continue to get better, so I will definitely give her another chance.
Helpful Score: 2
Decent read, but I'm glad I did not buy it. The story line is poorly written and leaves you feeling that you are an outsider looking in rather than living out the story line with the characters. Beats boredom though.
Helpful Score: 2
Laugh, cry, sigh, sob, laugh...turn the page and do it again. This book is so good. It's got everything -- great characters that I loved, real situations that I could have lived, and the impossible option of putting it down. Very well written and wonderfully poignant. I highly recommend this book!
Helpful Score: 2
This book was sooooo good! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me grieve. My emotions went haywire. I really felt for the main character in this book. Great book!
Helpful Score: 2
I ended this book feeling great. Although I wasn't a fan of the movie, the book is fabulous and really makes you think about and appreciate your significant other.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a beautiful love story for the ages. It is a quick read and full of surprises that will make you laugh and cry.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a great story line about a young grieving widow, and how her friends rallied around her to make things easier...
Helpful Score: 2
Fast read that really holds your attention. The book really helps when a person is trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. I enjoyed it and felt it a good book to share.
Helpful Score: 1
Totally cute - loved the concept as well as Holly, Sharon and Denise. They are too funny - several laugh out loud parts. Too bad it's only a one book run.
Helpful Score: 1
Every once in a while I'll read a "chick lit" novel and I'm glad I picked this one up. I had seen the movie, which I really enjoyed but it was very different from the book. Really the only similarities were the names of the characters and the premise of the story, and a few of the letters. I thought the book was quite enjoyable and look forward to reading Ahern's other books. Well worth the time if you want to read something that doesn't require a lot of thought...just really, really good stories.
Helpful Score: 1
SOOOOO much better than the movie! This is a great book. I couldn't put it down. The characters are wonderfully developed and I've never laughed so much in a read.
Helpful Score: 1
If you've seen the movie, this book is nothing like it.. Its so much BETTER. The book lets you see holly in a more personal setting. I cried throughout the whole book I stayed up all night to finish this one. Anyone who loves stories of love, friendship, and courage this is a must read.
Helpful Score: 1
Good read, kept me entertained, but it wasnt a "keeper".
Helpful Score: 1
I highly recommend this book! It will stay with you long after you put it down. The range of emotions you experience throughout this book are unbelievable.
Helpful Score: 1
This was an endearing story of lost love at a young age. You could feel the heartwrenching emotions but also laugh through the tears at treasured memories. I am not big into vulgar language, etc which this book has some of, but the story line was fabulous.
Very touching, good book. It took me a little bit to get used to the setting - Ireland. I'm not sure they mentioned anywhere you just had to kind of figure it out. Anyway, it was a great expression of love. I was a little surprised by the ending. The characters are good and realistic. I definitely enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a truly fantastic book. You felt the depth of her despair and hilarity of the funny moments. Both were present in the book. I "read" this via audio book in my car and had a hard time holding back the tears at the stoplights.
Helpful Score: 1
I read the book and then saw the movie sometime after that. Wow, the book was so much better! But isn't that the way it usually goes?
Helpful Score: 1
Make sure you have a box of kleenex when you read this book. The book is better than the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
The story of a 30 year old widow starting over. She is prodded on by a package of letters that her husband has left for her; an assignment for each month of the first year without him. Some letters have her relaxing or reminiscing, others stretch her outside of her comfort zone. A nice, light read.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book!! I laughed, cried and the whole bit. The movie is nothing compared to the book.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely LOVED this book!!!!!!!!! It's a fast, easy read and I know you'll enjoy it.
Very good story, love the concept. The writing was good (debut novel from a young author), but not great. I was a little disappointed in the ending.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book a little hard to get interested in. Probably due to not being familiar with the Irish slang the author used frequently. But all in all, I enjoyed this book. It was very different and better than the movie. If you enjoyed the movie, this is a must read.
I loved this book...even if you have seen the movie READ this book. It made me more aware of my feelings for my husband. I realized half way through this book I was mourning HIM and he was sitting right beside me!!!
Helpful Score: 1
Sweet, sad and funny. I am in the process of loosing my husband to a terrible illness. It took me a while to read this book, as I had to cry during each session. It is so accurate about the feelings you have during the different stages of loosing someone. I believe it really helped me to find that I am not alone in my feelings. This could be a very benificial book for widows, especially those who are still fairly young or young at heart.
