⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5 Stars
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird
Josie Silver
Publication date 3-3-20

This book blew me away. There are moments which mark your life. Moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts - before this, and after this. Faced with a life changing tradedy the loss of her best friend and fiancé, Lydia who is heartbroken finds a way to keep Freddie in her life..... I quickly fell in love with all the characters as I could relate to what they were going through. While grieving themselves they provided an amazing support system and Lydia explores ways to deal with grief. To truly move on without Freddie, she has to figure out who she is and how she will find the strength to become the new Lydia in her own way and in her own time. This book was raw, compelling, and shows forgiveness and acceptance. The plot was brilliant and Josie Silvers truly shows off her true talent as a writer.

Thank you the Netgalley and Random House for providing me the ARC for my honest review of The Two Lives of Lydia Bird.

#josiesilver #goodreads #netgalley #randomhouse #thetwolivesoflydiabird

Twitter @donna64619247
Instagram donnasnotsosecretbookdiary

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird is a beautiful story of grief and healing. Lydia is mourning in an unusual way, experiencing a double life: One in current day, and the other as if her fiancé never died. This novel is sad and inspiring, uplifting and honest. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own.

Lydia Bird's heart is broken. Freddie Hunter, the love of her life has died, wrapped around a tree on his way to her birthday dinner. His best friend Jonah escaped with only a scratch.

Lydia is struggling with her grief. In a desperate bid to get some sleep, she tries taking sleeping pills. It's then that a miraculous thing happens. She drifts off and finds herself in an alternate reality in which Freddie never died. Can this dream world with Freddie be enough to carry her through the haze of grief she's been living in? And what about her real life, her family and friends? Will she ever be ready to move on?

I loved Josie Silver's One Day in December. While this one didn't hit the same mark for me, I found it to be a sincere look at grief and the ripple effect that it has. However, as the book alternated between Lydia's dreams and waking life, more and more I wanted her to stay in reality. If she had, perhaps we could have had more of those key moments between characters and the ending might have had a stronger finish. Regardless, it held my interest throughout, and I would say it's worth a read.

What an interesting concept. The author tells the story of Lydia's grief over two years. She's lost the love of her life and has found a way to keep him 'alive'. But grief is a process and loss does not affect only one person - families and friends are changed forever. So, as changes occur, can we remain stuck in the past.
Interesting read. Thank you #Netgalley

There's something delicate about the way Josie Silver writes that I can't put my finger on. The pacing in both of her books, first One Day in December and now The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, is slow but deliberate. The timelines of her novels also span years as opposed to days or weeks (or at most, a month or two), which is more typical in contemporary romance nowadays, and the stories she unravels are better for it.

Most importantly, a lot of romance books are quick to tell you their main protagonist's flaws in a heavy-handed huff and make her realize her issues with the same leaded writing down the line. Silver's different, and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird perfectly encapsulates how her eponymous heroine slowly comes to terms with grief and what it means to cope with it healthily and toxically over an extended period of time. There's no quick fix to handling loss, and Silver respects the fact that nothing will ever truly make it go away; it only morphs and changes shape.

Just to be clear here: I officially stan Josie Silver. I'm reading everything she writes from here on out. One Day in December had me intrigued, but The Two Lives of Lydia Bird has me hooked.

I want to say upfront that this is NOT a genre romance. There is nothing wrong with that, but for romance readers looking for a romance, I would not pin your hopes here. This is more of a contempary fiction book with some romantic plot. If you’ve read Josie Silver’s first book, I would even venture to say that this book (Lydia Bird) has less of a romantic element than the first book (One Day in December.)

Again, nothing wrong with it being fiction, but since it was “sold” to me as romance, I had to readjust expectations while reading.

Now, for what the book actually is: an exploration of loss and grief and growth. While I did not love all plot elements, I did think that Silver did a beautiful job expressing Lydia’s pain and grief. It’s actually not an easy book to read because Lydia is so heartbroken for a lot of it, but the pace moves along and I found myself pulled into the storyline. Unfortunately there was some decisions that did not sit well with me, and lessened my overall enjoyment.

I’d recommend as a “sad beach read”—it’s a heavy topic but engaging and you could easily lose a few hours reading.

**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced ecopy in exchange for an honest review,**

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I must admit that I liked the author’s previous book, One Day in December, much more than this one. This story just didn’t ring true for me, although the writing was good.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I really wanted to like this book - I thought the concept was unique, but simply could not connect with the characters on any level. I ended up skimming through to the end, which felt a bit jarring. Hopefully, this novel will find an audience who appreciates it!

Thank you, NetGalley for providing an ARC for me to read and review.

I absolutely loved this book. It was poignant and heartbreaking, but also so hopeful and empowering. It resonated so strongly within me that I actually read it slower, so that I could absorb every word. I wouldn't categorize The Two Lives of Lydia Bird as a romance, however, even though there are romance elements. I found it to be more about grief, coping with loss, friendship, and moving forward.

