chrissireads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
sandrareilly513's review against another edition
3.0
Metaphors abound in this suspenseful tale of irony, selfishness, and self-righteousness.
Robin and Ellie became best friends at a time where they needed each other the most. Growing up can be difficult, so finding a friend who feels like a soulmate can be life-changing. But once attached at the hip, they drift apart as they go off to college and start down different life paths. Years later, when Ellie finds the man of her dreams, she asks Robin to put aside their differences and serve as her maid of honor. Robin, however, is uneasy about the prospect. Not only have they grown apart, but grad student Robin's doctoral thesis is on the negative impact marriage has on our culture. Deciding she can use this for her research, Robin reluctantly agrees -- and immediately regrets it. What began as a way to bridge their friendship and to get much-needed firsthand research on her thesis topic, Robin finds herself fighting for her life instead. Is she overreacting to each "near miss", or Ellie really out to kill Robin in an effort to bring good luck to her upcoming wedding?
Thoughts: Robin is not your typical unlikable character -- she doesn't drink (often) or do drugs, and she's clinically insane. But whether or not you agree with her POV, the way she tries to force her views on others makes her more than a bit annoying at times. However, the hypocrisy of Robin's judgement of others given her own strong opinions not only drives the plot forward but also led me to reflect on the way I express my views and how I view others who I disagree with. Laskey challenges readers who truly think about what they're reading to become introspective with her metaphors on life, culture, and what we deem "tradition", and it's been a while since a fiction book has forced me to self-reflect and really make me think; when Robin's therapist tells her most people don't connect their opinions with their self-identity, I had to sit and stare at the wall for a while. Also, having an undergrad degree in media communications, I liked how Laskey uses her main character to explain the history of wedding traditions that are tied to the economy and advertising. There are a lot of interesting cultural "easter eggs" throughout the story and that was honestly the most fun part of the plot for me. This book would be perfect for sociology and communications students, women who are caught up in the wedding "season", and anyone else who's a fan of cultural irony.
**Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for this DRC in exchange for an honest review.**
Robin and Ellie became best friends at a time where they needed each other the most. Growing up can be difficult, so finding a friend who feels like a soulmate can be life-changing. But once attached at the hip, they drift apart as they go off to college and start down different life paths. Years later, when Ellie finds the man of her dreams, she asks Robin to put aside their differences and serve as her maid of honor. Robin, however, is uneasy about the prospect. Not only have they grown apart, but grad student Robin's doctoral thesis is on the negative impact marriage has on our culture. Deciding she can use this for her research, Robin reluctantly agrees -- and immediately regrets it. What began as a way to bridge their friendship and to get much-needed firsthand research on her thesis topic, Robin finds herself fighting for her life instead. Is she overreacting to each "near miss", or Ellie really out to kill Robin in an effort to bring good luck to her upcoming wedding?
Thoughts: Robin is not your typical unlikable character -- she doesn't drink (often) or do drugs, and she's clinically insane. But whether or not you agree with her POV, the way she tries to force her views on others makes her more than a bit annoying at times. However, the hypocrisy of Robin's judgement of others given her own strong opinions not only drives the plot forward but also led me to reflect on the way I express my views and how I view others who I disagree with. Laskey challenges readers who truly think about what they're reading to become introspective with her metaphors on life, culture, and what we deem "tradition", and it's been a while since a fiction book has forced me to self-reflect and really make me think; when Robin's therapist tells her most people don't connect their opinions with their self-identity, I had to sit and stare at the wall for a while. Also, having an undergrad degree in media communications, I liked how Laskey uses her main character to explain the history of wedding traditions that are tied to the economy and advertising. There are a lot of interesting cultural "easter eggs" throughout the story and that was honestly the most fun part of the plot for me. This book would be perfect for sociology and communications students, women who are caught up in the wedding "season", and anyone else who's a fan of cultural irony.
**Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for this DRC in exchange for an honest review.**
nika_nix's review against another edition
2.0
I have no idea how to expess my feelings toward this book. In short, none of the characters' actions make any sense. I agree with Robins opinions most of the time and I could relate to her in many ways but I absolutely don't get why she would go along with the whole wedding at all. Ellie was the worst nightmare and the whole book confirmed to me that I absolutely hate weddings. The first half of the book was okay but literally nothing happens, it feels more like literary fiction since there is nothing thrillery about it. In the second half shit hits the fan but Robins actions make zero sense and I was just getting more and more frustrated the more I read. And don't even get me started on this bullshit ending. Just no. So underwhelming and infuriating.
shereadstales's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bookishkash's review against another edition
4.0
“So Happy for You” is a mix of literary fiction and aspects of mystery. There is lot of commentary on social issues like weddings, sexism and homosexuality.
Robin, a passionate feminist and a lesbian woman is asked to be the maid of honor for her best friend Ellie. Not believing in marriage, Robin is hesitant on accepting but eventually she does. In this book we follow the wedding week with blurbs from the past to shine light upon Robin and Ellie’s friendship. There’s a mention of outrageous wedding charms and a lot of bitchy banter. I am not one to enjoy a lot of commentary but I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience with this story.
I didn’t love the protagonist, Robin, but I don’t think she was meant to be a likable character. None of the characters in the story were likable but they were all wonderfully portrayed.
I did feel there were some irrelevant parts in the story which did not seem to make sense in the context of the book and seemed to drag a bit.
But overall I enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a fun read with banter and commentary, this one will be a great pick!
Robin, a passionate feminist and a lesbian woman is asked to be the maid of honor for her best friend Ellie. Not believing in marriage, Robin is hesitant on accepting but eventually she does. In this book we follow the wedding week with blurbs from the past to shine light upon Robin and Ellie’s friendship. There’s a mention of outrageous wedding charms and a lot of bitchy banter. I am not one to enjoy a lot of commentary but I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience with this story.
I didn’t love the protagonist, Robin, but I don’t think she was meant to be a likable character. None of the characters in the story were likable but they were all wonderfully portrayed.
I did feel there were some irrelevant parts in the story which did not seem to make sense in the context of the book and seemed to drag a bit.
But overall I enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a fun read with banter and commentary, this one will be a great pick!
blackcatkai's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
CW: murder, kidnapping, gun violence, toxic friendships/relationships, ableism, sexism, homophobia, child abuse, mental illness, poisoning, mentions of abortions, violence in general, death of a parent, cancer mentioned, unlikable characters all over
well this was a ride.
well this was a ride.
kirstenellang's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn’t tell what this book wanted from me? Who was I supposed to love? Who was I supposed to agree with? I couldn’t tell what it wanted from me but I knew that it wanted SOMETHING from me. It felt like it was attacking everyone and couldn’t make a choice on what it wanted from itself.
The writing can be good and the premise interesting I just felt myself wanting to roll my eyes then getting in trouble from the book for rolling my eyes lol.
The writing can be good and the premise interesting I just felt myself wanting to roll my eyes then getting in trouble from the book for rolling my eyes lol.
keelin's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
chaotic17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0