Good Luck With That

Good Luck With That
by Kristan Higgins
Release Date:  August 7, 2018
Publisher:  Berkley
Standalone
Number of pages:  480
Kindle
Source: MCL
Contemporary Fiction
Rating: R
Read 10/31/19 to 11/2/19

 

Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it’s coming to terms with the survivor’s guilt she’s carried around since her twin sister’s death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it’s about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother’s and brother’s ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson’s dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

A novel of compassion and insight, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT tells the story of two women who learn to embrace themselves just the way they are.

To be perfectly honest, this book is a bit uncomfortable to read.  That’s kind of what makes it so amazing.  As a woman, I sometimes saw myself in the role of one of the three main characters.  But, to my chagrin, I also saw myself reflected in those around them that judged them.

Other than a few circumstances with Emerson, the author doesn’t really get into detail about the weight or overall size of these women.  We know Marley is curvy and considered overweight by most standards, but also takes care of her health with regular exercise.  We know Georgia has always been ridiculed for her weight, although we also know she is smaller than either Emerson or Marley and is very particular about the foods she eats.  I found this to be a great tactic by the author as the reader can put herself into any character’s shoes throughout the story.

As much as this is a very deep story with several layers, it still had moments of joy and laughter.  I absolutely adore the relationship these women have and how they are able to say and do anything without judgement with one another.  Marley’s family is wonderful.  There are some definite issues with her mom and how she deals with grief, but overall they are such a loving and supportive bunch it’s hard not to want to be part of their inner circle.  Georgia’s family, for the most part, sucks balls.  My stomach would literally ache while reading some of the interactions and memories Georgia had of her mom and brother.  And the interactions between Georgia’s brother and nephew brought me to tears more than once.  So, what I guess I’m trying to say, is this story is a bit of an emotional roller coaster.

The love these women find, and think they find, along the way are an added bonus to this story.  I think many have been in Marley’s shoes at some point in life, wondering if there’s more to a relationship than being a booty call.  Georgia’s insecurities that tear her love life apart bit by bit.  And Emerson latching onto a man who is so kind and loving in some ways that it’s hard to see he’s not as altruistic as it first seems.

It’s no surprise this book comes from Kristan Higgins.  She is a master at getting to the heart of women and their relationships. 

5 stars