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maljacks87's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
acraftyescape's review
4.0
This one was hard to read because I felt bad for one of the characters. I still feel this storyline will be relatable to many and the interwoven thread of people hiding things is very addictive.
nightstand_reads's review
4.0
The ultimate love triangle between Ellen, her husband Andy, and the one who got away, her ex-boyfriend Leo.
A nice examination of appreciating where you are, who you’re with, and being happy with your decisions along the way.
A nice examination of appreciating where you are, who you’re with, and being happy with your decisions along the way.
efm511's review
3.0
I like Emily Giffin's writing style. It flows well, its easy and quick to read, and her books are those you can escape in and not have to think. However, I really disliked two of the characters in this book which made it hard for me to "root them on" while reading. I wish all the characters had been more lovable, even when flawed, like in her earlier books.
helloemma's review
1.0
Oh, this book was bad. Really bad. I have read Giffin before and found that she was one of the better 'chick lit' writers but I have no idea what she was doing with this book.
Some thoughts:
The characters were on the whole pretty unlikeable. There was no depth to their relationships, so I had a hard time buying into the greatness of Ellen and Andy OR Ellen and Leo because neither sounded like the OMGfairytale romance they were supposed to.
Leo came across as a dick and the lame attempt to salvage him and make Margot look bad was pointless.
The secondary, underlying plot line of Ellen missing her mum was just padding and really didn't feel like it had much to do with anything.
I only kept reading because I wanted to know how it would end and the ending did nothing to save the book, it was so wet and the pseudo-philosophy at the end made my eyes roll out of my head.
Avoid, there are so many authors who do this kind of thing way way better.
Some thoughts:
The characters were on the whole pretty unlikeable. There was no depth to their relationships, so I had a hard time buying into the greatness of Ellen and Andy OR Ellen and Leo because neither sounded like the OMGfairytale romance they were supposed to.
Leo came across as a dick and the lame attempt to salvage him and make Margot look bad was pointless.
The secondary, underlying plot line of Ellen missing her mum was just padding and really didn't feel like it had much to do with anything.
I only kept reading because I wanted to know how it would end and the ending did nothing to save the book, it was so wet and the pseudo-philosophy at the end made my eyes roll out of my head.
Avoid, there are so many authors who do this kind of thing way way better.
imaginaryenemyreads's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I greatly disliked every character other than Suzanne. The story was fine. Stereotypical romance with a cheating trope.
thegrandmadiaries's review
medium-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
3.5
Emily Giffin’s Love the One You’re With presents an intriguing premise that delves deeply into the controversial topic of infidelity. The novel focuses heavily on this theme, leading to complex emotions towards the main character, Ellen. At times, I found myself hating Ellen as we delved into her conflicted feelings. However, this emotional reaction is a testament to Giffin’s skill writing.
Giffin does an excellent job of portraying Ellen’s character. She adeptly illustrates Ellen’s tendency to blame everyone but herself, which ironically, adds realness and depth to her personality. I thought all other supporting characters (her husband, sister and bestfriend) all lacked development. Considering the book’s premise, I didn’t mind that as much thought more depth in these secondary characters would definitely enrich the story. What impacted me more was the over idealistic ending, which detracted from the otherwise nuanced exploration of infidelity and its consequences.
The novel explores a realistic and under-discussed theme - the lingering impact of the “one that got away”. Love the One You’re With is an okay read but it’s not recommended for those sensitive to themes of infidelity, as it can be frustrating.
Giffin does an excellent job of portraying Ellen’s character. She adeptly illustrates Ellen’s tendency to blame everyone but herself, which ironically, adds realness and depth to her personality. I thought all other supporting characters (her husband, sister and bestfriend) all lacked development. Considering the book’s premise, I didn’t mind that as much thought more depth in these secondary characters would definitely enrich the story. What impacted me more was the over idealistic ending, which detracted from the otherwise nuanced exploration of infidelity and its consequences.
The novel explores a realistic and under-discussed theme - the lingering impact of the “one that got away”. Love the One You’re With is an okay read but it’s not recommended for those sensitive to themes of infidelity, as it can be frustrating.
kathyrennie's review
2.0
I generally enjoy Emily Giffin's writing but I had a very difficult time getting into and through this book.