Coffee and Condolences

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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There's a bit from the movie Grosse Pointe Blank that has inexplicably gotten stuck in my brain, to rear its head from time to time.

Debi: You know what you need?
Marty: What?
Debi: Shakabuku.
Marty: You wanna tell me what that means?
Debi: It's a swift, spiritual kick to the head that alters your reality forever.
Marty: Oh, that'd be good. I think.

COFFEE AND CONDOLENCES

, his therapist points out that there are two women alive that he needs to repair his relationship with—his mother and sister. For pretty understandable reasons, Miles is willing to work on only one of those—so he flies to New York to track down his sister at NYU, where she's working on her Master's.

* Yeah, I did just make a second John Cusak reference, not sure where that came from.

The damage he did to their relationship was pretty bad, and Lily's not over it. But, she loves her brother and is willing to forgive. They spend some time connecting, but they largely ignore the problem. I enjoyed and appreciated watching the two of them spar and support each other.

While waiting for Lilly, Miles stops off at a coffee shop near campus and falls in deep smit at first sight with a barista, Melody. She seems to be interested in him, too (giving him her phone number unsolicited was the first clue). She knows that Miles is working through some stuff, and gives him space to do so and tell her about it in his own time—she's got her own particular kind of baggage, too. She'll share that when she's ready.

Readers will know her secret almost immediately, but that's okay, the focus isn't supposed to be on the mystery—it's about Miles working through things and when he learns it, that's the important part. As nice as the romance is, as fun (and important) as the brother/sister bond is, the book's focus is Miles and his continuing grieving and healing. In a move reminiscent of Nick Hornby's Rob coming clean to the reader about the horrible thing he did to his girlfriend

* Not a Cusak reference, I meant the book. But it's close.

COFFEE AND CONDOLENCES

Not Famous

Coffee and Condolences

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion—I appreciate that, and apologize that it's taken me so long to get this posted, but it had no impact on what I said or how I rated the book.

rating- 4/5
okay wow. you think you know what you're getting into once you read the blurb but respectfully you absolutely don't. Coffee and Condolences surprises you, in the best way possible. it's so specific, detailed and yet conveys such an universal message. The themes of grief & loss, family, difficult relationships and mental health really spoke to me. I loved how raw and blunt the writing was and how factually and systematically the author conveys exactly what he wants to. I also really liked the format of the book being divided into the therapy sessions of the past while simultaneously taking us on this journey of growth and progress. This helps the reader gauge how far the protagonist, Miles has come and connect with them as well.

Overall, unexpectedly wholesome and stands out from the monotony of current fiction because the author explores the vulnerable male pov (something we rarely see). Reminded me of the likes of authors like Alice oseman and Salley Rooney and I'm super glad i decided to read it.