Hurray to the author for a job well done. There are lots of funny parts to make the book enjoyable. The story line is about the husband leaving messages for his widow to guide her through the grief process. One chapter made me realize how selfish I am about what I am going through, and think about what my husband must be thinking now. I hope my husband wants me to be happy and continue to live after he is gone. I'm so glad I read the book.
Hurray to the author for a job well done. There are lots of funny parts to make the book enjoyable. The story line is about the husband leaving messages for his widow to guide her through the grief process. One chapter made me realize how selfish I am about what I am going through, and think about what my husband must be thinking now. I hope my husband wants me to be happy and continue to live after he is gone. I'm so glad I read the book.
Helpful Score: 1
Really good read. You'll laugh and cry til the very end.
Helpful Score: 1
great book, kinda long but a page turner anyway
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book! It took me awhile to really get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see the movie now that I have read the book.
Helpful Score: 1
Quick read. Very touching story about a wife who lost her husband way too soon. I love the way he helps her move through the various stages of grief with a monthly letter. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book. Sweet story.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is going into my keeper library (sorry PBS!). I loved it!!! It made me cry and laugh out loud. Its the story of a young grieving widow, who's deceased husband left her messages to help her get through her first year without him. Very touching!
Helpful Score: 1
I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book as I had already seen the movie. But I am so glad I did. As other reviewers have said, the book is better. . . it always is! The premise of this story is so sad, and it made me stop and think and appreciate the people I love. If you're looking for a good tear jerker, look no further!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is badly written and wholly unbelievable. I read it after watching the movie by the same name, as you usually find that the book is better than the movie, but not in this case. There was irrelevant chatter throughout, it droned on and on in other places and the descriptive passages were utterly boring. I was really disappointed and after the first couple of chapters, I skimmed the rest. The movie people took enough of the premise of the book (which admittedly was a charming idea) to make it watchable. Don't bother with this one. It was a drag.
Cried,,,laughed,,,Cried,,,,Laughed. Great book....much better than the movie. Felt like I knew each character. Highly recommend it. Just keep the tissues handy!!
Helpful Score: 1
It's been I while since I read this book but I remember really enjoying it. Holly is a great character although she is sometimes frustrating. You really feel for her throughout the entire book. This story made me laugh and cry and I would recommend it to any fan of chick lit.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. I saw the movie first and found out later it was based on a book. I LOVED the movie! Usually I always think the book is better than the movie, but this time I felt like they're both great all on there own. The book is very different then the movie, but each stands on its own merit. I recommend both to everyone if your willing to keep an open mind and not compare them to harshly to each other. Both will make you laugh and cry!
Helpful Score: 1
I just watched the movie, the book is 100% better.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a wonderful book. I love all the characters. It made me laugh out loud and actually cry. I have never lost anyone that I love and I can only imagine the pain she went through. The book was wonderfully written and I felt myself feeling the pain Holly felt. Wonderful book. One fo the best I have read! I highly recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book a lot. A light read!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was very cute for chick-lit, and I cried while reading it. The writer's style is not my favorite, which is why I am getting rid of it. It's overall a very sweet story about never-ending love.
Helpful Score: 1
so touching. a great read. don't forget the tissues...
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! If you like Marian Keyes, you'll love this.
Stacy
Stacy
Helpful Score: 1
Great book...you will laugh and cry!
Helpful Score: 1
Ihave never cried in the first 30 pages of a book before. I literally cried and laughed the whole way through the book. Only took me a couple of days to read. Wonderful!
Helpful Score: 1
This book has it all. Great characters. Laughs. Tears. I really liked it. I can't wait to read another Cecilia Ahern book.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely fabulous story. I laughed out loud and cried buckets. Just the kind of summer reading I enjoy. The movie is going to be made with Gerard Butler and Hillary Swank!
Helpful Score: 1
Great easy read that will have you laughing and crying.
Helpful Score: 1
A sad, funny, and touching story of life after the loss of a spouse, and the enduring love after death.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book- the story of one woman's loss of her husband to cancer and the way that he helped her get through the first year on her own. Great book!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great first novel for Ahern! I enjoyed it from the first page through to the end. I would definitely recommend it!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was good. It made me cry and laugh. I think you will enjoy it.
Helpful Score: 1
A all time great book. I laughed I cried I envied. It was great. The movie was a disappointment. The book was surperb.
