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Forever, Interrupted
Have you ever heard of supernovas? They shine brighter than anything else in the sky and then fade out really quickly, a short burst of extraordinary energy. I like to think you and Ben were like that . . . in that short time, you had more passion than some people have in a lifetime.
Elsie Porter is an average twentysomething and yet what happens to her is anything but ordinary. On a rainy New Year's Day, she heads out to pick up a pizza for one. She isn't expecting to see anyone else in the shop, much less the adorable and charming Ben Ross. Their chemistry is instant and electric. Ben cannot even wait twenty-four hours before asking to see her again. Within weeks, the two are head over heels in love. By May, they've eloped.
Only nine days later, Ben is out riding his bike when he is hit by a truck and killed on impact. Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, he has already been whisked off to the emergency room. At the hospital, she must face Susan, the mother-in-law she has never met and who doesn't even know Elsie exists.
Interweaving Elsie and Ben's charmed romance with Elsie and Susan's healing process, Forever, Interrupted will remind you that there's more than one way to find a happy ending.
Elsie Porter is an average twentysomething and yet what happens to her is anything but ordinary. On a rainy New Year's Day, she heads out to pick up a pizza for one. She isn't expecting to see anyone else in the shop, much less the adorable and charming Ben Ross. Their chemistry is instant and electric. Ben cannot even wait twenty-four hours before asking to see her again. Within weeks, the two are head over heels in love. By May, they've eloped.
Only nine days later, Ben is out riding his bike when he is hit by a truck and killed on impact. Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, he has already been whisked off to the emergency room. At the hospital, she must face Susan, the mother-in-law she has never met and who doesn't even know Elsie exists.
Interweaving Elsie and Ben's charmed romance with Elsie and Susan's healing process, Forever, Interrupted will remind you that there's more than one way to find a happy ending.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2013
About the author
Taylor Jenkins Reid
20 books195k followersTaylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as four other novels. Her next novel, Atmosphere, will be published in June 2025. She lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 17,001 reviews
November 22, 2021
This book has already caused me irrevocable damage.
Confession time: I am someone who orders an indefensible amount of pizza.
My roommate and I just moved into our new apartment last month, and already we have had to desperately attempt to limit ourselves to two orders per week. We eat pizza for approximately five meals every seven-day period. (Dinner, breakfast, and second dinner, most frequently.)
I hate to sound like a quirky girl on Tumblr circa 2014, but pizza is a big part of my life.
And now, every time I encounter a pizza restaurant, I have to have the low-level expectation that I will instantaneously fall in love with the love of my life outside said establishment, like our protagonist in this book.
And then that soulmate will die a few months later in a Fruity Pebbles-related accident.
That's a lot of trauma to go through on a biweekly basis.
Anyway. Not my favorite TJR book. The aforementioned dead husband is really annoying, and I don't even like Fruity Pebbles.
Bottom line: Now I'm thinking about pizza.
2.5
Confession time: I am someone who orders an indefensible amount of pizza.
My roommate and I just moved into our new apartment last month, and already we have had to desperately attempt to limit ourselves to two orders per week. We eat pizza for approximately five meals every seven-day period. (Dinner, breakfast, and second dinner, most frequently.)
I hate to sound like a quirky girl on Tumblr circa 2014, but pizza is a big part of my life.
And now, every time I encounter a pizza restaurant, I have to have the low-level expectation that I will instantaneously fall in love with the love of my life outside said establishment, like our protagonist in this book.
And then that soulmate will die a few months later in a Fruity Pebbles-related accident.
That's a lot of trauma to go through on a biweekly basis.
Anyway. Not my favorite TJR book. The aforementioned dead husband is really annoying, and I don't even like Fruity Pebbles.
Bottom line: Now I'm thinking about pizza.
2.5
April 25, 2017
It fucking kills me to say this, but I wasn't a fan of this book. I consider Taylor Jenkins Reid one of my favorite authors of all time, so I am completely shocked that I didn't like this book. This book follows a twenty-six year old named Elsie who marries Ben after only knowing him for six months. Nine days after Elsie and Ben are married, Ben is killed in an accident. The book follows Elsie after Ben's death as she mourns her husband and in alternating chapters we see how she met Ben and fell in love with him. This book has a decent premise, but I feel like it was executed so poorly.
Firstly, the writing is so bad. I couldn't actually believe this was written by one of my favorite authors ever. The writing is just so immature and basic and repetitive and obnoxious. I could not stand Elsie or Ben as main characters. Their romance was 100% insta-love in a way that was so cringe-y and ridiculous and they were ready to tell each other they loved each other after two days, I was rolling my eyes so much. I tabbed so many parts that I thought was cheesy, it was crazy. I didn't like how the first scene in the book is the scene where Ben dies. It gives you absolutely no time to get attached to the characters before Ben is dead.
There are so many moments in this book that seem so pointless and like it was only added to the story to add pointless drama. For example, Ben not introducing Elsie to his Mom before they got married... Like what the fuck? And once you find out what his reason for it is, it's so stupid and illogical. Another example is I will admit that part 2 of this book is significantly better than part 1, because up until part 2 I was seriously considering giving this book a one star rating and not finishing it, it was that bad. The characters and dialogue was so cliche and cringe-worthy and the writing was so mediocre, it was written like a bad fan fiction or like an Anna Todd book. It was just so cheesy as hell. Like for example, on their first date, the way they talk to each other is just so cheesy and awkward, and all they do on their first date is go from place to place eating. I feel like I never got to know these characters because all they ever do is eat on their dates and their discussion is glossed over in narration. The only thing they talk about is how they think they might be falling for each other and how long do we have to wait until we move in together and get married and have kids? It was so unrealistic and cheesy.
Not to mention Elsie is so over dramatic at certain times And Elsie is such a fucking hypocrite at times like when So Elsie kind of drove me bat shit crazy with her bitchiness and selfishness towards a lot of things. I get having flawed characters but damn Elsie was just so unlikable most of the time.
I just didn't feel anything for these characters and when the main story line of a book revolves around the death of a husband, it should make me feel emotional but I didn't cry once and it's not rare for me to cry in books. I just expected more from Taylor Jenkins Reid, considering that I have loved every single one of her other books. I am so confused as to why this book is so much worse than all her other books. I know it was her first book, but still.
I am really upset that I didn't enjoy this book. I obviously wanted to love it because I absolutely LOVE all of Taylor Jenkins Reid's other books, but this book mainly pissed me off because of Elsie or had me rolling my eyes because of the cheesiness with the love story with Ben. Even though I do think this book has it's moments that made me laugh and smile, I don't think it's worth struggling through the mediocre writing and boring characters.
Firstly, the writing is so bad. I couldn't actually believe this was written by one of my favorite authors ever. The writing is just so immature and basic and repetitive and obnoxious. I could not stand Elsie or Ben as main characters. Their romance was 100% insta-love in a way that was so cringe-y and ridiculous and they were ready to tell each other they loved each other after two days, I was rolling my eyes so much. I tabbed so many parts that I thought was cheesy, it was crazy. I didn't like how the first scene in the book is the scene where Ben dies. It gives you absolutely no time to get attached to the characters before Ben is dead.
There are so many moments in this book that seem so pointless and like it was only added to the story to add pointless drama. For example, Ben not introducing Elsie to his Mom before they got married... Like what the fuck? And once you find out what his reason for it is, it's so stupid and illogical. Another example is I will admit that part 2 of this book is significantly better than part 1, because up until part 2 I was seriously considering giving this book a one star rating and not finishing it, it was that bad. The characters and dialogue was so cliche and cringe-worthy and the writing was so mediocre, it was written like a bad fan fiction or like an Anna Todd book. It was just so cheesy as hell. Like for example, on their first date, the way they talk to each other is just so cheesy and awkward, and all they do on their first date is go from place to place eating. I feel like I never got to know these characters because all they ever do is eat on their dates and their discussion is glossed over in narration. The only thing they talk about is how they think they might be falling for each other and how long do we have to wait until we move in together and get married and have kids? It was so unrealistic and cheesy.
Not to mention Elsie is so over dramatic at certain times And Elsie is such a fucking hypocrite at times like when So Elsie kind of drove me bat shit crazy with her bitchiness and selfishness towards a lot of things. I get having flawed characters but damn Elsie was just so unlikable most of the time.
I just didn't feel anything for these characters and when the main story line of a book revolves around the death of a husband, it should make me feel emotional but I didn't cry once and it's not rare for me to cry in books. I just expected more from Taylor Jenkins Reid, considering that I have loved every single one of her other books. I am so confused as to why this book is so much worse than all her other books. I know it was her first book, but still.
I am really upset that I didn't enjoy this book. I obviously wanted to love it because I absolutely LOVE all of Taylor Jenkins Reid's other books, but this book mainly pissed me off because of Elsie or had me rolling my eyes because of the cheesiness with the love story with Ben. Even though I do think this book has it's moments that made me laugh and smile, I don't think it's worth struggling through the mediocre writing and boring characters.
November 20, 2020
Hey TJR,
It’s me.
I’ve been flooding Goodreads with your books this past year...ever since I read DAISY JONES AND THE SIX...and have unconsciously read your whole collection backwards.
In this one, you write about Elsie and Ben. They meet at a pizza place, fall in love almost instantly, and get married in less than 6 months. Right after the wedding, Ben gets hit by a truck and dies. Elsie never met her mother-in-law, Susan. Ben’s mom wasn’t at the wedding, and didn’t know Ben got married.
I loved how you split the chapters between now and then, but I wasn’t really hooked until you got to the NOW...and that’s because Elsie isn’t a character I enjoyed. I get that she’s going through pain and sorrow, but she is a BRAT! I didn’t care for her (or frankly, even Ben) until after he died and Elsie started getting close to Susan.
