In Five Years

This book was a surprise. It definitely took a different - and in my opinion great - but unexpected turn. I liked the friendship aspect and that hard topics are discussed, even though you would not expect that. An example is a relationship that on paper seems to tick all the boxes but the heart just isn't in it anymore. It is hard to admit that and the characters go through it in a very relatable manner. However, at the same time the protagonist is this go-getter-best-in-the-field workaholic with the token tragic backstory and the rich pixie best friend so that really takes away from the story being relatable. I get the message but I just felt kept at an arm's length because of it (the best doctors, being able to randomly buy apartments in NYC, etc.). I think we like to read about these characters cause it's exciting and they have so many options that the plot can go anywhere. And sometimes that is important and really adds to the story (e.g. in The Secret History). But other times it just distances characters that are supposed to be relatable. While the argument could be made that this story was meant to point out that even if you work hard, have money, rich parents, are full of life and your life is amazing shit still happens I get it. It just isn't a story tearing out my heart.