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The Wedding People Spiral-Bound | 2024-07-30
Alison Espach
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The Wedding People
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12
Original Binding: Hardcover with dust jacket
Pages: 384 pages
Item Weight: 1.2 lbs
Dimensions: 6.6 x 1.2 x 9.6 inches
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
One of Time's "100 Must-Read Books of 2024"
Named a Best Book of 2024 by The Guardian, Chicago Tribune Biblioracle, HuffPost, US Magazine, Sunset Magazine, the Chicago Public Library, Elle, Real Simple, and Glamour
The #1 Indie Next Pick for August 2024
One of The Washington Post's 10 Noteworthy Books for July and August
Named a Best Book of 2024 by HuffPost
Named a Best Book of Summer 2024 by People Magazine, Bustle, Star Tribune, Goodreads, and LitHub
"The Wedding People is the perfect book to wrap up your summer reading. . . . heartwarming [and] hilarious."
--Jenna Bush Hager, The Today Show's #ReadwithJenna
"A collision of diametrically opposed life events and general drama, the likes of which we haven't seen since Maggie Shipstead's Seating Arrangements. . . . Espach has an eye for the full gamut of emotions that go hand in hand with lifelong commitment, from humor to self-involvement to pathos."
--Elisabeth Egan, The New York Times Book Review
"Espach's wit and warmth deliver a gratifying story about how people who have given up might find a reason to start caring again."
--Becky Meloan, The Washington Post
"Deeply satisfying. . . . A story of what it means to lift oneself out of one life and into another through acts of individual will and fellowship with others. . . . Espach is now three for three on delivering funny, emotionally moving explorations of the difficulties people have in being themselves."
--John Warner, Chicago Tribune
"A feel-good testament to the life-altering magic of chance meetings."
--People
"Deceptively complex...Espach's story of a life-changing chance encounter is as rewarding as it is unexpected."
--Lucy Feldman, Time
"A refreshingly sharp and funny examination of loss, love and wrestling with the expectations we have for our lives. This book is the rare lush escape that avoids falling into predictability; the characters feel full and real, and offer genuine moments of insight and warmth amidst their quirky circumstances."
--Jillian Capewell, HuffPost
"Full of witty dialogue and lovably imperfect characters you'll root for till the end."
--Real Simple
"They say a good actor can read a phone book and still keep an audience spellbound. Alison Espach is that kind of writer. She is a master of taking the seemingly mundane and creating moments that transfix."
--Maren Longbella, Star Tribune
"Filled with hilarious scenes and brilliant banter."
--Marion Winik, Newsday
"By deftly invoking many popular romantic comedy tropes, Espach fills this novel with champagne-tinged fizz, while never losing sight of the more sober emotional truths that kicked off her narrative."
--Bustle
"It's simply delightful, entertaining, and heartfelt."
--Stephanie McNeal, Glamour
"Think: Eleanor Oliphant and Meredith, Alone vibes. As of this writing, The Wedding People is my favorite book of 2024."
--Isabelle Eyman, Camille Styles
"Witty dialogue is just a bonus in this engrossing read centering on complex women making life-changing decisions. Recommend to readers who enjoy Sally Rooney, Curtis Sittenfeld, or Elizabeth Berg."
--Library Journal (starred review)
"The Wedding People is so much more than a funny story (though it is very funny). Espach has penned a keenly observed novel about depression, love, the ways women make themselves small, and how one woman got over it. Fully realized and completely memorable."
--Booklist (starred review)
"Sparkling . . . Readers are in for a treat."
--Publishers Weekly
"The Wedding People is a wickedly funny and deeply satisfying novel about a woman with nothing to lose, armed with a green dress, some chocolate wine, and a coconut pillow, cut loose to cause delightful mayhem. It's a story of lovers who turn into strangers, strangers who turn into friends, and the weird and wonderful connections that make us feel truly alive. I loved it."
--Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street
"The Wedding People is my very favorite kind of novel--hilarious and witty with enormous heart and characters I fell in love with. I was delighted to be at this wedding, in the middle of the drama and gossip, watching the entanglements of friendships old and new. I haven't stopped talking about this book since I finished it, and I won't stop until I've made everyone I know read it . . . so read it! Now! You can thank me later."
