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Book Review: The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner

Saturday Nite Reader17 Comments

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2.5 disco balls

Published: February 1, 2018 by Graydon House
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Category: Fiction, Chick lit

It started out slow and bit all over the place; after I invested a bit of time into it I became more engaged in the story. Boy was there loads of drama. And, the drama kept on coming even when you wanted to cover your eyes and will it to stop. (Why Emily, why?!)

The story follows four college friends that get together once a year- from college graduation throughout their 30’s – for a best friends weekend. Marriages, divorces, affairs, children, bombshells, you name it: its all covered here.

This may be a fun read for a book club. There will probably be lovers and haters of this book abound and at least make for some good discussions: there are definitely some hate-able characters that are straight yucky.

I found myself liking and then disliking this book at various points. For what its worth, I did keep reading as I wanted to see how everything would all pan out. For fans of soap opera story lines this is for you. I just got a bit too frustrated with it all; wasn’t my jam.

Format note: Throughout the chapters the story would shift to past/present and between characters, it was a bit confusing (I did have the arc copy and this may translate better in the print version). I also didn’t understand the event quotes before each year: seemed a bit irrelevant as they didn’t really add to the narrative (maybe I just didn’t get it).

If you read this book I would love to hear what you thought.

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I received an arc of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

17 thoughts on “Book Review: The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner”

  3. Sorry, you got another dud! I agree, flipping past and present needs to be done flawlessly to be able to stay in the moment and truly “see” what’s going on.

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  4. I hate what that happens. I always end up reading the books I’m not thrilled with too – hoping they’ll get better or the end will have some amazing life altering twist.

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  6. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it, I think you are of the wrong generation to understand and relate to the event quotes and maybe this is one that is better in print. I read and enjoyed this book, although there were events and storylines that made me cringe, it was a different time and one I lived through, so it resonated with me.

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    • I was around for all those events, just didn’t understand how they fit that narrative of that Chapter. But, I will say the arc was not formatted for easy reading and that could have played a part. I can see how some would have enjoyed this story, if anything it definitely would spark many a discussion whether through reminiscing or the like. I am still glad I listened to your review and read it: I often enjoy the books you recommend.

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