Helpful Score: 1
Fluffy fiction with heart, I read this in a day and really enjoyed the story of Holly and how she grows up in the year following her husband's death, with his help of course!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book! Sweet and sad all at the same time.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this on my honeymoon and it was very good. It is a tear-jerker in some parts!
Loved this story, I laughed and cried in the same sitting.
very sweet - made me cry!
This is a really good book, I really enjoyed it.
This is a softly funny book. there are some gently sad moments but they are part of life events. A really good beach read.
It took me about a third of the book to really get into it but once I did I was hooked!
I LOVE THIS BOOK. The book was such a good book and i have already recommended it to someone else.
Seemed like it was longer than necessary to adequately tell the story. I ended up skimming alot.
Very simplistic writing style. There were very few, if any, complex sentences. And entire sections of the book contributed nothing to the plot. Not a fan. It is an interesting premise, but I wish it was better written.
I saw the movie and cried like a baby. I had to read the book. The book has much more humor in it, to the point you laugh out loud. There are alot of diffrences and both worth the time.
Best book I've read in a long time!
This book was a wonderful read! The beginning was tough for me as i read it not long after my father died of cancer. The story is lovely.
I almost quit reading this book 1/4 of the way in. It was just too boring. But I kept reading and it didn't turn out too badly. The ending was not really believable though- well, that would happen in real life but it doesn't happen in books!
This book was soo cute! The monthly notes are my fav. I would recommend this book to everyone! Great Read!
This book is very well written. As with the other reviewers, I both laughed out loud and cried while reading the story. However, the ending to me was an incredible let down. I expected more.
A little slow to start, but turned out to be a really good book--I am anxious to see the movie now!
Great book! Couldn't put it down :) Love this author and loved her first book!
I never, ever ,Ever, EVER thought I would say this! The movie was BETTER!
I did enjoy this book but I so loved the movie, I thought this book would be incredible! NOT. I hope I like the authors other books sine I have a couple on the way!
I did enjoy this book but I so loved the movie, I thought this book would be incredible! NOT. I hope I like the authors other books sine I have a couple on the way!
This is a really interesting book about a girl who is widowed at a very young age and how she recovers.
Irish author. Intersting chic book. Relationships, etc. Fun.
One of the few books that has driven me to tears. I enjoyed it totally, but I heard the movie was not as good. (Are they ever??)
A beautiful story about a women trying to find love again. I cried and laughed along with the character.
Loved it - I couldn't put it down and read it in one afternoon! A wonderful story - sad, touching, and funny all at the same time!
so sweet! i couldn't put this down and read this book in a day!
Loved this book as well. Made me weep at times. For all those who have ever known true love or hoping for it!
I laughed, I cried, what a heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming book. I can't believe the author was only 21 at the time she wrote this.
One of the best books i have read in a long time. VERY SAD BUT VERY GOOD!
Very good, easy, enjoyable read.
Grab a box of kleenix when reading, but great rich story.
From Back cover:
Holly and Gerry are the kind of perfectly happy married couple that others envy. Then, at the age of thirty, Gerry is diagnosed with a terrible illness. Months after Gerry's death, Holly receives a package of letters that he's left for her, instructing her to perform a series of unexpected tasks.
With the help of the letters--and her fun, quick-witted girlfriends and a raucously endearing family that smothers, loves, and drives her crazy--Holly bobbles, weaves, and jokes her way toward a new life, even larger than the one that she's been forced to leave behind.
Cecelia Ahern, author of ROSIE DUNNE, is the twenty-three-year-old daughter of Ireland's prime minister. PS, I LOVE YOU, her first novel, was an immediate international bestseller. Foreign rights have been sold to over forty countries and film rights have been bought by Warner Bros.
Holly and Gerry are the kind of perfectly happy married couple that others envy. Then, at the age of thirty, Gerry is diagnosed with a terrible illness. Months after Gerry's death, Holly receives a package of letters that he's left for her, instructing her to perform a series of unexpected tasks.
With the help of the letters--and her fun, quick-witted girlfriends and a raucously endearing family that smothers, loves, and drives her crazy--Holly bobbles, weaves, and jokes her way toward a new life, even larger than the one that she's been forced to leave behind.
Cecelia Ahern, author of ROSIE DUNNE, is the twenty-three-year-old daughter of Ireland's prime minister. PS, I LOVE YOU, her first novel, was an immediate international bestseller. Foreign rights have been sold to over forty countries and film rights have been bought by Warner Bros.
