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 What an incredibly unique premise.It's been such a long time since I read a "chick-lit" book, and reading Why Can't I be You felt like a bit like coming home after a long day. It was a light, comforting read, but packed enough impact to keep you turning the pages, and have you thinking about the content after you've turned the last one. 
 Jenny Shaw is far from outstanding, at least that's how she thinks of herself. Growing up, Jenny was the only child of a dysfunctional family, an outcast in elementary and high-school, and now, newly dumped by the man she convinced herself she was going to spend forever with. While away for a work conference in Seattle, Jenny is mistaken for Jessie Morgan in an elevator, by one of Jessie's best friends from childhood, Myra Aberly. The lodge Jenny is staying at turns out to be the venue for Myra and Jessie's thirteenth high-school reunion. Instead of immediately correcting Myra on her mistake, Jenny, on a whim, and running on lonely feelings, embraces her new identity, and steps directly into the shoes of someone who seems to have everything Jenny never had. 
 At this point, Why Can't I Be You starts picking up speed, and the events that follow are fun and nerve-wracking, in the sense that I kept waiting for someone, ANY one to realize the truth about Jenny. We're introduced to characters that I started feeling close to in such a short time. At almost the exact same time Jenny thought it, I found myself thinking "I would have loved to have friends like that growing up." They were friends that you find and hold onto with all that you have. Friends that would be there, even if your own family wasn't. I think that's what made me relate so much to Jenny's character, and what made the situation less unrealistic. While I kept wondering how likely it was that anyone could make it so far pretending to be someone else-no matter HOW much she looked like Jessie-I wanted Jenny to keep the happiness she found with Myra, Robbie, Fish and Heather. 
 Allie Larkin created a ridiculous situation, but with some of the most real characters, emotions and moments I have ever read. There were also moments of darkness in the story line that helped to cast out any judgmental thoughts of Jenny I had-moments that shed light onto her unstable mind state, and the motives behind her decision to carry on the charade. Larkin's writing flowed effortlessly, and didn't snag on any unnecessary bits. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters, and felt like the romance aspect was sweet and believable. I already bought, and am excited to read Allie's debut novel, Stay. 
 Recommended for: readers and fans of chick-lit, romance and contemporary. 
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 *DISCLAIMER* I received this book as a print copy from the publisher, in order to participate in the blog tour