Book Club - The Wedding People by Alison Espach

I will be at the next book club but I feel compelled to write something about this book... I'm not going to give away any spoilers as you may not have started or finished your book.

I really REALLY enjoyed this book! Start to finish. I liked all the characters, especially Marla, Phoebe and Juice. I loved how all the characters developed through the book, and what that added to the story as it went along. I thought the writing was good and enjoyed how it dealt with several life subjects, both seriously and humorously.

This is going in my 'favourite reads of the year' pile. I will definitely be recommending this book and look forward to sharing my copy with one of my reading buddies to enjoy! 

I had a paperback copy to read, not an audio book - I know this sometimes makes a difference.

Thank you Book Club! 

How do you get yours so quickly? I haven't even received mine yet and you've already read it

Maybe check in with Sarah? I received my book last weekend, and have finished it this morning.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has been the first book in a long time where I couldn't put it down. I've taken it with me when I've gone out, and have read it in a cafe, in the queue outside my son's school, in my campervan van whilst Eddy played outside, etc.

I loved the internal musings of Phoebe and the frankness of the conversations between the different characters. I enjoyed the mix of humour and seriousness. The setting was well described and perfectly matched the narrative.

Spoiler alert: I've read a review that criticised the notion that someone could overcome depression and suicidal thoughts in the space of a week, but I feel that the ending of the book is really just the beginning of Phoebe's recovery.

In many ways, it's very similar to Ricky Gervais's Afterlife, in the sense that what follows Phoebe's suicide attempt is a freeing of herself, and the feeling that she has nothing to lose by speaking openly and doing things she wouldn't previously have considered possible.

I think it would make an excellent film too.

I’d received mine by the Friday (I’m sure it was the Friday or early Saturday) of BC week and literally couldn’t put it down. 

I’ve since read the book Jayne recommended, and also enjoyed that.

Now on my village Book Club book, All the Colours of the Dark… hoping to finish before I leave for holiday!

My husband basically hasn’t seen me for the last 10 days  

Agree with all of this! 

Just finished The Wedding People and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m on holiday at the moment and had another book lined up to read, however I found myself savouring this one…I wanted to finish it but didn’t want it to end…if you see what I mean! Really enjoyed the characters and how they developed throughout the book, making me feel like I knew them. I’ll be on the book club chat but just wanted to check in.  Daughter number one (as in the first twin!) is now reading it too

I enjoyed this book, its a perfect funny weekend read. Characters were relatable and I couldnt stop reading it. Would recommend to anyone if they want something thats not too heavy. 

Listening to The Wedding People as an audiobook turned out to be a more immersive experience than I expected—but not always in the easiest way. I usually listen while travelling to and from work, so I’m used to dipping in and out of audiobooks, but this one really demanded more of my attention.

I genuinely enjoyed the book: the characters felt vivid, the dialogue had a natural rhythm, and there was a sharp emotional undercurrent that kept me invested throughout. There’s a certain observational quality to the writing that really shines when performed aloud, especially in the way the narrator brings out subtle tensions and humor. I also found it genuinely funny in places—the kind of dry, well-timed humor that sneaks up on you and makes the characters feel even more real.

That said, this isn’t a “half-listen” kind of audiobook. I quickly realised that if my attention drifted even slightly—easy to do when commuting—I’d miss something important, whether it was a key detail, a shift in relationships, or a line of dialogue that carried more weight than it first appeared. Because of that, I found myself rewinding fairly often just to catch what I’d missed.

In a way, that speaks to the strength of the writing. The story demands your attention because it earns it. But as an audiobook experience, it does require a level of focus that might not suit a stop-and-start listening routine like a daily commute.

I’d recommend it, particularly if you’re someone who enjoys being fully absorbed in a story. Just be prepared to stay engaged—or to hit the rewind button now and then.

I think I might be going completely against the grain with what others have written ... but ... it wasn't until I was nearly 60% through this book (and thought about not finishing it numerous times!) that I felt it got going. Am I glad I persevered with it? I'm not entirely sure I am, it was predictable with pretentious characters who weren't even that likeable 1 and SINK for me. 

I look forward to listening to what others thought of this book when we meet on the 20th April - I might have my mind changed by those who have enjoyed it :-)

I think I left my review in the wrong place just now, so apologies if you read this twice!  I found this book entertaining and funny as well as a few heartstrings tugged.  I won't spoil anything but was very worried she might make the wrong decision and the tension mounted each time that happened.  The wedding 'week' did seem very looong and laboured! The characters were clearly stereotypical but they were fun and I could visualise exactly the type of people and their behaviour.  I think I lost some aspects because I don't know America but I don't think that detracted from it very much.  It may not have been the best book I've read but it was a good read - definite swim for me.  I probably won't be there next Monday - off to the Lake District - but hope you have a good get together.