Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is
monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It’s
company policy.) But they can’t quite bring themselves to take it
seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly
hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.
Meanwhile,
Lincoln O’Neill can’t believe this is his job now- reading other
people’s e-mail. When he applied to be “internet security officer,” he
pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up
a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.
When
Lincoln comes across Beth’s and Jennifer’s messages, he knows he
should turn them in. But he can’t help being entertained-and
captivated-by their stories.
By the time Lincoln realizes he’s falling for Beth, it’s way too late to introduce himself.
What would he say . . . ?
Review: I’ve owned a copy of Rowell’s YA novel, Eleanor and Park, for awhile now, but Attachments was the first book I’ve actually read by this author. Attachments has a premise that might not suit every reader. I know a friend of mine read this and thought it was a bit creepy that Lincoln read Beth and Jennifer’s emails and then found himself falling for Beth through these notes before he ever meets her in real life. I get why some would find this difficult to believe or bit awkward, even creepy, but it worked for me. Throughout the book Lincoln constantly makes it known that he’s aware of how strange this scenario is and that he should have sent a warning to the girls in the very beginning instead of continually reading their emails. He can’t help it though; he’s in a rut in his life and reading Beth and Jennifer’s emails add a little lightness to his otherwise boring job.
The only point of views you get from Beth and Jennifer are through their emails, but it felt like enough. We get to know these ladies as Lincoln does and it’s easy to see why he falls for Beth. She’s funny, loves movies, has a boyfriend that doesn’t treat her how he should, and she’s a genuinely decent person and good friend.
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The emails are spread throughout the book, in between Lincoln’s everyday story, and I loved this. We get enough back and forth in the book so you aren’t left with too much or too little from the girls. While Lincoln is falling for Beth, these emails also allow you to meet Jennifer, who is dealing with her own problems. It’s great to see how her and Beth are there for each other, even if they aren’t always completely supportive of each others’ decisions.
Overall, I thought this was a really fun and sweet novel. It takes place in late 1999, early 2000, so Lincoln has to deal with the anxiety of Y2K as he works with computers. I thought that aspect was interesting. Plus, placing the story a little in the past makes it more natural for these girls to be emailing each other at work instead of using text. Attachments is a quick read and it would be perfect for a girls-only book club. I can’t wait to read more by Rainbow Rowell.
I keep meaning to read another Rainbow Rowell book, I loved Eleanor and Park!
I can see how that wouldn't appeal to everyone but I sort of think it is romantic to fall in love with someone's words way before you even meet them. 😉
Wonderful review. I'll have to add this one to my pile. 😀
I really loved this one as well. I didnt find it creepy, I actually loved this one way more than Eleanor and Park, in fact, Eleanor and Park was big disappointment for me.
Gah! I still need to read this one! I've only read Landline, and absolutely fell in love with Rowell's writing style. Did you see the announcement and cover reveal of her upcoming release!? I'm so elated to say the least 😀
Hm… I may not start with this one but I do want to read one of her books. She is on my must read author list!
I have only read one book by this author- but I really like her style. I would love to read this one too. On my list! Glad you enjoyed it so much. 🙂
~Jess
I tried 2 books by the author and enjoyed them but I haven't read this one yet. I should!
I enjoyed this book as well. My favorite of hers is still Eleanor and Park.
Oh, I want to read this! Right now, I'm reading Landline 🙂
This sounds like a fun read! I like the point of view and plot line the author created. The Y2K scare tidbits, gotta love that! Thanks for sharing this book 🙂
I like the sound of this. I used to work in IT and I think this could be something I could relate to and hopefully enjoy. Great review.
I actually bought a copy of this one not too long ago Lauren and have been putting off reading it. Until now. Most of the reviews I've seen haven't been able to really click with the characters or storyline, and after reading and really disliking Fangirl, I was hesitant to give her another try. But this sounds really funny and sweet, a feel good read with lots of quirk. I'm really looking forward to picking it up now Lauren. Fabulous review! <3
I've only read a couple of Rowell's books, but I really enjoyed them! This one sounds like something I'd really like – I'll have to check it out!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I can see why some people may not like it (it's kind of creepy) but I've heard amazing things about this book, and it wouldn't mind me in the fictional world hehehe
I read an ARC of this one so it was quite a long time ago but I've read all of her books and this is still one that really stuck with me, I really loved it. I'm glad you enjoyed as well!
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was also my first book by Rainbow Rowell even though I had hear a lot about her. I was also a bit creeped out with the idea of having a guy falling for me for reading my emails, but the story presented it in such a way that I couldn't hold it against him. It was great how this technique showed a lot about the characters of Beth and Jennifer, plus the whole Y2K thing. History lesson not so boring there! I'm glad you liked it, and great review! 🙂