Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: Landline is about a marriage in trouble and a magic phone that might have the power to save it. Georgie and Neal have been together since their college years. They love each other, but there have been problems in their relationship that have been festering for some time. Georgie is a T.V. show writer in Los Angeles who is very involved with her job. Neal is a stay-at-home dad who takes care of their two small children. Georgie’s demanding career seems to always come first, and Neal has had enough. The book begins when Neal takes the children away, leaving Georgie behind. Georgie goes to stay with her mom and when she tries to call Neal from a landline phone, she discovers she is talking to Neal in the past. Will this magic phone help fix their marriage before it even starts? Can she even change the future at all?
My Review: I read this book for FDL’s Out of the Box book club. We had a great discussion about it. I was very excited to see it on the upcoming reading list because I have read Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. I had very high expectations for Landline because I loved Eleanor and Park so much. That book was one that I couldn’t put down, and I remember staying up past 1:00 a.m. to find out what happens. Landline didn’t seem to have the same effect on me. Though I loved Georgie’s character, it was just an okay read. Overall, I felt the author could and has done better work.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Realistic (except for the magic phone), Romantic, Funny
Give This a Try if You Like… Contemporary fiction with a twist of magic realism, Books about complicated relationships
Rating: 3/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!