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5.0 out of 5 stars The best book of the year !!!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } When reviewing a book I often think of this truism: there is the truth and then there is everyone's perception of the truth. Most if not all of us bring our own experiences and life choices to what we read as well. Hence, divergent opinions from readers about any selected book being reviewed at the time. Fortunately there are thousands upon thousands of authors writing books from which we can choose. So, then, one person may think there is too much descriptive material which slows the narrative down while another will want more. Of course some authors are better than others at writing narratives about places, clothes, food and the like but if they did not include such tangible items then we would all be reading nothing but short stories.Another divergent point is how realistic should the narrative be? In my opinion, an author has done his/her job when some facet of the human condition, whether negative or positive but certainly negative, is turned into a great read as nuanced, as wise and as powerful as THE WEDDING PEOPLE: A NOVEL by Alison Espach. Even though suicide is a serious topic and is not treated lightly in the book, it should be noted that those suffering depression have our concern and our hope for those needing it to seek help. On a positive note however, statistics show that people who were saved or rescued from the final act are grateful that they did not succeed regardless of how the "rescue" happened. Add Phoebe Stone, the MFC, to such a "literary" saved list!I try not to include spoilers but Phoebe's intentions for checking into the exclusive Victorian Hotel have been mentioned several times already so consider that even though she meant it, she did not realize she had checked into the hotel with improper equipment for such a final act. However, regardless of her plan, the contrast is startling between her self-agonizing, self-criticism and constant worry about how others see her compared to the bombastic over-the-top, her-first-concern-is-herself, Lila, the bride. What better way to lift Phoebe up than being put in a position to help others with less weighty concerns than her own--or are they less weighty to each particular individual?Phoebe's upbringing was so quiet and calm that she could not step outside what she assumed others thought of her, even when she was married. Once she met the crew in Lila's wedding party, Phoebe started broadening her outlook for the first time in her life. How all this happens is a serious, laugh out loud, shed a few tears very believable fictional narrative about self discovery and self determination. Each character contributing to Phoebe's evolution is fully presented as being different from one another with each having their own quirks, hangups and personalities. Then there is Clay, the groom, a person Phoebe could look in the eye and be totally honest with about her feelings and opinions. Phoebe's growing relationship with each person is clever. Special note: there is a scene about a vintage car that will have readers laughing for days.Books that have stood the test of time are not compact, quick reads though many of us enjoy those too but rather are about the difficulty we have growing up then living a "normal" life (whatever that is) or that are written about unforgettable subjects i.e. the orphanages of Dickens day and then the "snake-pit" mental hospitals in the early 20th century (and do not forget the future--1984) and so on. One of the reasons so many of those books are still being read today is that they took a terrible situation and turned it into a story most of us could relate to while being grateful the situation(s) were eventually adequately resolved. I believe we will be reading this book for a long time. I loved it, read it in a day and will read it again, something I have only done one other time in all the centuries I have been an avid reader (LOL). With no hype or personal fixations, just simply my truth: the best book of the year.
4.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE how the writer gave the usual cliches in the plot twists that made them different
This is a great book. The characters are relatable and, although there are serious situations included in the plot, it is balanced by humor. I appreciated that some the characters develop and learn as the book progresses and how the writer, while setting up the usual rom com situations, did not have them develop in the usual way. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for someone looking for a nice summer novel.
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening
I really enjoyed this book. Got off to a slow start but at some point I made a real connection with the main character. I loved her evolution as she started to appreciate the life and people and things around her. It opened my eyes to start enjoying and appreciating the small things in life. It’s a powerful story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Heavy-hitting, but with dark humor. It's fantastic.
This is just as good as I hoped it would be! I'm sure this will end up being one of my favorite reads this year. It took me several days to get past the first three chapters because Phoebe is in such a dark place when the story begins. I think I was feeling so overwhelmed with work and some things in my household that I had a hard time really settling into the story. But once I was able to sit down for some uninterrupted reading, I couldn't put it down.I really appreciate Phoebe's story. The decision to end her life (not a spoiler) is Phoebe's rock-bottom, and from there, she really has nowhere to go but up. I love love love the way she just stopped having shame-shame about her body, about her opinions, about what she was eating. What's more, the author did a great job of giving us her thoughts as she was coming into her confidence and enlightenment. I found that a lot of what I saw Phoebe experience and ponder felt familiar to me, and I suspect many women will see themselves in her too. There are a lot of heavy-hitting topics in here, but the book is more dark comedy than sadness. It's fantastic.Overall, I just feel that the author really nailed some of the same thoughts we all have about womanhood, mental health, family, success. It felt very true.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely loved this book
This book was so fun to read. I thought at first it was going to be so sad. I was wrong it was so funny, and i couldn't put it down. I freaking loved the characters and the storyline. I hope there might be a follow-up book in the future. I need to know what happens with the main characters.
