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Darcy & Rachel #1
Something Borrowed
Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan.
Rachel has always been the consummate good girl—until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness.
Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend.
Rachel has always been the consummate good girl—until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness.
Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2004
About the author
Emily Giffin
39 books24.2k followersEMILY GIFFIN is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia School of Law. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof, Love the One You're With, Heart of the Matter, Where We Belong, The One & Only, First Comes Love, All We Ever Wanted, The Lies That Bind, and the recently released Meant to Be, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family.
Website: www.emilygiffin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EmilyGiffinFans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emilygiffin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 14,179 reviews
May 10, 2008
I only acknowledge that I read this book so I can say how much I hated it. The two main characters are completely unlikable, one for being completely self-absorbed and selfish, and the other for being so spineless and whiny. So spineless, in fact, that the action of her sleeping with her friend's fiancé wasn't even a credible one. The further I got into it, the more I was disgusted with it. I also found it very difficult to believe that at 30, the two characters would continue to be friends. Usually by that age, you've phased out the people from your childhood that no longer work in your life. Especially when they are so far removed from your hometown. This lack of credibility was the biggest crack in an already weak foundation for the book.
My biggest problem was the overall message seemed to be that as long as your best friend is a bitch, it's okay to sleep with her fiancé. Come on now, no matter how you color it, it's never okay.
My biggest problem was the overall message seemed to be that as long as your best friend is a bitch, it's okay to sleep with her fiancé. Come on now, no matter how you color it, it's never okay.
July 6, 2007
It wasn't bad as chicklit goes, but I don't know how sympathetic I can be to characters who are betraying their fiancees and best friends. Plus, in order to make the cheating something "okay," a lot of energy is put into making Darcy really off-putting and Rachel really kind of pathetic. I liked Hilary and Ethan a lot (though in all other chick lit books Ethan would have been either gay or the guy Rachel actually ended up with), but the central relationships just left me cold.
Eh. Apparently I can't get behind cheating and being rewarded for it. Who knew I was so morally inflexible?
I'd like to read one of her other books, because I did enjoy the writing and her handle on some of the main things I look for in chick lit -- fast-track career, portrait of the city, circle of friends, consumerism, etc.
Eh. Apparently I can't get behind cheating and being rewarded for it. Who knew I was so morally inflexible?
I'd like to read one of her other books, because I did enjoy the writing and her handle on some of the main things I look for in chick lit -- fast-track career, portrait of the city, circle of friends, consumerism, etc.
June 17, 2022
no idea how to rate this because on the one hand, what a fucking mess
but on the other hand... at least this book commits. it's a truly unhinged josie silver book. a campy take on In Five Years. could have absolutely done without the 2000s fat shaming and other assorted aggressions though.
if you're craving a genuinely good laugh i think you should pick this up as a palate cleanser. laugh at rachel's many justifications for fucking her shitty best friend's man named dexter. giggle at childhood slights. guffaw at the "not like other girls" moments.
in essence live. laugh. commit adultery <3
but on the other hand... at least this book commits. it's a truly unhinged josie silver book. a campy take on In Five Years. could have absolutely done without the 2000s fat shaming and other assorted aggressions though.
if you're craving a genuinely good laugh i think you should pick this up as a palate cleanser. laugh at rachel's many justifications for fucking her shitty best friend's man named dexter. giggle at childhood slights. guffaw at the "not like other girls" moments.
in essence live. laugh. commit adultery <3
June 20, 2009
GR Giveaway.
Ok, I tried. I am not going to read this tripe any further.
From the first 50-ish pages that I did read, this books sounds somewhat like the show 'Sex and the City'. Rachel is part-Miranada - a not so good looking lawyer, and part-Charolette - miss goody two shoes who wants to find a husband and settle down. Darcy is part-Samantha, part-Carrie, she has good looks and has always managed to make the guy she liked fall for her and is now engaged to a guy she wants to marry. And just like the show, these two 30-yr. old women can't think or talk about anything beyond dating and men.
Both the main characters are annoying. Darcy is a shallow self-serving bitch and Rachel lacks a backbone. They have been best-friends since childhood. But their friendship doesn't seem credible at all. Darcy is self-centered and insensitive and has been running all over Rachel forever. Rachel has an inferiority complex and is jealous of her so-called best friend's charmed life....to them a good life being defined by the number of boyfriends they have had. I don't see why the two are friends at all. And Rachel is trying to use this jealousy as a reason to justify sleeping with her best friend's fiancee...
Ugh!
I finally put the book down at a point where Rachel is talking about how she had begun to dislike her boyfriend in college because he was rooting for Duke's basketball team and not Indiana.
And the writing is really nothing worth mentioning.
The book also contains a page suggesting questions for discussion, it seems the publishers expect the readers to ponder over this subject matter after reading the book...yeah, right!!
October 5, 2013
Oh, so this is how it sounds inside the heads of people who can rationalize anything.
June 10, 2009
Well, this was my first, and now probably last, foray into "chick-lit." I found the characters to be totally unbelieveable. A "consummate good-girl" would never have an affair with her best friend's fiancee, despite Darcy's shortcomings as a friend. Some feel Rachel's behavior was justified because of Darcy's litany of slights, pulled from as far back as 5th grade. However that Rachel remained Darcy's friend in spite of her bitchiness, just proves Rachel's own weakness of character. And it was totally contra to her so-called good-girl persona. Could she not find any real friends? Even after growing up and living apart from Darcy for several years during college? Far from being a modern heroine, I found Rachel weak, immoral, flat, and lifeless; totally not a person to root for.
August 16, 2007
I loved this book and have passed it on to other friends! Thanks to Kristi for turning me on to this author.
This is one of the best chick-lit books ever. The follow-up "Something Blue" was almost as good. The story focuses on two lifelong best friends, Rachel and Darcy. The first installment is told from Rachel's perspective; the second book is told from Darcy's perspective. Very clever.
Rachel is the single, plain, thirtysomething, always a responsible good girl attorney. Something I can totally relate to except for the lawyer part! LOL. Darcy is the exact opposite - she is the outgoing, popular, pretty girl who is engaged to Dex.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Rachel has known Dex since law school and has been in love with him for quite some time. And as luck would have it, Dex confesses his feelings for Rachel even though he is engaged to Darcy.
Normally one might frown on such an affair, but Rachel's character is one that most of us can relate to and I for one was sympathetic. Rachel does suffer some immense feelings of guilt, but also learns a lot about herself, her history, and her friendship with Darcy.
