Book Review: If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
From the moment I stumbled across If He Had Been with Me, I felt an undeniable pull—a blend of nostalgia and curiosity that drew me into the world crafted by Laura Nowlin. The story, which has found a massive audience on BookTok as a viral phenomenon, invites readers to reflect on love, friendship, and the delicate threads that often define our lives. As someone who cherishes the bittersweet complexities of young love, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
The narrative revolves around Autumn and Finn, childhood best friends whose paths split as they grow older. Autumn, now dating Jamie, attempts to move on from a friendship that once felt inseparable. Meanwhile, Finn, the quintessential golden boy everyone admires, seems perfectly at home in his new life. Yet, the unshakable bond they once shared lingers in the background, creating an aching tension. I resonated deeply with the exploration of regret and “what ifs”—it’s a theme that encapsulates the essence of youth, tapping into those moments when you wonder if you could rewrite history.
Nowlin’s writing style is refreshingly honest, with a present-tense perspective that immerses you wholly in Autumn’s world. Her voice is raw and relatable, capturing the highs and lows of teenage emotions brilliantly. The pacing may be uneven at times, with some readers feeling the early chapters drag, but I found myself grateful for that build-up—it allowed me to fully absorb Autumn’s struggles and joys. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions, especially Autumn’s internal dialogues, evoke a sense of familiarity that reminds you of your own high school experiences.
One of the most poignant quotes that stuck with me is, “If he had been with me, everything would have been different.” This line encapsulates the heart of the story, as it forces you to reckon with the inevitable changes we experience as we grow. It sparked reflections on my own relationships and the moments I wished could have gone differently. The emotional punches in this book hit hard, leaving me breathless and occasionally tear-stained, especially as the story marches towards its heartbreaking conclusion.
While some reviews noted it felt predictable—a sentiment I can understand—there’s a certain comfort in familiarity, especially in a genre rooted in the unpredictable journey of love. It struck me that real life often unfolds with a similar rhythm, filled with twists and turns we anticipate yet can’t evade.
If He Had Been with Me is a novel for anyone who has loved deeply, lost friends, or experienced the bittersweet pangs of teenage yearning. It’s perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han, and it’s likely to resonate with readers of all ages looking for a narrative that explores the complexities of growing up and moving on.
Ultimately, this book left me contemplating my own connections and the fragile nature of time. For those willing to embrace a gripping, emotional ride, I wholeheartedly recommend this one. You might just find yourself lost in its beautiful heartache, like I did, and perhaps, emerge forever changed on the other side.