April & Oliver by Tess Callahan

Friendship. What comes to your mind when you hear this word? Maybe it's an idea or perhaps someone who exists in your life. Or, maybe, you draw a blank--I won't judge. Regardless, we all have our own thoughts of what it means. According to dictionary.com (the trusted website I always refer to when unsure of the definition of many a words in the English language), friendship has several meanings (no surprise there). One, "the state of being a friend; association as friends." Two, "a friendly relation or intamcy." And three, "friendly feeling or disposition." As I'm sure you're aware of, all of these meanings have an obvious correlation. While we may not have experienced the pure translation of these meanings we've atleast thought about it.

What is so spectacular about Tess Callahan's first novel, is how--in my opinion--she dissects and illustrates the true meaning of friendship. When it comes to April and Oliver, they are two people who grew up and grew a part. When an unforeseen and life altering event occurs, the force which kept them distances a part, melds them back together. Even when there are things of the past which have not been dealt with, newly understood, and so heartwrenchingly devastating that it threatens that friendship which, at one time in history, was indestructible, there's always that one thing that keeps them. That one thing which holds them together: friendship.

In my eyes, it takes those moments and all their hideous glory to get us to the friendships which have that level of intimacy we all crave. It isn't easy, and yes, April and Oliver work their way through tragedy, but is it possible to move through it all and come out okay? That's the beauty of this book. You don't know. There are times when you are sure of one thing, but then something happens and you're completely thrown off.

But you should know upfront, which I hope you should recognize by now, that this book is not typical. There isn't a predictable plot or obvious moments. There is a ride you go on, as the reader, that never stops or allows you to fully catch your breath until those last words are read.

Happy Reading,
Lauren