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

Another Great One From Giffin!

Would you listen to Where We Belong again? Why?

Yes. It was well written, had good narration, and was enjoyable to listen to overall.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kirby was my favorite character mostly because I could relate to her. I'm close to her age and I was also adopted, though I have never met my birth parents. I have always wanted to meet them though, so I think one reason I liked the story so much is because I was able to do that through Kirby.

What about Orlagh Cassidy’s performance did you like?

Everything about it was great. She changed her voice well with the change of each character, which helps keep everyone straight.

If you could take any character from Where We Belong out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I think I would probably take Conrad. I liked the way that he was able to bond with Kirby so quickly and I just really like his laid back personality.

Any additional comments?

Read it! You won't regret it!

Excellent Story, as usual coming from EmilyGiffin!

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

Definitely in the top 10%

What did you like best about this story?

This story was very different from any that I have read or listened to lately.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene on the sidewalk in front of Conrad's apartment, when the high school sweethearts were first reunited!

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

I wanted to, but that is unrealistic for me. I listen in the car or when exercising.

Any additional comments?

Keep them coming, Emily!

Great Narration

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

I really enjoyed the narrator. She was expressive and changed voices just enough to know when different characters were speaking. She was consistent throughout the whole story. This was a perfect "chick lit" book for me while I was on long training walks!

Wonderful well written story!

Not familiar with the author, like so many other listeners and fans. Thought the story was excellent, well written and thoroughly enjoyed it. Did not want it to end and was hoping that the outcome would have been more wrapped up. Sequel please!

Enjoyable Read

What about Orlagh Cassidy’s performance did you like?

Orlagh portayed the many different characters well.

Who was the most memorable character of Where We Belong and why?

I enjoyed the character of Marian. I could see how her story in the novel could be relatable to other women.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the switch between the two main characters every other chapter. It provided two different voices

Enjoyable

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. At first, it seems like Marian is totally shallow, but we get to watch her evolve into something deeper and more complex as the story unfolds. In the end, I was really rooting for her, and she didn't let me down.

I thought the writer handled the complexity of adoption nicely, although I have no personal experience with the subject. I found it to be insightful.

keep going

I wish it would continue. great story, great narration. I would recommend this book. listen and enjoy

It was just okay

I have been a fan of hers, Emily Giffin. This book was a bit different. I liked the two different perspectives between the kid and the mom. I will say that the ending just left me for more, maybe another book? Hmmmm

Thought provoking, enjoyable story!

What did you love best about Where We Belong?

I loved the premise of a birth daughter showing up on her biological mother's doorstep 18 years later and the many dichotomies for a woman who has chosen career over family despite a long-held secret of giving up her daughter for adoption so many years ago.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The daughter is brilliant -- almost to a fault. Hard to believe an 18-year old could be so poised and mature (even more so than the adults, it seems) throughout such a life changing event.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the daughter plays music with her birth dad at his club.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I wouldn't go that far, but it was compelling to think about mistakes and the decisions we make in their wake that have lifelong consequences.

Read it!!

I absolutely loved the narrator. I found her to be funny and she did a good job changing voices for each character.

The story was interesting to me. I'm still thinking about the main character!! The story left me with some questions for my own life which is always good to reflect.

I admit it wasn't my favorite book. I guess because the ending didn't please me as much as the other books. Overall i still enjoyed this one.