The Wedding People: A Novel

When a book is this popular, it may seem like there's not much left to say. But I have to weigh in, because this is one terrific book, full of heart and hope and humor, despite the fact that it seems, in its opening pages, to be going in a dark direction (it's not). I loved Alison Espach's writing, her quirky observations, and the surprising turns in the plot. And the characters are without exception engaging and likeable (I have a special, sneaking affection for the bride). When I really enjoy a book, it becomes something like a companion -- you just really want to spend time with it and share it with others. This one? I've recommended it to at least a half dozen people, and though I bought it only last February, I've read it myself three times. It's a treat.

The Wedding People was a cute, quirky read that surprised me in the best way. The story follows Phoebe, who, after the death of her beloved cat, decides to finally treat herself to a stay at the Grand Cornwall Inn—a place she’s always dreamed of visiting. She’s hoping for quiet, rest, and a little escape. Instead, she walks straight into a wedding weekend already in full swing. From there, the book unfolds into a charming, slightly offbeat story about how Phoebe becomes entangled with the wedding party and its cast of characters. What starts as an accidental overlap turns into something unexpectedly meaningful, as Phoebe finds herself connecting with people she never planned to meet. While the premise is light and fun, the book also slips in moments of surprising depth. A few quotes really stood out to me: “I just mean a story can be beautiful not because of the way it ends, but because of the way it’s written.” “She doesn’t see the point in staying alive only to do all the same things that made her want to die.” “There’s no such thing as a happy place, because when you are happy, everywhere is a happy place. And when you are sad, everywhere is a sad place.” Those lines add emotional weight and reflection beneath the humor and charm. Overall, The Wedding People is an easy, enjoyable read with heart—perfect if you’re looking for something popular, comforting, and just a little bit thoughtful.

When reviewing a book I often think of this truism: there is the truth and then there is everyone's perception of the truth. Most if not all of us bring our own experiences and life choices to what we read as well. Hence, divergent opinions from readers about any selected book being reviewed at the time. Fortunately there are thousands upon thousands of authors writing books from which we can choose. So, then, one person may think there is too much descriptive material which slows the narrative down while another will want more. Of course some authors are better than others at writing narratives about places, clothes, food and the like but if they did not include such tangible items then we would all be reading nothing but short stories. Another divergent point is how realistic should the narrative be? In my opinion, an author has done his/her job when some facet of the human condition, whether negative or positive but certainly negative, is turned into a great read as nuanced, as wise and as powerful as THE WEDDING PEOPLE: A NOVEL by Alison Espach. Even though suicide is a serious topic and is not treated lightly in the book, it should be noted that those suffering depression have our concern and our hope for those needing it to seek help. On a positive note however, statistics show that people who were saved or rescued from the final act are grateful that they did not succeed regardless of how the "rescue" happened. Add Phoebe Stone, the MFC, to such a "literary" saved list! I try not to include spoilers but Phoebe's intentions for checking into the exclusive Victorian Hotel have been mentioned several times already so consider that even though she meant it, she did not realize she had checked into the hotel with improper equipment for such a final act. However, regardless of her plan, the contrast is startling between her self-agonizing, self-criticism and constant worry about how others see her compared to the bombastic over-the-top, her-first-concern-is-herself, Lila, the bride. What better way to lift Phoebe up than being put in a position to help others with less weighty concerns than her own--or are they less weighty to each particular individual? Phoebe's upbringing was so quiet and calm that she could not step outside what she assumed others thought of her, even when she was married. Once she met the crew in Lila's wedding party, Phoebe started broadening her outlook for the first time in her life. How all this happens is a serious, laugh out loud, shed a few tears very believable fictional narrative about self discovery and self determination. Each character contributing to Phoebe's evolution is fully presented as being different from one another with each having their own quirks, hangups and personalities. Then there is Clay, the groom, a person Phoebe could look in the eye and be totally honest with about her feelings and opinions. Phoebe's growing relationship with each person is clever. Special note: there is a scene about a vintage car that will have readers laughing for days. Books that have stood the test of time are not compact, quick reads though many of us enjoy those too but rather are about the difficulty we have growing up then living a "normal" life (whatever that is) or that are written about unforgettable subjects i.e. the orphanages of Dickens day and then the "snake-pit" mental hospitals in the early 20th century (and do not forget the future--1984) and so on. One of the reasons so many of those books are still being read today is that they took a terrible situation and turned it into a story most of us could relate to while being grateful the situation(s) were eventually adequately resolved. I believe we will be reading this book for a long time. I loved it, read it in a day and will read it again, something I have only done one other time in all the centuries I have been an avid reader (LOL). With no hype or personal fixations, just simply my truth: the best book of the year.