A very good read.
I cried like a baby! A really sweet and surprisingly good book.
I great love story with flawed characters.
It's canniful, beautiful, romantic, moving, and a must-read. It's a reminder of the adventure of love- "til death do us part".
I LOVED this book! Such a sweet story! Quick and fast read about getting on with life after the loss of a loved one. Who wouldn't want the love of their life to leave them notes to read after their untimely death? I just got around to watching the movie this weekend. YUCK! Just read the book, the movie did not do it justice!
I sincerely never thought I would say this... but the movie was a lot better. The names, and some parts of the book, were the same as the movie, but overall, the screenwriter mainly just took the basic concept and ran with it. Normally, this bugs me. However, I think the screen writers story was much better. If you really enjoyed the movie, you might wanna pick this up...but I'd much rather you watch the movie!
I enjoyed this book just as much as the movie. Both were very well done!
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't seen the movie yet so I cannot compare. Its your typical chicklit, but helps you get an insight of what the character is feeling with the loss of her husband, and her journey of healing. Its not a quick read, and her friends are great!
Such a great book and easy read. Another case of the book being SOOOO much better than the movie. Highly recommend.
I liked her other book - Rosie Dunne - better. This was enjoyable, but it was more obvious after reading both books that this is her first book. Her character development is stronger (I thought) in Rosie Dunne.
I couldn't finish this book. I was looking forward to reading it after seeing the movie, but I thought the writing was really...young. The author was 23, and it reads like it was written by a teenager.
The main character loses her husband to cancer but receives letters from him which help her carry on with her life.
I don't typically read this kind of book but I really enjoyed this story! Holly is devastated after the loss of her husband. Through letters left by him to her after his death help her to heal and live again....
Took me a little while to get hooked on this book, but once I did, I couldn't put it down, and cried my way through the ending. Was honest and real, and so glad I read the book before I rent the movie!
A MUST read for anyone that belives love still goes on afer you loose a loved one!
What a wonderful story with very likable charecters.
I enjoyed this book, but I did not like the rap up of one of the primary relationships with the main character. Being newly married whrn I read this, it made me stop and think how I would have reacted if I had lost my husband as such an early age. The writing is funny and heartbreaking all at the same time.
simply wonderful....
A lovely read. Touching, moving and on occasion moved me to sweet tears. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
A quick, sweet read. A dying man leaves a year's worth of monthly letters to help his wife after his death.
This is one of the saddest books I've read. It is a must for chick lit lovers.
oh my gosh, i loved this book! heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. romantic love-story about honoring a husband's memory while moving on with life. its a fast-read (470 pages - i finished it in a little less than 3 hours).
A great read. Sweet, sad, joyful and inspiring - all at the same time. Looking forward to her other books.
This is the first book I read that made me bawl like a baby. And I loved that. I loved the setting, characters, and the lovely way Ahern writes. I collect all her books whenever I have the chance. I refuse to watch the movie based on the book. I do not want to taint the wonderful imagery in my mind. Love! Love! Love!
An increadibly bittersweet and yet funny tale about a woman who loses her husband to cancer, and then find he's left her a "To Do" list for her first year without him leading her to do all sorts of things, from the crazy to sensible. I was given this after my grandparents died by a wonderfull friend, I laughed and cried through it. It was exactly what I needed. I'm letting it go so someone else can enjoy it as much.
Funny, teary book; nice little surprise ending
Holly, the thirty year old heroine, lives in Dublin and loves her life. Then fate delivers a brutal blow: her beloved husband dies and leaves her a very young widow.
The book recounts Holly's first year after her husband's death. His final gift to her is a series of notes to be opened at the beginning of each month. Each note contains one suggestion to help Holly move on with her life. And each note is signed "PS, I love you."
The book is quite moving as it depicts Holly's struggle to follow her husband's suggestions-give away his clothes, take a trip with her friends-and continue living. She realizes that her life had centered almost completely on her husband--not necessarily a good thing-and now, for the first time, she has to create a life for herself.
My only complaint with the book is that I found the writing amateurish at times. The plot, the characters and the ending were all satisfying and fully developed. However, I winced at some of the writing.
Still I would recommend this book to chick lit lovers everywhere.
