my great big beautiful life

a book review and life reflection!

Earlier this week I posted a note about Great Big Beautiful Life and some really kind people were interested in my review, so I was inspired. I was inspired to not only share my thoughts on this book, but also reflect on my great, big, beautiful life.

Please, tell me about yours too.

My review of Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

I would argue that the core of this story is not a romance. I would say that the point of this story is love, particularly that between family and generations. I say this with gratitude and love for the book for one reason:
I saw reviews first that mentioned the historical fiction part of the book. If I was not prepared for it, I would have been annoyed. Not because of the historical fiction (I adore his fics) but because I thought I was getting a romcom. I don’t think this book is that.
The romance is a parallel plot to the family love. I didn’t like Alice for the first three chapters; she was too happy. But then I fell for her — hesitantly then all at once. Her optimism in the face of her past is a strength. Her abilities to ask questions, dive deep, travel on her own, speak to strangers are all ones I covet and want to embody. And sweet, shy Hayden. I am quite similar to him with a tough shell and an ultimately soft heart, easily broken and easily loving. Also, I am terrified of snakes ;)
The love story starts with Margaret. Yours, mine, and the truth. Three sides to every story. And the heart of this one is generational; it is grief; it is fear; it is loss; it is love. And we get to see this not only through Margaret’s story, but also through Alice’s with her mother. I thought it would be a small subplot, but it quickly turned into everything. Isn’t that how all the best things happen?
Overall, this is a love story. Emily literally tells us that. And all love stories include low parts too because it’s life. And that’s the point of the book — this great, big, beautiful life.
P.S. I didn’t even touch upon the clear messaging about the media and paparazzi … I could go on and on about that

my great big beautiful life!!

• morning runs post-rain. foggy mornings and a bite to the air.

• getting ~crushed~ by my doggos when I come home.

• laying on a blanket in my backyard at home.

• a small yet truly wonderful group of friends.

• being scared, but doing it anyway.

• writing! this! you!

• a trail ride on my horse.

• the sun.

• the bouquet of flowers i bought last weekend.

• playing pickleball for the first time.

• dinner with my friends.

• packing lists for upcoming adventures.

• reading

• watercolors

• knitting

• green tea

• concerts

• the ocean

• parks

• lakes

• seeing five puppies last week.

• mountains

• skiing

• traveling

• my camera

• … do you understand now?

We are able to love so much in this life because we can also feel pain and go through hardships. One cannot exist without the other. I cherish my runs because I was injured and unable. I bask in the sun because I existed in despair for so long. I am Awed by the world when I travel because I dreamed of being able to my entire life.

Great Big Beautiful Life is a love story for life and your reminder that your life is great and big and beautiful too.

If you want more, join us on Wednesdays & a Monthly Round Up, or buy me a coffee to support The Sunday Reads. Thank you.

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All links to books are affiliate links through bookshop.org to help support indie bookstores.

1. The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (Fantasy): May 13, 2025

2. A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L Jensen (Fantasy): May 13, 2025

3. Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (Romance): May 13, 2025

4. Mark Twain by Ron Chernow (Biography & Memoir): May 13, 2025

5. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz (Mystery/Thriller): May 13, 2025

6. I Hope You Remember by Josie Balka (Poetry): May 13, 2025

7. Where The Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe (Historical Fiction): May 13, 2025

8. What Sleeps Within The Cove by Harper L Woods (Fantasy): May 13, 2025

9. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (Literary Fiction): May 13, 2025

10. The Incandescent by Emily Tesh (Fantasy): May 13, 2025

11. Speak To Me Of Home by Jeanine Cummins (Fiction): May 13, 2025

Books I’ve compiled from a variety of bestseller lists. I add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.

1. 25 Alive by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro (Mystery)

2. King of Envy by Ana Huang (Romance)

3. A Mind of Her Own by Danielle Steel (Romance)

4. The Fate of The Day by Rick Atkinson (History)

5. My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner (Biography & Memoir)

6. The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (Historical Fiction)

If you have a book recommendation to share, send me a DM or email me at thesundayreads@gmail.com!

1. I’ve been really enjoying rereads lately! What about you? Do you like to reread your books?

That’s all for today. Much love

Izzy