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The runaway New York Times bestseller with over one million copies sold A Today Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club Pick, New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a #1 Indie Next Pick Named a Best Book of the Year by The Guardian , Time , Chicago Tribune Biblioracle, HuffPost , US Magazine , Elle , Real Simple , and Glamour A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew. It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years―she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan―which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other. In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined―and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us. Review: Everyone needs to read this one! - If you are in a reading slump, without a second thought, pick this one up. There was so much hype about this book, yet I somehow didn't believe it. So finally when I decided to read the sample, ahem! Ahem. Rest was history. Phoebe Stone a divorced English Professor, decides one moning to walk out of her home, work - basically life. She flies to Newport, Rhode Islands to stay at this luxurious 19th Century Hotel. Enter bride Lila and her grand six days wedding with her extended family. And boom! Every plan that Phoebe had turns upisde down. What I really loved about the book was Phoebe's character arc - she wore her emotions on her sleeve and was so real and relatable. The story was filled with witty banter, emotional, reflective conversations and so much drama. There wasn't a moment of dullness. The plot was packed with tiny twists and surprises that I thought were going to follow a predictable line of conduct, then it totally twisted. After finishing this book, I found myself smiling and feeling sad that it ended. That's how beautifully written this story is. Everyone needs to read this book, I cannot reiterate that enough!. Review: Emotional and Funny! - Okay, first of all, I really enjoyed the story, writing style and the characters so much. I always enjoy a story which is character driven and this story is just that! Also the transformation of the main character is incredible. Phoebe was a relatable character for me personally except her family situations and her deep thinking of 'she is the reason for all the wrong things happening in her life' attitude towards life. Slowly understood why she is like that and when she realised her worth, I was so glad and happy. The story was kind of funny in a dark sort of way. And the did an amazing job of keeping us engaged in the story. It was fast paced and not a bit boring. The only thing I didn't like is the use of literature related to Phoebe's field of work Because I couldn't understand the references so I couldn't enjoy properly. Overall, a good read which has all elements like humor, romance, friendship, sadness and all.





| Best Sellers Rank | #388,139 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #65 in Contemporary Fiction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 226,033 Reviews |
S**D
Everyone needs to read this one!
If you are in a reading slump, without a second thought, pick this one up. There was so much hype about this book, yet I somehow didn't believe it. So finally when I decided to read the sample, ahem! Ahem. Rest was history. Phoebe Stone a divorced English Professor, decides one moning to walk out of her home, work - basically life. She flies to Newport, Rhode Islands to stay at this luxurious 19th Century Hotel. Enter bride Lila and her grand six days wedding with her extended family. And boom! Every plan that Phoebe had turns upisde down. What I really loved about the book was Phoebe's character arc - she wore her emotions on her sleeve and was so real and relatable. The story was filled with witty banter, emotional, reflective conversations and so much drama. There wasn't a moment of dullness. The plot was packed with tiny twists and surprises that I thought were going to follow a predictable line of conduct, then it totally twisted. After finishing this book, I found myself smiling and feeling sad that it ended. That's how beautifully written this story is. Everyone needs to read this book, I cannot reiterate that enough!.
F**A
Emotional and Funny!
Okay, first of all, I really enjoyed the story, writing style and the characters so much. I always enjoy a story which is character driven and this story is just that! Also the transformation of the main character is incredible. Phoebe was a relatable character for me personally except her family situations and her deep thinking of 'she is the reason for all the wrong things happening in her life' attitude towards life. Slowly understood why she is like that and when she realised her worth, I was so glad and happy. The story was kind of funny in a dark sort of way. And the did an amazing job of keeping us engaged in the story. It was fast paced and not a bit boring. The only thing I didn't like is the use of literature related to Phoebe's field of work Because I couldn't understand the references so I couldn't enjoy properly. Overall, a good read which has all elements like humor, romance, friendship, sadness and all.
A**T
Fun, funny yet deep enough
Going in, I kept wondering how a book could possibly live up to all the "fun and entertaining" hype. Turns out, it earns every bit of it. This book is fun. It has some deliciously unexpected turns, and just when you think it's all lightness and wedding-guest chaos, it sneaks in real depth — the characters aren't just funny or charming, they're layered in a way that sticks with you. I came to this right after The Correspondent, which was such a heavy read, and The Wedding People felt like exactly the palate cleanser I needed — without ever feeling shallow in comparison. It somehow does both: makes you laugh and makes you feel something real, sometimes in the same page. If I had to describe it in one line: it's a Zoya Akhtar movie in book form. That mix of glossy fun on the surface with genuine emotional undercurrents underneath — if you've watched her films, you know exactly what I mean. Absolutely recommend this one.