--Jennifer Close, bestselling author of Marrying the Ketchups
"Alison Espach! How does she do it? I mean, really--how? The Wedding People is so utterly, ringingly true it feels less like fiction than like a field guide to personhood. It's so funny and romantic that I sometimes laughed out loud and sometimes got actual goosebumps. I tore through it like I didn't have a disordered deficit of attention. It's a perfect novel. I loved it."
--Catherine Newman, author of Sandwich
"Readers will be begging for an invitation to meet THE WEDDING PEOPLE. Alison Espach's novel soars to the heights of high humor. and swoops to poignancy and pathos in this brilliant wedding drama. Filled with unforgettable characters and a riveting plot, you will want to get your champagne glass ready to toast one of the best books of 2024!"
--Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN
"Is this my favorite book ever? I think it might just be. This novel was truly unputdownable and is an absolute must read. A book about being at the lowest of lows and life just won't relent but then a little unexpected sliver of light that becomes everything. Stunning. Wonderful. Every description for perfection, this novel earns them all."
--Kaitlin Smith-Cook, Copperfield's Books, Healdsburg, CA
"The Wedding People has some of the most compelling characters I have ever met in a novel. Sharp and witty dialog, perfectly written characters, and a beautifully immersive setting, work to make this a book that everyone will be talking about. Brilliant work from Alison Espach!"
--Mary O'Malley, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO
"The Wedding People offers a glimpse into what can happen when you stop pursuing the expectations for what you think your life is supposed to be. This is a story of love, honesty, and discovering happiness."
--Bob Lingle, Good Neighbor Bookstore, Lakewood, NY
"I adored every page of this remarkable novel! As she did in Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance, Alison Espach lays bare her characters' hopes, expectations, and insecurities with humor, tenderness and grace. Through the voices of Phoebe, Lila, Gary and Jim, Espach reveals the risks in dreaming, the sacrifices of settling, and the rewards of being true to yourself. I would spend a week with The Wedding People again and again!"
--Anderson McKean, Page & Palette, Fairhope, AL
"A surprisingly upbeat and hopeful novel about what it means to stop pursuing a life people
expect you to have and live the one you desire."
--Lauren Nopenz, Curious Iguana, Frederick, MD
"Alison Espach is back with another gorgeous novel about relationships and grief that's both devastating and funny. An insightful, big-hearted, and life-affirming tragicomedy that explores the redemptive power of unexpected connections, The Wedding People is a brilliant follow up to Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance and a perfect choice for fans of Fredrik Backman's Anxious People."
--Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, MA
"A weeklong wedding in Newport, Rhode Island? What could go wrong? Well, everything. And that is the beauty of this touching story of love, loss, and family. The dialogue is perfect. Get your fancy clothes out and prepare for something you are not expecting. And then raise a toast to a wonderful book."
--Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
"A picturesque seaside town with gorgeous sunny weather and a group of flawed people that remind you of your best friend, your aunt, your annoying co-worker, and that cousin on your dad's side. The Wedding People by Alison Espach takes these flawed people and shows their humility, tenderness, quirks, and search for happiness. Finding your way is difficult, and it takes introspection or simply a dear friend who's a good listener to call you out. I found myself laughing at Lila's monologue and her constant interruptions and bossiness endearing since she's completely opposite of my personality! Enjoy a lemony palate cleanser after six days of wedding festivities and a satisfying ending!"
--Sara Rishforth, Roundabout Bookshop, Bend, OR
"This book absolutely blew me away. I was unsure what to expect as I haven't read any of Alison Espach's work before but she will now be an "auto-buy" author for me. The Wedding People at its heart, is a book about grief. Nothing lasts forever, but when things end, what comes next? This book is deeply funny, achingly profound, and so immersive that I read it in one sitting. I think this would make an incredible book club pick as well!"
--Alison Cave, The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop, Niwot, CO
"Every detail is planned, it has been for years, the wedding should go off without a hitch. What happens to the perfect wedding when unexpected people show up? What happens when we start telling others and ourselves the truth? Espach writes of expectations, those others force upon us and those we put on ourselves. By opening up to each other, the bride, groom and the newly minted maid of honor may just buck tradition and set a new path. Hope, pain, bridezillas and love await within the pages. Enjoy!"
