When It Happens to You

I didn't pick up When It Happens to You because it was written by someone famous. Molly Ringwald was on NPR talking about its publication and I was intrigued by her description of the novel. My expectations were low after reading Steve Martin's novel as I half-wondered if a famous name sells books regardless of the merit of the writing. I decided to give it a chance, but not much of one. And yet, Ringwald pulled me in. The book is very well written, the characters compelling, the concept of the novel interesting. I gobbled the book up, delighted by the book's format. When It Happens To You is a series of short stories that together comprise a novel, which I typically enjoy. This novel was no exception. I loved how the complex relationship of Greta and Phillip was explored by pulling it away from where we first learn about it, allowing the reader to see it from different angles. One of my favorites though was about a mother whose young son insists he is a girl and the mother's struggle to determine what is best to do in this situation. The book was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, one that I would read again.