This Is 35

July 9, 2018
On the brink of her 35th birthday, a reality TV show coproducer and actress reexamines her existence and goals in Wiedower’s humorous and touching romantic novel. Before she turned 30, Erin Crawford completed a bucket list that included “start a blog.” The popularity of this blog and bucket list leads to Erin becoming the successful co-executive producer-turned star on YOLO, a TV show that follows Erin as she tries to complete all the items on her new bucket list before she turns 35. This list includes getting married to and completing a marathon and dance lessons with longtime boyfriend Ben Bertram. But, as Erin begins to buckle under the rigors of her life-turned-reality-show, she begins to suspect that there is a better way to gauge success and happiness besides a growing fan base. The chaos mounts and newlywed Erin travels from her home in Texas, to Los Angeles where she tapes her shows. Wiedower effectively portrays Erin and Ben, and the plight of the modern working couple who are devoted to both their relationship and their work but are unsuccessful in balancing the two. The flow of the narrative is, at times, disrupted by overworked plot points such as Erin’s anxiety about Ben’s clingy female coworker, and flat descriptions to fill in backstory. However, the playful tone and insightful observations on relationships and life’s changing priorities are entertaining enough to make for a light and appealing novel.