--Melissa Fitzgerald, Watermark Books, Wichita, Kansas
One of Time's "100 Must-Read Books of 2024"
Named a Best Book of 2024 by The Guardian, Chicago Tribune Biblioracle, HuffPost, US Magazine, Sunset Magazine, the Chicago Public Library, Elle, Real Simple, and Glamour
The #1 Indie Next Pick for August 2024
One of The Washington Post's 10 Noteworthy Books for July and August
Named a Best Book of 2024 by HuffPost
Named a Best Book of Summer 2024 by People Magazine, Bustle, Star Tribune, Goodreads, and LitHub
"The Wedding People is the perfect book to wrap up your summer reading. . . . heartwarming [and] hilarious."
--Jenna Bush Hager, The Today Show's #ReadwithJenna
"A collision of diametrically opposed life events and general drama, the likes of which we haven't seen since Maggie Shipstead's Seating Arrangements. . . . Espach has an eye for the full gamut of emotions that go hand in hand with lifelong commitment, from humor to self-involvement to pathos."
--Elisabeth Egan, The New York Times Book Review
"Espach's wit and warmth deliver a gratifying story about how people who have given up might find a reason to start caring again."
--Becky Meloan, The Washington Post
"Deeply satisfying. . . . A story of what it means to lift oneself out of one life and into another through acts of individual will and fellowship with others. . . . Espach is now three for three on delivering funny, emotionally moving explorations of the difficulties people have in being themselves."
--John Warner, Chicago Tribune
"A feel-good testament to the life-altering magic of chance meetings."
--People
"Deceptively complex...Espach's story of a life-changing chance encounter is as rewarding as it is unexpected."
--Lucy Feldman, Time
"A refreshingly sharp and funny examination of loss, love and wrestling with the expectations we have for our lives. This book is the rare lush escape that avoids falling into predictability; the characters feel full and real, and offer genuine moments of insight and warmth amidst their quirky circumstances."
--Jillian Capewell, HuffPost
"Full of witty dialogue and lovably imperfect characters you'll root for till the end."
--Real Simple
"They say a good actor can read a phone book and still keep an audience spellbound. Alison Espach is that kind of writer. She is a master of taking the seemingly mundane and creating moments that transfix."
--Maren Longbella, Star Tribune
"Filled with hilarious scenes and brilliant banter."
--Marion Winik, Newsday
"By deftly invoking many popular romantic comedy tropes, Espach fills this novel with champagne-tinged fizz, while never losing sight of the more sober emotional truths that kicked off her narrative."
--Bustle
"It's simply delightful, entertaining, and heartfelt."
--Stephanie McNeal, Glamour
"Think: Eleanor Oliphant and Meredith, Alone vibes. As of this writing, The Wedding People is my favorite book of 2024."
--Isabelle Eyman, Camille Styles
"Witty dialogue is just a bonus in this engrossing read centering on complex women making life-changing decisions. Recommend to readers who enjoy Sally Rooney, Curtis Sittenfeld, or Elizabeth Berg."
--Library Journal (starred review)
"The Wedding People is so much more than a funny story (though it is very funny). Espach has penned a keenly observed novel about depression, love, the ways women make themselves small, and how one woman got over it. Fully realized and completely memorable."
--Booklist (starred review)
"Sparkling . . . Readers are in for a treat."
--Publishers Weekly
"The Wedding People is a wickedly funny and deeply satisfying novel about a woman with nothing to lose, armed with a green dress, some chocolate wine, and a coconut pillow, cut loose to cause delightful mayhem. It's a story of lovers who turn into strangers, strangers who turn into friends, and the weird and wonderful connections that make us feel truly alive. I loved it."
--Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street
"The Wedding People is my very favorite kind of novel--hilarious and witty with enormous heart and characters I fell in love with. I was delighted to be at this wedding, in the middle of the drama and gossip, watching the entanglements of friendships old and new. I haven't stopped talking about this book since I finished it, and I won't stop until I've made everyone I know read it . . . so read it! Now! You can thank me later."
--Jennifer Close, bestselling author of Marrying the Ketchups
"Alison Espach! How does she do it? I mean, really--how? The Wedding People is so utterly, ringingly true it feels less like fiction than like a field guide to personhood. It's so funny and romantic that I sometimes laughed out loud and sometimes got actual goosebumps. I tore through it like I didn't have a disordered deficit of attention. It's a perfect novel. I loved it."