I enjoyed this book, TJR (if I can call you that), but I can see your storytelling has grown by leaps and bounds. In my opinion, everything you wrote after this was absolutely amazing!
As far as a debut goes, it’s very impressive. I’m glad to say I’ve read all of your published books now.
May I please have an ARC of the newest? 🙏 😂
Best,
Michael David (xoxo)
It’s me.
I’ve been flooding Goodreads with your books this past year...ever since I read DAISY JONES AND THE SIX...and have unconsciously read your whole collection backwards.
In this one, you write about Elsie and Ben. They meet at a pizza place, fall in love almost instantly, and get married in less than 6 months. Right after the wedding, Ben gets hit by a truck and dies. Elsie never met her mother-in-law, Susan. Ben’s mom wasn’t at the wedding, and didn’t know Ben got married.
I loved how you split the chapters between now and then, but I wasn’t really hooked until you got to the NOW...and that’s because Elsie isn’t a character I enjoyed. I get that she’s going through pain and sorrow, but she is a BRAT! I didn’t care for her (or frankly, even Ben) until after he died and Elsie started getting close to Susan.
I enjoyed this book, TJR (if I can call you that), but I can see your storytelling has grown by leaps and bounds. In my opinion, everything you wrote after this was absolutely amazing!
As far as a debut goes, it’s very impressive. I’m glad to say I’ve read all of your published books now.
May I please have an ARC of the newest? 🙏 😂
Best,
Michael David (xoxo)
December 15, 2019
4.5 stars.
Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again—she weaves a beautiful story and tears my heart out in the process!
"Things happen in your life that you can’t possibly imagine. But time goes on and time changes you and the times change and the next thing you know, you’re smack in the middle of a life you never saw coming."
When Elsie meets Ben at a pizza place one night she has no idea how significantly her life will change. The two are attracted to each other instantly but their connection goes far beyond that. They can’t get enough of each other and want to spend every waking moment in each other’s company.
Their relationship truly is a whirlwind, and unbelievably, six months later they get married. And then one night two weeks later Ben is killed in an accident, and the life they had planned is now over.
Elsie is consumed with grief. How could she have known Ben for such a short time yet felt so completely known and loved? To complicate matters, Ben never told his mother, despite their closeness, that Elsie existed, let alone became his wife.
As Elsie tries to figure out how to face life without Ben, she tries to bridge the gap with his mother, to see if somehow grieving together, even with someone she doesn’t know, might help them both.
This is a beautiful story. It’s emotional but not as maudlin as I thought it might get. The book alternates between tracing the course of Elsie and Ben's relationship and the present day, as she navigates her new reality.
"No matter how strong you are, no matter how smart you are or tough you can be, the world will find a way to break you. And when it does, the only thing you can do is hold on."
I love the way Reid writes. This is the third book of hers I've read this year, and two of them will definitely be on my year-end best list, with this one close behind. I’m making my way through her backlist—two more to go, I think!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again—she weaves a beautiful story and tears my heart out in the process!
"Things happen in your life that you can’t possibly imagine. But time goes on and time changes you and the times change and the next thing you know, you’re smack in the middle of a life you never saw coming."
When Elsie meets Ben at a pizza place one night she has no idea how significantly her life will change. The two are attracted to each other instantly but their connection goes far beyond that. They can’t get enough of each other and want to spend every waking moment in each other’s company.
Their relationship truly is a whirlwind, and unbelievably, six months later they get married. And then one night two weeks later Ben is killed in an accident, and the life they had planned is now over.
Elsie is consumed with grief. How could she have known Ben for such a short time yet felt so completely known and loved? To complicate matters, Ben never told his mother, despite their closeness, that Elsie existed, let alone became his wife.
As Elsie tries to figure out how to face life without Ben, she tries to bridge the gap with his mother, to see if somehow grieving together, even with someone she doesn’t know, might help them both.
This is a beautiful story. It’s emotional but not as maudlin as I thought it might get. The book alternates between tracing the course of Elsie and Ben's relationship and the present day, as she navigates her new reality.
"No matter how strong you are, no matter how smart you are or tough you can be, the world will find a way to break you. And when it does, the only thing you can do is hold on."
I love the way Reid writes. This is the third book of hers I've read this year, and two of them will definitely be on my year-end best list, with this one close behind. I’m making my way through her backlist—two more to go, I think!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 29, 2023
Jenkins Reid's debut novel challenges the entire romantic fiction genre, I kid you not. After an easy yet intense five month romance Elsie and Ben got married, in less than ten days Ben would be killed in a road accident! This book - praise be to Jenkins Reid - is about the redemptive power of female relationships as Elsie and Ben's mother, Susan, having never ever met are forced together in grief. Elsie also get s support from her best friend.
A book that does go back and look how the married couple's relationship developed by in the context of how it impacts the thoughts and actions of Elise and Susan post tragedy. Not necessarily a happy read but very much so a life affirming human read and pretty daring and thought provoking debut novel. A firm 7 out of 12, Three Star read.
2023 read
A book that does go back and look how the married couple's relationship developed by in the context of how it impacts the thoughts and actions of Elise and Susan post tragedy. Not necessarily a happy read but very much so a life affirming human read and pretty daring and thought provoking debut novel. A firm 7 out of 12, Three Star read.
2023 read
April 5, 2022
TJR’s first novel!
Elsie’s husband died after nine days of getting married. Ben never told his mom that he got married, or even told them about Elsie at all. You can imagine how awkward that would have been to meet your mother-in-law at the time of your husband’s death. Susan, her mother-in-law, was also in a tough position meeting her daughter-in-law for the first time in a horrible situation. As she is also grieving she puts a lot of her frustration on Elsie. Will these two women ever learn to understand each other?
This was an emotional ride. Who are we to tell people how to grieve or if they should even be allowed to grieve? That was what I think the central message of this book was. Love cannot be measured by everyone's standards, right? Elsie and Ben weren’t together for a long time, but it didn’t make their love "less" love compared to other people who have been together for a long time. Susan, who also lost her husband, did a great job in making Elsie see this.
As Elsie is grieving there are many other characters who teach her something through this process. I like how almost every character illustrates all kinds of people whom you will be surrounded by during a tough time, and what each person will tell you about yourself and themselves.
I have a feeling that authors don’t want us going all the way back to the earliest books they wrote because they’ve definitely grown and will probably be embarrassed by some of the things they wrote. This was still pretty great and I’m glad I read it.
Elsie’s husband died after nine days of getting married. Ben never told his mom that he got married, or even told them about Elsie at all. You can imagine how awkward that would have been to meet your mother-in-law at the time of your husband’s death. Susan, her mother-in-law, was also in a tough position meeting her daughter-in-law for the first time in a horrible situation. As she is also grieving she puts a lot of her frustration on Elsie. Will these two women ever learn to understand each other?
This was an emotional ride. Who are we to tell people how to grieve or if they should even be allowed to grieve? That was what I think the central message of this book was. Love cannot be measured by everyone's standards, right? Elsie and Ben weren’t together for a long time, but it didn’t make their love "less" love compared to other people who have been together for a long time. Susan, who also lost her husband, did a great job in making Elsie see this.
As Elsie is grieving there are many other characters who teach her something through this process. I like how almost every character illustrates all kinds of people whom you will be surrounded by during a tough time, and what each person will tell you about yourself and themselves.
I have a feeling that authors don’t want us going all the way back to the earliest books they wrote because they’ve definitely grown and will probably be embarrassed by some of the things they wrote. This was still pretty great and I’m glad I read it.
September 20, 2015
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::: 4.5 stars :::
*wipes tears* Woah, this book really just hits you right in the feels. My heart feels like it's just been run over. Truthfully, I've had this book sitting on Kindle for over a year while I worked up the courage to read it. But recently I read another (unrelated) book by this author Maybe In Another Life and really fell in love with her writing style so I decided to make this my next "emotional" read. As it turned out, earlier today I was in the mood for reading something with 'deep feels' so I started reading this and was crying within the first few pages. Emotionally, I was right there with the heroine. The writing gives you this play-by-play of her thoughts and feelings and I connected. It was almost too painfully believable because I was feeling for her so strongly. Absolutely heart-wrenching, but incredibly well written. I really loved this book. If you're ever in the mood for an unconventional love story and a really emotional read, definitely give this a try.
I'm going to share the blurb with you because I actually feel its a beautiful and very accurate depiction of the story. God, even reading the blurb makes my heart hurt. But this is exactly what this book is about:
______________________________
Elsie Porter is an average twentysomething and yet what happens to her is anything but ordinary. On a rainy New Year’s Day, she heads out to pick up a pizza for one. She isn’t expecting to see anyone else in the shop, much less the adorable and charming Ben Ross. Their chemistry is instant and electric. Ben cannot even wait twenty-four hours before asking to see her again. Within weeks, the two are head over heels in love. By May, they’ve eloped.
Only nine days later, Ben is out riding his bike when he is hit by a truck and killed on impact. Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, he has already been whisked off to the emergency room. At the hospital, she must face Susan, the mother-in-law she has never met—and who doesn’t even know Elsie exists.
Interweaving Elsie and Ben’s charmed romance with Elsie and Susan’s healing process, Forever, Interrupted will remind you that there’s more than one way to find a happy ending.
__________________________________
I know that many of you are going to read that blurb and either think that maybe this book is too sad, too emotional, too much for you. But I wanted to try and give you my thoughts and experience reading it so that maybe it'll make it a little less scary.
First thing -- I cried three times. Once right in the beginning when Ben died, and twice later on at poignant moments of healing. But this isn't a book that I sobbed my way through. Even though the actual subject matter of losing a spouse is deeply painful, the focus of this book is on Elsie's healing.
