PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
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Book Reviews of PS, I Love You
Book Review: a little bit disappointing...
Summary: 3 Stars
I DID enjoy this book, but I was expecting it to totally WOW me to the point of wanting to share it with every reader I know. It did not do that. The book was over 500 pages, but so light and easy that I read it in 2 sittings. The concept of receiving wonderful letters of encouragement from one's departed young husband is a clever one. Ahern's character's are well drawn, lively, fun and engaging. I wanted to know what each month's letter (they only arrive for the first year) would entail and include. The author answered my curiosity but it was just never enough. Perhaps it was that this book was her first effort, and for that I should give it 5 stars. But I so loved Love, Rosie (in the U.S) or Rosie Dunn (in Europe) and I never felt this book engaged me to the same degree. It is a great book if you are going on a plane, or sitting on a beach. Light fluff, good for some laughs and raw emotion. Just don't expect fine literature, beautifully written passages, or much to be remembered.Book Review: Bittersweet... A love story in reverse.
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a unique tale of love, death, and the cruel and healing sides of the passing of time.
I found it sad, tender and hopeful. The story of Holly is a love story; but her love life seems to be over on the very first page; however, we get to see glimpses of the love and the life she had when her husband Gerry still lived. Gerry left her a "list of things to do" to help her get by and put her life back together when he was no longer with her. This list he carefully crafted and mailed to Holly's parents' house before dying, will force her to face life, let her grief go and it'll warm your heart and make you sad but it'll inspire you and make you think of the many things you would do to lessen the heartbreak of the ONE you love for as long as you remain breathing.
This book makes you feel human, vulnerable, surprised and full of faith in those tiny miracles of love.
Book Review: It was OK
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a very poorly written book. Certain aspects of this book made me feel like I was reading the story of an 18 year old opposed to 30. The main character, Holly, is likeable in a cute college kid kind of way. She goes through a rough patch which makes her act in certain ways but the whole documentary video and getting lost at sea situations are just over the top. The book is very easy to read, if you didn't read up on the author you would think that it was written by a 5th grader but overall the book was OK. Near the end I got tired of all her childish and inmature escapades.Book Review: Light Reading
Summary: 3 Stars
If you are looking for something not very thought provoking and quick, this is it. I can't say I disliked this book but I can't say that it was good enough to keep or recommend either. I found myself not caring one way or the other about the characters. The premise was interesting, I loved the concept however it just didn't work here. I have far better books to read than to have wasted time on this one.
Book Review: Decent, entertaining, but awful, unrealistic ending
Summary: 2 Stars
Overall, I enjoyed this book. But I definitely agree with other reviewers that the editor's brain was out to lunch, and that you can tell it's a first novel. I think Ahern produces some original touches, that she does present a believable heroine, and that we can mourn along with her and feel excited as she overcomes some of her fears -- everything from singing karoake to getting a new job to considering dating again -- and learns about the person she now is, post-husband, and how she relates to her family and friends. The idea of the list isn't the most inventive or absolutely groundbreaking, but I thought Gerry was the most real in his monthly notes.
That's one of my biggest complaints about this story -- there is so little character development on the important characters -- Holly, Gerry, and Daniel. Sharon and John got over their grief in a realistic, timely way, and I think the resolution to their story (which I won't reveal for those who haven't read it and are still tempted) was right. But there are certainly big holes in Holly's character. She does seem to have no life whatsoever apart from being married. She doesn't like any of her previous jobs, she doesn't seem to have any hobbies, she hated school, she really seems to do nothing other than Gerry from the time she's a teenager until the coming of the list, which forces her to get a life.
And how the author wrapped things up for Daniel was so disappointing. I was really looking forward to the knight in shining armor moment, and I really liked Daniel, so the fact that he totally let that premise down so threw me off. Also, the extended members of Holly's family in the end played no part, other than Richard and Ciara. Declan's part was introduced in a hurry in the beginning and then forgotten. Indeed, amateurish -- and again, where the heck was the editor?!
I also began to feel the story took too long to wrap itself up. Ahern ended up having too many subplots going -- subplots that were short-lived and sometimes didn't seem to serve any purpose. That started to put me off and make me feel bored. Where before I'd been honestly enjoying little, "irreverant" scenes, I began skimming through several pages at a time. The last 100 pages left me with strong doubts as to whether I really want to view the movie.
Oh, well, at least I bought this copy used and didn't spend the full amount.