Isn't it nice, he says, "once you've outgrown the ideas of what life should be and you just enjoy what it is" 

Taylor Jenkins Reid just doesn't miss, she came close for me with After I Do though.  I had a hard time in the first part of the book. I REALLY related to Lauren in those moments of despair in her marriage, and I think reading her struggles brought up those same past struggles for me and it was hard to read. 

After I Do tells the story of Lauren and Ryan. Sweethearts since nineteen years old and they never looked back after their first date. Now 11 years later they conclude that they need to separate for a whole year. No seeing or speaking to one another for an entire year. Thus begins Lauren's journey of self-discovery. Lauren goes through the typical ups and downs and self-loathing, rage, and despair,  but she also discovers one day that she's OK. But the months are slipping away and with Lauren's discovery or Ryan's email drafts to her, hearing about his newly single escapades, and her new "friend " David, what will Lauren decide when the year is up?

I enjoyed how Taylor wrote both characters if you've been through a similar situation,  Lauren and Ryan come to life in the pages. You can see the passive-aggressive attitudes and looks and feel the pain as much as they do.  But the real diamond here is the background story and family of Lauren. The love that reignites for her towards them, since she is now finding she has more time on her hands, she fills it up with them. The relationship Lauren has with all of them is the bright light in the darkness.  

Also, what a feminist queen Taylor is! Something I particularly enjoyed,  and is something I often discuss with my daughter is that you don't have to conform to the old generational ones of the past. A scene in the book takes place and it's the oldest matriarch of the family explaining to Lauren that marriage is not about happiness, it's about commitment and loyalty. Happiness is secondary, and ultimately it's about children.  Lauren's grandmother then suggests she throw more cocktail parties so her husband can flirt with other women and then take her home and rock her world. Because that's what she did with her husband and it worked. I love how you have the grandmother's perspective of the old was, Lauren's mother who is newly dating and is debating having her boyfriend live with her because then the romance is dead, that of Lauren's beloved little sister, and that of her younger brother Charlie. This second half of the book ignited that "oh my gosh, I can't put this down" fire. 

All in All, After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a good book, it's just not my favorite by her. I'm now all caught up on Taylor's past catalog,  and now just Carrie Soto is Back. Taylor will continue to be one of those instant read authors for me.