The Lies That Bind

A Novel

By: Emily Giffin

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley, Will Damron, Vikas Adam, Simon Katz

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller •

In this irresistible novel from the author of All We Ever Wanted and Something Borrowed, a young woman falls hard for an impossibly perfect man before he disappears without a trace....

It’s 2 AM on a Saturday night in the spring of 2001, and 28-year-old Cecily Gardner sits alone in a dive bar in New York’s East Village, questioning her life. Feeling lonesome and homesick for the Midwest, she wonders if she’ll ever make it as a reporter in the big city - and whether she made a terrible mistake in breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, Matthew.

As Cecily reaches for the phone to call him, she hears a guy on the barstool next to her say, “Don’t do it - you’ll regret it.” Something tells her to listen, and over the next several hours - and shots of tequila - the two forge an unlikely connection. That should be it, they both decide the next morning, as Cecily reminds herself of the perils of a rebound relationship. Moreover, their timing couldn’t be worse - Grant is preparing to quit his job and move overseas. Yet despite all their obstacles, they can’t seem to say goodbye, and for the first time in her carefully constructed life, Cecily follows her heart instead of her head.

Then Grant disappears in the chaos of 9/11. Fearing the worst, Cecily spots his face on a missing-person poster, and realizes she is not the only one searching for him. Her investigative reporting instincts kick into action as she vows to discover the truth. But the questions pile up fast: How well did she really know Grant? Did he ever really love her? And is it possible to love a man who wasn’t who he seemed to be?

The Lies That Bind is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant exploration of the never-ending search for love and truth - in our relationships, our careers, and deep within our own hearts.

©2020 Emily Giffin (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Giffin is a worldwide best-selling author because she gets under your skin - by creating relatable characters wrestling within believable situations.” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

“Giffin’s talent is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to the modern woman’s story about life, love and family.” (Redbook)

“Giffin [has a] trademark ability to capture the complexities of human emotions while telling a rip-roaring tale.” (The Washington Post)

Hated the last half

Since this was a “light” book I expected a nice happy ending kind of book. The main character made so many foolish decisions and obsessed about every decision. I couldn’t finish the book.

Loved the twists!

Was a fun 2001 throw back and neat incorporation of 9/11. Loved the twists in the relationship stories along the way. Would make for a great book club discussion!

My Favorite Emily Giffin Book!!!

This book was really good! It is full of many twists and turns that keep you interested. Her writing is always effortless and entertaining. I loved how she pulled a few characters from her previous books into this story, as well. Well done, Emily Giffin!

So good!

I just couldn’t stop listening to this book! I was wanting more and more as it went along. I also enjoyed some of the nostalgia of 2001, it took me back to that time. I felt like I was reliving the tragic day of 9/11 and felt Cecily’s emotions. I really loved this story and I will definitely listen to this again! This was well written and the narration was fantastic as well!

Good story line with no real depth

I had high hopes. While the story line is captivating, the characters lack depth. If you’re looking for a light beach read- it’s fine. If you’re looking to lose yourself in a captivating and rich plot- skip this title.

Argh!

I usually love Emily Giffin's novels and have read all of them, but I was NOT a fan of this one. The main character drove me crazy. I kept yelling at her the whole time. She constantly did whatever the man in her life was telling her to do and kept apologizing for everything or taking the blame for something, even if it was the man's fault. I was so angry at her pretty much the entire time and couldn't believe she kept giving in to these men.

Ugh, so many twist & turns

Such a good listen all around. I couldn’t stop listening and the twist and turns that the book takes is an amazing rollercoaster.

Great book! Suspense!

Loved the book. Such suspense, emotion, and unexpected ending. great read! will definately read again. twist and turns all in the book.

Great reader, terrible read

I feel bad saying this because obviously Emily Giffin worked hard and I like some of her previous books, plus who am I to criticize but this was pretty vanilla. and all wrapped up with a perfect bow. Not great

Excellent story!

Emily Giffins never disappoints. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that came about as the story unfolded.