N**R
Nice
Well it was kinda boring didn't find if engagingmore pics would be nice you know it was amazing if u
A**L
Witty, and Humorous Self-Introspection
To quote-"It is so much easier to sit in things and wait for something to save us. Becoming who you want to be is just like anything else. It takes practice. It requires belief that one day, you'll wake up and be a natural at it" The situations are sometimes serious, sometimes funny, and often so genuine that they strip you away from your comfort zone and force you to also try some self-reflection. This is because, at some point or the other, you meet yourself mirrored in these pages. I admit that the long, introspective monologues by the protagonist could feel a little exhausting at times, but isn’t that what we all do—reflect endlessly, often without realizing it or doing something about it? There’s humour, lot's of it, sure, but also genuine love, witty conversations, and insightful cues to steal on the subtleties of small talk. It wouldn’t be surprising if this book is an international bestseller, like the cover claims. Overall, it’s a refreshingly unique genre; blend that with laughter, tears, and waves of nostalgic déjà vu and series of similar emotions you wholeheartedly feel as you read this book—what a completely surprising and deeply satisfying read it is!
A**R
The Wedding People- Brilliant Book!
Brilliant book. Loved every single bit of this book. Will re-read it again.
S**I
Enjoyed Reading This Book
Funny book I've read. Unique story, wedding vibes . Great writing. A 5⭐️ book
S**R
A Nice Read Overall!
It is confusing to rate this book. The story started as a 5 star with a beautiful deep story with all the necessary things. The plot was amazing, the character development was great. The bits and pieces of the humor was on point and welcoming. The point where Phoebe doesn't die just because she wants to hear the whole speech seemed kind a relatable to Human nature. I honestly was loving the book until suddenly everyone started loving Phoebe. Thus the second part did not seem that strong was a bit monotonous and illogical, but I would not say it was a bad read. The first part really amp up my expectations so I was definitely a bit disappointed but overall I loved it.
M**O
Great Summer Book 2026
I ordered this and came the next day.. immediately read it They're all just people trying to get through life, broken, confused, and figuring things out. That's what made this book so relatable. This story resonated with me through its themes of depression, art, books, and loneliness. I also loved how the author balanced humor with heartfelt moments. Phoebe was easily likable. She's observant, witty, and the kind of character who stays with you. I also saw a bit of myself in Patricia's perspective on femininity, womanhood, and vulnerability. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. It was easy to get immersed in the story, and every character felt like someone you could know in real life. I wouldn't exactly call it a light read, but it's definitely one l'd recommend.
S**J
Emotional, Funny, and Unexpectedly Comforting
I really enjoyed this book. It manages to balance emotional and heavy topics with humor in a very natural way. The story starts in a way that feels a bit intense and unusual, but the characters quickly pull you in, especially the dynamic between them. I also loved the writing style — it was engaging, easy to read, and emotional without feeling overly dramatic. Overall, it’s one of those books that makes you laugh, reflect, and feel attached to the characters at the same time. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy contemporary fiction with emotional depth and a bit of dark humor
S**A
excellently written and great read!
Highly recommend, interesting perspectives, feels like real life but in a uniquely intriguing storyline. The characters are well developed. Read it.
A**E
A beautiful touching story filled with so many feelings !
This book has sat with with me for a few days and what I can tell you is it’s ALL about feelings, so many feelings 🫶🏼 The Wedding People was full of the most complex , real , raw characters and so heartfelt, and I never have related so much to a character like Phoebe. I did this as a buddy read with @thefictionphysician and I am so glad I did this with Melany because no one should ever feel alone . The crazy thing is I’ve never met Melany but the friendship we’ve made on Bookstagram shows you how you can find connections in the most unlikely places if your willing to open your heart ♥️ and for that I am thankful ! So please go check out her page and show her some love 💕 I am so glad you are Here 🫶🏼 “But it is also true that one day she can be alone in a room preparing to die, and the next, she can be preparing to be on a boat with beautiful strangers .” “Alive,” Gary says “ You struck me as a person who was fully alive . It was inspiring, actually.” This story as my dear friend pointed out is definitely targeted to a more mature audience aka 40 and up 😜 because of the relatable content with the main character Phoebe. This book is heavily weighted on mental illness and suicide but with threads of humour and sensitive touches dusted through out the story and about new beginnings and finding strength in ourselves and others . If your looking for a heartfelt read that is beautifully written then I HIGHLY recommend The Wedding People it’s filled with Unlikeable characters that the author made me feel sorry for them at times and characters you will love and be filled with so many emotions you’ll feel like a yo-yo at times and you’ll be so glad to be here ❤️
P**I
Excelente
Hermosa novela, con personajes reales, en movimiento y bien definidos. Es difícil cortar la lectura para seguir luego, te engancha desde el inicio. Mucho humor, diálogos exquisitos y una trama finamente armada. Muy recomendable.
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