some of those neglected, unread books sitting on our bookshelves.
Jessica Verdi
Published: August 4, 2015
Average Goodreads rating: 3.80
Synopsis: It's all Ryden's fault. If he hadn't gotten Meg pregnant, she would have never stopped her chemo treatments and would still be alive. Instead he's failing fatherhood one dirty diaper at a time. And it's not like he's had time to grieve while struggling to care for their infant daughter, start his senior year, and earn the soccer scholarship he needs to go to college.
The one person who makes Ryden feel like his old self is Joni. She's fun and energetic-and doesn't know he has a baby. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep his two worlds separate. Finding one of Meg's journals only stirs up old emotions. Ryden's convinced Meg left other notebooks for him to find, some message to help his new life make sense. But how is he going to have a future if he can't let go of the past?
The one person who makes Ryden feel like his old self is Joni. She's fun and energetic-and doesn't know he has a baby. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep his two worlds separate. Finding one of Meg's journals only stirs up old emotions. Ryden's convinced Meg left other notebooks for him to find, some message to help his new life make sense. But how is he going to have a future if he can't let go of the past?
Why I Added This Book to My Shelves
According to Goodreads, I added What You Left Behind to my TBR shelf in April 2015. And I was so excited for it that I pre-ordered a physical copy. And then... I never read it. Tell me I'm not the only one that does this! This poor book has been sitting on my bookshelf for five years. Ever so often I give it a passing glance, it whimpers pitifully, and I guiltily avert my eyes and move on.
But yesterday, my lovely friend Sam featured it on her blog. And instantly I thought, "Oh yeah, that book! I remember that one. The one I excitedly purchased and then heartlessly ignored. I should read that book." So Sam and I decided to read it and maybe do a dual review kind of thing. So just as soon as I can finish That Forever Girl (hopefully during my lunch break today) I will be dusting off What You Left Behind and diving in - truly a book from the backlog. Now, Sam will likely finish it in a day and it will take me almost a week (LOL) but that's beside the point. :)
But yesterday, my lovely friend Sam featured it on her blog. And instantly I thought, "Oh yeah, that book! I remember that one. The one I excitedly purchased and then heartlessly ignored. I should read that book." So Sam and I decided to read it and maybe do a dual review kind of thing. So just as soon as I can finish That Forever Girl (hopefully during my lunch break today) I will be dusting off What You Left Behind and diving in - truly a book from the backlog. Now, Sam will likely finish it in a day and it will take me almost a week (LOL) but that's beside the point. :)
Have you read this book?
Do you enjoy emotional stories or do you avoid them?
Do you enjoy emotional stories or do you avoid them?
Game on! I am so excited about this. I will be there for virtual hugs as we read and cry too
ReplyDeleteLOL Sounds like a plan. Long distance comfort may be needed. :)
DeleteYou definitely aren't alone in preordering and then neglecting lol. I'm so glad you and Sam have rediscovered this one. I'm looking forward to reviews from both of you!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know it's not just me. :)
DeleteThis one is on my TBR, as well. I remember thinking the blurb was fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI hope you gals love it!
Thanks! I'm looking forward to it. :)
DeleteI think immediately buying and then neglecting a book is practically a requirement for being a book blogger lol
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What' It's Worth
Then I'm checking all the boxes. LOL
DeleteI read this back in 2015. I really don't remember it much. My review said that the story held my attention, but that I wasn't feeling the romance. I hope you and Sam really enjoy it, though!! Buddy reads are always fun for me just because I have someone to talk with about the book as I'm reading.
ReplyDeleteI always shy away from buddy reads because everyone seems to be speed readers and it takes me a while... but reading this one with Sam is going to be great. :)
DeleteLOL! I get that. I usually set up schedules with whoever I'm reading with so we can stay at the same pace.
DeleteI haven't read this one, but I do enjoy emotional stories!
ReplyDeleteI definitely foresee this one being emotional!
DeleteOOO! I'm excited for this buddy read/review! I have this one too, and never read it either. :(
ReplyDeleteMaybe you'll get inspired to read it, too. :)
DeleteLOL you are definitely NOT the only one. Its easy to forget about them. Hope you have a blast buddy reading it. That is always such fun to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee, it should be fun!
DeleteThis sounds like a heart breaker, but it sounds like it could be good. I'm looking forward to Sam and your thoughts! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm the worst buddy reader because Sam finished it in like a day and I'm *still* reading it! *face palm*
DeleteI swear Tanya that Sam gave you the word this week LOL
ReplyDeleteSo true! :)
DeleteI can't wait to hear your thoughts. Sounds like I may need to read it myself. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
I haven't read this, but goodness it sounds heartwrenching!
ReplyDeleteIt's actually not so angsty so that's good!
DeleteI was just reading about this book on Sam's blog. It sounds amazing so I hope you'll both love it. I'll be watching for both of your reviews because I don't have this one on my TBR yet.
ReplyDeleteIf I could get it in gear and finish the darn book, maybe those reviews would happen. Gah!
DeleteGood luck with the buddy read! It sounds like it'll be a good one but angsty to the max!
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly, it hasn't been too angsty. Maybe because it's from the guy's POV. :)
Delete