General Fiction

Book Review – The Two Lives of Lydia Bird

Wow….I finished this one in the wee hours of the morning and didn’t even know what to say when it was over. What a thought-provoking emotional roller coaster this book is, but in such a good way. I had tears streaming down my face as I closed the book, sad to see it end. I will be surprised if this one doesn’t make it to my top 5 reads of 2020. This was a BOTM pick and I am so glad I added it to my box!

Summary: Lydia Bird has it all. A job she loves, a close-knit family, a beautiful house in a great neighborhood, and a handsome fiancé named Freddie. That is until her 28th birthday when her handsome fiancé (who she’s been in love with since they were teenagers) is killed on his way to pick her up for her birthday dinner. Now she’s lost with no idea how to move forward. Her family encourages her to try a trial run of a new sleeping pill, because they are so worried about her. She reluctantly agrees. This decision takes her down a road she never saw coming.

Turns out that those pills somehow give her the ability to visit an alternate universe where Freddie is still very much alive. Caught between both worlds, Lydia finds herself on a path to find out who she really is with and without Freddie.

Genre: General Fiction (BOTM has it as Romance)

My Review:

What I liked: The writing is so descriptive and the story is so well written. The thoughts and feelings that Lydia expresses feel raw and real. The reader can literally feel her grief. I loved how Lydia’s family and friends rallied about her in her time of need. And even though there is grief and sadness, there is also humor and lightheartedness throughout the book.

I will admit that the summary may make the story seem really far fetched (and it is in all reality), but the journey you are taken on in both worlds makes you suspend your disbelief. What if you really could get a do over? What if you had the chance to spend some more time with someone you loved who passed away unexpectedly? How do life events shape who we are as people? I also enjoyed Lydia’s growth and self reflection throughout the story.

What I Didn’t Like: Honestly, there was not much, if anything, I didn’t like. There was some foul language, but it was sporadic. The ending provided closure for Lydia and gave hope for her future.

Disclaimer: PG-13 for language

Do You Read Me?: Yes!! You really need to read this one! Overall, it was a great thought-provoking read! I highly recommend it, but make sure you have tissues!