Note: clearing old books from before 2019

Did not have time to read this book - still on my TBR. Thank you for the opportunity and my apologies for not getting to it.

This is a sweet romance that is like a refreshing breath of air after heavier choices. I loved this book and was warmed throughout.

I’m always a little bit wary of star-crossed lovers stories that span decades because they often involve ridiculous machinations to bring the characters together again and again. In Who Do You Love, Jennifer Weiner uses a very light touch in reconnecting her two main characters, Rachel and Andy, over the years. They initially meet briefly as eight-year-olds in a hospital emergency room; eight years later, they are high schoolers who happen to sign up for the same service trip despite coming from opposite ends of the East Coast. When they meet this second time a romance blossoms, one that will continue off and on for the next twenty years.

Rachel and Andy both deal with a lot of difficulties in their lives: she has a congenital heart condition, and though it’s treatable, her parents are anxious and over-protective; he is biracial and lives with his struggling single mother. But Andy has a gift for running and sets his eye on making it to the Olympics, which gives his trajectory in the novel a direction that Rachel’s lacks.

Andy, in fact, is the character I liked more; for the first half of the book, Rachel comes across as very shallow and selfish, and it was hard for me to “get” her. There’s also an incident during their high-school service trip where she’s out-and-out cruel to another student, and I wasn’t thrilled with how Weiner later absolves her of guilt for that. Rachel does mature as the book goes on, and Andy certainly isn’t perfect, but from the start there is more gravity and depth to his character.

But it’s easy to see how the two complement each other—Rachel’s enthusiasm and humor lighten Andy, and he helps her view the world from a different perspective. Though it’s frustrating to watch them get together and break up several times, it’s also realistic; the timing just wasn’t right, and the two of them each need to work through a lot of stuff individually before they’re ready to be together. I wanted a little bit more resolution at the end, but overall found Who Do You Love an emotionally affecting, engaging story.

There were times I was happy, giddy and excited for Andy and Rachel. But there were other times, I was really upset and disappointed with the choices they made. Isn't that life though? I think that’s one of the reasons why I enjoyed this so much - it felt genuine. Being riddled with the ups-and-downs that any relationship goes through, lent the story an honest quality.

I have had this book for a while on my kindle and after reading several reviews, decided it was time to read it, in fact, it was past time. I am so glad I did as I really enjoyed this book.The relationships in this story were far more complex than I was expecting, although I don't know why I didn't expect it as that is one of the things that Jennifer Weiner does so well. The story is told alternately by both Rachel Blum and Andy Landis, the two main characters. It takes place over 30 years, from the time they met at age 8 until the end when they are in their late thirties. They are soulmates, although they never really say that. They meet over and over throughout their lives and share their heartfelt feelings, love and disappointments. Rachel is the privileged daughter of a well to do couple in Florida. Due to her heart condition and medical issues when she was younger, she is somewhat spoiled, but also refreshing. Andy and Rachel meet in the emergency room at the hospital when he has broken his arm and nobody can find his mother. He lives in Philadelphia and is being raised by a single mother after his father died in Germany. When they meet again as teenagers, the connection is palpable, but geography keeps them apart until they are in college. Their relationship has its ups and downs as they continue to meet, separate and meet again. This was an enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a dramatic romance and real life story.