I wish I could jump right into this story and live there. Wish You Were Here by Rene Carlino was my latest read and to say I devoured it would be an understatement. This book had everything, romance, friendship, family, self-discovery, it hit all of the marks. At one point, it brought me to tears, and I haven't cried like that in a book since the Fault in our Stars by John Green. So be prepared, this one is a tearjerker.
The story follows Charlotte, a young waitress who is feeling lost and directionless in her life. She stumbles into Adam, a painter who is charismatic, mysterious, and sparks something in Charlotte that she can't ignore. Even though they only have one night together, she can't seem to let their connection go even when she meets Seth. A baseball player, who is perfect on paper, but something is still holding her back. As she searches for answers, Charlotte is faced with a difficult choice that will change the course of her life forever.
Warning: From here on this review contains minor spoilers.
I have to start by saying that I loved Charlotte as a character. I found her to be relatable, fun, and I love that she trusted her gut when she needed to. That being said I did have a moment of frustration with her on the night she meets Adam. It was obvious to me that something was off with Adam from the beginning. I didn't know if that was from drugs, mental health, or something medical but I found myself wanting to whack Charlotte over the head and tell her to read the signs. Literally. The little signs/notes around his apartment that kept him functioning day to day. If anyone else has read this book and felt this way too, let me know! Other than this momentary relapse I was on board with Charlotte. She goes on such a beautiful journey throughout this book coming into her own and it makes for one of my favorite reads of the year.
One aspect of the story which I couldn't always get behind was Seth. At times he seemed like Mr.Right. An athletic baseball player who is kind, charismatic, and everything Charlotte is looking for on paper. But in a more critical light, he seemed too perfect. In real life after being tossed aside, it is unlikely he would be waiting around for Charlotte to come back to him later. This was the part I struggled with most, and while this factor helps make for the perfect storybook ending, it made the book feel less real.
Wish You Were Here deserves a five-star rating. It delivered on all the drama and emotion I could have hoped for. There were beautiful threads of family and friendship woven throughout and such a powerful story of love that I didn't want to put this book down. It was absolutely captivating and I would highly recommend it to readers who love Karen Swan, Sophie Kinsella, and Jojo Moyes. Did everyone else find this book reminded them of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes? I know I did, as well as some of the ladies who recommended this book to me.
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
Comments