Char Reviews “Slow Dance”

What would you do if everyone thought you’d end up with your best friend? What if you see each other years later, and all the feelings return? That’s precisely what happens to Shiloh and Cary in Rainbow Rowell’s new book, Slow Dance.

Shiloh is a recent single Mom of two wonderful children. Her life seemed like chaos, but as soon as a wedding invitation came in the mail for her high school friend Mike’s wedding, she decided to go. Hoping to catch a glance in the direction of Cary, her other high school friend; when she does, something sparks in her, and they end up spending the evening slow dancing in the corner.

Cary is on leave for his best friend’s wedding but hopes to see someone else. Shiloh has been his friend and secret crush since college. He misses her fiery attitude, but the only problem is that all they seem to do is butt heads. Yet, as fate has it, they keep being brought together repeatedly. Is he ready to fall for her again, and is she brave enough to let him?

I sat down and read this book for a day. I couldn’t believe how adorably cute the characters are. I loved every minute of this book. Shiloh’s little boy, Gus, is probably my favorite character. Maybe it’s the mom in me coming out and dealing with some stubborn kids, but he just made me giggle throughout the book. I enjoyed the letters, emails, and texts between Shiloh and Cary. I was a little worried that the story would skip the whole being gone for a while, but I am glad it didn’t. The thing that impresses me with Rainbow’s writing is that she can write about something so small as a picture and then end up being something meaningful. She is away with returning things and following through with everything she has created. Some authors today need help with that. It’s not bad, but sometimes you need that little ending.