I've been asked several times if this book has a happy ending... well, I feel like it had the happiest possible ending given the situation. Ben is really dead and that doesn't change. Elsie will never stop loving him and he will always remain in her heart. This is not a story of "love after loss", meaning that we do not see Elsie move on and fall in love with anyone else within this book. But over the course of the story, she does reach a point where she can healthily keep living on. You're left in a hopeful place.
I've also been asked if this is a romance... and I'd say it's more of a story of healing that has a love story within in, but it is not a romance (in the genre sense of the word). Romances almost always have happy endings, and we all know from the blurb that this book doesn't end with Ben and Elsie living out their lives together happily. Ben dies in the first few pages, but it still is a love story... and a very beautiful one at that. To quote Ben's mother, "In that short time, you had more passion than some people have in a lifetime.”
This book goes back and forth between the present day with Elsie living with the aftermath of Ben's death and forming an unlikely, but ultimately healing relationship with his mother... and the past in which we see the development of Elsie and Ben's relationship from the day they met until their last day together.
It's a really powerful read. I really felt for this heroine. It's an emotional read, and it is sad at times, but at the same time, I wouldn't necessarily consider it a completely "sad read" because half of the book revolves around them falling in love and those parts are really sweet and happy and romantic. But overall, there's no denying that this book deals with one of the most heart-wrenching situations imaginable.
There are very few books though that have ever made me cry when I was writing my review, but this is now apparently one of them. I was just now listening to music as I was writing and looking through quotes from the book to use, and I read this one (below) and teared right up...
The feels!!! *sniff*
In all honesty, I can only handle reading stories like this at very specific times. I usually end up "sitting" on them for months (or years) after I hear about them while I mentally work up the courage to read them. And then I wait for just the right mood to hit me before I start reading. But ultimately, they often end up as favorites because of the intensity of the emotions. This book is definitely going on my favorites list.
This author writes very beautifully and her stories give a very honest depiction of what her characters go through. Each of her books are standalones (not related to each other at all). I've read two of them and loved them both, and I have one more left that I'm definitely looking forward to reading as well.
Oooooh, and this book has a movie deal!! Dakota Johnson will be starring as Elsie. Right now, there isn't too much more info on it, but I'll keep everyone posted as soon as we hear more about it!
Rating: 4.5 stars. Standalone.
_______________________________________
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*wipes tears* Woah, this book really just hits you right in the feels. My heart feels like it's just been run over. Truthfully, I've had this book sitting on Kindle for over a year while I worked up the courage to read it. But recently I read another (unrelated) book by this author Maybe In Another Life and really fell in love with her writing style so I decided to make this my next "emotional" read. As it turned out, earlier today I was in the mood for reading something with 'deep feels' so I started reading this and was crying within the first few pages. Emotionally, I was right there with the heroine. The writing gives you this play-by-play of her thoughts and feelings and I connected. It was almost too painfully believable because I was feeling for her so strongly. Absolutely heart-wrenching, but incredibly well written. I really loved this book. If you're ever in the mood for an unconventional love story and a really emotional read, definitely give this a try.
I'm going to share the blurb with you because I actually feel its a beautiful and very accurate depiction of the story. God, even reading the blurb makes my heart hurt. But this is exactly what this book is about:
______________________________
“Have you ever heard of supernovas? They shine brighter than anything else in the sky and then fade out really quickly, a short burst of extraordinary energy. I like to think you and Ben were like that... in that short time, you had more passion than some people have in a lifetime.”
Elsie Porter is an average twentysomething and yet what happens to her is anything but ordinary. On a rainy New Year’s Day, she heads out to pick up a pizza for one. She isn’t expecting to see anyone else in the shop, much less the adorable and charming Ben Ross. Their chemistry is instant and electric. Ben cannot even wait twenty-four hours before asking to see her again. Within weeks, the two are head over heels in love. By May, they’ve eloped.
Only nine days later, Ben is out riding his bike when he is hit by a truck and killed on impact. Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, he has already been whisked off to the emergency room. At the hospital, she must face Susan, the mother-in-law she has never met—and who doesn’t even know Elsie exists.
Interweaving Elsie and Ben’s charmed romance with Elsie and Susan’s healing process, Forever, Interrupted will remind you that there’s more than one way to find a happy ending.
__________________________________
I know that many of you are going to read that blurb and either think that maybe this book is too sad, too emotional, too much for you. But I wanted to try and give you my thoughts and experience reading it so that maybe it'll make it a little less scary.
First thing -- I cried three times. Once right in the beginning when Ben died, and twice later on at poignant moments of healing. But this isn't a book that I sobbed my way through. Even though the actual subject matter of losing a spouse is deeply painful, the focus of this book is on Elsie's healing.
I've been asked several times if this book has a happy ending... well, I feel like it had the happiest possible ending given the situation. Ben is really dead and that doesn't change. Elsie will never stop loving him and he will always remain in her heart. This is not a story of "love after loss", meaning that we do not see Elsie move on and fall in love with anyone else within this book. But over the course of the story, she does reach a point where she can healthily keep living on. You're left in a hopeful place.
I've also been asked if this is a romance... and I'd say it's more of a story of healing that has a love story within in, but it is not a romance (in the genre sense of the word). Romances almost always have happy endings, and we all know from the blurb that this book doesn't end with Ben and Elsie living out their lives together happily. Ben dies in the first few pages, but it still is a love story... and a very beautiful one at that. To quote Ben's mother, "In that short time, you had more passion than some people have in a lifetime.”
This book goes back and forth between the present day with Elsie living with the aftermath of Ben's death and forming an unlikely, but ultimately healing relationship with his mother... and the past in which we see the development of Elsie and Ben's relationship from the day they met until their last day together.
It's a really powerful read. I really felt for this heroine. It's an emotional read, and it is sad at times, but at the same time, I wouldn't necessarily consider it a completely "sad read" because half of the book revolves around them falling in love and those parts are really sweet and happy and romantic. But overall, there's no denying that this book deals with one of the most heart-wrenching situations imaginable.
My eyes are parched from crying, my limbs weak… I shuffle over to Ben’s side of the bed as I get groggy and fall asleep. “I love you,” I say, and for the first time, there’s no one to hear it.
There are very few books though that have ever made me cry when I was writing my review, but this is now apparently one of them. I was just now listening to music as I was writing and looking through quotes from the book to use, and I read this one (below) and teared right up...
“I wanted you to have his wallet and this.”
She pulls his wedding ring out of her purse.
I was wrong.
I do have triggers.
I start crying. I put that wedding ring on him myself, my hand shaking while his was steady as a rock. I remember seeing it on him the next day thinking that I never knew how sexy a wedding was on a man until it was my ring, until I put it there.
…
“I loved him, Susan,” I say… “I loved him so much.”
“I know you did,” she says. “He kept a copy of his proposal in his wallet. Did you know that?”
I perk up. She hands the paper to me, and I read it.
“Elsie, let’s spend our lives together. Let’s have children together and buy a house together. I want you there when I get the promotion I’ve been shooting for, when I get turned down for something I’ve always hoped for, when I fall and when I stand back up. I want to see every day of your life unfold. I want to be yours and to have you as my own. Will you marry me? Marry me.”
The feels!!! *sniff*
In all honesty, I can only handle reading stories like this at very specific times. I usually end up "sitting" on them for months (or years) after I hear about them while I mentally work up the courage to read them. And then I wait for just the right mood to hit me before I start reading. But ultimately, they often end up as favorites because of the intensity of the emotions. This book is definitely going on my favorites list.
This author writes very beautifully and her stories give a very honest depiction of what her characters go through. Each of her books are standalones (not related to each other at all). I've read two of them and loved them both, and I have one more left that I'm definitely looking forward to reading as well.
Oooooh, and this book has a movie deal!! Dakota Johnson will be starring as Elsie. Right now, there isn't too much more info on it, but I'll keep everyone posted as soon as we hear more about it!
Rating: 4.5 stars. Standalone.
_______________________________________
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June 27, 2022
OH MY GOSH!!!!! Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid was absolutely amazing!!!! This book definitely does NOT disappoint. This book will make you laugh, cry, scream, it'll leave you heartbroken at certain times. I felt all the emotions this book brought on. This is definitely not your average love story. This is such a tragic story, but it was written in the most beautiful way. Please do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of this book and a cozy blanket because you will not want to stop once you start. I was hooked from the very first page and loved going on the journey with these two love birds. This book hurt in all different ways imaginable. Forever, Interrupted is no exception. This was one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride. What's better than having tears running down your face, onto your kindle while reading a heart tugging book? Absolutely nothing, but chocolate.
First off, I want to thank Lydia for buddy reading this with me❤!!!!
"I don't even have on shoes and this man thinks I have my driver's license?".
"How can we expect people to stick to their word about anything when the world around us is so arbitrary, unreliable, and senseless?".
"Drunk words are sober thoughts".
Ben and Elsie met at an Italian pizza bar the day after New Years, Ben and Elsie have instantly been drawn to each other. Ben couldn't even wait twenty four hours to see Elsie again the day after they met. One day, Ben was on his way to get Elsie fruity pebbles, Ben was riding his bike when he was hit by a truck driver, and instantly died on the scene. Ben and Elsie were married for a week, within 10 days of their marriage Ben has left the world to be with angels. Once Elsie arrived at the hospital and learned of Ben's death, Elsie immediately called her best friend Ana. Ana and Elsie have been best friends since they were seventeen years old. The minute Ana heard Ben was in the hospital, she got there as fast as she could and comforted Elsie, if you ask me that's true friendship right there. Elsie and Ben were together for six months when Ben died, but were only married for just nine days.
