Book Review: After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When I stumbled upon After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I was curious. The title itself hinted at a journey beyond the wedding vows, something that resonated with me as I reflected on the complexities of love and marriage. I was eager to dive into this story about navigating relationships and finding a “new road to happily ever after.” Unfortunately, what I discovered left me feeling rather disappointed.
At its core, After I Do tells the story of Lauren and Ryan, a married couple on the brink of separation. Their decision to take a one-year break from each other is supposed to allow for self-discovery and growth, yet my overwhelming impression was that this book is much more Lauren’s story than it is a couple’s narrative. While Ryan occasionally makes an appearance through e-mail drafts, he feels like a ghostly presence rather than an active participant in their journey, which thwarted my expectations of a more balanced exploration of both perspectives.
One theme that jumps out is the idea of communication—or, rather, the glaring absence of it. Lauren often finds herself lost in emotions and insecurities, which I found frustrating. The couple seems to spin in circles over petty arguments, as evidenced by their disputes over something as trivial as how Ryan packs a toothbrush. For two people in a major life commitment, their conflicts felt immature and unrealistic for someone who has been married for six years. This lack of depth left me wanting more complexity and authenticity from the characters.
Reid’s prose is undoubtedly accessible and straightforward, which makes for easy reading. However, I felt that some of the themes were handled in a somewhat superficial manner. Lauren’s personal growth journey, spurred on by her grandmother’s illness and moments of bittersweet reflection, often felt like a straightforward plot device rather than a well-developed emotional arc. The last 10% of the novel descended into melodrama, with everything miraculously falling into place at once—tragedy, reunion, and a wedding. It felt more fairytale than genuine, which wasn’t what I had hoped for.
Perhaps what frustrated me most was the missed opportunity to dive deeper into the intricacies of marriage. I found myself wishing for Ryan’s voice, craving the understanding that could only come from both sides. Reid hints at the importance of forgiveness and communication, but it often feels like the couple is still going through the motions rather than truly addressing their issues.
All of this culminated in a reading experience that was far from enjoyable for me. I can appreciate that After I Do may resonate with readers who enjoy women’s fiction focused on personal reflection rather than romance. For those eager to find stories of self-discovery wrapped in emotional challenges, this book may hold some appeal.
For me, however, I came away feeling quite frustrated and even drained. While I appreciate Reid’s attempt to tackle difficult themes, the execution left much to be desired. I’ll be returning it for a refund, and perhaps revisiting one of my all-time favorites instead. If you’re looking for both character depth and genuinely engaged storytelling, this book may not fulfill that need.
In conclusion, while I appreciate Reid’s intention in exploring a married couple’s struggles, my own disappointment persists. If you’re intrigued by self-discovery tales and can overlook some narrative flaws, After I Do might still be worth a read for you. Just be prepared for a story that’s likely more Lauren’s than Ryan’s, and don’t forget your well-disposed hopes for a richer narrative.
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