Where We Belong

By: Emily Giffin

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 11 hrs

Publisher's summary

The author of five blockbuster novels, Emily Giffin delivers an unforgettable story of two women, the families that make them who they are, and the longing, loyalty, and love that binds them together.

Marian Caldwell is a 36-year-old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door ... only to find Kirby Rose, an 18-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian’s perfectly constructed world - and her very identity - will be shaken to its core, resurrecting ghosts and memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her.

For the precocious and determined Kirby, the encounter will spur a process of discovery that ushers her across the threshold of adulthood, forcing her to re-evaluate her family and future in a wise and bittersweet light. As the two women embark on a journey to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves - a place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.

©2012 Emily Giffin (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Very predictable and preachy

Even for a quick beach read, this story was too predictable and the characters too perfect even with their flaws. Also there were parts, particularly the last refections of the characters, that was more like trite motivational speeches than real storylines. The narrator was better than the plot.

Good easy light fun read

Not exceptional writing but fun and it’s a sweet story. Easy to read on the run picking up and putting down often - I enjoyed the real emotions the characters revealed throughout.

Loved it!

I needed something light and this book did it for me. Very well written and the characters come to life! From the get go, I enjoyed and looked forward to my time with these
characters. Thanks

Loved it

I'm a fan of Emily Giffin's work and this one is not an exception. I loved the story, loved the characters, loved the sentiment.

As for the narrator... she was ok. I could not stand how she read Kirby's voice. To me, she made her sound a lot more bitter than I would have imagined. Other than that, she was ok to listen to.

I normally prefer to read books like this because I love to read... I only listened to it because I was on a road trip and wanted something to listen to. Despite the my dislike of the narration, I was still gripping at every detail. I would definitely recommend this book, weather it be audio or text.

Griffin captivates me again

What made the experience of listening to Where We Belong the most enjoyable?

Great story. Had me in tears one moment and laughing the next.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kirby- she is not your typical teen and far from perfect, but lovable

Slow start, but completely invested by the end!

Any additional comments?

I love Emily Giffin and her past books, so I was really excited about this one. In the beginning I was kind of bored, wanting to get to the heart of the relationships and where the story was going. But midway through, I found myself wanting to know more. The slower development of the characters and their interactions was needed in order to really appreciate and understand them. I enjoyed hearing from both points of view, Kirby and Marian, and kind of wish she would have included Conrad's point of view also.

better than anticipated

a different kind of story ... excellent narrator . characters are real and make you want to be there. will look for books by this author and narrator in the future.

Great story

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The story was very interesting and had me wanting to know more even it ended.

where we belong

Where does Where We Belong rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed this book and it did not turn out anything like i thought it would, which is good I guess. love a good plot twist. I dont find this to be one of my all time favorites, but that is because I am ranking it not because i don't like it. I will definitely recommend this book

What does Orlagh Cassidy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

When I hear the narrators voice, that is the determination of whether i read or listen to the book. this narrator is wonderful and helps capture all the characters.

Any additional comments?

This is a good book, with all the elements to keep you interested and involved.

Loved it!

What did you love best about Where We Belong?

I loved the story line and narration of Where We Belong. Emily Giffin skillfully crafted multifaceted interactive characters. I loved the content and progression of the story. I felt like these people could be my close friends. The narrator Orlagh Cassidy beautifuly brought every single character to life. Each vocal was distinct and believable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Which scene was your favorite?

Lots of scenes were my favorites. I liked when Kirby showed up at her birth mother's door. I loved the tension between the the adoptive and birth mother. I liked the conflict when Kirby saw the expensive dress in her best friends purse realizing that she had just stolen it. I especially liked the stressful event when Kirby and Marilyn sought out Kirby's father.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I could have listened to this book all in one setting, but I really wanted to stretch it out, so I could savor each moment.