Cover Image: The Dinner List

The Dinner List

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This was a very interesting premise for a book and very different than anything I have read lately. I thought it might be a very light read when I read about how it was based on the character inviting any 5 people of their choosing - dead or alive - to a dinner party. It actually had a lot more depth and I loved the focus on how the decisions we have made in the past, big or small, can entirely alter the rest of our lives. I enjoyed reading about these different relationships (or lack there of) and how they affected the main character and also interconnected with one another. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Such a fantastic execution of a fun concept. It definitely makes you think about what it would look like for you and how things would pan out.

Was this review helpful?

If you could name five people, living or dead, who you want to have dinner with, who would you pick? It's a question that many of us have encountered at some point, and The Dinner List brings that question to life through telling the story of Sabrina Nielsen's thirtieth birthday dinner with her best friend, favorite college professor, father, ex-fiance Tobias and Audrey Hepburn. As the six of them share a meal, it starts to become clear that there is a reason apart from Sabrina's birthday that these folks are all at this dinner together, and so this story unfolds. Now, here's the bottom line: I genuinely thought the concept and execution of The Dinner List was quite enjoyable. It drew out the storyline in a way that felt fresh and interesting to me as a reader, and I'm always a big fan of when that happens. However, even though I thought that the narrative was interesting and pretty much devoured the entire novel in a day, I just didn't personally connect with Sabrina or any of the other characters. I truly feel that if I had, the emotional impact of this story would have been a lot stronger and I would have liked it even more. I still would recommend giving this one a shot, especially if the premise is one that you find intriguing.

Was this review helpful?

To me, this book seems a very honest look a relationships and how/why they can go wrong...or right. I think that people will have a wide array of responses to this book because of that. It's not easy to look at someone making well-intended mistakes. It seems so clear to us, the reader, the person outside of the relationship, the unaffected third-party, as we look at the situation and judge it from an almost clinical standpoint. "Of course she shouldn't do this." "Why didn't he do that?" etc. But when you're IN the story. When emotions run high, when you're tired, when you're in the middle of something new, something you want to work so badly, but are desperately afraid to lose it and don't know what you're doing, don't even know what you really want... it is so much more murky.

Sabrina sits down with five people at dinner and they help her to see more clearly. People who know her, and people who never got the chance, but with invaluable experience and insight that helps her to grow up a little bit and move forward.

I won't say it was my favorite. It's hard to watch someone self-destruct and try to pick up all the pieces again. It's hard to watch someone ask "what if?" and wonder where it went wrong, if they missed it, if they are not enough. But I do think this book deserves credit for being incredibly human. Honest. And I hope it's helpful to some readers who need to know they are not alone in their feelings/thoughts/perspective. They can move forward. It can get better.

Was this review helpful?

The age old question, what five people would you like to have dinner with. Sabrina chooses and the 30th birthday dinner is a dream like drama. As she rehashes her live with her five guests I got a little bored and found myself skimming. The premise was a good one and I really wanted to to love this story but I just liked it instead. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.*

Imagine an icebreaker question from first dates gone by...coming to life. The Dinner List opens as Sabrina sits down next to Audrey Hepburn for dinner. Somehow, the list she comprised (and wrote down á la Ross in Friends) of the 5 people she'd most want to have dinner with back in college with, has become reality.

Over the course of dinner, she engages with Audrey Hepburn, the father who abandoned her as a small child, her favorite college professor and mentor, her best friend, and her college boyfriend.

As the story unravels, we discover all of the cracks in these relationships and through both flashbacks and dinner conversation, how Sabrina got to where she is today. She has only one meal to try to gain some closure or clarity with regards to each relationship.

Rebecca Serle uses lovely descriptive language and leaves just enough mystery as to how this dinner party has come to pass. I really enjoyed this book - possibly because it is such a novel concept, but also because the characters were relatable and very real.

I'll definitely be recommending this one!

*with thanks to NetGalley who provided a digital ARC in exchange for this honest review

Was this review helpful?

A gracious thank you to Flatiron Books and Rebecca Serle for an advanced copy of The Dinner List. I’m giving ALL the stars for this one! I will admit I was hovering between 4 and 4.5 but then that ending knocked me off my feet...oh geez what an ending!!