Susan, Ben's mom arrives at the hospital and she sees Elsie. Elsie has never met her mother-in-law. Susan and Elsie start off on the wrong foot. They can't seem to agree on anything, Ben's memorial service, what to do with Ben's belongings. Ben and Elsie wanted to get married so soon, but Ben wanted to tell his mom that he and Elsie were getting married, but never found the right time to tell her. At first I couldn't stand Susan, like I get she just lost her only son but she didn't have to be so rude towards Elsie. But, after reading the book some more, Susan became so sweet and I loved her. As the grieving process went on, Susan and Elsie became closer. Ben and Elsie on one of their dates went to a little restaurant called Cactus Tacos were they had Horchata-milk rice with cinnamon, this sounded so good!!! The flashbacks that Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote about nearly killed me. Ben was so passionate and lovable towards Elsie.
When Ben died, Elsie called her parents to let them know. They offered Elsie their condolences, but never once came to visit her. Elsie's mom is the chief of staff at the hospital in her hometown, and her dad is a neurosurgeon at this hospital. One day before Elsie met Ben she announced that she wanted to be a librarian, her parents weren't too supporting and therefore, they were just too petty for me. Everything reminds Elsie of Ben, floors, walls, ceilings, white, black, brown, blue, elephants, cartwheels, grass, marbles, and Yahtzee. When Ben left for college a while ago, he wrote "I love you" with a bar of soap in the guest bathroom at his mom's house, this touched my heart so much. What really made me laugh is when Elsie punched this man in the face at the library when he asked her out on a date, Elsie told him she was married when Ben was dead, but the man didn't know that so he said when your marriage is over. Elsie got arrested for punching this man and she was damn proud of it. (YOU GO GIRL)!!!!
First off, I want to thank Lydia for buddy reading this with me❤!!!!
"I don't even have on shoes and this man thinks I have my driver's license?".
"How can we expect people to stick to their word about anything when the world around us is so arbitrary, unreliable, and senseless?".
"Drunk words are sober thoughts".
Ben and Elsie met at an Italian pizza bar the day after New Years, Ben and Elsie have instantly been drawn to each other. Ben couldn't even wait twenty four hours to see Elsie again the day after they met. One day, Ben was on his way to get Elsie fruity pebbles, Ben was riding his bike when he was hit by a truck driver, and instantly died on the scene. Ben and Elsie were married for a week, within 10 days of their marriage Ben has left the world to be with angels. Once Elsie arrived at the hospital and learned of Ben's death, Elsie immediately called her best friend Ana. Ana and Elsie have been best friends since they were seventeen years old. The minute Ana heard Ben was in the hospital, she got there as fast as she could and comforted Elsie, if you ask me that's true friendship right there. Elsie and Ben were together for six months when Ben died, but were only married for just nine days.
Susan, Ben's mom arrives at the hospital and she sees Elsie. Elsie has never met her mother-in-law. Susan and Elsie start off on the wrong foot. They can't seem to agree on anything, Ben's memorial service, what to do with Ben's belongings. Ben and Elsie wanted to get married so soon, but Ben wanted to tell his mom that he and Elsie were getting married, but never found the right time to tell her. At first I couldn't stand Susan, like I get she just lost her only son but she didn't have to be so rude towards Elsie. But, after reading the book some more, Susan became so sweet and I loved her. As the grieving process went on, Susan and Elsie became closer. Ben and Elsie on one of their dates went to a little restaurant called Cactus Tacos were they had Horchata-milk rice with cinnamon, this sounded so good!!! The flashbacks that Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote about nearly killed me. Ben was so passionate and lovable towards Elsie.
When Ben died, Elsie called her parents to let them know. They offered Elsie their condolences, but never once came to visit her. Elsie's mom is the chief of staff at the hospital in her hometown, and her dad is a neurosurgeon at this hospital. One day before Elsie met Ben she announced that she wanted to be a librarian, her parents weren't too supporting and therefore, they were just too petty for me. Everything reminds Elsie of Ben, floors, walls, ceilings, white, black, brown, blue, elephants, cartwheels, grass, marbles, and Yahtzee. When Ben left for college a while ago, he wrote "I love you" with a bar of soap in the guest bathroom at his mom's house, this touched my heart so much. What really made me laugh is when Elsie punched this man in the face at the library when he asked her out on a date, Elsie told him she was married when Ben was dead, but the man didn't know that so he said when your marriage is over. Elsie got arrested for punching this man and she was damn proud of it. (YOU GO GIRL)!!!!
August 4, 2024
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ “𝐼 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃’𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃. 𝐼 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒷𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝒽𝓊𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓈. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓂𝑒, 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒻𝓇𝒶𝑔𝒾𝓁𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒾𝓈, 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓉𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝒾𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓈. 𝐼𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒.”
“𝒩𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒, 𝓃𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓈𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒷𝑒, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒶 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒹𝑜 𝒾𝓈 𝒽𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝑜𝓃.” ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ OMG TJR punched me right in the heart within the first chapter in this one!! To say that I completely related to the FMC is such an understatement.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ ALL. THE. STARS. ݁₊ ✶. ݁ ˖ˎˊ˗
➺ Little bit of context- my husband was killed in a motorcycle accident (many years ago), no he was not getting me fruity pebbles but he was on his way to work. I went through almost all of these stages that Elsie did. I've never read the synopses for TJR's works because DUHH it's TJR and I devour every single one of her books, no blurb necessary.
Anyway, it's been a good long while since I have had a novel truly gut punch me and emotionally break me down, no surprise it was Jenkins Reid to do it. And I LOVED it.
In typical fashion with this author I was immediately pulled into the story and it had me in a chokehold until the very end. She really just has the ability to write her characters to be so relatable, so realistic.. they are honestly always someone I could see myself being friends with, I feel this is one of the factors that gives her the ability to rip my heart out , repair it and place in neatly back in my chest.
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ We follow Elsie our FMC who has just recently within a week gotten married to her relatively short term boyfriend. They were caught up in an epic love that hit hard and fast. Ben goes out on his bicycle to go pick up a box of fruity pebbles per his new wife's request and is struck by a vehicle and killed.
The author does such an amazingly accurate and descriptive job of taking us through the process of losing your true love and all of the things that you are bombarded with.
The whole process of allowing yourself to grieve, get angry, take it out on the wrong people, ask for forgiveness, deal with people that think they know your partner better than you do, get angry again, fall apart and put yourself back together again before the grief consumes you completely.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ “𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒽𝑒’𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝓃��. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓃𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒.”
“𝐼’𝓂 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝓇𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓏𝒾𝑔𝓏𝒶𝑔𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒾𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓏𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓃’𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒.”
“𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑜𝒾𝓃𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓈𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒶𝓎? 𝐻𝑜𝓌 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓌𝑒 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝒶𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓊𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝒶𝓇𝒷𝒾𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓇𝓎, 𝓊𝓃𝓇𝑒𝓁𝒾𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑒𝓃𝓈𝑒𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈?” ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
“𝒩𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒, 𝓃𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓈𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒷𝑒, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒶 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒹𝑜 𝒾𝓈 𝒽𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝑜𝓃.” ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ OMG TJR punched me right in the heart within the first chapter in this one!! To say that I completely related to the FMC is such an understatement.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ ALL. THE. STARS. ݁₊ ✶. ݁ ˖ˎˊ˗
➺ Little bit of context- my husband was killed in a motorcycle accident (many years ago), no he was not getting me fruity pebbles but he was on his way to work. I went through almost all of these stages that Elsie did. I've never read the synopses for TJR's works because DUHH it's TJR and I devour every single one of her books, no blurb necessary.
Anyway, it's been a good long while since I have had a novel truly gut punch me and emotionally break me down, no surprise it was Jenkins Reid to do it. And I LOVED it.
In typical fashion with this author I was immediately pulled into the story and it had me in a chokehold until the very end. She really just has the ability to write her characters to be so relatable, so realistic.. they are honestly always someone I could see myself being friends with, I feel this is one of the factors that gives her the ability to rip my heart out , repair it and place in neatly back in my chest.
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ We follow Elsie our FMC who has just recently within a week gotten married to her relatively short term boyfriend. They were caught up in an epic love that hit hard and fast. Ben goes out on his bicycle to go pick up a box of fruity pebbles per his new wife's request and is struck by a vehicle and killed.
The author does such an amazingly accurate and descriptive job of taking us through the process of losing your true love and all of the things that you are bombarded with.
The whole process of allowing yourself to grieve, get angry, take it out on the wrong people, ask for forgiveness, deal with people that think they know your partner better than you do, get angry again, fall apart and put yourself back together again before the grief consumes you completely.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ “𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒽𝑒’𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝓃��. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓃𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒.”
“𝐼’𝓂 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝓇𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓏𝒾𝑔𝓏𝒶𝑔𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒾𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓏𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓃’𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒.”
“𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑜𝒾𝓃𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓈𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒶𝓎? 𝐻𝑜𝓌 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓌𝑒 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝒶𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓊𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝒶𝓇𝒷𝒾𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓇𝓎, 𝓊𝓃𝓇𝑒𝓁𝒾𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑒𝓃𝓈𝑒𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈?” ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
April 28, 2023
Her characters always SUFFER, but something about them makes me want to SUFFER WITH THEM (i need psychiatric evaluation)
As you may know, I'm on a mission to complete TJR's backlist and the project is going great (tears are streaming down my cheeks every time).
Oh god, this was an emotional rollercoaster.
I tend to write reviews while the feels are FRESH, so this is, traditionally, going to be hectic.
Let's point out the things I liked!
Honestly, almost everything. It's a story about loving and losing (my favorite combo) and grief that follows after losing your special person. Understanding grief is very hard since it's a complicated and (highly) individual experience. This book pictures that very well. Different people deal with that situation in different ways, but the practically only good thing they can get from the traumatic thing is DEVELOPMENT. The character development of these characters is crazy. TJR likes her characters troubled and flawed and that's what makes me love them. That's what makes them human right? (Can you tell I can't differentiate real people from people who exist on pages of a book? 👍🤭)
The romance... Ugh I wouldn't call this a romance book in any way and don't expect it to uplift you (on the contrary). Anyways, there's something I want to say not really related to this particular book but about TJR and her writing in general. Romance novels (even though I love them) tend to be very formulaic. When it comes to TJR, she has her own formula, but it's different from any other authors and that's something she deserves 👏 for.
