Crystal Liechty, The First Year--post 3

Out of all the books I've reviewed, I don't think I've run across one that had as many great lines as this one. When I write my standard reviews, I usually write a paragraph or so that explains the characters and situation of the story. Then I'll include a quote or two that illuminate these elements somehow, and show the abilities of the author. And I'll give my evaluation of the book and make recommendations to potential readers.

But as I've read The First Year I catch myself thinking, "This is a good quote. I should use this one." Then on the next page I'll think, "Oh, this is a good quote, too." I finally decided that I really can't share all my favorite quotes in this story, or there wouldn't be anything left unquoted.

Here's the gist of the story. There are three girls that have been friends for years. They are now in their very early twenties and have all gotten married within a few months of each other. Beth, the narrator of the story, seems to be the ringleader of the group. She's the one the others come to for advice when their lives go awry. Her older sister, of all people, also frequently comes to her as well.

But Beth's own life and marriage aren't really on the high road, either. Her husband occasionally comes across as adorable, but most often she sees him as the fixture on her couch who is always watching sports on TV. He often fades into the background, though, as Beth attempts to help her friends with their own marriages: Angel's mother-in-law apparently doesn't appreciate her the way she is and wants to coax her into becoming something else, and JoJo has all but disappeared since her wedding. Beth's sister hasn't married, but seems to be doing a good job of messing up her life as well.

And then Beth's ex-boyfriend Charlie appears on the scene. Okay, I'll drop in one quote right here. Just one:

"Wow. What did you say?" I asked, congratulating myself on not dwelling on Charlie. Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Charlie. Charlie... (62)

Well, maybe you have to read the whole thing to get the full effect.

I'm a little under halfway through the book, and I'm finding it a lot of fun. There are also some serious undertones to the whole thing that I'm hoping will come out more as the story progresses. Basically, marriage is a really big thing. And just because you're old enough and worthy enough to make commitments in the temple doesn't mean that you know what you're doing the moment you walk out of it.

Okay, I've written my thoughts. Now I can go read some more. ;-)