Review: Why Can’t I Be You by Allie Larkin

Title: Why Can’t I Be You
Author: Allie Larkin
Genre/Audience: Women’s fiction, adult
Publication: Plume, February 26, 2013
Source: For review

Review by Kim

Summary: “When Jenny Shaw hears someone shout “Jessie” across a hotel lobby, she impulsively answers.  All her life, Jenny has toed the line, but something propels her to seize the opportunity to become Jessie Morgan, a woman to whom she bears an uncanny resemblance.  Lonely in her own life, Jenny is embraced by Jessie’s warm circles of friends and finds unexpected romance.  But when she delves into Jessie’s past, Jenny discovers a secret that spurs her to take another leap into the unknown.”

My Thoughts: I was so excited when this book came in the mail to review.  I absolutely loved Stay, Allie’s first novel.  It was our first book club outing and since she’s local, we thought, “Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if she came?”  Well, she did and you can read all about it in Steph’s review of Stay.  After meeting the adorable Ms. Larkin, I became friends with her on Facebook and her statuses make me laugh pretty much daily.  I loved the characters in her first novel, and am still hopeful that maybe someday there will be a sequel.

Anyways, her second novel, Why Can’t I Be You, is also a delight.  I was kind of torn between wanting to read it slowly and savoring it and racing to the end because I couldn’t wait to see how it all turned out for Jenny/Jessie.  I think anybody can relate to wanting to step out of your own life and into someone else’s life who seems more glamorous, has more friends, etc.  Jessie’s friends were so awesome, I wanted to hang out with them myself.  I would highly recommend this book and if you haven’t already read Stay yet, read that one too! These books will not let you down!

My Rating: 5/5