Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace, Becky Monson

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace, Becky Monson -

5 Stars

Reviewed April 2015

 

Ms. Monson creates a quintessential work of Chick Lit that left me wondering about all my "what-if's." While I'm happy to leave mine unanswered, Bridgette Reynolds, our heroine, is not. Her life seems to be on a steady course and her goals seem achievable until one fateful conversation causes her life to unravel, leaving her to grapple with the present and past.

Bridgette is not a heroine I immediately warmed to, but then I realized that was quite the point. Ms. Monson wittily narrates the journey of a girl who has a plan for the future - though she is riddled with insecurities and believes that it is through others she will find confidence and contentment - to a woman who knows what she wants and what really matters in life... even if her dreams might not come true.

The cast of quirky characters play off each other well, which creates beautiful tension - some moments are silly and happy, and other moments leave me wanting to gather Bridgette up in a big hug. (Bridgette's grandmother and her gaggle of friends are hilarious and insightful - they deserve a book of their own.) Ultimately, with the help of her two best friends, her grandmother, and a crazy Italian family, Bridgette finds herself.

One of the what-if's is "the one that got away." This part of the book is truly charming and heart tugging. Much like Bridget Jones (Bridget Jones' Diary), there are some seriously uncomfortable moments that will leave you squirming in your chair, wishing you could will Bridgette out of awkward situations.

For me, this was a brilliant read. I would whole-heartedly recommend it. (I really am hoping Ms. Monson finds a second book with this cast of thoroughly entertaining characters.)