Review: Time Flies by Claire Cook

Time Flies by Claire Cook

Touchtone

June 2013

Format: e-book, 320 pages

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

TWO BEST FRIENDS, A HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, AND A ROLLICKING ROAD TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Years ago, Melanie followed her husband, Kurt, from the New England beach
town where their two young sons were thriving to the suburbs of Atlanta.
She’s carved out a life as a successful metal sculptor, but when Kurt
leaves her for another woman, having the tools to cut up their marriage
bed is small consolation. She’s old enough to know that high school
reunions are often a big disappointment, but when her best friend makes
her buy a ticket and an old flame gets in touch to see if she’ll be
going, she fantasizes that returning to her past might help her find her
future . . . until her highway driving phobia resurfaces and threatens
to hold her back from the adventure of a lifetime.

Time Flies is
an epic trip filled with fun, heartbreak, and friendship that explores
what it takes to conquer your worst fears . . . so you can start living
your future.

My thoughts: Summer always mean a new Claire Cook book and this year’s new book was certainly a fun read. It’s a funny, witty, cute read with some really touching, heartwarming moments thrown in. 

Melanie, trying to settle into single life after her husband leaves her, is being hounded by her best friend to attend her high school reunion. We are never told what year the reunion is, but you can guess that it’s more than the five or ten year. I think not telling us ages or what year the reunion actually is for adds to the storyline. Does it really matter if it’s the 20 or 25 year reunion – the reaction to getting that invitation is still the same…anticipation coupled with dread, a reaction, incidentally, I am dealing with myself as I get ready for my 20 year reunion! Where does time go?

I loved the relationship between Claire and her bff, B.J. B.J. is a straight-shooter, telling you how it is. She’s loyal to a fault and always there for Claire, but she also doesn’t put up with Claire’s nonsense and gives her the push she needs to put the past behind.

As is typical in a Claire Cook book, she takes us into a unique career – in this case, metal sculpting. I really loved hearing about the creations that Mel creates and I only wish that this book came with pictures – I would have loved to see her finished pieces!

Claire Cook does a great job of creating characters you can relate to and Melanie is certainly someone we can all relate to at some point. How many of us have let the past shape our lives? It’s easy to celebrate with Melanie as she learns to accept what her life is and even learn to flaunt it.

Have you attended any of your high school reunions? Was it with excitement or dread?