09 Nov Book Review of Overdue
Finding Freedom in the Pages of "Overdue"
I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the complexities of relationships, especially when they make us question the narratives we’ve crafted for our own lives. That’s why I was excited to dive into Overdue by Stephanie Perkins. It’s a delightful blend of introspection and romance that perfectly encapsulates the dilemma of finding comfort without losing oneself to it.
At the heart of Overdue is Ingrid, a 29-year-old librarian whose life feels neatly boxed in—comfortable but suffocating. Enter her younger sister, whose quick engagement prompts Ingrid to grapple with her decade-long relationship with Cory, which has stagnated at the crossroads of complacency and commitment. The novel takes a rather bold turn when Ingrid and Cory agree to spend a month apart, living separately and tentatively exploring the dating world. I have to admit, this concept threw me at first. Is this a normal thing? Who actually does this? But Ingrid’s struggles quickly drew me in; her journey of self-discovery felt authentic and relatable.
Ingrid’s exploration leads her to cross paths with her grumpy-but-endearing coworker Macon. There’s an undeniable chemistry simmering beneath their playful banter, but it’s complicated by an impulsive kiss that sends ripples through their friendship. Watching Ingrid bumble through awkward dates and her increasingly fraught interactions with Macon had me cringing and rooting for her in equal measure—seriously, I was in constant tension, hoping he’d just take a leap of faith!
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is Ingrid’s growth. She evolves from someone who clings to her relationship for comfort into a woman brave enough to confront her desires—an inspiring transformation that many of us can relate to. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that, sometimes, endings are just new beginnings waiting to happen, though the road is undeniably messy.
However, I couldn’t help but feel the pacing left something to be desired. Spanning a whole year of Ingrid’s life, certain chapters felt unnecessarily drawn out, slowing the story to a crawl. While I appreciate a slow burn, in this case, it dulled the emotional impact. I think a sharper focus or alternating perspectives could have made for a more engaging read.
That said, Overdue shines when it delves into themes of change and self-acceptance. Moments of brilliance arise from Ingrid’s internal battles and her eventual realizations. A standout quote that resonated with me was when Macon observes, “You are everything. You’re literal sunshine.” It perfectly encapsulates that warmth and depth of emotional connection we crave in relationships, reminding us that finding oneself often involves unexpected turns.
Overall, Overdue is a solid read that beautifully navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery, even if the pacing was occasionally off-kilter. If you enjoy slow-burn romances, themes of personal growth, and stories about finding your place in the world, this book is definitely for you. My time spent in Ingrid’s world prompted me to reconsider my own comfort zones, making it a reflective and engaging experience I’m grateful for.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Stephanie Perkins for allowing me to read this ARC. These insights are my own, reflecting my honest experience with this thoughtful exploration of love, freedom, and growth. Happy reading! 📚✨
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