This is one of the best chick-lit books ever. The follow-up "Something Blue" was almost as good. The story focuses on two lifelong best friends, Rachel and Darcy. The first installment is told from Rachel's perspective; the second book is told from Darcy's perspective. Very clever.
Rachel is the single, plain, thirtysomething, always a responsible good girl attorney. Something I can totally relate to except for the lawyer part! LOL. Darcy is the exact opposite - she is the outgoing, popular, pretty girl who is engaged to Dex.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Rachel has known Dex since law school and has been in love with him for quite some time. And as luck would have it, Dex confesses his feelings for Rachel even though he is engaged to Darcy.
Normally one might frown on such an affair, but Rachel's character is one that most of us can relate to and I for one was sympathetic. Rachel does suffer some immense feelings of guilt, but also learns a lot about herself, her history, and her friendship with Darcy.
December 17, 2014
??????
I don't understand the rave reviews. How is this a good story? Was Rachael supposed to be the one I was rooting for in this scenario? 'Cause I didn't like her. She was BORING. Rachael was a whiner who played it safe, then blamed her friend for all of the things that she didn't have. Yes, Darcy was a self-centered friend. So what?! If you don't like the way she treats you...stop returning her calls!
And Dex? Ugh. He was a cheater. C-H-E-A-T-E-R! There is no other way to put it. I can understand how if they had always felt something for each other, that they could have fallen into one others' arms in the heat of the moment. That's forgivable. Carrying on an affair for months before Darcy and Dex's wedding? Really? Why didn't Dex just call off the wedding as soon as he knew it wasn't just a drunken one night stand? How could he continue to live with Darcy, and see her best friend on the side?! What an enormous asshole!
Ok. In fairness, it turned out that Darcy was also cheating on him with a guy that Rachael had had a few dates with, but that doesn't make what Dex and Rachael did right. I couldn't muster up any sympathy for either of them. I honestly thought Rachael would have been better off without him, but at the same time I kind of thought that they deserved each other.
Maybe I wasn't supposed to like them? Maybe the point of the story was that nobody is perfect? That life and love is messy? *shrugs* Ok. Awesome. Maybe I just don't get chick-lit?
I don't understand the rave reviews. How is this a good story? Was Rachael supposed to be the one I was rooting for in this scenario? 'Cause I didn't like her. She was BORING. Rachael was a whiner who played it safe, then blamed her friend for all of the things that she didn't have. Yes, Darcy was a self-centered friend. So what?! If you don't like the way she treats you...stop returning her calls!
And Dex? Ugh. He was a cheater. C-H-E-A-T-E-R! There is no other way to put it. I can understand how if they had always felt something for each other, that they could have fallen into one others' arms in the heat of the moment. That's forgivable. Carrying on an affair for months before Darcy and Dex's wedding? Really? Why didn't Dex just call off the wedding as soon as he knew it wasn't just a drunken one night stand? How could he continue to live with Darcy, and see her best friend on the side?! What an enormous asshole!
Ok. In fairness, it turned out that Darcy was also cheating on him with a guy that Rachael had had a few dates with, but that doesn't make what Dex and Rachael did right. I couldn't muster up any sympathy for either of them. I honestly thought Rachael would have been better off without him, but at the same time I kind of thought that they deserved each other.
Maybe I wasn't supposed to like them? Maybe the point of the story was that nobody is perfect? That life and love is messy? *shrugs* Ok. Awesome. Maybe I just don't get chick-lit?
September 25, 2021
Something Borrowed (Darcy & Rachel #1), Emily Giffin
The novel centers around the protagonist and narrator, Rachel White, a thirty-year-old single woman who is a consummate good-girl living and working in Manhattan.
She and Darcy Rhone have been best friends since childhood, and hard-working Rachel is often in the shadow of flashy, sometimes selfish Darcy.
Then, after a night of drinking on Rachel's thirtieth birthday, she sleeps with Darcy's fiance, Dex.
After this turns into an affair, Rachel explores the meaning of friendship, true love, and ethics.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز بیست و چهارم ماه سپتامبر سال 2020میلادی
عنوان: از ترس تنهایی؛ نویسنده: امیلی گیفین؛ مترجم علی شاهمرادی؛ تهران، نشر سنگ، 1399؛ در 352ص؛ شابک9786229633670؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 21م
داستان «از ترس تنهایی» نوشته ی «امیلی گیفین»، داستان همیشگی عشقها و تنهاییها و تردیدهای دختری سی ساله است، که ناخواسته در برابر رابطه ای عاشقانه و پیچیده قرار میگیرد؛ او که هماره دختری نیک بوده، در شب زادروز سی سالگی خویش، ناخودآگاه وارد ماجرایی میشود، که زندگیش را دگرگون میکند، ماجرایی که به او میفهماند مرز میان درست و نادرست، بسیار باریک است
نقل از متن: (صدایم را پیدا میکنم و خودم را جمع میکنم تا آن جمله را به او بگویم که «دوستت دارم.» کلماتی که خیلی خیلی وقت است به زبان نیاوردهام؛ کلماتی که قبل از این معنایی نداشت، هیچ کداممان نمیدانستیم قرار است این حرفها پیش بیاید، اما من میتوانم آن را در هوایی حس کنم، که دورمان را گرفته است، چیزی است که انگار وزن دارد و بیشتر از رطوبت غلیظ قابل لمس است، میتوانم آن را از طریقه ی نگاه کردنش به خودم حس کنم، از طریقی که اسمم را میگوید، کلماتش شبیه کشیده شدن سوزن بر صفحه ی گرامافون است.)؛ پایان
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 02/07/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
The novel centers around the protagonist and narrator, Rachel White, a thirty-year-old single woman who is a consummate good-girl living and working in Manhattan.
She and Darcy Rhone have been best friends since childhood, and hard-working Rachel is often in the shadow of flashy, sometimes selfish Darcy.
Then, after a night of drinking on Rachel's thirtieth birthday, she sleeps with Darcy's fiance, Dex.
