Name: Where We Belong
ISBN: 9781409115663

Emily Giffin

There's no such thing as a single secret...The brand new novel from the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of HEART OF THE MATTER. Marian's biological clock is ticking. She has a dream job as the producer of a hugely successful TV show, a stunning Manhattan apartment and a wonderful relationship with the man she loves. But she wants a baby - and she also has a secret. And when that secret turns up on her doorstep after 18 years, her picture perfect existence begins to take on a life of its own. Kirby is adopted. She loves her parents and her sister, but she's never really felt she fitted in. And now she's 18 there's nothing to stop her finding her birth mother. But navigating her way, alone, to New York is only the start - and as Marian soon discovers, giving birth is the easy part.

Where We Belong

Where we belong

Lisa ✩ @lifeinlit

As with all of E. Giffin's books, I fell in love with Where We Belong instantly. Maybe it was partly the anticipation of FINALLY getting to read it. Maybe I just love her books so much I eager anticipate the release of the next. Maybe it's just that she never seeks to disappoint, and that's why I continue to be such a fan. :)

The characters in Where We Belong are spot-on. Marian, who's struck it big financially, definitely has some emotional struggles to work through in her personal life. As things come up from the past, she's forced into dealing with them before moving forward with her life. Kirby is unsure of herself at times, but portrays a confident facade at others. She feels like an outsider in her home, not really connecting to her adoptive family in the way she so desires. Then there's Conrad... oh, adorable, rockstar Conrad. It's impossible NOT to totally be crushing on him! He's the too-cool guy in school that definitely drums to his own beat.... literally. He's in a band and doesn't care much for school, or the thought of going to college afterwards.

The story flips between Marian's and Kirby's POV, which I really enjoyed. I think it made the story flow smoothly and really made the storyline stronger being able to experience it from both angles. There were also several flashbacks to the 90's, which I really enjoyed. Since I graduated in '97 I completely related to this time period and really enjoyed reading about it. At times I couldn't help but grin, especially when Pearl Jam was referenced. I may have a slight crush on Eddie Vedder, even to this day. ;)

The simplicity of E. Giffin's covers is definitely what first led me to reading her books. I saw them sitting on a shelf in a bookstore, and I went straight to them and had to see what they were about. I love how they are all identical in design, just different in the color and small details. I actually try to guess at what color the next book will be before it's released. (I had totally picked peach for this one... just sayin'... ;))

Where We Belong is definitely a much more thought-provoking and emotional story than her Rachel & Darcy books, much more closely related to Heart of the Matter. It definitely makes you think, and I think most people can relate to this story in one way or another. Though I maybe couldn't relate specifically to the teen pregnancy and adoption aspect, I definitely related to making decisions when you're younger that you may live to regret when you're older.

Overall, I believe E. Griffin broached an extremely sensitive topic very elegantly. E. Giffin continues to be a favorite of mine. Hmmm... what color will the cover of E. Giffin's next book be? Maybe red or magenta?? Maybe a lime green? I can't wait to see! :)

Caitlin Berger

Not too bad, would give this 3 and a half stars if I could. Didn't feel like there was enough depth to the story though. I could feel it going there but then the writing got a bit fluffy again. Still, a good read! I enjoyed it!