This book is my first Ahern book, and will probably also be my last. 
 The reviews have said it all - this book is utterly, utterly heart-wrenching, in an effortless way most novels try to achieve with maudlin sentiments. How persuasive the reviews are at convincing you of the sheer bleakness of this novel simply depends on how convincing they are with their words, and how much they can give away without ruining the story. 
 However,there really is no plot for this one. A-third into the book, your brain simply refuses to put the book down simply because it is curious to figure out (view spoiler)[when the heck Lily and Alex will get together, at what age the both of them will end up together, and why in the bleeding hell are they so goddamn stubborn or blind enough to see that the best thing that has ever happened to them was simply right in front of them (hide spoiler)]. A simple book that completely overturns all existing scientific theory that hey, there is really no such thing as friend-zoning. 
 This book completely ruined my week - you read it right. One thing unique about this book was that it is not written in the typical narrative style. Rather, we learn of the depth of the friendship romance between Alex and Lily by reading their email correspondences, mails, etc. By being detached from the actual happenings of our lovebirds' lives, we are constantly being taunted by the author - while berating Alex and Lily for being so stupid, what are we missing out on from our own lives? have we been, by any chance, equally stupid or cowardly as well? 
 The feeling is not a tasteful one. I could skin Alex alive for being such an ass (my feminist side refuses to blame Lily for this one, she had it infinitely worse in this novel, trust me). But perhaps the only reason why we as readers seem to be in pain more than Lily and Alex themselves is because ignorance is indeed bliss. And to an outsider, including Ruby, Phil, Mrs and Mr Dunne, Katie and the readers, there really isn't anything more pathetic than a lost opportunity. 
 This book is beautiful. Ahern has a gift with words and thoughts that capture the entire essence of life, laughter, and love. It is almost sadistic that she has used her gift this time to shatter the hearts of her readers with this number. I simply cannot go through the roller-coaster ride of emotions another time. This book is definitely recommended - before you know it, you'd be on the last page knowing that from the journey, you have grown up a teeny bit, and that a part of you will always mourn for the time lost between Alex and Rosie.