Book Review: Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

Photo Credit ~ Goodreads

3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Warning: May contain spoilers

Before I begin my first book review on my latest read: Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin, I would just like to say that I love reading. It's one of my favorite hobbies. Reading, for me, is a hobby, a gift, an adventure, a learning, a journey to the unknown. 

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. Let me give you a quick overview of how the story went. Please do not attempt to proceed and read the following lines if you do not want to be spoiled. :)

The main character is Ellen, a photographer who is very much in love with New York City, although she came from a different place.She married Andy who is also the brother of her best friend, Margot. Trying to fit in with the life of her rich husband in another different place from the South, she misses the previous life that she had, including her ex boyfriend Leo, whom she bumped into one time and offered her a job, a project involving a known persona. She then took the opportunity, knowing that she will be working and teaming up with Leo, a writer. The rest of the story revolved around the question of "what ifs", nostalgia and a desperation for closure of the sudden breakup they had. In the long run, Ellen cheated on Andy, during the second project which again Leo offered her. Though in the end, Ellen still chose to be with Andy.

The story seemed to be a bit slow paced in the beginning lasting until the middle parts of the book. There were times that I hate Ellen so much due to her rash decisions and desperation, especially the part where she chose to see Leo even if Andy already gave an ultimatum. Though I cannot blame her, sometimes we just look for closure. But closure means, it is "closed" or it should be already "closed." But, Ellen, who seems ignorant of what she is doing, does not consider the feelings of the people around her. And maybe, this is because of the huge transition of her life that took place when she married Andy. Even if I didn't get bored with this book (When I get bored, I don't finish the book for the sake of finishing it.), I still feel that Ellen shouldn't have cheated on Andy. Andy's a great guy and it's not because of his social status but of the huge respect and unconditional love he has for Ellen, who did turn out the opposite of him as the story progresses. But as a normal human being would do, I'd understand if she can't help herself but to look for closure. The thing is, she went beyond the closure she intend to look for.

Lesson in this book: There's a place that is familiar, that was once beautiful, but it doesn't mean that you can go back to it anytime you want. There's a reason why present is called PRESENT. The people who are with you at the present time are the blessings you SHOULD give importance to. Never ever go back to a road just because it's familiar. There is no room for regrets and a great man deserves more than that.

Be happy!

xoxo, Katrina