Monday, May 26, 2025

5.26.2025 - The Other Side of Now

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book, written and narrated by Paige Harbison.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Meg Bryan has everything she has ever wanted - a leading role on a hit TV show, a relationship with a movie star, and plenty of money.  But she feels as fake as her stage name, Lana Lord.  After a breakdown at her 30th birthday party, she books a trip to a quaint Ireland village where she and her best friend Aimee always dreamed about living, a dream that dissolved when an accident claimed Aimee's life.  When Meg arrives, everyone treats her as a friend.  And when she looks in the mirror, she no longer sees the Hollywood version of herself but her real self.  Just what is happening?

I thought this book was absolutely charming and the author's narration (something I usually don't like) was spot on, including all the Irish accents.  This book had me feeling so much for the characters and I didn't want the story to end.  The descriptions of Avalon, the Irish village, felt so homey and comfy that I just wanted to stay in those moments.  While there was magical realism involved, nothing ever felt hokey or contrived; it was just a glimpse into another life.  It was also a good commentary on the ideals that women in Hollywood must attain, and it was so refreshing to see the other side of that.  This is a wonderful book about friendship, loss, grabbing onto that brass ring of life.  Highly recommended!

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