I felt so many emotions reading this book and was drawn into Lydia's story immediately. The writing was raw and painfully honest and I found myself highlighting passage after passage. The characters and emotions were so relatable and more than once I found myself crying for their heartaches and also for their joys. I've seen and read other novels with similar plot lines, but I felt that the author handled it in a really unique and touching way. I wasn't surprised with the trajectory of the story and thought it came together really beautifully. I appreciated that the author showed all the stumbles and struggles that our characters face as they confront their feelings and emotions and that there wasn't some magic bullet to wipe it all away. The relationships and dynamics between the Bird women was especially heartfelt. I loved Elle and Lydia and thought often of my own sister as I read this novel.

I know that many will compare this novel with Josie Silver's debut, One Day in December, but to me they are very different types of books. I think the emotional impact is similar, but readers should not go into this one expecting a purely romantic read. To me, this book is more about facing unimaginable heartbreak and coming out stronger on the other side, no matter how long it takes you. It's about finding strength (within yourself and with the help of others) and being brave enough to keep on going. A beautiful novel from start to finish and I'm sure it will be one of my favorites from 2020.

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird is such an emotional, charming book! Lydia's long time love, Freddie, passes away in a car accident on her 28th birthday. The story follows Lydia through her grieving process – including a magical element that lets Lydia see glimpses of how her life might be if Freddie were still around. Although the main plot of the story is heartbreaking, it's not difficult to read like some grief-based books that you need to take a break from. This book reads like a movie with well-developed characters and a quick pace. It was easy to connect with Lydia Bird and I found myself crying along with her and cheering her on when she took risks that would change her life for the better. Crossing my fingers for this to be made into a movie!

Unfortunately, this story did not hit home like [book:One Day in December|38255337], which is sad considering how much I liked that one. The story's okay, but nothing to actively seek out, if one's looking for a romance.

In fact, I wouldn't call this a romance, but a contemporary/realistic fictional tale. A bit bland and slow, with too many false endings and a lot of overwriting, I have to give Lydia Bird and her lives a 3/5. The premise worked in theory, but did not see it's promise on the page.

This book reminded me so much of PS I Love you! It covered such a heavy topic with the death of Freddie, while still being uplifting at the same time. Lydia is the type of girl I would love to be friends with. She is who she is, take it or leave it. I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire story.

Freddie’s best friend Johna is a dream and it’s pretty much impossible not to fall head over heels in love with him and his dedication to Freddie and Lydia.

Must read! Especially if you don’t want your typical love story. This one definitely has more depth to it.

I really got into this book right from the get go. Trigger alert: There are raw descriptions of grief and loss and the author really pulls you right into the lives of the protagonists. It takes a bit of time to get used to the dual narrative as Lydia goes back and forth but hang on, you get used to it and it really adds to the experience of reading as well as the mental state of Lydia. I loved how the author was able to showcase subtle differences between the two lives in a way that is super relatable and easy to follow. All characters have their foibles and come across as extremely human - I loved that even with the close relationships that Lydia has with her sister and mom, they still have their moments where they need their space or their differing priorities and personalities are clearly seen. I would have loved to read more about the Jonah's & Lydia's relationship over time - but at the same time I loved getting little insights over time and how their childhood relationship evolved and learning more about him as Lydia's mind fog clears. Overall great read and so glad I discovered a new author fav!

This book was beautiful and heartbreaking, but not quite my style. I was interested in reading it because of the magical aspect to the synopsis, but I am not a huge romance fan. This would definitely be an awesome book for anyone who enjoys modern romances. The characters were well developed and lovable. It gave me a "PS I Love You" vibe, so I definitely think this will be a hit. Just not for me.

I LOVED this book. The characters are realistic and nuanced and flawed, and that was probably my favorite part of this book, because it was the characters that made the storyline compelling. Even Freddie had flaws and was given chances to redeem himself or mess up, and he did both, and I liked that a lot, that no one was idealized. And not to diss my girl Lydia, but she’s the least idealized of the bunch. She’s real and raw and reeling from this tragedy, but you can just tell she has so much life inside her and she’s tripping over herself to make things right when she snaps at a loved one or cries in the pub. I hurt for her and I cheered for her and I groaned at her bad jokes. She made me care about what happened to her.
.
The plot is such a cool concept and I love the way the story drives itself: this is definitely one of those books you could read start to finish without meaning to. It drew me in and made me love its characters and then spat me out at the end, covered in tears and wishing there were six more chapters just so it wouldn’t be over yet.
.
If I had one complaint, it’s that there were a lot of pop culture references that could feel like a crutch for not developing the moment as clearly as it could have been, but when used sparingly and in the right context, they enhanced the story and the writing beautifully.
.
I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf when this beauty is released on March 3. Start the countdown! You won’t want to miss this one.

