There are two things I love in this world: Clever Heather and Jennifer Weiner. Clever Heather, my bestie from Real: Kitchen and Beyond, is back to bring you a book review by Jennifer Weiner, my summer bestie. See how clever I am working that in there? This time, Clever Heather reviews Then Came You.
In “Then Came You”, Jennifer Weiner tells a tale of 4 women with lives that couldn’t be much more different than each other, being woven together through one baby. Jennifer uses her personal life in Philadelphia and with Princeton University to draw the setting of her story.
Throughout the book we journey through the lives of these four women. We meet Annie, a housewife who dreams of something more. As her family struggles, she feels there is something she needs to do to help their family. The choice she makes threatens to tear apart their family. We meet Bettina, a spoiled little rich girl who longs for yesterday, a life where her parents are still together and they live a picture perfect life. We learn the heartbreak of Jules, a girl who wants it all and hides herself so well. Her pain of a young life torn apart by drugs and tragedy, she fights to find her place. Finally, we meet India, a woman whose facade hides so much. From rags to riches, filled with lies and deceit, what lies behind her pretty face? Each woman’s journey twists and turns with coming of age, enlightenment, and hardships. Will they ever find the freedom to be who they have been hiding deep inside?
Through these four women, Jennifer weaves a story with one common thread, precious innocent little Rory who will bring them all together, help them see who they were meant to be. And with Rory, comes a story of forgiveness and acceptance as each woman finds that her future relies on dealing with her past.
Whether you are a housewife who dreams of bigger things, a college girl afraid to embrace all you can be, or a woman who fears life has passed you by, there is a message for you in this story – don’t be afraid to spread your wings and fly.
I highly recommend you check out “Then Came You” by Jennifer Weiner, and make sure to read the extra short story she added to the back of the book. I do suggest reading it before giving it to your (older) teenage daughter to read as it has some material that could make for good discussion between mother and daughter on life and growing up.
I give this book 3 paws.
I’d like to thank Clever Heather for the book review and wish you Happy Holidays!
