Title: Stay
Author: Allie Larkin
ISBN: 9780525951711
Pages: 320
Release Date: June 10, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Summary:
Savannah Leone (nicknamed “Van”) is the maid of honor at her best friend Janie’s wedding. The trouble is the groom is Peter, her other best friend and the guy she’s been secretly in love with for years. Depressed and alone after their wedding, Van proceeds to get drunk in her condo and, after watching Rin Tin Tin into the wee hours of the morning, orders a German Shepherd puppy online. Van has no idea what she’s getting into, or how this sweet (if giant) dog will end up changing her life.
Review:
I’d heard great things about Stay but was a little bit hesitant to pick it up and start reading it. While I like dogs, I’m not really a dog person, and I didn’t really want to read an entire novel about a puppy. I was surprised to find, then, that this book was not actually about a dog. Sure, Joe the German Shepherd played a large role in the novel, but it was more about the catalyst he provided to change Van’s life.
I absolutely adored Van. I thought she was smart, resourceful, and very funny. I hated how she didn’t stand up for herself, yet at the same time I wondered if she was oversensitive and maybe didn’t see situations clearly. I loved how I didn’t really know what to think, or whose side I really sympathized with because it was like real life – everyone has their side of the story. People can be right and wrong at the same time. Larkin has a gift for peering into people and writing them truly and honestly.
I was very emotionally invested in Stay, which is some of the highest praise there is for a book, in my opinion. If you care about the characters, if the author has made them come alive for you, then there’s no way it won’t be an amazing book, regardless of other flaws. Luckily for the reader, the story is just as solid as the character development. Larkin provides an entertaining plot that completely lives up to the promise of its main characters.
Stay was a wonderful and sweet novel about a woman’s quest to find herself, and the bumps in the road along the way. I really loved every minute I spent with this novel and simply cannot wait for Larkin’s next one. Whether you’re looking for a great novel about a woman finding herself, or just want to spend some time with a German Shepherd puppy, I can’t recommend Stay highly enough.
15 comments:
Oh yay! I had the same worries about it being too much of a dog book! I can't wait to read it!
I love animal books. My only fear with them is if the animal dies, which then of course makes me launch into an ugly cry for hours. But an animal book about a woman finding herself? I'm there.
I'm usually hesitant about animal books too. I'm still not sure it'd be a good match for me.
You are exactly right about how important it is to connect with the characters. I recently read The Constant Princess, and I didn't connect to the lead at all. The whole book didn't work for me then. Glad this one worked for you.
This book looks so good! Thank you for a review of a book I would not have considered!
Very nice review! I hadn't heard of this book, but since I am a dog person, and I also love great characters, this one is for me! Thanks for the spotlight on this book!
I guess I'm in the minority, because I love dog books! This one sounds good, even if the dog isn't the main character.
I liked this book very much and was delighted when the publisher asked me to write and endorsement for it. Terrific Review, Swapna! I know Allie will be tickled.
I love that they are under glass, so much easier to clean the dusting all those books!
This sounds like a book I would really like!
I am glad that you liked this book. I really enjoyed it as well!
Sounds interesting. Where can I find this book and how much?
Oh my gosh, I can't wait to read this one! I'm totally a dog person and love stories featuring our favorite four-legged friends. :) Sounds so great and I love the cover, too.
I'm not a dog person, either, so I've also been hesitant about this one. But Allie is so funny on Twitter I was thinking I was going to have to give it a try. Now I'll be eager to!
This is a great book! I am a dog person and that is what drew me to it, but I have to say, it is not what kept me turning the pages! The dog is great and as a dog person I could relate and laugh out loud at some of Joe's antics but it was Van's personality and humor and her relationships old and new that had me finish this book in about 5 hours!! I wouldn't classify this as a 'dog' book, but a romance comedy. What girl doesn't have a secret crush and what girl hasn't had the awkward stage of starting a new romance. Can't wait for the next book!!
-Ali
@twotailsmattali
www.twotailswithmattandali.com
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