Book Review: Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley
From the moment I glanced at the title Consider Yourself Kissed, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that this book promised something special. Just the phrase "kissed" evokes warmth, intimacy, and the kind of allure that pulls you in. Jessica Stanley, a writer I hadn’t yet encountered, seemed poised to deliver a heartful exploration of love and its intricacies, and the buzz surrounding this novel only heightened my anticipation. What I discovered was an enchanting tapestry of human experience, one I felt privileged to unravel.
At the heart of Consider Yourself Kissed is Coralie, a character whose journey mirrors the challenging yet beautiful realities of young motherhood and modern relationships. From the excerpts of reviews I’ve read, acclaimed authors like Liane Moriarty and Catherine Newman rave about Stanley’s ability to balance tender moments with the harsher realities of life. As I turned the pages, I was struck by how authentically Stanley captures the emotional labyrinth of growing up—both as a woman navigating the demands of motherhood and as a partner seeking love in the chaos of daily life.
Stanley’s writing is both humorous and poignant, a combination that makes the characters leap off the pages like old friends. Coralie’s struggles with identity, career aspirations, and familial bonds were relatable, evoking memories of my own life’s messiness. The narrative flows effortlessly, interweaving personal and political themes that resonate deeply. As one critic put it: “Consider Yourself Kissed is a smart literary love story,” and I couldn’t agree more! There’s a refreshing honesty in Stanley’s portrayal of relationships, one that mirrors the complexity of love in its various forms, whether romantic, familial, or even platonic.
One particular passage that resonated with me captured Coralie’s internal conflict about her role as a mother versus her desire for self-fulfillment. I think it encapsulates well what many women feel today: the delicate balance between nurturing those we love and reclaiming our individuality. Ellen Elliott Thomas beautifully summarized it when she said the book is “warm, funny, clever and real”—it invites readers to laugh and reflect in equal measure.
The pacing of the novel felt just right; Stanley’s humor and wisdom paired so well with the characters’ arcs, making it impossible for me to put down. Before I knew it, I was at the last page, slightly bereft, wishing it didn’t have to end. The narrative spans a decade, capturing the small yet significant shifts in Coralie’s life, echoing the sentiment of many readers who crave both depth and connection in their literary escapades.
I wholeheartedly recommend Consider Yourself Kissed to anyone who appreciates a story that reflects the layers of modern womanhood, alongside a humorous take on relationships. Whether you’re a mother, a romantic at heart, or simply someone pondering life’s complexities, Stanley’s novel will wrap you in its warm embrace. Trust me; you’ll find pieces of yourself in Coralie’s journey, just as I did.
In closing, this book doesn’t just deliver a story; it offers a gentle invitation to reflect on the hopes and struggles we all face in our pursuit of love and belonging. And as I closed the final chapter, I felt not only seen but also uplifted, ready to dive back into my own life with renewed appreciation for its intricate beauty. Consider yourself kissed—by this book, and consider yourself lucky to have found such a gem.
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