Another knockout from Josie Silver! The Two Lives of Lydia Bird centers around Lydia Bird being awake living in a world where her fiancé has died and her being asleep where she lives in an alternate universe with her fiancé still alive. This book does such a fantastic job of being relatable and you grieve right along with Lydia. It moves at a slower pace, as you live day by day with Lydia through a couple of years but the pace allows you to take in all the emotions that happen.

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird starts off as a dark tale, and ends like everyone big Hollywood production should: Happy endings and warm thoughts.

Lydia has a wonderful family and a loving fiance she's been with for years. On her 28th birthday, he passes. She goes through the grief of losing the love of your life and still trying to make sense to the world around you. However, she's able to sleep into another world where Freddie is still there. As she balances both worlds, she balances relationships and the reality of each world.

This book was very heavy at first. I felt so grief stricken for Lydia. Silver wrote with such detail on the tragedy that I could physically feel Lydia's aches and days of nothingness. I am very happy it was titled "Awake" or "Asleep" because I would have gotten severely confused. With it, I was able to stay on track and truly enjoy the story at hand. I feel as though the book was written into four parts: awake and asleep at the home, and awake and asleep in Croatia. There was such a growth while in Croatia, it was like learning of a new character and her new outlook on life. It saved her.

Some of my favorites were the characters. I loved Lydia's mother and her obsession with the shopping channel. I enjoyed how it had more than one or two references in the book. It made you feel like you were apart of the family and knew about her obsession. Every time it was referenced, I am positive I giggled and said, "That's her mother for you!" I also loved the relationship with her sister, Elle. There was something so pure, so real about their relationship, even the hurt and the fights were genuine. I will say I remember thinking almost finished with the book asking where Turpin was. He came just at the very end and I was hoping he would have had a bigger role. But, his role was perfect for his size.

The cover was cute when I first saw it, but now that I have read the story, I absolutely adore the cover and think it's perfect for the story. It's a great cover. It was a bit heavy at first emotionally, and I cried a few times before I could get into Lydia's soul searching. Also, felt as though I needed a CW/TW for infant loss in the "asleep world". I was not prepared for that! This is a 4/4.5 star book, and I cannot wait until it is published to share my review during it's release! (I will post my review on my blog, instagram, and goodreads once it has been published as requested on the 2nd page of the book)

Thank you NetGalley & Random House for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's Lydia Birds birthday and she's waiting for her fiancee to come home and take her to dinner. He's let her know that he's stopped to help his best friend Jonah Jones. She is unexpectedly angry. She knows that they'll be late for their reservation. She's also upset because even though Jonah was her best friend first, when her fiancee first moved into town at 14 he took over that friendship. Now as adults bother her and Jonah's lives revolve around Freddie.
Later that night on her 28th birthday, she answers the door to two police officers. There has been a horrific accident. Freddie had died in an automobile accident. Though city and bruised Jonah is ok.
Her world ends that day. Everything she has imagined as her future is gone.
She finds comfort in the small pink sleeping pills her doctor prescribes her. There she is able to cope, deep in sleep. In sleep she can live and have Freddie by her side.
She is insidiously drawn into two worlds. The one where reality rules where she has to deal with heartbreak and pain and the world where Freddie is alive and they are living their lives as it could've been.
A wonderfully written book of grief. Coping with grief, living with grief.
Heartbreaking, brave, strong, heartwarming. Beauriful!

I may be one of the few who have read this book without having read “One Day in December’, but after reading this book I most certainly will do so. Such an interesting concept. Who amongst us wouldn’t want more time with our loved ones no matter how much time we have had with them? To say good morning, a hug, a quick meal. You know, the regular stuff that we all too often take for granted. One last I love you, hug, kiss, making sure we say all the things we want or need to say. And yet, we are all touched by death. It starts the day we are born. It’s inevitable and yet a conversation no one ever wants to have. As if not talking about it will make it not happen.
Lydia is and has always been happily and joyously in love with Freddie. They met in grade school and their friendship grew into a wonderful love story. Along with them was their constant companion Jonah. He was the hapless goofy guy who would lose his head if it wasn’t attached to his body. Perpetually irresponsible and yet the kind of guy everyone loves so the world continues to take care of him and pick up after him. He also holds a very important secret that he can never ever share with anyone. One that ensures he will forever live with a hole in his heart.
Lydia would give anything for more time with Freddie and through the help of an experimental little pill she gets the opportunity to do so. In her dreams she goes to a parallel universe where no accident happened and Freddie is alive and well and with her. Their relationship continues to move along. Then morning comes, the pill wears off and she wakes up. She ultimately has to decide which world she wants to live in. One in which Freddie is alive, but changing into someone very different from the Freddie she loved or the real world in which he is gone, but life can move forward with everyone else and maybe even someone she never thought about in that way before.
The characters are wonderful, the writing compelling and I really want to know what is next for her. I was sorry it ended!