Photos of You

February 1, 2020

In her eighth novel (after Differently Normal), New Zealand author Robinson tells the funny and heartbreaking story of Ava Green. Ava has just turned 28 and has planned an adventurous trip overseas when she finds out the cancer she thought she had conquered has returned. This time, there is no cure and her time is running out quickly. As Ava contemplates the items on her bucket list, the only one that truly stands out is her desire to have a wedding. She decides to celebrate her life while she is still breathing with a wonderful, "groomless" wedding. Thanks to her friend, the story goes viral, and soon she is sharing it with the world and developing an unexpected relationship. Ava's parents and two best friends are along for the ride, trying to support her wishes while grieving their anticipated loss. VERDICT For fans of Jojo Moyes's Me Before You, this book should be read with a big box of tissues nearby. However, it never veers into the maudlin, as Ava is funny and cranky and human. With a strong sense of place and well-drawn characters, this will fit well in most fiction collections.--Terry Lucas, Shelter Island P.L., NY

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2020
Readers who are happiest reading with a hanky in hand will adore the newest novel from New Zealand author Robinson. Twenty-eight and full of life, Ava Green is devastated to learn that she has terminal cancer and not long to live. Refusing to waste her remaining time, Ava decides to plan the wedding she has always wanted?never mind that she doesn't have a groom. Before she knows it, her story is trending all over social media, a magazine is chronicling her experience, and the country is captivated by this brave young woman. When Ava begins to fall for James, the magazine's photographer, she realizes that she'll be leaving behind more than just special memories for family and friends. Robinson avoids sappiness with just the right mixture of sweet and sad. Ava is a courageous, relatable protagonist, both afraid and determined, and her blossoming romance with James feels well-deserved. With the hope of Kelly Rimmer, the empathy of JoJo Moyes, and the likeable characters of Abbi Waxman, Photos of You is full of tears and smiles.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)