Reading: After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Also, help me analyze something unrelated to this book review. I like analyzing.
Before we get to today’s review, I want to mention that I’ve been busy this morning analyzing inside my journal/planner how I want to use this Substack in 2023. Like I mentioned in this goal-setting post on January 1, I want to become more intentional with Substack and the things I write that eventually land in your inbox.
I want to be intentional about when these posts land in your inbox, what these posts are about, and how they are written (are they long-form, helpful lists, e-zines or a mixture of many different formats?).
For the most part, I’ve been a fan of “anything goes” in the past. But that just doesn’t make sense unless I’m simply writing only for me. And if I’m only writing for me, why bother with Substack? Why not just journal?
So… if you have a moment, I would love to ask you three simple questions:
When do you enjoy reading emails/articles/news that have nothing to do with work or your to-do list? Me? I love it when I have time to myself on a weekend morning.
Do you consider yourself as a creative (writer, artist, knitter, creative journaler, musician, blogger, etc)? For the record, I think we are all creatives in some way or another. Some of us are just more intentional about it, while some have a more relaxed approach. Both are 100% amazing!
Do you enjoy reading about other creatives’ creative process? What they like and dislike? What inspires them?
That’s it. Mostly, I always enjoy getting to know each of you who are reading. Just hit reply, or comment below the post. Answer one, all three, or if you’d like, just tell me what you enjoy learning or hearing from me. Just looking for a little insight as I make decisions going forward.
Now… On to the book review that I posted on my blog right before Christmas but not here on the Substack. I’m not sure why I did that. It’s one of the things I’m working out (where to post what—it seems silly to post the same thing on both sites).
As I was preparing for Christmas—wrapping presents, making Chex mix and sugar cookies, and cleaning for guests—I decided I needed a new audio book to listen to while I completed chores.
Because I loved One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I decided to give another of Reid’s books a try: After I Do. It was risky, I know!
One True Loves left me curled up in the fetal position and snot crying into my pillow, so I knew I was taking a risk by reading another of Reid’s novels while simultaneously emanating joy around the house for the Christmas holiday.
But while After I Do definitely stressed me out at times, I found it to be slightly more uplifting than One True Loves. That is not to say I enjoyed After I Do more, just that it left me with different emotions in the end.
After I Do was a story of a married couple who loves each other, yet found themselves in the not-so-unique position of fading love. And instead of giving up on love or each other, they make the bold decision to spend an entire year apart with absolutely no contact. That was the only rule: No contact. Other than that, there were no rules.
Can you even imagine?
The story sells itself, but in case you need more, I will tell you that Reid fills her novels with fabulous characters. I found myself not only rooting for the main characters, but also for the secondary characters. They all had goals and life problems they were working through, and I was vested in each of them. I loved Lauren’s brother, and her grandmother was absolutely delightful.
I guess I can officially say that I’m a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan, because I will definitely be going through her backlist in the near future. Do you have a favorite of hers? Hit reply or leave a comment!
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