I listened to this as an audiobook, an amazing narrator, amazing experience.
Things I want to point out:
There wasn't any plot. This book is not very long and can be read pretty quickly, but still, it lacked something happening. The action stopped on page 20 and that's an issue for me. I wasn't bored, but it's not something that usually happens with her books (we all know the big reveals).
I'm not a fan of dual past and present POVs (however you call that), in some cases they do tie very nicely, here, that didn't really happen.
IF YOU'RE IN A NEED OF A GOOD CRY OR S TISSUE PAPER COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, read it NOW 💕🩷
As you may know, I'm on a mission to complete TJR's backlist and the project is going great (tears are streaming down my cheeks every time).
Oh god, this was an emotional rollercoaster.
I tend to write reviews while the feels are FRESH, so this is, traditionally, going to be hectic.
Let's point out the things I liked!
Honestly, almost everything. It's a story about loving and losing (my favorite combo) and grief that follows after losing your special person. Understanding grief is very hard since it's a complicated and (highly) individual experience. This book pictures that very well. Different people deal with that situation in different ways, but the practically only good thing they can get from the traumatic thing is DEVELOPMENT. The character development of these characters is crazy. TJR likes her characters troubled and flawed and that's what makes me love them. That's what makes them human right? (Can you tell I can't differentiate real people from people who exist on pages of a book? 👍🤭)
The romance... Ugh I wouldn't call this a romance book in any way and don't expect it to uplift you (on the contrary). Anyways, there's something I want to say not really related to this particular book but about TJR and her writing in general. Romance novels (even though I love them) tend to be very formulaic. When it comes to TJR, she has her own formula, but it's different from any other authors and that's something she deserves 👏 for.
I listened to this as an audiobook, an amazing narrator, amazing experience.
Things I want to point out:
There wasn't any plot. This book is not very long and can be read pretty quickly, but still, it lacked something happening. The action stopped on page 20 and that's an issue for me. I wasn't bored, but it's not something that usually happens with her books (we all know the big reveals).
I'm not a fan of dual past and present POVs (however you call that), in some cases they do tie very nicely, here, that didn't really happen.
IF YOU'RE IN A NEED OF A GOOD CRY OR S TISSUE PAPER COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, read it NOW 💕🩷
April 18, 2024
I deliberately took lots of time to read this one because I don't want to rush through it. Reading about grief is painful and real. But helpful.
I dont want this book to end yet at the same time I just want to get over with it.
Feeling alive.
I totally loved reading this one.
As always as is with her books, you get to know the characters like they are real people and you accept them for who they are no matter how flawed they are just like you accept some people as your friends and family just like that.
What I love about Taylor's books:
Her imperfectly perfect characters.
Realistic and flawed yet inspiring and alive characters!
What I loved about this book:
It deals with grief following a sudden death of a loved one in a beautiful, subtle way.
The bonding of people through this painful journey.
The characters are damn relatable.
So many life lessons to be learned.
The romance was crazy and so alive.
Human relationships and fears are portrayed so well.
Emphasis on reading and books well made.
(which makes me like her books more! It's either books or music or showbiz)
Why 1 star less:
I felt like the book was unnecessarily stretched at some points.
The ending was somehow perfect yet imperfect like the characters.
I felt it was somehow abrupt.
Ana (the main character's best friend) was given so much importance throughout the book yet nothing much was mentioned towards the end of the book.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Made me laugh out loud. Made me cry uncontrollably. Made me sigh. Made me wonder. Made me wish. Made me regret things. Made me alive.
Wish more books were like this! I cannot wait to read all of her books!
(And I am still saying this after months of writing this review 🙃)
I dont want this book to end yet at the same time I just want to get over with it.
Feeling alive.
I totally loved reading this one.
As always as is with her books, you get to know the characters like they are real people and you accept them for who they are no matter how flawed they are just like you accept some people as your friends and family just like that.
What I love about Taylor's books:
Her imperfectly perfect characters.
Realistic and flawed yet inspiring and alive characters!
What I loved about this book:
It deals with grief following a sudden death of a loved one in a beautiful, subtle way.
The bonding of people through this painful journey.
The characters are damn relatable.
So many life lessons to be learned.
The romance was crazy and so alive.
Human relationships and fears are portrayed so well.
Emphasis on reading and books well made.
(which makes me like her books more! It's either books or music or showbiz)
Why 1 star less:
I felt like the book was unnecessarily stretched at some points.
The ending was somehow perfect yet imperfect like the characters.
I felt it was somehow abrupt.
Ana (the main character's best friend) was given so much importance throughout the book yet nothing much was mentioned towards the end of the book.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Made me laugh out loud. Made me cry uncontrollably. Made me sigh. Made me wonder. Made me wish. Made me regret things. Made me alive.
Wish more books were like this! I cannot wait to read all of her books!
(And I am still saying this after months of writing this review 🙃)
October 4, 2024
I’m ready for TJR to make me cry once again 🥰
My ratings
- Seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo - 5 stars 🌟
- One true loves - 5 stars 🌟
- Carrie Soto is back - 4.25 stars 🌟
My ratings
- Seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo - 5 stars 🌟
- One true loves - 5 stars 🌟
- Carrie Soto is back - 4.25 stars 🌟
February 17, 2024
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a Debut Novel Published in 2013!
I've always felt that Taylor Jenkins Reid possesses a refreshing and innovative style of storytelling, and it's evident, right out of the gate, with her debut novel.
Forever, Interrupted is a love-at-first-sight romance that's layered with loss and grief. Jenkins Reid adds a mixture of relationships and a realistic reflection of how grief is not a one-size-fits-all primary emotion. She turns a romance into a love story about friendship, kindness, and finding new family.
What I missed here was the engaging writing style I found in Maybe in Another Life published two years later. It was the first book I read by this author and it still proudly sits on my Favorite's shelf. It's why I fell in love with this author's writing style. That's why I've read six of her books and will most likely read the three remaining I haven't.
It's been over two years since I've read one of Jenkins Reid's books and my preferences have changed. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tara Sands whose narrative and voicing give this story a New Adult feel. It was glaring to me that I was not the target audience for this book but I did enjoy the story and its potential.
Forever, Interrupted was a pleasant snapshot of how Taylor Jenkin Reid's writing style has progressed through the years to complement her innovative storytelling further.
3.5⭐
I've always felt that Taylor Jenkins Reid possesses a refreshing and innovative style of storytelling, and it's evident, right out of the gate, with her debut novel.
Forever, Interrupted is a love-at-first-sight romance that's layered with loss and grief. Jenkins Reid adds a mixture of relationships and a realistic reflection of how grief is not a one-size-fits-all primary emotion. She turns a romance into a love story about friendship, kindness, and finding new family.
What I missed here was the engaging writing style I found in Maybe in Another Life published two years later. It was the first book I read by this author and it still proudly sits on my Favorite's shelf. It's why I fell in love with this author's writing style. That's why I've read six of her books and will most likely read the three remaining I haven't.
It's been over two years since I've read one of Jenkins Reid's books and my preferences have changed. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tara Sands whose narrative and voicing give this story a New Adult feel. It was glaring to me that I was not the target audience for this book but I did enjoy the story and its potential.
Forever, Interrupted was a pleasant snapshot of how Taylor Jenkin Reid's writing style has progressed through the years to complement her innovative storytelling further.
3.5⭐
January 19, 2023
2 ⭐️ Where to begin. I am *so* disappointed in this book and I truly cannot fathom that it was written by Taylor Jenkins Reid because I found it so fucking bad 💀
I know that this is TJR’s first ever book, so I understand that the writing can’t be up to par with her newer releases, but I swear to god this book felt like it was written by a 13 year old on wattpad trying to be deep (and failing miserably). There was an excessive and frankly silly amount of exclamation marks, weird dialogue, and very little of the book actually had any kind of meaning. It was like reading a bunch of dull nonsense and then every once in a while there would be a deep monologue about grief and you’re supposed to accept that. No ❤️
I see the point the book was trying to make, but it failed terribly at making it. Ben dies within the first like 5 pages of the book, and I’m assuming the goal was to leave the readers with an impending sense of doom as they read about him and Elsie falling in love, but their love story is so unbelievably two dimensional and lacking in any real depth. They meet and they have this instant connection, have this amazing wonderful (unrealistic) first date and from there it’s pretty much smooth sailing. Am I… supposed to care? If the point of this book is grief and dealing with it, why would you spend half of it describing the most plain boring love story that literally has no meaning??? It didn’t make me grow attached to Ben at all. There was absolutely no point and it bored me to tears.
I didn’t like Elsie. She was just this quiet couch potato reader girlie and that was all there was to her character. Then she meets Ben, who is equally as surface level, and along with being the world’s most uninteresting couple they were also irritating. Elsie picking a fight with Ben because of a girl calling him (when he literally explained the situation), arguing with Ana when she got a boyfriend, along with yet another insufferable thing she did that I can’t talk about because of spoilers all made her such an unlikeable character to me, and there was nothing even remotely interesting about being inside her head. On that fight with Ana, I understand that her reaction was intentionally irrational, but she *never* apologizes to Ana, her own best friend. Girl. Also, I don’t think Ben’s reasoning for not telling his mom about Elsie is realistic. Maybe it’s me but I cannot comprehend not telling your mom, who you’re very close to, that you’re about to get married or even that you’re dating someone. These characters made no sense to me and I was either terribly irritated by them or I didn’t give a shit.
