I’m a huge Rainbow Rowell fan, so I was excited to read CHERRY BABY. There are romance elements in this book but, for me, this story is focused on Cherry’s journey as she navigates life and personal relationships. Just like in real life, Rainbow Rowell’s contemporary fiction novels don’t often have a traditional ending with every loose end tied up. However, in CHERRY BABY, the author provides a satisfying resolution for the female protagonist.

Over the course of this book, the author delves into the anatomy of a marriage, its unraveling, and the intricacies of family life. This story resonated with me on so many levels personally. Cherry’s family is chaotic at times, heavily layered, and complicated – but with love at its core. The same is true with Cherry’s relationship with her ex-husband. Rainbow Rowell tells the story of what happened between Cherry and Tom through a series of flashbacks from Cherry’s perspective, and present-day interactions. Giving the reader only Cherry’s perspective helps the reader feel more connected to her and invested in her life. True to form, Rainbow Rowell delivers realistic dialogue – alternately amusing and heartbreaking. The banter does a fantastic job of fleshing out the characters and showcasing the nuances of the various relationships. The angst is expertly tempered with enough humor and hope. Since Cherry’s ex created a fictionalized, comic version of themselves, one of the other themes this book explores is how others view us versus how we view ourselves.

In addition to the dialogue and relationships, I love how the author describes the highs and lows that come with life as a plus size woman. Without meaning to, other authors depict a somewhat exaggerated version of women who are bigger than the ideal norm. Rowell’s version rings true. Size is a part of Cherry’s life, but she is a multifaceted character who is living a full life no matter what her size is. Her insecurities manifest, like they do for many women, when she’s at a vulnerable moment. Rainbow Rowell writes women who are amazing characters rather than caricatures. The main characters in CHERRY BABY are flawed but you feel compelled to root for them. I can relate to the relationship Cherry has with her sisters because it’s like my female relationships – with both family and friends.

CHERRY BABY is a great book to get lost in, with emotionally charged storytelling. There is a little bit of doubt about what romantic interest Cherry will wind up with by the end of the book. Normally I avoid romantic triangles like the plague, but the author handled the situation in a way that fit the characters and developed organically. I look forward to Rainbow Rowell’s next novel.