With Or Without You: A Novel by Caroline Leavitt

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (from Goodreads)

After almost twenty years together, Stella and Simon are starting to run into problems. An up-and-coming rock musician when they first met, Simon has been clinging to dreams of fame even as the possibility of it has grown dimmer, and now that his band might finally be on the brink again, he wants to go on the road, leaving Stella behind. But when she falls into a coma on the eve of his departure, he has to make a choice between stardom and his wife—and when she wakes a different person, with an incredible artistic talent of her own, the two of them must examine what it is that they really want.

Unapologetically honest and intimately written, With or Without You is a contemporary story of what happens to relationships as the people in them change, whether slowly or in one cataclysmic swoop.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a story! Caroline Leavitt's novel, With Or Without You, is gripping, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. I absolutely LOVED it to bits!

Stella and Simon have been together for nearly twenty years and their relationship is a bit rocky to say the least. They are middle-aged and living like they are struggling college kids. Stella wants to make changes - she wants kids, she wants stability. Simon wants to go out on the road with his band and try to make it big. He wants Stella to accompany him, just liked she used to. She wants him not to go. So, she takes a pill and drinks a bit too much. The next thing you know, Stella is in a coma. Simon skips the tour to stay with Stella. When she wakes up, she's different. The Stella he knew is gone. And their relationship takes a very different turn as they start to figure out who they are together, a part, and what they each want for their future.

With Or Without You is such a fascinating and compelling story.  Leavitt has written an unputdownable story filled with flawed, unlikeable characters that you won't help but relate to. She's created a story that explores topics like relationships, life and death in such a realistic and authentic way - you won't help but fall in deep with the story.


I would happily recommend With Or Without You to fans of Leavitt and anyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this lovely!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!