After this turns into an affair, Rachel explores the meaning of friendship, true love, and ethics.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز بیست و چهارم ماه سپتامبر سال 2020میلادی
عنوان: از ترس تنهایی؛ نویسنده: امیلی گیفین؛ مترجم علی شاهمرادی؛ تهران، نشر سنگ، 1399؛ در 352ص؛ شابک9786229633670؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 21م
داستان «از ترس تنهایی» نوشته ی «امیلی گیفین»، داستان همیشگی عشقها و تنهاییها و تردیدهای دختری سی ساله است، که ناخواسته در برابر رابطه ای عاشقانه و پیچیده قرار میگیرد؛ او که هماره دختری نیک بوده، در شب زادروز سی سالگی خویش، ناخودآگاه وارد ماجرایی میشود، که زندگیش را دگرگون میکند، ماجرایی که به او میفهماند مرز میان درست و نادرست، بسیار باریک است
نقل از متن: (صدایم را پیدا میکنم و خودم را جمع میکنم تا آن جمله را به او بگویم که «دوستت دارم.» کلماتی که خیلی خیلی وقت است به زبان نیاوردهام؛ کلماتی که قبل از این معنایی نداشت، هیچ کداممان نمیدانستیم قرار است این حرفها پیش بیاید، اما من میتوانم آن را در هوایی حس کنم، که دورمان را گرفته است، چیزی است که انگار وزن دارد و بیشتر از رطوبت غلیظ قابل لمس است، میتوانم آن را از طریقه ی نگاه کردنش به خودم حس کنم، از طریقی که اسمم را میگوید، کلماتش شبیه کشیده شدن سوزن بر صفحه ی گرامافون است.)؛ پایان
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 02/07/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
February 21, 2008
So here's my take on Something Borrowed, and "Chic-lit" in general - it's satisfying in the way watching an episode of The Hills is satisfying. You know EXACTLY what's going to happen from the first lines of the first chapter (which i guess can be nice since it makes you feel smart and gives a general sense of superiority); the characters are predictable, with a "heroine" that's just likable enough to continue reading but who you generally dislike/never fully sympathize with; it's pretty much something to read when you don't want to have to think. At all. The definition of beach reading. I think this book is great to read on vacation, but other than that I thought it was crap. I mean seriously, is there REALLY a debate over whether or not Rachel did the right thing??? The author sets up the story in a way so that it's impossible to sympathize or side with Darcy, who is such an uber-bitch that it nullifies any debate whatsoever over whether or not Rachel and Dex were in the right. One of those, "she's getting what she deserves" situations. Instead of turning this potentially-highly dramatic situation into a truly interesting discussion over morals, values, and a debate over what's right and wrong, the decision is already made for us by bland, predictable, one-sided characters and situations. I guess when it comes down to it I'd rather watch garbage tv than read a garbage book.
January 10, 2023
Updated May 6, 2020. I don’t support racist authors.
So here's the thing. I used to read Emily Giffin books. For some odd reason I have this book and the sequel to this on my Kindle from way back when. After overstuffing myself with true crime books, I decided to switch to some chick lit. I honestly don't recall reading this book and I am kind of horrified that I ever bought it in the first place.
"Something Borrowed" I think takes way too much pangs to absolve the main character in this one (Rachel) from the guilt she rightfully should feel about having a one night stand with her best friend's (Darcy) fiancee. I think my main romance book reading rule is for the most part, no cheating. I hate reading it and I have a hard time cheering on characters who are doing it. So I ended up finishing this one and the next one in the story "Something Blue" and found that one to actually be much better than this one. Not by much though, I gave the sequel to this one three stars, while the first book just two.
The main character in "Something Borrowed" is Rachel. She's about to celebrate her 30th birthday and is doing well professionally. However, she ends up drinking a lot at the birthday party her best friend Darcy throws for her. She ends up sleeping with Darcy's fiancee Dex and most of the book is her being upset at times about what she did and her trying to justify it because Darcy is evil incarnate.
I think the big issue for me is that Rachel cheats with her best friend's fiancee. I don't think that Giffin did a great job of showing that this was a clearly black and white situation, and had to amp up how terrible Darcy is/was in order to justify it to readers. I also don't believe that Rachel would have stayed friends with Darcy from childhood to her 30s if she was this flawed.
I also don't believe that Rachel and Dex were fighting off some long held attraction for each other. I found him boring and also to be an ass if I may say so. He sleeps with his fiancee's best friend and pretty much runs around most of the book trying to get her to do it again.
Rachel and Darcy have a mutual friend, Ethan, who honestly I think was a better match for Rachel. I was hoping that was the way things would go, but nope. Ethan was better than the other characters in this book by far.
I honestly didn't really dig the writing in this one. This is not my first foray into Giffin’s books, but it's really boring reading about someone justifying cheating with a guy who is engaged to their best friend. Heck, even Carrie from Sex and the City realized she was garbage for cheating with Mr. Big and didn't dance around it.
The flow was awful in this one. Maybe because I was tired of Rachel's voice about at the 50 percent point.
And then the book ends on what is on what I think the author believes is a hopeful note. Ugh. I promptly went and read book #2 because that one was Darcy's story.
Also, I sadly recall this was made into a movie that I never did finish. I was trapped on a plane many many moons ago (years) and I recalled when this was offered as a selection. I tend to like Kate Hudson movies (or at least older ones) so put this on and turned it off about 20 minutes into the movie. This is not a romantic comedy. Lord.
So here's the thing. I used to read Emily Giffin books. For some odd reason I have this book and the sequel to this on my Kindle from way back when. After overstuffing myself with true crime books, I decided to switch to some chick lit. I honestly don't recall reading this book and I am kind of horrified that I ever bought it in the first place.
"Something Borrowed" I think takes way too much pangs to absolve the main character in this one (Rachel) from the guilt she rightfully should feel about having a one night stand with her best friend's (Darcy) fiancee. I think my main romance book reading rule is for the most part, no cheating. I hate reading it and I have a hard time cheering on characters who are doing it. So I ended up finishing this one and the next one in the story "Something Blue" and found that one to actually be much better than this one. Not by much though, I gave the sequel to this one three stars, while the first book just two.
The main character in "Something Borrowed" is Rachel. She's about to celebrate her 30th birthday and is doing well professionally. However, she ends up drinking a lot at the birthday party her best friend Darcy throws for her. She ends up sleeping with Darcy's fiancee Dex and most of the book is her being upset at times about what she did and her trying to justify it because Darcy is evil incarnate.
I think the big issue for me is that Rachel cheats with her best friend's fiancee. I don't think that Giffin did a great job of showing that this was a clearly black and white situation, and had to amp up how terrible Darcy is/was in order to justify it to readers. I also don't believe that Rachel would have stayed friends with Darcy from childhood to her 30s if she was this flawed.
I also don't believe that Rachel and Dex were fighting off some long held attraction for each other. I found him boring and also to be an ass if I may say so. He sleeps with his fiancee's best friend and pretty much runs around most of the book trying to get her to do it again.
Rachel and Darcy have a mutual friend, Ethan, who honestly I think was a better match for Rachel. I was hoping that was the way things would go, but nope. Ethan was better than the other characters in this book by far.
I honestly didn't really dig the writing in this one. This is not my first foray into Giffin’s books, but it's really boring reading about someone justifying cheating with a guy who is engaged to their best friend. Heck, even Carrie from Sex and the City realized she was garbage for cheating with Mr. Big and didn't dance around it.
The flow was awful in this one. Maybe because I was tired of Rachel's voice about at the 50 percent point.
And then the book ends on what is on what I think the author believes is a hopeful note. Ugh. I promptly went and read book #2 because that one was Darcy's story.
Also, I sadly recall this was made into a movie that I never did finish. I was trapped on a plane many many moons ago (years) and I recalled when this was offered as a selection. I tend to like Kate Hudson movies (or at least older ones) so put this on and turned it off about 20 minutes into the movie. This is not a romantic comedy. Lord.
December 24, 2007
I read this book in two sittings. I know it is a little controversial: some people adore Rachel for 'stealing' her best friend Darcy's fiance. And some others think it is just immoral.
Here goes my opinion. Rachel, who is a passive thirty years old woman, has lived in Darcy's shadow all her life. Darcy stole her first love Ethan (who now becomes Rach's best friend), her Notre Dame acceptance, her pride and even Rachel's own mother's sympathy. Darcy is not that evil, actually, she is self centered. Sometimes I really like Darcy for being so perfect. Sometimes I hate her for being so annoying.
The truth is, all characters are flawed and personally, not likeable. However, they are all original and real, that's why I give 4 stars for this book. it is hard for an author to create a character that is not so adorable but real and nice to read. My favorite is Hillary and Ethan (I can picture Stanley Tucci acting as Ethan if this were made into a movie).
Then there is this perfect (but not so perfect then) Dex Thaler. Dex is the handsome, patient, smart guy who is all perfect for Rachel. Only he never decides whether he wants Rachel or Darcy until the very end.
Rachel herself is not a character I sympathize with. She is passive, she does not know what she wants, and she cannot stand up for herself. It is actually quite annoying to know that everything that happens to her is not all Darcy's selfish fault. It is her fault too, for not defending herself.
However, I like the book! I like how the author creates twists and makes the story believable and in the end I'm happy for everyone :) bravo. Good Christmas read!
Here goes my opinion. Rachel, who is a passive thirty years old woman, has lived in Darcy's shadow all her life. Darcy stole her first love Ethan (who now becomes Rach's best friend), her Notre Dame acceptance, her pride and even Rachel's own mother's sympathy. Darcy is not that evil, actually, she is self centered. Sometimes I really like Darcy for being so perfect. Sometimes I hate her for being so annoying.
The truth is, all characters are flawed and personally, not likeable. However, they are all original and real, that's why I give 4 stars for this book. it is hard for an author to create a character that is not so adorable but real and nice to read. My favorite is Hillary and Ethan (I can picture Stanley Tucci acting as Ethan if this were made into a movie).
Then there is this perfect (but not so perfect then) Dex Thaler. Dex is the handsome, patient, smart guy who is all perfect for Rachel. Only he never decides whether he wants Rachel or Darcy until the very end.
Rachel herself is not a character I sympathize with. She is passive, she does not know what she wants, and she cannot stand up for herself. It is actually quite annoying to know that everything that happens to her is not all Darcy's selfish fault. It is her fault too, for not defending herself.
However, I like the book! I like how the author creates twists and makes the story believable and in the end I'm happy for everyone :) bravo. Good Christmas read!
February 24, 2011
This is not your classic love story. Dex and Darcy are engaged and Dex takes up with Darcy's best childhood friend Rachel who has always been a goody two shoes type. I found myself routing for this couple (which is a test to the writing) but a little over half way through it the book lost me. Where was Dex and especially Rachel's remorse or guilt? Yes, Darcy is self-absorbed but that was not enough for me to feel sympathy for Rachel. I found myself frustrated with Dex and Rachel and Rachel's neediness although near the end she finally found some backbone. The book picked up again near the end and there's even a little twist so I will be looking forward to, "Something Blue" which is Darcy's story. All in all a pretty good beach read type of book.
May 15, 2011
Despite all my protests and misgivings about a book on infidelity, I was surprised that had the urge to get back to the story and find out what happened. For that, I wanted to give the book 4 stars, but I just couldn't because, well, it's a book about infidelity, and not just about infidelity, but the view point that there's nothing wrong with it since the couple isn't married yet.
The book starts with A LOT of backstory. It's eventually important to Rachel and Darcy's relationship, but it sure makes the beginning drag. What I wanted from that opening scene was not memories of Rachel and Darcy as kids. I wanted to be pulled into the scene and believe the sequence of events that ended with a girl in bed with her best friend's fiancee. I needed more to get me there. The lawyer-presenting-to-the-jury bit afterwards was amusing, but it didn't get me into her head to justify how it happened. I needed more to sympathize with Rachel.
Maybe what I needed to sympathize with her more was a reason Dex was worth risking a friendship over. All I got from Rachel were some vague stereotypes that he was handsome and smart. Even in the scenes he was in, I didn't get any personality from him. He was like a fuzzy character in a dream that never quite materializes into a real person. I had to take Rachel's word for it every time she said she loved him because I didn't get anything out of their relationship. When Ethan asked Rachel if she was only interested in Dex so she could win something over Darcy, I thought that must be it. I'm still not convinced that isn't true. In the end I had a hollow feeling, and it wasn't just at the things lost. It was that I still didn't know Dex and didn't know if he was worth it to either girl. It made the ending mean a whole lot less to me.
The whole book I kept trying to get inside Dex's head to figure out why he was cheating, why he wouldn't make a decision, why he stayed with Darcy, why he kept leading Rachel on, why he did anything, but I couldn't pin down Dex's motivation. While it bothered me to have such a pivotal character so undefined, it kind of worked to keep up the suspense. I had no idea if he liked Darcy or Rachel, if he was using Rachel or Darcy, if he was conflicted about this whole thing or a player, or if he was going to pull some twist in the whole drama. Darcy was supposed to be the volatile unknown, but I almost think Dex was more of one.
In the end, I don't think the story is as much about the love triangle as it is about friendship. The complexity of childhood-turned-adult friendship was very well done and I even though I wanted to strangle Darcy, I could see why Rachel had remained friends with her. Interesting that the character who moved in to late to reach best friend status (who was also so passive) was named Annalise. I don't know what that's like at all (read: sarcasm). I had trouble with the route and justifications and conclusions that the romance took, but looking at the story as a journey of two friends, I liked it a whole lot more.
ETA: I liked the movie. Dex was still a cardboard, but I could see better what Rachel saw in him and how he was conflicted. John Kransinski stole the show.
The book starts with A LOT of backstory. It's eventually important to Rachel and Darcy's relationship, but it sure makes the beginning drag. What I wanted from that opening scene was not memories of Rachel and Darcy as kids. I wanted to be pulled into the scene and believe the sequence of events that ended with a girl in bed with her best friend's fiancee. I needed more to get me there. The lawyer-presenting-to-the-jury bit afterwards was amusing, but it didn't get me into her head to justify how it happened. I needed more to sympathize with Rachel.
Maybe what I needed to sympathize with her more was a reason Dex was worth risking a friendship over. All I got from Rachel were some vague stereotypes that he was handsome and smart. Even in the scenes he was in, I didn't get any personality from him. He was like a fuzzy character in a dream that never quite materializes into a real person. I had to take Rachel's word for it every time she said she loved him because I didn't get anything out of their relationship. When Ethan asked Rachel if she was only interested in Dex so she could win something over Darcy, I thought that must be it. I'm still not convinced that isn't true. In the end I had a hollow feeling, and it wasn't just at the things lost. It was that I still didn't know Dex and didn't know if he was worth it to either girl. It made the ending mean a whole lot less to me.
The whole book I kept trying to get inside Dex's head to figure out why he was cheating, why he wouldn't make a decision, why he stayed with Darcy, why he kept leading Rachel on, why he did anything, but I couldn't pin down Dex's motivation. While it bothered me to have such a pivotal character so undefined, it kind of worked to keep up the suspense. I had no idea if he liked Darcy or Rachel, if he was using Rachel or Darcy, if he was conflicted about this whole thing or a player, or if he was going to pull some twist in the whole drama. Darcy was supposed to be the volatile unknown, but I almost think Dex was more of one.
In the end, I don't think the story is as much about the love triangle as it is about friendship. The complexity of childhood-turned-adult friendship was very well done and I even though I wanted to strangle Darcy, I could see why Rachel had remained friends with her. Interesting that the character who moved in to late to reach best friend status (who was also so passive) was named Annalise. I don't know what that's like at all (read: sarcasm). I had trouble with the route and justifications and conclusions that the romance took, but looking at the story as a journey of two friends, I liked it a whole lot more.
ETA: I liked the movie. Dex was still a cardboard, but I could see better what Rachel saw in him and how he was conflicted. John Kransinski stole the show.
April 3, 2023
i feel like im the only person in the world who watched this movie
September 6, 2007
You WANT to hate the main character - I mean, she's not only hooking up with an engaged man, but it's her best friend's fiance - but, Griffin did an amazing job of making Rachel someone you rooted for. So, congrats on that!
This was a great beach read. Quick and quirky.
This was a great beach read. Quick and quirky.
November 10, 2023
2014 Ah ha! I watched this on TV last night with my girls for something to do whilst on holiday. I guess it makes sense now that it was based on a book..
2023 and I have now read the book. It was written well enough, but the concept, the dithering, the submissiveness, the lying, the disloyalty, the meekness of the female protagonist, I just could not get past it all. The to-ing and fro-ing, it was incessantly immature and schoolyard.
Best friends for life since school, Rachel has allowed herself to be treated terribly for twenty years without a care in the world by the awful Darcy, until other friends impart this information. About time! She has fallen in love with Darcy's fiancé, who just happened to be a good friend of her own in college.
Thus begins the meandering, the push pull and all the lies. The picture perfect Darcy always looking to Rachel for fulfillment, guidance, support and validation. It is predictable and run of the mill.
The audio was fine, which I listened to via the BorrowBox platform and my public library at 1.75 speed to finish it off quickly.
More readers may access this as I have seen the movie on Netflix. Not sure what people make of it, it is not progressive at all.
2023 and I have now read the book. It was written well enough, but the concept, the dithering, the submissiveness, the lying, the disloyalty, the meekness of the female protagonist, I just could not get past it all. The to-ing and fro-ing, it was incessantly immature and schoolyard.
Best friends for life since school, Rachel has allowed herself to be treated terribly for twenty years without a care in the world by the awful Darcy, until other friends impart this information. About time! She has fallen in love with Darcy's fiancé, who just happened to be a good friend of her own in college.
Thus begins the meandering, the push pull and all the lies. The picture perfect Darcy always looking to Rachel for fulfillment, guidance, support and validation. It is predictable and run of the mill.
The audio was fine, which I listened to via the BorrowBox platform and my public library at 1.75 speed to finish it off quickly.
More readers may access this as I have seen the movie on Netflix. Not sure what people make of it, it is not progressive at all.
March 11, 2014
LOVE this book. Read it twice because I loved it so much. I am against cheating (who isn't), especially with your best friend's man butttttt this made me cheer for the main character who was having an affair with her best friend's man. How could you not love Rachel? I was able to relate to her when I thought I was going to hate her. This made me tear up and laugh and wish I was friends with Rachel (even with her flaw). I recommend reading this on a rainy night (with a glass of wine or the whole bottle). You won't be able to stop reading it and then won't be able to stop talking about it (like me). Then I will be able to welcome you to the Emily Giffin fan club (this book made me want to read her others).
June 13, 2007
This is my absolute favourite in chick lit. The characters are very well written and real. And you can't help but to feel for the main girl. She may be sleeping with her best friend's fiancé. But that doesn't mean that she's completely cruel and doesn't deserve the other girl's friendship. Or your own. The way the author retells the girl's background. How they interacted as they grew up. And how one always used the other as a measuring stick for everything she did back then and still does. You come to realize that this friendship is not as good as it could be. They are both not true to themselves and that makes them lie to each other. And it gives the main girl a green light to follow her heart and go for the guy she should have gone for. Had she not found herself not worthy of him back in college when they met and he already liked her. But she figured her friend was more appropriate for him and matched them together.
I could relate to the girl and how she felt. She was now 30 and her friend was still 29. Lots of girls know how it is to feel like the underdog. Most of us have had bad girlfriends from hell. People change, friends change. We wish for everything to stay the same. But sometimes you can't fix things 20 years later when the real trouble started 20 years ago.
I really recommend this book to anyone who likes chick lit with real heart. Because this book has it.
I could relate to the girl and how she felt. She was now 30 and her friend was still 29. Lots of girls know how it is to feel like the underdog. Most of us have had bad girlfriends from hell. People change, friends change. We wish for everything to stay the same. But sometimes you can't fix things 20 years later when the real trouble started 20 years ago.
I really recommend this book to anyone who likes chick lit with real heart. Because this book has it.
January 30, 2019
Rachel has been living all her life under her best friend’s shadow. Darcy was more beautiful, got into the university that Rachel wanted and even managed to have the boys that Rachel liked. Which included Dex, the men that Rachel liked in law school who is now Darcy’s fiancé. Until Rachel and Dex end up in bed together on Rachel’s thirtieth birthday…
Rachel tem vivido na sombra da sua melhor amiga. Darcy era mais bonita, entrou na universidade que Rachel queria e ainda conseguiu ficar com todos os rapazes que Rachel gostava. O que incluía Dex, o homem que Rachel gostava na escola de direito e que é agora o noivo de Darcy. Até que Dex e Rachel acabam juntos na cama no trigésimo aniversário da Rachel…
Full review available at Under the Pages.
Rachel tem vivido na sombra da sua melhor amiga. Darcy era mais bonita, entrou na universidade que Rachel queria e ainda conseguiu ficar com todos os rapazes que Rachel gostava. O que incluía Dex, o homem que Rachel gostava na escola de direito e que é agora o noivo de Darcy. Até que Dex e Rachel acabam juntos na cama no trigésimo aniversário da Rachel…
Full review available at Under the Pages.
March 10, 2016
I picked up this book thinking it would be a fun way to unwind from midterms, all snuggled up under my covers reading something that doesn't require that much thinking and is cute.
Well I was wrong.
The story is about two friends who have known each other their whole lives. The protagonist,Rachel,is a colorless, empty of any trace of personality sorry excuse of a woman and the best friend,Darcy, is a high-school movie bitch, meaning she's gorgeous, rich and selfish.
The base of the story is that Rachel sleeps with Darcy's fiance and then tries to find an excuse for herself saying that Darcy was always kind of a bitch to her, getting the same backpack with her in elementary school and looking better in a black bikini, and anyway she saw the guy first!
It seems to me that the writer wanted us to hate darcy a little too desperately.
Conclusion :
What a complete waste of time. this book is horrible. stay away!
Well I was wrong.
The story is about two friends who have known each other their whole lives. The protagonist,Rachel,is a colorless, empty of any trace of personality sorry excuse of a woman and the best friend,Darcy, is a high-school movie bitch, meaning she's gorgeous, rich and selfish.
The base of the story is that Rachel sleeps with Darcy's fiance and then tries to find an excuse for herself saying that Darcy was always kind of a bitch to her, getting the same backpack with her in elementary school and looking better in a black bikini, and anyway she saw the guy first!
It seems to me that the writer wanted us to hate darcy a little too desperately.
Conclusion :
What a complete waste of time. this book is horrible. stay away!
April 25, 2020
I originally read this book when it came out in 2004-2005 and loved it. It was one of my first experiences with romance and chick lit, since I mostly read YA, classics and non-fiction. I was definitely a fan. I loved Rachel and Dex and their story.
Loved that it was made into a movie although I wasn’t a fan of the movie or the cast, the book was definitely better. Anyway, I recently re-watched the movie, it was on cable one night, and got the urge to re-read the book almost 16 years later. And can you believe that I just didn’t love it as much? My tastes in romance and chick-lit have definitely evolved and I’ve read so much better. I also found Rachel to be extra whiny and Dex to be extra dull, lol. I’m sad I didn’t love it as much as the first time, but I’m glad I re-read it.
Loved that it was made into a movie although I wasn’t a fan of the movie or the cast, the book was definitely better. Anyway, I recently re-watched the movie, it was on cable one night, and got the urge to re-read the book almost 16 years later. And can you believe that I just didn’t love it as much? My tastes in romance and chick-lit have definitely evolved and I’ve read so much better. I also found Rachel to be extra whiny and Dex to be extra dull, lol. I’m sad I didn’t love it as much as the first time, but I’m glad I re-read it.
February 20, 2022
this book really made me question my own friendships. It also made me re-examine how I view cheating and all the complexities it may or may not entail.
This is the second novel I've read by Giffin and her writing does not disappoint.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read about romance with a relationship that is more complicated than in your typical romance novel. Bogged down by friendships, insecurities, perception and self-worth, Giffin paints an exceptional story.
This is the second novel I've read by Giffin and her writing does not disappoint.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read about romance with a relationship that is more complicated than in your typical romance novel. Bogged down by friendships, insecurities, perception and self-worth, Giffin paints an exceptional story.
March 28, 2010
I spent the better part of the day reading this book, all 300 some odd pages, and was utterly disappointed by it. Granted, I don't harbor any ill will towards chick-lit books, but what started off as a mildly interesting story dwindled into a spiraling trainwreck of deception and haphazard emotions between flat and stereotypical characters.
I'll briefly summarize the main point of the story: Rachel, a seemingly good-natured lawyer in her 30s ends up sleeping with the fiancé of her best friend after a drunken night. Cloaked with guilt, she realizes that she has a growing attraction to Dex, the fiancé, whom she initially introduced to Darcy, her best friend. Darcy is villainized as the best friend who has not only stolen previous boyfriends and opportunities for Rachel, but continues to intrude upon Rachel's life in the months preparing for the wedding. I'm sorry, but I don't buy completely villainizing someone who's supposed to be a best friend at the perspective of a woman (Rachel) who seems just as needy and flawed as the character she complains about. I also never had a true sense of attraction noted between Darcy and Dex or Dex and Rachel other than some of the intimate moments between the latter two (which, admittedly, were well written in spurts).
By the end, there really any sense of satisfaction or justice for any of the characters except for a predictable ending, and even in that, one could argue that if that weren't the point, there's not a sense that the scheme of events had any realism to them - it played out like a forced soap opera. I disliked Darcy about as much as I disliked Dex and Rachel, the latter the protagonist and the perspective in which this story is written. It's confounding when you have most of the main characters involved in cheating relationships with ill treatment of how heavy of an issue it is, and then trying to justify the cheating relationship because it's true love? No, that's quite farfetched even if you extract the scheme of events transpiring in this story. This book trivialized the issue to the point of oblivion and tried to pass it off in a feel good way.
The one merit I will give this story is that Giffin did start this book with some well written backstory and reflection upon the characters, but at the same time, that quality doesn't hold water through the rest of the book, and the conflict drags on for more than it really had to.
I don't normally harp on literature as much as I do with this, but I have to say it really wasn't that good in its overall quality, and I don't think I'd choose to read it again. There were parts of it that I liked, but not enough to make me say that I'd hold much value for it in recommendations.
I may read the sequel just to see what it offers, but my impressions of this story individually aren't in the highest light.
Overall score: 1.5/5
I'll briefly summarize the main point of the story: Rachel, a seemingly good-natured lawyer in her 30s ends up sleeping with the fiancé of her best friend after a drunken night. Cloaked with guilt, she realizes that she has a growing attraction to Dex, the fiancé, whom she initially introduced to Darcy, her best friend. Darcy is villainized as the best friend who has not only stolen previous boyfriends and opportunities for Rachel, but continues to intrude upon Rachel's life in the months preparing for the wedding. I'm sorry, but I don't buy completely villainizing someone who's supposed to be a best friend at the perspective of a woman (Rachel) who seems just as needy and flawed as the character she complains about. I also never had a true sense of attraction noted between Darcy and Dex or Dex and Rachel other than some of the intimate moments between the latter two (which, admittedly, were well written in spurts).
By the end, there really any sense of satisfaction or justice for any of the characters except for a predictable ending, and even in that, one could argue that if that weren't the point, there's not a sense that the scheme of events had any realism to them - it played out like a forced soap opera. I disliked Darcy about as much as I disliked Dex and Rachel, the latter the protagonist and the perspective in which this story is written. It's confounding when you have most of the main characters involved in cheating relationships with ill treatment of how heavy of an issue it is, and then trying to justify the cheating relationship because it's true love? No, that's quite farfetched even if you extract the scheme of events transpiring in this story. This book trivialized the issue to the point of oblivion and tried to pass it off in a feel good way.
The one merit I will give this story is that Giffin did start this book with some well written backstory and reflection upon the characters, but at the same time, that quality doesn't hold water through the rest of the book, and the conflict drags on for more than it really had to.
I don't normally harp on literature as much as I do with this, but I have to say it really wasn't that good in its overall quality, and I don't think I'd choose to read it again. There were parts of it that I liked, but not enough to make me say that I'd hold much value for it in recommendations.
I may read the sequel just to see what it offers, but my impressions of this story individually aren't in the highest light.
Overall score: 1.5/5
January 10, 2023
Nope. Absolutely not.
The entire book romanticizes an affair. I knew that from the beginning, but I didn't know how much I would hate it until I actually read it... I don't care how much of a self-centred bitch Darcy is, Rachel had absolutely no place sleeping with her best friends fiance. I don't care that they met first or there was love involved, you DON'T CHEAT. I am still so surprised (and disappointed) by that ending.
Dex made me want to throw this book across the room. He might be hot and intelligent, but he is a cheater and a liar. I got absolutely no romantic appeal from him. Tell me why this man could not make up his mind. If you love Rachel, then leave your finance. It's not rocket science. He did not deserve either woman after all of that.
Aside from the whole 'I'm sleeping with my best friend's fiance', I actually liked Rachel. She reminded me so much of myself, that it was actually kind of fun to read about. On the other hand, it's no surprise that I couldn't stand Darcy. It was always about her and she was a terrible fiance and friend. But, in the grand scheme of things... they all are bad friends. The only characters I actually liked were Hillary and Ethan. They were the only ones with some common sense.
It's safe to say this will be my first and last chick lit. This type of book isn't in my genre of reading, but my mom said I might like it. I did not, sorry mom... The writing was a snooze and I was so bored unless there was drama happening. Also where the fuck was the spice??!!! I picked this up in the fiction section at Indigo instead of the romance section and that should've been a key indicator... Now I'm not saying I need sex scenes or smut in every book, but all we got in this one was a couple "and then we made love. *next chapter*". WHAT THE HELL IS THAT? We get more spice and tension in young adult books...
1.5 stars
The entire book romanticizes an affair. I knew that from the beginning, but I didn't know how much I would hate it until I actually read it... I don't care how much of a self-centred bitch Darcy is, Rachel had absolutely no place sleeping with her best friends fiance. I don't care that they met first or there was love involved, you DON'T CHEAT. I am still so surprised (and disappointed) by that ending.
Dex made me want to throw this book across the room. He might be hot and intelligent, but he is a cheater and a liar. I got absolutely no romantic appeal from him. Tell me why this man could not make up his mind. If you love Rachel, then leave your finance. It's not rocket science. He did not deserve either woman after all of that.
Aside from the whole 'I'm sleeping with my best friend's fiance', I actually liked Rachel. She reminded me so much of myself, that it was actually kind of fun to read about. On the other hand, it's no surprise that I couldn't stand Darcy. It was always about her and she was a terrible fiance and friend. But, in the grand scheme of things... they all are bad friends. The only characters I actually liked were Hillary and Ethan. They were the only ones with some common sense.
It's safe to say this will be my first and last chick lit. This type of book isn't in my genre of reading, but my mom said I might like it. I did not, sorry mom... The writing was a snooze and I was so bored unless there was drama happening. Also where the fuck was the spice??!!! I picked this up in the fiction section at Indigo instead of the romance section and that should've been a key indicator... Now I'm not saying I need sex scenes or smut in every book, but all we got in this one was a couple "and then we made love. *next chapter*". WHAT THE HELL IS THAT? We get more spice and tension in young adult books...
1.5 stars
Shelved as 'will-never-read'
August 23, 2012This book is the reason I haven't won a giveaway on here for over three years. *shakes fist* I never read it so I've never won another giveaway and now I probably will never win one again in the future.
I won this from Goodreads in one of the first giveaways I entered, back in 2009, I believe. I think they gave away over 1000 copies of this book, or something around that? Since then I've realized that unless you read the books they send you you're probably not going to win another giveaway. Oh well, I have thousands of books to read.
I wish I hadn't entered to win this book though, because even though it's pink, I really don't like chick-lit. It has pretty good reviews and I have friends who liked it so there was always a chance that even though it wasn't my favorite genre I might have found something about it to like. I was probably going to read this someday, mostly just because GR gave it to me to read, but not anymore.
So I've got this free book that I'll NEVER read, even though I was going to give it a fair shot. I don't expect this to count as "reviewing" this book just so I could maybe start winning giveaways, but that doesn't mean I still didn't have something to say.
I won this from Goodreads in one of the first giveaways I entered, back in 2009, I believe. I think they gave away over 1000 copies of this book, or something around that? Since then I've realized that unless you read the books they send you you're probably not going to win another giveaway. Oh well, I have thousands of books to read.
I wish I hadn't entered to win this book though, because even though it's pink, I really don't like chick-lit. It has pretty good reviews and I have friends who liked it so there was always a chance that even though it wasn't my favorite genre I might have found something about it to like. I was probably going to read this someday, mostly just because GR gave it to me to read, but not anymore.
