Excess Baggage by Laura Barnard Review

Excess Baggage was my first Laura Barnard read. In addition, this book was one of the most challenging read to date. I truly have some very mixed feelings about the book. I been contemplating how I would rate this book and ultimately landed on 3 starts.

The story was very off setting for myself. I am sure a lot of you will absolutely love it and enjoy it... but it was definitely not my cup of tea. There were moments in the book that captured my interest but not for long.

The first few pages was hard for me to read and did not entice my imagination or interest. However, there was a key moment that keep me going... and ultimately secured by continue read of the book. This quote was my motivation...

"My God, how is it fair that he got  hotter? I've always kind of hoped that he was one of those gorgeous teenagers that peaked early and was now obese and ugly, possibly bald. But this level of good looking, well it's just not fair at all."

I felt like any women could relate to the scene. When we cross path with that ex-boyfriend that we secretly ponder about from time to time. It piqued my interest as to what was to become of our protagonists.

The book was off setting since I could not connect with the main characters, Erika and Jack. Jack was an ok personality but I DON'T want an "Ok guy" fictional or otherwise. My real issue was definitely Erika. She felt like a total sorority chick. At time, she came across a bit juvenile.

I been in Erika's position and have played the "what if" game, but it does not necessarily means to act on those thoughts.  Moreover, her acting out was the catalyst for the constant mistakes that occurred in the story line. Even, I was rotting for her demise.

Overall, I could not connect with the characters, which largely influence my reading experience. Don't get me wrong, the book was well written. The writing style suited the comical and entertaining scenes.