the first husband {book review}

If you’re looking for a summer beach read, look no further than The First Husband by Laura Dave.

This is the story of Annie, a thirty-something women who seems to have it all. She has a brilliant career as a travel writer, and a great movie director boyfriend with whom she’s been shacking up with for a few years. Until Annie returns home from a business trip and learn that Nick wants to take a break.

What?

Just days later, Annie finds Griffin. {By the way, in the mini-movie that I’ve created in my head, he’s played by Matthew McConaughey.} Three months later, they wed. He is The First Husband.

And he is Nick’s opposite.

Griffin, while scattered and has a suitcase full of his own issues, sets out to “fix” Annie. He’s made her his project. I noticed that at the beginning of their relationship, he is very interested in catering to her needs and ensuring she feels safe and comfortable. After they marry, he moves her across the country. To his hometown. And dives into his work, leaving her to find her own way in a small Massachusetts town that isn’t very welcoming of newcomers.

The character of Annie was very weak, but reminds me of how many women behave after a loss. Women tend to throw themselves into something – or someone – to distract them from the pain they are experiencing. Despite the weak character, I’d recommend this book for your summer reading list.

Join the BlogHer BookClub as we share more from this book over the next few weeks!

Disclosure: This post was written as part of participation in the BlogHer BookClub. I received a copy of the book in exchange for writing this post. However, all thoughts, views, and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by BlogHer or the author. This post contains affiliate links