While I do think that part 2 is slightly better than part 1, it was by no means enough to redeem the book. The only semi-redeemable part of this novel was the ending. The last 50-ish pages were, surprisingly, actually a little interesting. I found Elsie’s connection with Mr. Callahan to be especially touching, though not tear jerking or anything close to it. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. One true loves has wildly better writing and characters, and tackles similar subject matter. Forever, Interrupted is mind numbingly boring and I learned absolutely nothing from it
I know that this is TJR’s first ever book, so I understand that the writing can’t be up to par with her newer releases, but I swear to god this book felt like it was written by a 13 year old on wattpad trying to be deep (and failing miserably). There was an excessive and frankly silly amount of exclamation marks, weird dialogue, and very little of the book actually had any kind of meaning. It was like reading a bunch of dull nonsense and then every once in a while there would be a deep monologue about grief and you’re supposed to accept that. No ❤️
I see the point the book was trying to make, but it failed terribly at making it. Ben dies within the first like 5 pages of the book, and I’m assuming the goal was to leave the readers with an impending sense of doom as they read about him and Elsie falling in love, but their love story is so unbelievably two dimensional and lacking in any real depth. They meet and they have this instant connection, have this amazing wonderful (unrealistic) first date and from there it’s pretty much smooth sailing. Am I… supposed to care? If the point of this book is grief and dealing with it, why would you spend half of it describing the most plain boring love story that literally has no meaning??? It didn’t make me grow attached to Ben at all. There was absolutely no point and it bored me to tears.
I didn’t like Elsie. She was just this quiet couch potato reader girlie and that was all there was to her character. Then she meets Ben, who is equally as surface level, and along with being the world’s most uninteresting couple they were also irritating. Elsie picking a fight with Ben because of a girl calling him (when he literally explained the situation), arguing with Ana when she got a boyfriend, along with yet another insufferable thing she did that I can’t talk about because of spoilers all made her such an unlikeable character to me, and there was nothing even remotely interesting about being inside her head. On that fight with Ana, I understand that her reaction was intentionally irrational, but she *never* apologizes to Ana, her own best friend. Girl. Also, I don’t think Ben’s reasoning for not telling his mom about Elsie is realistic. Maybe it’s me but I cannot comprehend not telling your mom, who you’re very close to, that you’re about to get married or even that you’re dating someone. These characters made no sense to me and I was either terribly irritated by them or I didn’t give a shit.
While I do think that part 2 is slightly better than part 1, it was by no means enough to redeem the book. The only semi-redeemable part of this novel was the ending. The last 50-ish pages were, surprisingly, actually a little interesting. I found Elsie’s connection with Mr. Callahan to be especially touching, though not tear jerking or anything close to it. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. One true loves has wildly better writing and characters, and tackles similar subject matter. Forever, Interrupted is mind numbingly boring and I learned absolutely nothing from it
March 14, 2023
Choć mocno czuć debiut TJR to i tak uważam, że warto tę książkę przeczytać, choćby po to by być świadomym, że nawet najlepsi pisarze od czegoś musieli zacząć.
November 29, 2018
"what's the rush, honey? we have all the time in the world.
cue the tears, a bitch is emotional... ok just sort of.
this book was about a woman's whose husband passed away after a whirl wind romance. so quick, in fact, that the woman's mother in law doesn't even know her son was married. the story pretty much follows the MIL and widow as they grieve together.
if it sounds boring, that's cause it kind of was. it was told thru the past and the present. we get the widow falling in love with her dead husband a couple months prior and we get the grieving process. but the plot just wasn't... plotty. sure things happen but to me the "triumph of the human spirit" isn't something that i care to read books about.
call me a hater, but i do want something to happen when i'm reading. even if i do prefer character development.
this wasn't a total failure, i guess i kind of find life precious and short now or whatever. but this isn't something i'd read again or something i'll probably ever think of again.
cue the tears, a bitch is emotional... ok just sort of.
this book was about a woman's whose husband passed away after a whirl wind romance. so quick, in fact, that the woman's mother in law doesn't even know her son was married. the story pretty much follows the MIL and widow as they grieve together.
if it sounds boring, that's cause it kind of was. it was told thru the past and the present. we get the widow falling in love with her dead husband a couple months prior and we get the grieving process. but the plot just wasn't... plotty. sure things happen but to me the "triumph of the human spirit" isn't something that i care to read books about.
call me a hater, but i do want something to happen when i'm reading. even if i do prefer character development.
this wasn't a total failure, i guess i kind of find life precious and short now or whatever. but this isn't something i'd read again or something i'll probably ever think of again.
November 11, 2019
Elsie Porter experiences great loss when her Forever is interrupted just 9 days after marrying Ben, the love of her life. She meets her mother-in-law, Susan, at the hospital for the first time following Ben’s death. Susan’s reception toward Elsie is far from pleasant.
Forever, Interrupted is Elsie’s story of grief, now a widow at 26 years old. The book features several chapters of earlier times, giving context and background to Elsie and Ben’s relationship. While their marriage, and even their whole relationship by some standards, was short, their feelings for each other were obvious.
Unfortunately Elsie isn’t close with her parents, but her best friend, Ana, is her major support system. I can’t imagine having to deal with this type of loss, especially at 26. How do you attempt to move forward and not let grief consume you?
I appreciated that Forever, Interrupted didn’t finish with a neat and tidy traditional “happily ever after” ending. That said, I also appreciated the message in this book that happiness comes in various forms and it’s up to us to take it, however we find it.
Forever, Interrupted is Elsie’s story of grief, now a widow at 26 years old. The book features several chapters of earlier times, giving context and background to Elsie and Ben’s relationship. While their marriage, and even their whole relationship by some standards, was short, their feelings for each other were obvious.
Unfortunately Elsie isn’t close with her parents, but her best friend, Ana, is her major support system. I can’t imagine having to deal with this type of loss, especially at 26. How do you attempt to move forward and not let grief consume you?
I appreciated that Forever, Interrupted didn’t finish with a neat and tidy traditional “happily ever after” ending. That said, I also appreciated the message in this book that happiness comes in various forms and it’s up to us to take it, however we find it.
April 3, 2016
4.5 stars
“No matter how strong you are, no matter how smart you are or tough you can be, the world will find a way to break you. And when it does, the only thing you can do is hold on.”
This book completely wrecked me, in a good way. I won't say this often but boy I was I glad I was single when I read this, because if I had been married, I feel like it would have been even tougher. But this book is so worth reading, like all of TJR's books, it's different from the typical chick lit/romance stories we normally read.
Elsie and Ben had a whirlwind romance, 6 months total and 9 days of being married when Ben dies suddenly in a tragic accident. Knowing he died the love of her life, no matter how much time they spent together, Elsie is a wreck. Then she meets Susan, her mother-in-law, a woman who had never even heard of Elsie until after she got the news her son had died. From here we flashes of the past and present, how Ben and Elsie fell in love, and how Elsie and Susan cope with him being gone.
“I'm just trying to tell you that your life will be very long with zigzags you can't imagine. You won't realize just how young you are until you aren't that young anymore.”
I'd read two other books by this author so I knew I was in for something unconventional from this story, but I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. Since it's given away in the synopsis that Ben had died, I knew this would be a tough book to read at times. But despite that, I loved seeing Elsie and Ben falling in love. I was intrigued by the relationship between Susan and Elsie.
Most of all what was special about this book is the way it makes you think. How would you be treated if the one you loved died suddenly and no one in his life really knew you? Is it real love if it's in such a short amount of time? This journey that Elsie went through was so intense, and I just felt for her every step of the way, the happy moments and the devastating ones.
So, if you're up for a book unique from any other, I highly recommend this one. While it wasn't all puppies and rainbows it still had magic moments that made it exceptional.
“That is what true love is. True love is saying to someone 'Forget about us. We will be okay,' when it might not even be true, when the last thing you want is to be forgotten.”
“No matter how strong you are, no matter how smart you are or tough you can be, the world will find a way to break you. And when it does, the only thing you can do is hold on.”
This book completely wrecked me, in a good way. I won't say this often but boy I was I glad I was single when I read this, because if I had been married, I feel like it would have been even tougher. But this book is so worth reading, like all of TJR's books, it's different from the typical chick lit/romance stories we normally read.
Elsie and Ben had a whirlwind romance, 6 months total and 9 days of being married when Ben dies suddenly in a tragic accident. Knowing he died the love of her life, no matter how much time they spent together, Elsie is a wreck. Then she meets Susan, her mother-in-law, a woman who had never even heard of Elsie until after she got the news her son had died. From here we flashes of the past and present, how Ben and Elsie fell in love, and how Elsie and Susan cope with him being gone.
“I'm just trying to tell you that your life will be very long with zigzags you can't imagine. You won't realize just how young you are until you aren't that young anymore.”
I'd read two other books by this author so I knew I was in for something unconventional from this story, but I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. Since it's given away in the synopsis that Ben had died, I knew this would be a tough book to read at times. But despite that, I loved seeing Elsie and Ben falling in love. I was intrigued by the relationship between Susan and Elsie.
Most of all what was special about this book is the way it makes you think. How would you be treated if the one you loved died suddenly and no one in his life really knew you? Is it real love if it's in such a short amount of time? This journey that Elsie went through was so intense, and I just felt for her every step of the way, the happy moments and the devastating ones.
So, if you're up for a book unique from any other, I highly recommend this one. While it wasn't all puppies and rainbows it still had magic moments that made it exceptional.
“That is what true love is. True love is saying to someone 'Forget about us. We will be okay,' when it might not even be true, when the last thing you want is to be forgotten.”
August 24, 2024
“What's the rush, honey? We have all the time in the world.”
I have some things I did not like about this one, but I still throughly enjoyed this read.. I just think TJR is such an amazing storyteller. She was able to beautifully portray grief and how everyone goes through it differently.
My TJR Book Ratings-
One True Loves- 5 stars
Evelyn Hugo- 4.85 Stars
Forever, Interrupted- 4 Stars
Maybe In Another Life-3.85 Stars
Quotes-
💖“No matter how strong you are, no matter how smart you are or tough you can be, the world will find a way to break you. And when it does, the only thing you can do is hold on.”
