The Wedding People is a new book from author Alison Espach that is set to release on July 30, 2024 from Henry Holt books. I did an early listen thanks to MacMillan Audio and loved it.

“Why is it so hard to be a person sometimes?” – The Wedding People

Oh friends. I always love adult coming of age stories.  And this one really snuck up on me.  

I think sometimes a book is hit or miss based on assumptions and expectations.  Given the cover and the title, I think I assumed this would be a light summer read. Or some kind of family drama.  And to some extent, it is. But it’s also so much more. 

The Wedding People Synopsis

The story follows two women, who come together on a big day for both of them – Lila is about to get married while Phoebe has chosen to end her life. This unlikely pair collides and connects in unexpected ways. Their connection is quirky and often humorous, but leads to deep conversations, truths, and change. 

“Maybe this is just what it means to be a person. Maybe everybody sits up at night and creates arguments for why they are the loneliest person in the world.” – The Wedding People

Review

I loved how deeply flawed both character were and how their assumptions about themselves and others show the importance of communication and connection. I enjoyed the fluctuating timeline that enabled us to learn more of their backstory and depth of the side characters. It is a thoughtful, funny, heartbreaking, and charming story as we learn about the lives of not only these two women but all those whose lives they touch. 

“Life is strange, always thinking this one thing is going to make you happy, because then you get it, and then maybe you’re not as happy as you imagined you would be.” – The Wedding People

Moreover, the writing style is almost conversational and the ability to talk about deep hurts and dark truths with the backdrop of some truly ridiculous wedding events keeps the book grounded. So many themes are discussed – infertility, abandonment, suicide, family ties, marriage, wealth – that you will still be thinking of this long after the last page. In the end, you will be inspired to live life a little fuller and take nothing for granted. 

“Becoming who you want to be is just like anything else, it takes practice. It requires belief that one day you’ll wake up and be a natural at it.” – The Wedding People

This would make a fabulous summer book club pick! 

Next Steps!

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