When it come's to reading, I'm either so immersed that I can't put the book down or it takes me ages to get through it. "It's Not Me It's You" by Mhairi McFarlane was a bit of both; I could easily sit and read chapter after chapter until I found myself half way through the book, the not read anymore for a week or two and then pick it back up and find myself completely immersed again.
Now I have a confession, this is the Mhairi book I've read - I know, I know, *hangs head in shame* especially when another book of her's, "You Had Me At Hello" has been on the must-read list for a while now - but I was pleasantly surprised.
I wasn't expecting such well though out characters, Mhairi succeeded in introducing characters whilst intertwining lots of back stories and smaller details that, half-way through the book, made me feel like I'd known Delia for years.
Speaking of Delia, and perhaps the reason why I felt like she was an old friend, I enjoyed reading her journey; going from this contented, happy woman with a job, a nice house, a dog and her long term boyfriend, Paul, to her life changing completely - new locations, new jobs, new love interests. Watching her navigate her way through the changes and the heartaches she faced was enjoyable and relatable, I feel. Mhairi, in my opinion, successfully created a book that has plenty laugh-out-loud moments, a few heartbreaking moments - without spoiling it too much; grab the tissues if you're a pet lover.
Each character has enough development and dimension's that you find yourself identifying and comparing your own group of friends to them. That being said, these characters, to me, are pivotal to Delia's own development. From half-hearted Paul, to smart, sassy Adam who has an edge, each character has their own strength and weakness that encourage Delia. I especially liked the theme's of loyal, honest friendship's that ran throughout. Emma, the girlie girl with a baby like voice who is in fact a bad-ass successful lawyer, and Delia's friendship is one I think a lot of readers will (have) identify with.
What I find so great about Mhairi's writing style is that, unlike other 'chick-lit' I've read, is her ability to create such vivid, real characters and scenarios that just make you feel as if you're there, in those moments with Delia and co.
Throughout this book I found myself really rooting for Delia, and the way, in the hardback edition, intertwines her 'secret' comic The Fox (with it's illustrations) is a clever yet simple way of reminding the reader that life doesn't go to plan - at least not the way you expected it to when you were a teenager.
If you're after a book that warms your heart, is relatable, witty, charming and marries just enough moments that make you both laugh and cry than this is the book for you. I ca't recommend it enough.
Mhairi has an absolute cracker of a book under her belt with "It's Not Me, It's You." and I can't wait to go out and purchase more of her books.
Have you read this book? Do you have any recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments!
V xx