--Catherine Newman, author of Sandwich
"Readers will be begging for an invitation to meet THE WEDDING PEOPLE. Alison Espach's novel soars to the heights of high humor. and swoops to poignancy and pathos in this brilliant wedding drama. Filled with unforgettable characters and a riveting plot, you will want to get your champagne glass ready to toast one of the best books of 2024!"
--Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN
"Is this my favorite book ever? I think it might just be. This novel was truly unputdownable and is an absolute must read. A book about being at the lowest of lows and life just won't relent but then a little unexpected sliver of light that becomes everything. Stunning. Wonderful. Every description for perfection, this novel earns them all."
--Kaitlin Smith-Cook, Copperfield's Books, Healdsburg, CA
"The Wedding People has some of the most compelling characters I have ever met in a novel. Sharp and witty dialog, perfectly written characters, and a beautifully immersive setting, work to make this a book that everyone will be talking about. Brilliant work from Alison Espach!"
--Mary O'Malley, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO
"The Wedding People offers a glimpse into what can happen when you stop pursuing the expectations for what you think your life is supposed to be. This is a story of love, honesty, and discovering happiness."
--Bob Lingle, Good Neighbor Bookstore, Lakewood, NY
"I adored every page of this remarkable novel! As she did in Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance, Alison Espach lays bare her characters' hopes, expectations, and insecurities with humor, tenderness and grace. Through the voices of Phoebe, Lila, Gary and Jim, Espach reveals the risks in dreaming, the sacrifices of settling, and the rewards of being true to yourself. I would spend a week with The Wedding People again and again!"
--Anderson McKean, Page & Palette, Fairhope, AL
"A surprisingly upbeat and hopeful novel about what it means to stop pursuing a life people
expect you to have and live the one you desire."
--Lauren Nopenz, Curious Iguana, Frederick, MD
"Alison Espach is back with another gorgeous novel about relationships and grief that's both devastating and funny. An insightful, big-hearted, and life-affirming tragicomedy that explores the redemptive power of unexpected connections, The Wedding People is a brilliant follow up to Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance and a perfect choice for fans of Fredrik Backman's Anxious People."
--Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, MA
"A weeklong wedding in Newport, Rhode Island? What could go wrong? Well, everything. And that is the beauty of this touching story of love, loss, and family. The dialogue is perfect. Get your fancy clothes out and prepare for something you are not expecting. And then raise a toast to a wonderful book."
--Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
"A picturesque seaside town with gorgeous sunny weather and a group of flawed people that remind you of your best friend, your aunt, your annoying co-worker, and that cousin on your dad's side. The Wedding People by Alison Espach takes these flawed people and shows their humility, tenderness, quirks, and search for happiness. Finding your way is difficult, and it takes introspection or simply a dear friend who's a good listener to call you out. I found myself laughing at Lila's monologue and her constant interruptions and bossiness endearing since she's completely opposite of my personality! Enjoy a lemony palate cleanser after six days of wedding festivities and a satisfying ending!"
--Sara Rishforth, Roundabout Bookshop, Bend, OR
"This book absolutely blew me away. I was unsure what to expect as I haven't read any of Alison Espach's work before but she will now be an "auto-buy" author for me. The Wedding People at its heart, is a book about grief. Nothing lasts forever, but when things end, what comes next? This book is deeply funny, achingly profound, and so immersive that I read it in one sitting. I think this would make an incredible book club pick as well!"
--Alison Cave, The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop, Niwot, CO
"Every detail is planned, it has been for years, the wedding should go off without a hitch. What happens to the perfect wedding when unexpected people show up? What happens when we start telling others and ourselves the truth? Espach writes of expectations, those others force upon us and those we put on ourselves. By opening up to each other, the bride, groom and the newly minted maid of honor may just buck tradition and set a new path. Hope, pain, bridezillas and love await within the pages. Enjoy!"
--Melissa Fitzgerald, Watermark Books, Wichita, Kansas
Alison Espach is the author of the novels The Adults, a New York Times Editors' Choice and a Barnes & Noble Discover pick; and Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance, which was named a best book of 2022 by the Chicago Tribune and NPR. Her short stories and essays have appeared in McSweeney's, Vogue, Outside, Joyland and other places. She is a professor of creative writing at Providence College in Rhode Island.