The Wedding People
By Alison Espach
- Release Date: 2024-07-30
- Genre: Fiction & Literature
Description
The runaway New York Times bestseller with over one million copies sold
A Today Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club Pick, New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a #1 Indie Next Pick
Named a Best Book of the Year by The Guardian, Time, Chicago Tribune Biblioracle, HuffPost, US Magazine, Elle, Real Simple, and Glamour
A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.
It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.
In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.
Reviews
Fun!
5By RachelEFreedLight, airy and moving.Emotional and real
5By emily0101010Incredible understanding of people through the pages. Starts a little sad and then turns into one of the most mature and deep emotional development stories I’ve gotten to read in a whileThought provoking, well written
4By GoldiegertieFor me, this book has a very slow start. I contemplated putting it away but am glad I didn’t. The story and character development are excellent. And there’s a mix of humor throughout.Just 5 words
4By FUokayI liked it a lotUnexpectedly Profound and Beautiful
5By erismarieThe Wedding People by Alison Espach was an unexpected gem. I went in thinking it would be light and quirky, but it turned out to be deeply moving and refreshingly honest. Phoebe’s journey—raw, vulnerable, and quietly powerful—was one I won’t forget. Espach doesn’t shy away from difficult topics; instead, she leans into them with grace and wit, making the story feel both real and resonant. Phoebe is a beautifully drawn character—flawed, likable, and inspiring. Her transformation throughout the book felt authentic and empowering. The writing sparkles with profound quotes and moments that linger long after the last page. It’s absurdly funny at times, heartbreakingly tender at others, and always emotionally true. If you’re looking for a novel that balances humor with depth and offers a fresh take on healing, friendship, and unexpected connections, this one’s for you.Unexpected Bridesmaid
5By SparkklerThis should become a Netflix Special Series. Alison Espach has a delightful sense of humor, great personal insight, and a knack for creativity. Spend a week with the wedding people and you will remember them forever.Funny and Insightful
5By Marcy SueCould not put this book down. Loved the story, the characters and the humor.Inspiring, moving and irresistible story
5By ObligatedOliveAmazing story, great writing and could be relatable for anyone. If you haven’t been reading much and need something captivating to die into, choose this one. Well done, Alison!Fabulous read!
5By ArtsyLeahThis was such a treat- I could envision each of the characters uniquely - because she developed each to have its own voice, colorful traits and personality. Thank you for writing this❤️Best Book EVER
5By keviekkThis is the first book I’ve really picked up with my own will and really read every last word written. Truly a work of art and the details felt so vivid. Everything was so nuanced yet exciting as every character had their own story. Would love to see a part 2 of this book of what Phoebe’s future holds!Encourages perseverance
4By boanna99Very motivating book to make a change. Self help through rare coincidence. Finding hope when you’ve lost it.I loved this book!
5By user3DBIt had great character development and an easy read! Finished it in one day!Beautifully empowering
5By WhitmbenI loved this book. It’s relatable to those who fawn in life, in relationships, in our marriages.The Wedding People
5By Gotagoodbook?Real, likable characters. Unexpected ending. At first I wasn’t sure about the narrator, but she grows on you.A lovely read
5By BevWBakerKeeps you wanting to know more. I learned much about art, literature and “how the other half lives” fun bookIt good wedding book
5By KimdudkinIt was a good book to read love ppl in other weddin was odd but good the charger r ok it a good book weddin book be fore there weddin dayEntertaining
3By Eliz 10It kept my interest and I liked the banter of the characters. In my opinion it would have been a higher rated book without the F word. I was surprised when it ended, thinking there would be a little more, but I guess it was a good place to conclude.Incredible!
5By nicp14A lot of reviewers seemed annoyed that it was predictable, but I think they missed the point. The story was not about the ending, it was about everything in-between. Just from the summary of the book, you can guess the ending but it wasn’t about that. This was unlike anything I’ve read before and I could not get enough- I didn’t want it to end. Alison beautifully nails what it is to be human- at all ages and stages of life. The dark humor helps navigate the dark topics and they’re so wonderfully juxtaposed against lighter topics, like the ridiculousness of a far-too-elaborate wedding. Truly a wonderful book. I wish there were a sequel to see where the character’s lives take them!Good book
3By momofei8htGood book, but predictable.