💖”I'm just trying to tell you that your life will be very long with zigzags you can't imagine. You won't realize just how young you are until you aren't that young anymore.”
💖”Things happen in your life that you can’t possibly imagine. But time goes on and time changes you and the times change and the next thing you know, you’re smack in the middle of a life you never saw coming.”
💖”Sweetheart, I’m telling you, you love someone like that, you love them the right way, and no time would be enough. Doesn’t matter if you had thirty years,” she tells me. “It wouldn���t be enough.”
I have some things I did not like about this one, but I still throughly enjoyed this read.. I just think TJR is such an amazing storyteller. She was able to beautifully portray grief and how everyone goes through it differently.
My TJR Book Ratings-
One True Loves- 5 stars
Evelyn Hugo- 4.85 Stars
Forever, Interrupted- 4 Stars
Maybe In Another Life-3.85 Stars
Quotes-
💖“No matter how strong you are, no matter how smart you are or tough you can be, the world will find a way to break you. And when it does, the only thing you can do is hold on.”
💖”I'm just trying to tell you that your life will be very long with zigzags you can't imagine. You won't realize just how young you are until you aren't that young anymore.”
💖”Things happen in your life that you can’t possibly imagine. But time goes on and time changes you and the times change and the next thing you know, you’re smack in the middle of a life you never saw coming.”
💖”Sweetheart, I’m telling you, you love someone like that, you love them the right way, and no time would be enough. Doesn’t matter if you had thirty years,” she tells me. “It wouldn���t be enough.”
November 11, 2019
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the one.
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A long-ass, decades overdue buddy-read happening with Sara! 😍
Taylor Jenkins Reid, rip my heart out. ✌🏾
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A long-ass, decades overdue buddy-read happening with Sara! 😍
Taylor Jenkins Reid, rip my heart out. ✌🏾
September 1, 2018
brb, crying for all eternity
November 5, 2017
Audiobook: Narrated by Tara Sands
This was Taylor Jenkins Reid’s debut novel..... not her strongest .... but that’s great news in my opinion. I still enjoyed it! All the human qualities I enjoy in Reid’s books were right there. Her talent for natural conversational dialogue makes for easy engaging audio listening.
Having read most of her other novels - I can vouch for TJR’s ongoing sophistication and bigger hit wonders!
I’m definitely in the thrones of beginning stages of recovery from surgery - weaker - with hindered eye sight for a fews weeks — so I’ve brought my earplugs to bed with me. Having an audiobook that is easy to follow - no notes needed - not much required of me right now is a plus. And although this novel deals with love - loss - grief - and forgiveness .....believe it or not - listening to this novel didn’t carry over as a teary-heavy- experience for me.
Elsie’s husband, Ben, dies early into their marriage - early into this novel - and the interesting part is how this young bride of 9 days - who has not received her marriage certificate in the mail yet is going to resolve immediate problems with her mother- in -law whom she not only has never met —but Ben never even mentioned Elsie to his mother.
The mother-in-law, Susan, who is also grieving over her son - and the recent loss of her husband of thirty years - wants all rights over Ben’s dead body- cremation included.
Elsie remembers Ben telling her that when he dies he wants to be buried in sweats and a T-shirt- buried! She is Ben’s wife.... she has rights and ‘does’ actually know things the mother-in- law does not know about her son.
Why did this young couple get married ‘without’ telling Ben’s mother? The reader has many questions about about their marriage being a secret?
This story also brings up issues ‘about’ the realities of death-of-a-spouse ‘with’ the dealings of the spouse’s family.
Tender — love sweetness between Ben and Elsie....some funny scenes - a little cheesy - but forgivable. Thought-provoking issues get examine.... of ‘what’ to do - and ‘who’ does what when a loved one dies.
3.7 round up to 4
This was Taylor Jenkins Reid’s debut novel..... not her strongest .... but that’s great news in my opinion. I still enjoyed it! All the human qualities I enjoy in Reid’s books were right there. Her talent for natural conversational dialogue makes for easy engaging audio listening.
Having read most of her other novels - I can vouch for TJR’s ongoing sophistication and bigger hit wonders!
I’m definitely in the thrones of beginning stages of recovery from surgery - weaker - with hindered eye sight for a fews weeks — so I’ve brought my earplugs to bed with me. Having an audiobook that is easy to follow - no notes needed - not much required of me right now is a plus. And although this novel deals with love - loss - grief - and forgiveness .....believe it or not - listening to this novel didn’t carry over as a teary-heavy- experience for me.
Elsie’s husband, Ben, dies early into their marriage - early into this novel - and the interesting part is how this young bride of 9 days - who has not received her marriage certificate in the mail yet is going to resolve immediate problems with her mother- in -law whom she not only has never met —but Ben never even mentioned Elsie to his mother.
The mother-in-law, Susan, who is also grieving over her son - and the recent loss of her husband of thirty years - wants all rights over Ben’s dead body- cremation included.
Elsie remembers Ben telling her that when he dies he wants to be buried in sweats and a T-shirt- buried! She is Ben’s wife.... she has rights and ‘does’ actually know things the mother-in- law does not know about her son.
Why did this young couple get married ‘without’ telling Ben’s mother? The reader has many questions about about their marriage being a secret?
This story also brings up issues ‘about’ the realities of death-of-a-spouse ‘with’ the dealings of the spouse’s family.
Tender — love sweetness between Ben and Elsie....some funny scenes - a little cheesy - but forgivable. Thought-provoking issues get examine.... of ‘what’ to do - and ‘who’ does what when a loved one dies.
3.7 round up to 4
December 29, 2023
TJR sure knows how to tug on your heartstrings ❤️🩹 Her books make you smile, laugh and cry and this one is no different.
A story of love and loss woven together so beautifully through a dual timeline of the past and present. The way a memory is shared from such mundane and little moments is so powerful. I would be smiling and laughing along at the precious moments and then suddenly be so sad when the reality hits.
This journey of learning to live with grief is so raw and moving. The bonds formed along the way is what made the book for me. A special mention to Mr Callahan, he was my favourite character 🫂
A story of love and loss woven together so beautifully through a dual timeline of the past and present. The way a memory is shared from such mundane and little moments is so powerful. I would be smiling and laughing along at the precious moments and then suddenly be so sad when the reality hits.
"Think they'll card me?" he says. We both laugh, even though it wasn't that funny. We have to find little ways to smile. No matter how strong you are, no matter how smart you are or tough you can be, the world will find a way to break you. And when it does, the only thing you can do is hold on.
This journey of learning to live with grief is so raw and moving. The bonds formed along the way is what made the book for me. A special mention to Mr Callahan, he was my favourite character 🫂
February 23, 2023
4 ~ 4.5 Stars
”…those nine days, those six months, they are a part of your life now, a part of you they may not have been enough for you but they were enough to change you.”
Wow this story packed a powerful punch as the author takes the reader from the present as Elsie looses her husband Ben and the past as they meet and fall in love all in the matter of six months. Elsie and Ben have been married a total of nine days when she loses the love of her life. To make matters difficult Ben didn’t tell his mother about his new relationship or marriage.
”It’s funny to me that you think six months is a long period of time…”
Mr. Callahan should get a shout out as the wonderful older man who frequents Elsie’s library, as well as Anna, Elsie’s best friend. Perhaps my favorite character of this story was Susan, Ben’s mother. She was a fantastic character who was extremely realistic and just as strong of a part of this story as Ben and Elsie.
”Can we be good to each other? Susan seems convinced that we can, and she’s determined to take the lead.”
Overall, this was a quick read that was not only heartbreaking but well-written and touching!
”…like it or not, you are the truth about Ben. He loved you fiercely.”
”…those nine days, those six months, they are a part of your life now, a part of you they may not have been enough for you but they were enough to change you.”
Wow this story packed a powerful punch as the author takes the reader from the present as Elsie looses her husband Ben and the past as they meet and fall in love all in the matter of six months. Elsie and Ben have been married a total of nine days when she loses the love of her life. To make matters difficult Ben didn’t tell his mother about his new relationship or marriage.
”It’s funny to me that you think six months is a long period of time…”
Mr. Callahan should get a shout out as the wonderful older man who frequents Elsie’s library, as well as Anna, Elsie’s best friend. Perhaps my favorite character of this story was Susan, Ben’s mother. She was a fantastic character who was extremely realistic and just as strong of a part of this story as Ben and Elsie.
”Can we be good to each other? Susan seems convinced that we can, and she’s determined to take the lead.”
Overall, this was a quick read that was not only heartbreaking but well-written and touching!
”…like it or not, you are the truth about Ben. He loved you fiercely.”
July 4, 2022
TJR DID IT AGAIN. THIS SHIT WAS SO GOOD
November 20, 2021
"Things happen in your life that you can't possibly imagine. But time goes on and time changes you and the times change and the next thing you know, you're smack in the middle of a life you never saw coming."
Elsie and Ben dated for six months and were married for 9 days before his unexpected death. This is a story about grieving, healing, and friendship. In vivid detail, we experience Elsie's tremendous pain of life without Ben and her happiness when she was with him.
The story takes place over the span of one year. Told in alternating timelines, it switches between June through December (Elsie's life without Ben) and January through June (Elsie and Ben's relationship). The story begins with Elsie and Ben's final moment together, and takes off from the point where she's told her husband has died and meets her mother-in-law.
This is a realistic, and multi-faceted view into the aftermath of the loss of a soulmate. Through insight into various characters' lives, we experience the pain, confusion, and healing associated with the event that couldn't possibly have been imagined. I truly felt I got to know Ben and Elsie, and the well-developed supporting characters put the situation into context:
🔹Ana - strong and loyal friend who supports Elsie throughout this ordeal
🔹Susan - Ben's mother struggling to adapt to life after the death of her husband and son
🔹Mr. Callahan - octogenarian with plenty of life experiences and wisdom to share
Overall, this is a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time.
