“This couple knows each other through and through, which is an entirely different kind of  romantic.”

Library readers share their favorite books  – the ones they spend 10 minutes enthusing over, until you agree to read them too. This New Flame is especially exciting because its author will be at Central Library on Monday, Sept. 22.

 

Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Reviewed by Nico

Georgie McCool is one television project away from everything she’s ever wanted her career to be. She may also be one missed holiday away from messing up everything with the family waiting at home…

Instead of canceling their holiday plans because of Georgie’s work, her husband Neal packs up their kids and heads to his parents’ house – without her. To keep from being completely alone over the holiday, Georgie heads to her mom’s house. While there she finds more than a warm meal and a friendly face – she finds a way to talk to the past. This is both comforting and a little unsettling, but everything’s a mess in her present so what’s the harm in changing a few things in her past? And would Neal be happier now if he hadn’t fallen in lover with her? Would she?

This doesn’t sound very uplifting, but truthfully “Landline” is one of the most romantic books I’ve read recently. And it’s unusual for a love story, because it doesn’t deal with the moment when two characters meet. Neal and Georgie have known each other since college; this couple knows each other through and through, which is an entirely different kind of  romantic.

Sometimes you read a book and you can almost hear the film-adaptation soundtrack as you read it. That was how I felt when I read “Landline:” I could picture myself snuggling up to watch this adaptation on a snowy day, with hot chocolate and popcorn. It’s got missed opportunities, second chances and there’s even a running-through-the-airport scene, all perfectly ready for the big screen.  But for now I’ll make do with re-reading this book on my couch the next time it starts to snow.

When Nico is not reading romance on her couch, she’s one of our YA librarians.