4.0 out of 5 stars dark humor
This is a quick easy read which is an interesting combination of light and fun but also has quite a bit of darkness in it as well: suicide, divorce, widowhood, searching for identity.The book is about a woman who is navigating through a difficult divorce and spontaneously plans a trip to Newport to kill herself. In Newport she becomes sucked into a wedding at the hotel she’s staying at and all the lead characters: bridge, groom, mother of the bride, SIL, daughter of rhe groom, best man, etc. There’s wit, there’s soul searching, there’s love, there’s despair. Overall a fun book minus some of the underlying themes.
4.0 out of 5 stars More than I expected
This book is super slow but emotional.I enjoyed the back and forth from past to present to find out WHY Phoebe is in the state she is in.The side characters like Lila, Gary and Jim were interesting and I kept wanting more.In the end, I liked the book a lot. There were parts that weren’t my fave and I felt weren’t needed but in the end - it was a great story.
Fantastic book
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Obviously, since I've rated it five stars, I loved this book. I wish I'd had this book to read when I was in my 20s. Life would have been much different. There are so many sensible pieces of advice for women in this story but they're part of Phoebe's journey so the author doesn't sound like she's trying to teach us something. But she IS teaching us how to stand up for ourselves and to love ourselves and what we want in life and out of life. Beautiful story and wonderful characters. Every character has a good reason for being there in the story.Highly recommended.
Apaixonada por esse livro!
Eu amei esse livro! Deve ser um dos favoritos da vida!A autora escreve de uma maneira super envolvente. O livro te prende muito. E tem várias frases lindas. Meu livro tá todo grifado.
Excelente
Hermosa novela, con personajes reales, en movimiento y bien definidos.Es difícil cortar la lectura para seguir luego, te engancha desde el inicio.Mucho humor, diálogos exquisitos y una trama finamente armada.Muy recomendable.
A Five-Star Must-Read: A Book That Captures the Heart and Soul
Sometimes, a book comes along that sweeps you up, keeps you hooked, and leaves an imprint on your heart long after you've turned the final page. This was one of those books for me—an absolute five-star read.At its core, this story follows a protagonist stuck in the monotony of a life that feels suffocating. When her husband leaves her for another woman, it only deepens the despair she’s been grappling with. With no sense of direction and hope slipping through her fingers, she checks into a hotel, intending for it to be her last stop. However, fate has other plans. Due to a double booking, she finds herself the only guest outside of a wedding party set to celebrate throughout the week, and this unexpected twist sets the stage for something truly transformative.What makes this book so special isn't just the unique premise—though that alone is compelling—but the way it weaves together self-discovery, romance, and emotional depth in a way that feels both profound and refreshingly natural. The romance here is beautifully done—authentic, non-cringey, and honestly one of the best I’ve ever read. Alongside love, the novel explores heavy themes, yet handles them with sensitivity and care, ensuring the reader experiences the rawness of emotion without it feeling overwhelming.The characters? Absolutely delightful. Phoebe and Juice, in particular, were standout gems, crafted with depth and warmth that made them feel wholly real. They brought levity, humor, and heart into moments that could have otherwise been unbearably heavy. There were hilarious moments sprinkled throughout, adding a perfect balance to the novel’s serious undertones.Reading this book felt cinematic—it truly needs to be adapted into a film because it would be incredible to see its magic unfold on screen. More than anything, this story resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own dark moments and the hope that carried me through. It’s rare to come across a book that moves you so completely, but this was exactly that.I wholeheartedly loved this story and urge everyone to read it. It’s moving, reflective, challenging, and incredibly well-written. A book that will stick with you, reminding you of the power of resilience, love, and unexpected second chances.
Le sarcasme au point
Great book, loved the humour, made me laugh out loud several times, good read!
Visit the Alison Espach (Author) Store
The Wedding People: A Novel
AED16880
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Visit the Alison Espach (Author) Store
The Wedding People: A Novel
AED16880
Quantity:
Order today to get by
Free delivery on orders over AED 200
Imported From: United States
At bolo.ae, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. We guarantee that all items offered on our website are 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized distributors, trusted partners, or the original brands themselves.
