Book Review: With or Without You by Carole Matthews

Title: With or Without You
Author: Carole Matthews
Publication Date: 2004
Page Count: 380
Genre: Chick-Lit

From goodreads.com

Romantic comedy heads for new heights -- in this case, the Himalayas -- in this charmer by USA Today bestselling author Carole Matthews. Matthews excels at weaving the mundane problems of modern life, jobs, love, and relationships into something fresh and funny, and this one is no exception. This time, the focus is on Lyssa, a 34-year-old Londoner whose hunky boyfriend has just walked out after their fourth, most grueling attempt at IVF ended in failure. Aching to get away from hormone injections, her job at My Baby magazine, and the mounting fiascos of her life, Lyssa sets out on a monthlong sabbatical in the Himalayas, to her family's surprise. The change of pace and the attentions of an American tour guide gives her a new perspective on her life and her baby obsession, but when it comes time to pick up her old life again, will it seem like the right thing to do?

My Review

This was a majorly fluff book, and often my favorite type to read. With or Without You was, in a way, like Eat, Pray, Love but in my opinion better. I wasn't a huge fan of EPL, I found it pretty boring, and overly whiny.  This book had similar themes: leaving home, leaving what you are comfortable with to find yourself in a far off land. The main character was likable, believable and funny.  

This book is originally published in the UK, (some of my favorite chick lit books are written by Englishwomen). I don't know why I enjoy Brits novels so much, but of the 10+ or so that I have read by Brits, I am almost always happy with the choice to pick up those books. 

I found Matthews story-telling to be very entertaining and kept me turning the pages. One of the best things about books like this is usually you aren't surprised by any of the happenings. While I like books that keep me guessing until the end, I do like books that are predictable and cheesy, just like a romantic comedy movie.  Sometimes it is nice when books don't make you think too hard, but they are just pure entertainment.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Next Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer (ugh!)