I had more hope for this book with its great reviews. It was cute, it reminded me of the Wedding Crashers movie for some reason. The plot with a stranger becoming a maid of honor to a totally type A perfectionist uptight bride didn’t make sense. The ending was cliche, but for a winter read it was a cozy enough story.

This book was not what I expected. It is beautifully written and tackles the complex emotions we feel as humans. Especially self acceptance, honesty, and feeling stuck. Alison holds such amazing space for grief and forces the reader to reflect and feel less lonely with the things we hold inside. She challenges us to explore the thoughts that are not safe to say in the company of others. I absolutely recommend The Wedding People and it definitely will take you on journey. Great for book clubs.

The Wedding People, by Alison Espach, is a coming-of-age (coming-to-life) comedy novel. It is the story of a suicidal protagonist who awakens to her life as an inadvertent addition to a week-long wedding party she disapproves of entirely. Her name is Phoebe, and she unexpectedly bonds with the bride. What ensues allows for revealing high humor. The loquacious and self-absorbed bride, Lila, bursts into Phoebe’s deep depression, to ask, “How do you like my hat?” In another scene, Phoebe returns clothing she borrowed from Lila’s mother and notices two bedside books: How to be Your Own Best Friend, and We Die Alone. Espach uses the week-long wedding as a character study of participants and their humanity as a platform for what might be obscured in the overreaching excess of a such a thing. Phoebe, unincluded in her own life, becomes personally involved as a foil for emotional honesty. She is sense and truth confronting a big happy day – a week, actually — dressed up like a life. Swept into it, Phoebe disapproves, pointedly and hilariously, of the whole idea. Alison Espach’s writing is funny, sharp, and smart, using humor and character development to great effect: Lila confides that her future mother-in-law mentions the bride’s dress is a little short. “That’s code…” Lila’s wealthy widowed mother: “’I fell in love with what Henry gave me. And he gave me so much. But loving someone like that doesn’t make you a better woman. Only losing them does.’” This seems a cynical comment but it is an honest appraisal of wrong judgement. It is the voice of experience, and Phoebe is listening to it. The Wedding People is filled with such occasions of unguarded sincerity. This makes for moments of poignancy as well as humor. Awakening to yourself is the undergirding theme of The Wedding People. Author Espach knows she is in territories of a dangerous stereotype. Yet, like her protagonist, Espach confronts emotional traps and rabbit holes of catastrophe to seek perspective. “Phoebe looks at her green dress. Six days ago she was ready to die in it. In some versions of this story she would already be buried in it. But in this version, Lila had it laundered by the hotel staff.” There are many ways to seek redemption. Throughout the wedding week Phoebe’s sharp mind functions like an analytic recorder, observing this contretemps and that message flashing between eyes, or wildly costly gestures unable to conceal misgiving hovering in the near and actual chaos encountered at the Newport RI. setting. Phoebe struggles to know how irony and satire carry the real message of truth. Frantic attempts to be perfect, no matter the cost, cultural fashion, or mandate, inevitably leave a wake of what it means to be human. And everybody’s truth is different. -- Tom Casey

What an interesting book! Definitely not what I expected. There are valuable life lessons in this book. It was a quick easy read. A book of loss, but discovery, romance and sadness.

Despite reading at least 200 books a year (and 22 books already this year), I rarely write reviews. After reading The Wedding People, I knew I had to write one. On the surface, The Wedding People is a light-hearted, entertaining read—the kind of book I usually enjoy in the moment but ultimately forget about the minute I pick up the next book. The story was enjoyable and entertained me with witty dialogue and many laugh-out-loud moments. My husband kept asking what I was laughing about, and I ultimately read several passages to him. I read the book in two sittings because I couldn't put it down. But what made it life-changing? For me, there was a deeper meaning beneath the story's surface. The book, through its characters and their experiences, offered profound insights into life, love, and relationships. Each character enabled me to see my life and those in it in a new light. I identified the most with Phoebe. I saw myself in the way she lived and thought about life. I learned the same lessons and had the same revelations at the same time she did. By the end of the book, like Phoebe, I learned a new way of living and looking at the world. The author did an excellent job telling this story. This will be a light-hearted, entertaining read with a satisfying ending for most people. It is one of those books that steals hours from your day because you can't put it down. This will be an eye-opening and life-changing read for others who might have stagnated in life like me. The book's profound insights and relatable characters can inspire a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose, making it a truly transformative read. So, what will it be for you? Either way, you can't go wrong with The Wedding People. It's the best book I've read in a long time, and I highly recommend it!