We do not sell counterfeit, replica, or unauthorized goods. Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support . We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, including images, descriptions, and reviews, is provided by third-party vendors. bolo.ae is not responsible for any claims, promotions, or representations made within product content or images. For more accurate or detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to Bolo Support.
Unless otherwise stated during checkout, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
bolo.ae operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book of the year !!!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } When reviewing a book I often think of this truism: there is the truth and then there is everyone's perception of the truth. Most if not all of us bring our own experiences and life choices to what we read as well. Hence, divergent opinions from readers about any selected book being reviewed at the time. Fortunately there are thousands upon thousands of authors writing books from which we can choose. So, then, one person may think there is too much descriptive material which slows the narrative down while another will want more. Of course some authors are better than others at writing narratives about places, clothes, food and the like but if they did not include such tangible items then we would all be reading nothing but short stories.Another divergent point is how realistic should the narrative be? In my opinion, an author has done his/her job when some facet of the human condition, whether negative or positive but certainly negative, is turned into a great read as nuanced, as wise and as powerful as THE WEDDING PEOPLE: A NOVEL by Alison Espach. Even though suicide is a serious topic and is not treated lightly in the book, it should be noted that those suffering depression have our concern and our hope for those needing it to seek help. On a positive note however, statistics show that people who were saved or rescued from the final act are grateful that they did not succeed regardless of how the "rescue" happened. Add Phoebe Stone, the MFC, to such a "literary" saved list!I try not to include spoilers but Phoebe's intentions for checking into the exclusive Victorian Hotel have been mentioned several times already so consider that even though she meant it, she did not realize she had checked into the hotel with improper equipment for such a final act. However, regardless of her plan, the contrast is startling between her self-agonizing, self-criticism and constant worry about how others see her compared to the bombastic over-the-top, her-first-concern-is-herself, Lila, the bride. What better way to lift Phoebe up than being put in a position to help others with less weighty concerns than her own--or are they less weighty to each particular individual?Phoebe's upbringing was so quiet and calm that she could not step outside what she assumed others thought of her, even when she was married. Once she met the crew in Lila's wedding party, Phoebe started broadening her outlook for the first time in her life. How all this happens is a serious, laugh out loud, shed a few tears very believable fictional narrative about self discovery and self determination. Each character contributing to Phoebe's evolution is fully presented as being different from one another with each having their own quirks, hangups and personalities. Then there is Clay, the groom, a person Phoebe could look in the eye and be totally honest with about her feelings and opinions. Phoebe's growing relationship with each person is clever. Special note: there is a scene about a vintage car that will have readers laughing for days.Books that have stood the test of time are not compact, quick reads though many of us enjoy those too but rather are about the difficulty we have growing up then living a "normal" life (whatever that is) or that are written about unforgettable subjects i.e. the orphanages of Dickens day and then the "snake-pit" mental hospitals in the early 20th century (and do not forget the future--1984) and so on. One of the reasons so many of those books are still being read today is that they took a terrible situation and turned it into a story most of us could relate to while being grateful the situation(s) were eventually adequately resolved. I believe we will be reading this book for a long time. I loved it, read it in a day and will read it again, something I have only done one other time in all the centuries I have been an avid reader (LOL). With no hype or personal fixations, just simply my truth: the best book of the year.
4.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE how the writer gave the usual cliches in the plot twists that made them different
This is a great book. The characters are relatable and, although there are serious situations included in the plot, it is balanced by humor. I appreciated that some the characters develop and learn as the book progresses and how the writer, while setting up the usual rom com situations, did not have them develop in the usual way. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for someone looking for a nice summer novel.
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening
I really enjoyed this book. Got off to a slow start but at some point I made a real connection with the main character. I loved her evolution as she started to appreciate the life and people and things around her. It opened my eyes to start enjoying and appreciating the small things in life. It’s a powerful story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Heavy-hitting, but with dark humor. It's fantastic.