The book recounts Holly's first year after her husband's death. His final gift to her is a series of notes to be opened at the beginning of each month. Each note contains one suggestion to help Holly move on with her life. And each note is signed "PS, I love you."
The book is quite moving as it depicts Holly's struggle to follow her husband's suggestions-give away his clothes, take a trip with her friends-and continue living. She realizes that her life had centered almost completely on her husband--not necessarily a good thing-and now, for the first time, she has to create a life for herself.
My only complaint with the book is that I found the writing amateurish at times. The plot, the characters and the ending were all satisfying and fully developed. However, I winced at some of the writing.
Still I would recommend this book to chick lit lovers everywhere.
Really interesting premise. The story hugs your heart. It should make an good movie.
this was an excellent book. Very touching
Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed.
The kind of enchanting novel with cross-generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, PS, I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world!
Good book!
The kind of enchanting novel with cross-generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, PS, I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world!
Good book!
It was a good book, but I have to say that I liked the movie's version better.
Love this author!
Absolutely fabulous book!
Loved this book!!!
I loved this book!
heartbreakingly good.
Cried all the time reading this book!
A quick read, enjoyable and fun.
This book is one of the most amazing I have ever read. It really changed the way I appreciate those I love.
Great read.
Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed.
The kind of enchanting novel with cross-generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, PS, I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world!
The kind of enchanting novel with cross-generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, PS, I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world!
From Publishers Weekly
Ahern, the mediagenic 22-year-old daughter of Ireland's prime minister, debuts with a sweet, sentimental tale of a young widow's trials and triumphs in the year after her husband's death. Soul mates Holly and Gerry married in their early 20s; when Gerry dies of brain cancer at 30, Holly is utterly bereft. But Gerry has a final gift: a series of letters, which Holly is to open on the first of each month from March to New Year's, and which will guide her on her journey from grief. Gerry correctly predicts that Holly will not have gone through his belongings by June, found a new job by September or considered falling in love again by December, but with his posthumous epistolary encouragement she does all those things. She also enters a karaoke contest, takes a beach vacation and dances at a holiday ball she'd always attended with Gerry. The months pass as close friends help prop Holly up; around her, a marriage falls apart, a couple gets engaged and a friend announces her pregnancy. Within her tight-knit family, Holly's youngest brother makes a revealing film of her birthday party, her elder brothers change places in her allegiance and her parents take in one stray grown child after another for stays short and long. Ahern's speed (she wrote the book in three months) and her youth do show-the wisdom in evidence owes much to Nicholas Sparks and Sophie Kinsella-and her prose is pedestrian. She boasts a natural storytelling talent, however, resulting in a compelling tale sparked by an unusual premise.
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Ahern, the mediagenic 22-year-old daughter of Ireland's prime minister, debuts with a sweet, sentimental tale of a young widow's trials and triumphs in the year after her husband's death. Soul mates Holly and Gerry married in their early 20s; when Gerry dies of brain cancer at 30, Holly is utterly bereft. But Gerry has a final gift: a series of letters, which Holly is to open on the first of each month from March to New Year's, and which will guide her on her journey from grief. Gerry correctly predicts that Holly will not have gone through his belongings by June, found a new job by September or considered falling in love again by December, but with his posthumous epistolary encouragement she does all those things. She also enters a karaoke contest, takes a beach vacation and dances at a holiday ball she'd always attended with Gerry. The months pass as close friends help prop Holly up; around her, a marriage falls apart, a couple gets engaged and a friend announces her pregnancy. Within her tight-knit family, Holly's youngest brother makes a revealing film of her birthday party, her elder brothers change places in her allegiance and her parents take in one stray grown child after another for stays short and long. Ahern's speed (she wrote the book in three months) and her youth do show-the wisdom in evidence owes much to Nicholas Sparks and Sophie Kinsella-and her prose is pedestrian. She boasts a natural storytelling talent, however, resulting in a compelling tale sparked by an unusual premise.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite books of all time!
Love Love this story...started reading the book saw the movie...never finished the book!
Would Highly recommend. Although a bit sad
Would Highly recommend. Although a bit sad
Terrific book!! Four or should it be five stars or whatever is the highest is bookdom!
I found this boring. I couldn't get into the book or movie.
Or maybe the movie was better because i saw it first. The book to be started off better and explained things that went on better but then it just kept going. It was too drawn out, and not as lovable as she is in the movie
I did not like the end.
