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Monday, February 7, 2011

Something Borrowed



To start my blog, I want to talk about a book that I really love, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. This is not only my favourite chick lit novel; it’s also one of my all time favourite books from any genre. It’s Giffin’s first novel, and is a New York Times bestseller.

My cousin recommended this book for me, and I have to admit that I wasn’t very excited to read it at first. I trusted my cousin’s judgement, but when I read the book’s synopsis and found out that the plot revolved around the main character, Rachel, having an affair with her best friend’s fiancé, I really didn’t think that I was going to like it at all. I took my cousin’s suggestion to heart, but really had no intention of reading this book.

About a week or so later, I was at my local bookstore – which is one of my favourite places to go. Seriously, I’m a huge nerd. I can literally spend hours and hours just browsing around bookstores.

Anyway, I was at the bookstore and I came across Something Borrowed, and I noticed that there was a review on the cover from Lauren Weinberger, who is one of my favourite chick lit authors and is most well known for writing The Devil Wears Prada. She said, “You don’t have to lust after your best friend’s boyfriend to worship this book … Here’s a heroine you’ll root for and a book you won’t want to put down.”

I finally decided to give it a try, and I am so glad I did.

The thing that surprised me most about this book was that even though the main character Rachel was a great big cheater, I didn’t hate her. In fact, I kind of loved her right from the start. She was probably one of the most likable and real characters that I’d read about in a chick lit book in a long time. She seemed like a normal, smart girl, someone whom I would want to hang out with – but I guess I would probably want to keep my fiancé away from her.

Oddly enough, It was Rachel’s best friend Darcy (the same friend whose fiancé she was cheating with) whom I didn’t like. She was an annoying, spoiled girl with a seemingly over-perfect life. She irritated me so badly – but that could be because the story was written from Rachel’s perspective.

I wanted to hate Rachel, I really did, but I just couldn’t. I’m sure that anyone who reads this book will feel the same way. You’ll find yourself rooting for Rachel until the end.

I won’t give anything away from the plot because I want anyone who’s interested to go out and read this book. It is chick lit at its finest, very realistic and totally believable.

There is also a sequel called Something Blue, which is also great. It’s told from Darcy’s perspective, and it gave me a bit more sympathy for her. If you read Something Borrowed and like it, I would highly recommend reading part two. It’s equally as fun and quirky.

Also, look out for the movie version of this book that’s set to hit theatres May 6, 2011. It stars Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski and Steve Howey.

Happy Reading.

6 comments:

  1. I have to be honest...I am not an avid reader. I have, however, read this book. And it was very good. Full of drama and controversy. I agree with you. Hated Darcy (she got everythingg she wanted all the time), and even though Rachel did everything she hated in Darcy, I still loved her.

    Great book! And cannot wait to see the movie.

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  2. I totally agree, loved this book. I originally picked it up because it reminded me of My Best Friends Wedding. It was a great and light summer read. I did not know they were making it into a movie but I will definitely go see it.

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  3. This is one of my favorite books and favorite authors! She did such a great job of really communicating that there are two sides of every story, and there is no such thing as black and white when it comes to love and relationships. I have read every book that she has written since this one, but none of them are as good (however I do recommend Baby Proof if you haven't already read it).

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  4. I can't say I read much in the way of fiction and this genre would definitely not be of interest to me, however it gives me a good gift idea for my sister.

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  5. This is one of my favourite books of all time. Whenever I am bored and can't find a new book to read I find myself re-reading this wonderful book. I think its the simple story line and the complicated friendship that keep me coming back to it.

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  6. I really want to read this now. I've seen the previews for the film, and would rather read the book before the movie alters it too much. The book is usually better than the film, so thanks for letting me know it was a book first!

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