This is just as good as I hoped it would be! I'm sure this will end up being one of my favorite reads this year. It took me several days to get past the first three chapters because Phoebe is in such a dark place when the story begins. I think I was feeling so overwhelmed with work and some things in my household that I had a hard time really settling into the story. But once I was able to sit down for some uninterrupted reading, I couldn't put it down.I really appreciate Phoebe's story. The decision to end her life (not a spoiler) is Phoebe's rock-bottom, and from there, she really has nowhere to go but up. I love love love the way she just stopped having shame-shame about her body, about her opinions, about what she was eating. What's more, the author did a great job of giving us her thoughts as she was coming into her confidence and enlightenment. I found that a lot of what I saw Phoebe experience and ponder felt familiar to me, and I suspect many women will see themselves in her too. There are a lot of heavy-hitting topics in here, but the book is more dark comedy than sadness. It's fantastic.Overall, I just feel that the author really nailed some of the same thoughts we all have about womanhood, mental health, family, success. It felt very true.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely loved this book
This book was so fun to read. I thought at first it was going to be so sad. I was wrong it was so funny, and i couldn't put it down. I freaking loved the characters and the storyline. I hope there might be a follow-up book in the future. I need to know what happens with the main characters.
4.0 out of 5 stars dark humor
This is a quick easy read which is an interesting combination of light and fun but also has quite a bit of darkness in it as well: suicide, divorce, widowhood, searching for identity.The book is about a woman who is navigating through a difficult divorce and spontaneously plans a trip to Newport to kill herself. In Newport she becomes sucked into a wedding at the hotel she’s staying at and all the lead characters: bridge, groom, mother of the bride, SIL, daughter of rhe groom, best man, etc. There’s wit, there’s soul searching, there’s love, there’s despair. Overall a fun book minus some of the underlying themes.
4.0 out of 5 stars More than I expected
This book is super slow but emotional.I enjoyed the back and forth from past to present to find out WHY Phoebe is in the state she is in.The side characters like Lila, Gary and Jim were interesting and I kept wanting more.In the end, I liked the book a lot. There were parts that weren’t my fave and I felt weren’t needed but in the end - it was a great story.
Fantastic book
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Obviously, since I've rated it five stars, I loved this book. I wish I'd had this book to read when I was in my 20s. Life would have been much different. There are so many sensible pieces of advice for women in this story but they're part of Phoebe's journey so the author doesn't sound like she's trying to teach us something. But she IS teaching us how to stand up for ourselves and to love ourselves and what we want in life and out of life. Beautiful story and wonderful characters. Every character has a good reason for being there in the story.Highly recommended.
Apaixonada por esse livro!
Eu amei esse livro! Deve ser um dos favoritos da vida!A autora escreve de uma maneira super envolvente. O livro te prende muito. E tem várias frases lindas. Meu livro tá todo grifado.
Excelente
Hermosa novela, con personajes reales, en movimiento y bien definidos.Es difícil cortar la lectura para seguir luego, te engancha desde el inicio.Mucho humor, diálogos exquisitos y una trama finamente armada.Muy recomendable.
A Five-Star Must-Read: A Book That Captures the Heart and Soul
Sometimes, a book comes along that sweeps you up, keeps you hooked, and leaves an imprint on your heart long after you've turned the final page. This was one of those books for me—an absolute five-star read.At its core, this story follows a protagonist stuck in the monotony of a life that feels suffocating. When her husband leaves her for another woman, it only deepens the despair she’s been grappling with. With no sense of direction and hope slipping through her fingers, she checks into a hotel, intending for it to be her last stop. However, fate has other plans. Due to a double booking, she finds herself the only guest outside of a wedding party set to celebrate throughout the week, and this unexpected twist sets the stage for something truly transformative.What makes this book so special isn't just the unique premise—though that alone is compelling—but the way it weaves together self-discovery, romance, and emotional depth in a way that feels both profound and refreshingly natural. The romance here is beautifully done—authentic, non-cringey, and honestly one of the best I’ve ever read. Alongside love, the novel explores heavy themes, yet handles them with sensitivity and care, ensuring the reader experiences the rawness of emotion without it feeling overwhelming.The characters? Absolutely delightful. Phoebe and Juice, in particular, were standout gems, crafted with depth and warmth that made them feel wholly real. They brought levity, humor, and heart into moments that could have otherwise been unbearably heavy. There were hilarious moments sprinkled throughout, adding a perfect balance to the novel’s serious undertones.Reading this book felt cinematic—it truly needs to be adapted into a film because it would be incredible to see its magic unfold on screen. More than anything, this story resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own dark moments and the hope that carried me through. It’s rare to come across a book that moves you so completely, but this was exactly that.I wholeheartedly loved this story and urge everyone to read it. It’s moving, reflective, challenging, and incredibly well-written. A book that will stick with you, reminding you of the power of resilience, love, and unexpected second chances.
Le sarcasme au point
Great book, loved the humour, made me laugh out loud several times, good read!
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