Forever Is the Worst Long Time

Publisher's Summary

From acclaimed author Camille Pagán comes a wry, heartfelt exploration of love and loss.

When struggling novelist James Hernandez meets poet Louisa "Lou" Bell, he's sure he's just found the love of his life. There's just one problem: she's engaged to his oldest friend, Rob. So James toasts their union and swallows his desire.

As the years pass, James's dreams always seem just out of reach - he can't finish that novel, can't mend his relationship with his father, can't fully commit to a romantic relationship. He just can't move on. But after betrayal fractures Lou's once-solid marriage, she turns to James for comfort.

When Lou and James act on their long-standing mutual attraction, the consequences are more heartbreaking - and miraculous - than either of them could have ever anticipated. Then life throws James one more curveball, and he, Rob, and Lou are forced to come to terms with the unexpected ways in which love and loss are intertwined.

©2017 Camille Pagán (P)2016 Brilliance Audio

Captivating Story

This is my second Pagan book via audible and I thoroughly enjoyed it and was sad when it was over. Having not read the synopsis before jumping in, I was surprised by the male narrator but soon found myself engrossed in his narrative. Pagan's character development brings you into each character's world and I feel as though their old friends. I was unsure where the story was headed and enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions. I appreciated the method of which Pagan wove the timeline and her honesty in depicting the trials of post partum and the unique circumstances in which James finds himself. I laughed, I cried, and I recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not my favorite

The story is fine. Just fine. That’s all. The man reading it has the creepiest female voices I’ve ever heard. Struggled to listen to it.

Forever

Wonder where Ms. Pagan got the idea for this novel. It's not what usually appeals to me since laughter truly is the best medicine. Having just read her book, Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, I wasn't expecting to sob myself silly (my husband's opinion). Yet it must be said that this book is excellent because Pagan could make me smile, hope, & sob. Now I can't wait to afford her book, The Art Of Forgetting--just to get a few pointers.

I enjoyed it😉

I'm not one for reading but being able to listen to an audiable was very helpful and kept my interest

Had a hard time finishing this book

Too long; maudlin narration. I couldn’t wait for this book to be over. I sped the narration up to #2 just to be able to complete listening.
I usually enjoy this author’s books. This started out okay, but went on too long. The end seems like a way to tie things up neatly, maybe add a death to make it better?

Is Good Good Enough?

James, the main character of the novel, falls irretrievably in love with his best friend's fiance, first sight. Setting on a life path filled with frustration, compromise, and dreams deferred. When he a vs on his feelings, years later, the worst and happiest era of his life begins. Written with compassion and humour, this is a novel to read when not with the man of "Is that all there is?" melancholy .

Forever is the Worst Long Time

The book is to long winded about stuff that didn't matter in the story & I had to make myself finish it

Beautiful and heartbreaking

This is a strange story at first and I did not know the ending and I am so glad. This is a story about love, friendship, and being human.

I LOVE this author!

What did you love best about Forever Is the Worst Long Time?

The author made the characters so believable and realistic.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Forever Is the Worst Long Time?

The ending moved me to tears.

What about Timothy Andrés Pabon’s performance did you like?

I loved his performance; Jim sounded like such a kind and wonderful man.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The final two chapters, but I don't want to give away any spoilers.

Forever is a long time

I read about half of this book and found it uninteresting. It felt like the same old thing, over & over. The love triangle was always changing. Lou getting pregnant was predictable & Jim offering to help her if she moved in was also predictable. Then Jim falls in love with a former student. Now she is a part of their lives. Lou takes it in stride. Here is where I didn’t want to put it down. Jim developed ALS & they all learn to live together & cope with this horrid disease.

0 of 2 people found this review helpful