Attachments by Rainbow Rowell is one of those books that perfectly defines a generation. In the present, technology-driven culture, it’s sometimes difficult to remember what chatting with friends was like in the prehistoric era (i.e., before iPads and Tinder). I’m definitely guilty of texting my suitemate a question instead of easily making the few steps across the hallway to have a conversation IRL (in real life, lol). I first heard about this book on Pinterest with a caption along the lines of, “Attachments will have you laughing page after page.” The recommendation sure was spot on!
Before reading Attachments, I had recently read Feed, by M. T. Anderson, which describes a futuristic society driven by in-body computers called “the feed.” After reading Feed, I felt extremely conscious of how dependent I have become on technology, and I found myself trying not to be glued to my iPhone. Attachments is also centered on technology, but it makes readers realize how plugged in they are in a way that is both hilarious and genuine. Who doesn’t need a good laugh around midterms? Instead of looking at laughable selfies of that girl you haven’t talked to since high school, pick up (or download) this book immediately.
Why you should read it: Attachments is both funny and realistic in the sense that when you read this book, you totally feel as if you’re Lincoln reading Beth and Jennifer’s emails. I loved the witty sarcasm and character development throughout the book. I also think the workplace setting makes it a fun read for any collegiette™. For a generation of individuals who are currently or about to be on the job hunt, reading Attachments can make having a “real-world” job in the future seem not so scary. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll have your own Lincoln surfing through your hilarious email exchanges. If anything else, read this for the laughs. Warning: You will fall in love with these characters.
From the back cover: “‘Hi, I’m the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you…’”
Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It’s company policy.) But they can’t quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.
Meanwhile, Lincoln O’Neill can’t believe this is his job now – reading other people’s e-mail. When he applied to be “internet security officer,” he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers – not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.
When Lincoln comes across Beth’s and Jennifer’s messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can’t help being entertained – and captivated – by their stories.
By the time Lincoln realizes he’s falling for Beth, it’s way too late to introduce himself.
What would he say…?”
Next week, I’ll be reviewing one of my favorite works of adolescent literature, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. You’ll be mesmerized by the depiction of reservation life and the search to find true identity, so start reading!
HC xo,The Bookworm Belle