That's Not a Thing: A Novel

That’s Not a Thing by Jacqueline Friedland What a story! Talk about a roller coaster ride of emotions that at times made me feel that the characters were dealing with the roller coaster car about to careen off the rails. This book was filled with feels and had me thinking about what I would have done if in the position of Meredith but also of Aaron, Wesley and some of the supporting characters. This book will definitely stay with me for awhile. The story beings in 2017 but flips back to a period between 2008 and 2012 to fill in the backstory of why what is happening in the present has the impact it does. I have to say it did make me go back in time to think about the men in my past and wonder about what it would be like if they were to show up again...okay...that would NOT happen now but if I had been Meredith’s age and it had happened...I wonder what my reaction would have been and how I would have handled it. Hmm… Anyway... What I liked: * It was real...I could see this happening so easily * Meredith: intelligent woman with some baggage from her past that clings in the present even though she is pretty much sitting in clover with her new fiance. She is a giver and fixer but has trouble fixing her own life sometimes even though she has a big caring heart * Aaron: a jock with brains that is a man among men. He appeals to both men and women and seems to have it all * The parents: They were worthy of their children and I really liked them all * The educational aspect related to ALS, cancer and pro bono legal work * The idea that light that shines from us is created by being happy and not by who we might or might not be with * The insights that one can pick up if they really embrace the story… * The writing and plot and story * That I could relate to it in so many ways: woman, nurse, through past experiences, and more * All of it except… What I did not like: * ASL – it is a nasty disease * Cancer – another nasty disease * Wondering how the future unfolds for everyone – I have a good idea but still will spend some time wondering. Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more books by this author? Yes Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars