Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins is a heartfelt story about family and new beginnings.
My Overview
When Emma London was a young girl, she was surprised when her mother died unexpectedly. Her next surprise came when her father dropped her off at his mother’s mansion, and walked away from her life. Emma lived with her grandmother, Genevieve, until her senior year in high school. It was then that Emma became pregnant and was kicked out of the home by Genevieve.
Now in her thirties, Emma and her teenage daughter Riley live with her grandfather. She’s made a cozy life for her and Riley, and has no plans to move. On a random summer day, an unexpected phone call changed that. After nearly twenty years of not having contact with Emma, Genevieve called her with some news and asked for help. As a result, Emma and Riley move in with Genevieve for the summer. What follows is a touching story about family, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
The story is told in alternating perspectives, which I thought was effective in conveying each of the characters’ flaws and situations. By the end of the story, I truly felt like I got to know the characters. I didn’t always agree with their choices (especially Genevieve’s), but appreciated being able to see everyone’s point of view in the story.
My Recommendation
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, and Life and Other Inconveniences no exception. The character development, humor, and family-focused storyline are what I enjoyed most. I highly recommend this book. I’m glad I opted for the audiobook, and recommend it too. It has multiple narrators, including Xe Sands, who does a fantastic job as the voice of Emma.
Have you read this book yet?
Sam@WLABB
I just finished this one the other day. I liked it a lot. I connected so much with Emma as a fellow single mom, and I thought she was simply incredible. I was happy when she and Miller connected, and also glad that she was able to mend her relationship with Gigi
Lucy
Glad you related so much with Emma. Those personal connections make stories so special 💖.
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
I haven’t read any books by Kristan Higgins before, but I have seen people loving them. Glad to hear you loved this one too!
Lucy
Thank you 😊. Her stories are generally based on flawed characters/families who experience growth throughout the story.
Rachel
I read this one a while back and loved it too. Higgins writes very relatable, imperfect characters. I’ll be picking up A Little Ray of Sunshine by her soon.
Lucy
I agree. Her stories are relatable because of those characters she creates each time. Glad you’re planning to read her latest book too!
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
My sister has been recommending Higgins to me for so long and I have resisted. Mostly because of the covers. lol I know, I know, I shouldn’t judge books by their covers, but her covers (usually with dogs on them) just scream “this is not a book for you.” Maybe one of these days I will cave and try one. I’m glad this one was such a hit for you!!
Lucy
Thank you! One of my favorites by this author is If You Only Knew. I hope you’ll give it a try 😊.