Elsie and Ben dated for six months and were married for 9 days before his unexpected death. This is a story about grieving, healing, and friendship. In vivid detail, we experience Elsie's tremendous pain of life without Ben and her happiness when she was with him.
The story takes place over the span of one year. Told in alternating timelines, it switches between June through December (Elsie's life without Ben) and January through June (Elsie and Ben's relationship). The story begins with Elsie and Ben's final moment together, and takes off from the point where she's told her husband has died and meets her mother-in-law.
This is a realistic, and multi-faceted view into the aftermath of the loss of a soulmate. Through insight into various characters' lives, we experience the pain, confusion, and healing associated with the event that couldn't possibly have been imagined. I truly felt I got to know Ben and Elsie, and the well-developed supporting characters put the situation into context:
🔹Ana - strong and loyal friend who supports Elsie throughout this ordeal
🔹Susan - Ben's mother struggling to adapt to life after the death of her husband and son
🔹Mr. Callahan - octogenarian with plenty of life experiences and wisdom to share
Overall, this is a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time.
April 12, 2022
Forever Interrupted is Taylor Jenkins Reid's debut book, but the 5th book I have read by her. Admittedly, though she is one of my favorite authors of all time, I just didn't vibe with the writing here. But of course, that is a testament of her growth, and I respect that.
This book follows Elise, a widow, who was married less than 2 weeks to a man she had only known for only 6 months, before he died. Ben, despite having only known him a short while, was the love of her life. This follows her path to healing and the grief she goes through. Susan, her mother in law, who she hadn't met until the day Ben died, also has a big role in this book as we follow her grief as well and her journey to accepting Elise, as she didn't know about her and the fact that her son was even married in the first place. This book is told from Elise's pov.
I really wish this book could have been dual pov. I think having both Elise and Susan's perspective would have added to the emotional impact of this story. But regardless, this book did pull on my heartstrings. I really felt the sadness of the characters. Other than the writing here, which I wasn't a big fan of, the ending left me unsatisfied in many ways. I wanted to see more of Elise's journey, but it wrapped up in a rushed way.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those looking for a quick sad yet hopeful read. Though if you are going in as an already big TJR fan like myself, I would keep expectations low.
This book follows Elise, a widow, who was married less than 2 weeks to a man she had only known for only 6 months, before he died. Ben, despite having only known him a short while, was the love of her life. This follows her path to healing and the grief she goes through. Susan, her mother in law, who she hadn't met until the day Ben died, also has a big role in this book as we follow her grief as well and her journey to accepting Elise, as she didn't know about her and the fact that her son was even married in the first place. This book is told from Elise's pov.
I really wish this book could have been dual pov. I think having both Elise and Susan's perspective would have added to the emotional impact of this story. But regardless, this book did pull on my heartstrings. I really felt the sadness of the characters. Other than the writing here, which I wasn't a big fan of, the ending left me unsatisfied in many ways. I wanted to see more of Elise's journey, but it wrapped up in a rushed way.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those looking for a quick sad yet hopeful read. Though if you are going in as an already big TJR fan like myself, I would keep expectations low.
December 16, 2016
IT'S OFFICIAL! I AM A TOTAL TJR FANGIRL!!!
This author Blows. Me. Away. Every. Time.
Do you ever yearn to read a romance where the relationships are messy and complicated, never of the nice and tidy variety? Do you yearn to FEEL all the emotions, both joyful and painful, which a complex relationship can evoke? That is exactly what you are guaranteed when reading a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. Exposed are the inevitable curve balls thrown around those rosy corners of life. Exposed are the highest highs, the lowest lows of emotions, and you become consumed by them.
These phenomenal characters will have you crying, laughing and screaming right along with them. You FEEL their love, joy, hope, grief, agony, defeat, but also the triumph as you journey with them along life's path of unwelcomed "interruptions." I was totally wrecked by the end of the first chapter but then slowly healed by each and every precious word written, page by page.
To me what sets a great read apart from the good is The Connection! The Care Factor! The, I Can't Do Anything Else Until I Have Read Every Last Word, Feeling! These feelings are what I hope to experience whenever I pick up a new book, and "Forever, Interrupted" checked all those boxes.
How this extraordinary experience unfolds ......
Newlyweds Ben and Elsie are so happy and in love, until all goes tragically and horrifyingly wrong.
New Years Day, Ben and Elsie meet and strike up a conversation inside a pizza parlor, while waiting for their takeout orders. They instantly connect, and five months later, are standing in a chapel becoming husband and wife.
Barely a week later, Elsie is standing over Ben's body laying lifeless in the emergency room and blaming herself for his death. Also standing beside her is Susan, her mother-in-law. They have never met, and Susan didn't even know Elsie existed in her son's life.
What keeps you riveted, and unable to put this book down, is Ben and Elsie's love story and the love/hate relationship between Elsie and Susan as they try to put their lives back together again following Ben's death. I loved how the story went back and forth between the past and present. It just worked!
Do you truly want to FEEL what you are reading? Give this book a try, or any book by Taylor Jenkins Reid for that matter, because I guarantee you will FEEL ;)
This author Blows. Me. Away. Every. Time.
Do you ever yearn to read a romance where the relationships are messy and complicated, never of the nice and tidy variety? Do you yearn to FEEL all the emotions, both joyful and painful, which a complex relationship can evoke? That is exactly what you are guaranteed when reading a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. Exposed are the inevitable curve balls thrown around those rosy corners of life. Exposed are the highest highs, the lowest lows of emotions, and you become consumed by them.
These phenomenal characters will have you crying, laughing and screaming right along with them. You FEEL their love, joy, hope, grief, agony, defeat, but also the triumph as you journey with them along life's path of unwelcomed "interruptions." I was totally wrecked by the end of the first chapter but then slowly healed by each and every precious word written, page by page.
To me what sets a great read apart from the good is The Connection! The Care Factor! The, I Can't Do Anything Else Until I Have Read Every Last Word, Feeling! These feelings are what I hope to experience whenever I pick up a new book, and "Forever, Interrupted" checked all those boxes.
How this extraordinary experience unfolds ......
Newlyweds Ben and Elsie are so happy and in love, until all goes tragically and horrifyingly wrong.
New Years Day, Ben and Elsie meet and strike up a conversation inside a pizza parlor, while waiting for their takeout orders. They instantly connect, and five months later, are standing in a chapel becoming husband and wife.
Barely a week later, Elsie is standing over Ben's body laying lifeless in the emergency room and blaming herself for his death. Also standing beside her is Susan, her mother-in-law. They have never met, and Susan didn't even know Elsie existed in her son's life.
What keeps you riveted, and unable to put this book down, is Ben and Elsie's love story and the love/hate relationship between Elsie and Susan as they try to put their lives back together again following Ben's death. I loved how the story went back and forth between the past and present. It just worked!
Do you truly want to FEEL what you are reading? Give this book a try, or any book by Taylor Jenkins Reid for that matter, because I guarantee you will FEEL ;)
February 22, 2019
Hello, 911? I'm having a feels-attack.
This was extraordinarily difficult for me to read. The book opens with the death of the main character's husband in a way that preyed on my personal fears. (I didn't know what this was about before starting, I was just picking up anything I could get by TJR.) I got about 20 minutes into the audiobook and was just sobbing and became really fearful and had to take a few days break. But that small portion stayed with me and I came back to it needing to know the rest of the story.
When I picked it up again, it was already past the part that was spiking my anxiety so much and I was able to start enjoying the story. There are wonderful friendships and the grief process was well depicted. You see the main character connect with her mother-in-law, who is also grieving the loss of her son, so of course that was a double whammy for me.
Even though it made me very anxious, it was a beautiful story that I can appreciate and it has TJR's signature touch. I think this will stay with me for a long time.
Audiobook: Loved the narration.
tw: car accident, death of spouse, death of child, grief
This was extraordinarily difficult for me to read. The book opens with the death of the main character's husband in a way that preyed on my personal fears. (I didn't know what this was about before starting, I was just picking up anything I could get by TJR.) I got about 20 minutes into the audiobook and was just sobbing and became really fearful and had to take a few days break. But that small portion stayed with me and I came back to it needing to know the rest of the story.
When I picked it up again, it was already past the part that was spiking my anxiety so much and I was able to start enjoying the story. There are wonderful friendships and the grief process was well depicted. You see the main character connect with her mother-in-law, who is also grieving the loss of her son, so of course that was a double whammy for me.
Even though it made me very anxious, it was a beautiful story that I can appreciate and it has TJR's signature touch. I think this will stay with me for a long time.
Audiobook: Loved the narration.
tw: car accident, death of spouse, death of child, grief
December 11, 2018
Elsie and Ben have been married just nine days when a tragic accident shatters their love story....
This book deals with the aftermath of life kicking you hard and unexpectedly right in the gut. It's about pain and profound loss, the loss of a spouse, the loss of a future you envisioned. It also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, as the surviving spouse is now meeting (for the first time) the family of the spouse who passed away. Are they even really in-laws? Elsie and Ben were only married nine days....
This story actually evolves into a beautiful one, where new relationships are made and new bonds are formed. What started out as a tragic and painful read has an ending that makes it all worthwhile.
This book deals with the aftermath of life kicking you hard and unexpectedly right in the gut. It's about pain and profound loss, the loss of a spouse, the loss of a future you envisioned. It also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, as the surviving spouse is now meeting (for the first time) the family of the spouse who passed away. Are they even really in-laws? Elsie and Ben were only married nine days....
This story actually evolves into a beautiful one, where new relationships are made and new bonds are formed. What started out as a tragic and painful read has an ending that makes it all worthwhile.
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