So I've got this free book that I'll NEVER read, even though I was going to give it a fair shot. I don't expect this to count as "reviewing" this book just so I could maybe start winning giveaways, but that doesn't mean I still didn't have something to say.
December 18, 2014
★½
Something Borrowed is the first installment in Emily Giffin's chick-lit series titled: Darcy & Rachel. I have just discovered Ms. Giffin, and while I loved the first book I read that was written by her, I have to admit, I didn't love this one so much. The writing style remains fun and light, but I hated the characters. I guess I just hated that the main characters' romance was based on such deceit and yet it ended in a HEA. That is a pet peeve of mine in novels and it always leaves a sour taste in my mouth, not to mention a WTF? look on my face. If this had been the first Emily Giffin book I read, I may very well have not read any others. However, that wasn't the case so this experience doesn't change my interest in Ms. Giffin. However, I would not re-read this particular book, nor would I recommend it to others. I don't plan to continue the series.
Something Borrowed is the first installment in Emily Giffin's chick-lit series titled: Darcy & Rachel. I have just discovered Ms. Giffin, and while I loved the first book I read that was written by her, I have to admit, I didn't love this one so much. The writing style remains fun and light, but I hated the characters. I guess I just hated that the main characters' romance was based on such deceit and yet it ended in a HEA. That is a pet peeve of mine in novels and it always leaves a sour taste in my mouth, not to mention a WTF? look on my face. If this had been the first Emily Giffin book I read, I may very well have not read any others. However, that wasn't the case so this experience doesn't change my interest in Ms. Giffin. However, I would not re-read this particular book, nor would I recommend it to others. I don't plan to continue the series.
January 16, 2019
This was so bad. Which is disappointing, because I could see myself liking the writing style. It was the content and the characters that were so bad and so problematic.
1. Rachel is just an annoying character. Cheating has always been something I hated reading, but what's even worse is the attempt to justify it afterwards and lie about it. I never saw Rachel's situation as "a moral dilemma," as it was referred to in the reading guide—it was pretty obviously wrong and the fact that Rachel continued to cheat and lie just made it worse.
2. Darcy is also just a terrible character. She fat shames, gossips about other people, lies to win, and honestly is just a horrible person and friend in general. I have no idea how anyone could bear her as the main character in the next book. I also just hate that "Darcy being a bad person" is used as justification for Rachel's cheating.
3. Dex is also a horrible person. Like Darcy, he is insanely jealous, especially when he zero right to, and once again—the cheating and the fact that he didn't feel guilty at all just irritated me.
4. Other than the fat-shaming, this book just normalizes toxic relationships. It mentioned that the relationship between Darcy and Dex began with chaos and high emotion, and that "one day [Dex] came in looking sheepish, with a cut on his forehead, right above this left eye. Darcy had hurled a wire hanger at him in a jealous rage." The book goes on to say that the relationship stabilized. But I can't believe there was zero mention of how toxic and dangerous this is, to just act as though abuse was just a normal phase of any relationship.
1. Rachel is just an annoying character. Cheating has always been something I hated reading, but what's even worse is the attempt to justify it afterwards and lie about it. I never saw Rachel's situation as "a moral dilemma," as it was referred to in the reading guide—it was pretty obviously wrong and the fact that Rachel continued to cheat and lie just made it worse.
2. Darcy is also just a terrible character. She fat shames, gossips about other people, lies to win, and honestly is just a horrible person and friend in general. I have no idea how anyone could bear her as the main character in the next book. I also just hate that "Darcy being a bad person" is used as justification for Rachel's cheating.
3. Dex is also a horrible person. Like Darcy, he is insanely jealous, especially when he zero right to, and once again—the cheating and the fact that he didn't feel guilty at all just irritated me.
4. Other than the fat-shaming, this book just normalizes toxic relationships. It mentioned that the relationship between Darcy and Dex began with chaos and high emotion, and that "one day [Dex] came in looking sheepish, with a cut on his forehead, right above this left eye. Darcy had hurled a wire hanger at him in a jealous rage." The book goes on to say that the relationship stabilized. But I can't believe there was zero mention of how toxic and dangerous this is, to just act as though abuse was just a normal phase of any relationship.
November 13, 2015
This was the first book by Emily Giffin that I read (also her first one), and she immediately became one of my favorite authors.
Her books can be defined as chick-lit, but they all have a slightly more serious tone. They maintain an easy style, but they also pose serious questions along the line.
The thing I like the most about Giffin is the tension and suspense she’s able to pour into her books (most of them).
Something Borrowed is the story of two best friends Darcy and Rachel. As all best friends they love each other, they’re jealous of each other, they try to support one another, but they have an innate rivalry between them. And when you put guys into the mix, well the plot just becomes explosive.
This book is about love, friendship, betrayal, secrets, lies, and life-changing decisions.
Have you ever fought with your best friend over a guy? This book portrays the feelings so well that I wonder if Emily ever experienced it herself.
I’ve read many reviews arguing the book is not good because you have cheating and friends betraying each other… Reading a book about complicated emotions and situations doesn’t mean you approve of them, otherwise we would never be able to read or watch anything. But if cheating really isn’t your cup of tea, then definitely steer clear of this book.
Her books can be defined as chick-lit, but they all have a slightly more serious tone. They maintain an easy style, but they also pose serious questions along the line.
The thing I like the most about Giffin is the tension and suspense she’s able to pour into her books (most of them).
Something Borrowed is the story of two best friends Darcy and Rachel. As all best friends they love each other, they’re jealous of each other, they try to support one another, but they have an innate rivalry between them. And when you put guys into the mix, well the plot just becomes explosive.
This book is about love, friendship, betrayal, secrets, lies, and life-changing decisions.
Have you ever fought with your best friend over a guy? This book portrays the feelings so well that I wonder if Emily ever experienced it herself.
I’ve read many reviews arguing the book is not good because you have cheating and friends betraying each other… Reading a book about complicated emotions and situations doesn’t mean you approve of them, otherwise we would never be able to read or watch anything. But if cheating really isn’t your cup of tea, then definitely steer clear of this book.
March 28, 2019
I was in the mood to read fluff, but is it too much to ask to read fluff that isn't filled with absurd stereotypes that make you cringe? The Mexican maid who steals the ring and lies about it? The valedictorian named Cho who is super smart but has no personality? The homophobia? The (I kid you not) bulbous nosed law firm lawyer who is greedy and awful? And many more? It's also the stupidest plot in the world. The dude is an asshole and so is the girl. I was rooting for both of them to not be assholes, but alas, they stayed assholes.
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