Book Review: It's an Ambush! (At The Wedding by Matt Dunn)

"At The Wedding" by Matt Dunn is an interesting 48-hour romp on Barcelona, with friends and family gathering for the ambush wedding of an unsuspecting groom and father-to-be.

The story delves not only into the relationship of the bride and her long-time boyfriend, but the guests who were sworn to secrecy and converge on Barcelona with their own personal baggage on display.  Each of the guests, whether they be friend, family, or plus-one are at a differing stage of emotional life when it comes to marriage. One is done, maybe for good; another despaired of ever reaching that pinnacle, and another grasping on to new hope.

I enjoyed each of these stories and how they were interwoven through this strange set-piece of an ambush wedding. I was ultimately surprised at the central ending for our couple, especially in light of its author being a man himself. The emotional journey was not one I expected for our groom. I found myself sympathizing with his personal demons, but surprised in how he came out with them. I'm still wondering if I should feel a bit sorry for him or believe he's got life sorted out. Such is where the end of this event leaves the reader, but that's not a bad place to be - still wondering.

Book Review: The Bookseller: A Well-Executed "What If"

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson
My Rating: 4 of 5

Thank goodness for Kindle Unlimited! It's one service I subscribe to from Amazon I definitely get my money's worth, both in the volume of books read and the quality of those books. Books I might not have otherwise picked up. The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson falls into the quality category. I don't want to give too much away, but it's obvious from the description and beginning that  Ms. Swanson is attempting the alternate reality plot device. She does it so well I could barely put the book down. Actually, my Kindle Paperwhite. 

I was moved to read this book because it was compared to Sliding Doors, the most entertaining movie about how one small change could lead us on different life paths. It's certainly something that I wonder about in my own life. There have been other attempts in the arts to depict this butterfly effect, such as the play If/Then, and like some critics of the play claimed, it can become a confusing mess. The Bookseller avoids these traps.

The realities in The Bookseller are each rich in detail and provide a path to deep empathy for the main characters. This makes for a rich and deep story with characters that you wish you could read about again.  I was left feeling fulfilled as a reader, and wishing to read the before and after of what happened.

I've now found a new author to enjoy and I look forward to reading Ms. Swanson's The Glass Forest. I also look forward to seeing Julia Roberts in the film version of The Bookseller. If pulled off right, it's going to be a treat!