This book is more than just a love story although it IS ALSO a beautifully crafted love story. . It is about how our past skeletons affect our future decisions. It is about learning how to forgive. It is about being honest with oneself and growing up. It is about much more but I don’t want to give anything away. If you have ever had that one true love that broke your heart, this is your book. This is an emotionally complex story that really makes you think.

Imagine you could invite any 5 people of your choosing - dead or alive - to a dinner party. That’s what happens to Sabrina on her 30th birthday. Her and her best friend Jessica have always met for dinner on each others birthdays, but this year a few unexpected guests show up as well. These guests are on a dinner guest list that Sabrina made up years ago - her absent father Robert, her old university professor Conrad, Audrey Hepburn, her ex-fiancé Tobias and Jessica. As the night gets going and the conversation begins, Sabrina begins to understand the true reason for each person being at the dinner.

The writing is light and effortless with a twist of humour. It brings the reader in as though they are a fly on the wall at this dinner party. The story is both thought=provoking and moving. I was hooked from the get go. Absolutely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

What a unique premise for a book; an age old concept. Imagine you could pick 5 guests to attend a once in a lifetime dinner. Living or dead, who would you choose, and why? Sabrina has just such a dinner and invites people she admires, loves and who she has unanswered questions for. Oh yeah and Audrey Hepburn (nice choice). As the dinner progresses the story goes back and forth between past events and the present dinner. This shift in timelines provided scaffolding for the development of the characters.

Within the backdrop of this dinner, the characters work through the past and delve into reconciliation. “There are many ways stories can unfold, and now I see this one begin to take shape. Something different in the space where there used to be just one thing.”

I have to say, I’m not a fan of the romance genre but I really liked the unique premise of this book and wanted to read it. I'm glad I did.

The Dinner List is a quick read that is both well written and boasts a unique premise that lives up to the hype. Well played Rebecca Serle! Well played!

I received an review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Many thanks to Netgalley, Flatiron Books and Rebecca Serle for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advanced copy.

So imagine you could choose 5 dinner guests for a once in a lifetime dinner. Living or dead, relative or not - the possibilities are endless. I love the premise for this book. Who would I invite? Would they be connected or random? What are the big questions that I want answered. Sabrina, the main character, chooses wisely, I think. First there is her best friend, Jessica. In some ways they have grown apart because Jessica is married, with a brand new baby. But they both know it is more than that. There is a rift between them and Sabrina doesn’t know if they will be able to make their way back. Also, Jessica knows her everything about her life and can bring perspective in regards to the other dinner guests. Conrad is a professor that Sabrina was very close to, in some ways a surrogate father. Robert is her real father. An alcoholic, he abandoned Sabrina and her mother when Sabrina was very young. He went on to get sober, remarried with new kids and never once reached out to the daughter he left behind. Then there is Tobias, the love of her life. They are not together and Sabrina hopes this dinner can help sort out whether or not they should be together or go their separate ways. The last guest is Audrey, yes that Audrey, Hepburn and still deceased. Audrey’s movies have played a big role in her life and has a special connection to each of the guests.

The book is well written and flows nicely. It was an easy read. I just didn’t connect with Sabrina, the other dinner guests and therefore, wasn’t invested in what was happening. I love Audrey Hepburn and I didn’t feel her character was flushed out at all, very flat, which was disappointing. For me, the suspense didn’t build. There are a few reveals along the way - I just didn’t care. I found the main character to be selfish, self absorbed, immature and I didn’t find a way in to like her. Even the dinner guests had to keep saying Hey, we are here just for you and some of us came a very long way! For me, it was a slog. I knew the dinner would have to end and she would find peace with some and not with others. There were lessons along the way, although I’m not convinced Sabrina was open to learning them. Either she was going to be with Tobias or she wasn’t - I was okay with it either way. That is not really my style. I’m usually the romantic that always wants them to be together whether they realistic or not, right for each other or not, I always tend to want it to work out.

Although I loved the idea, this didn’t work for me. It did make me ponder on what my dinner might look like and what I might have to say to certain people, or learn and that was fun.

Was this review helpful?

I have seen a lot of talk about "The Dinner List" recently, so I was excited to get a chance to read it. I mean, when you unexpectedly have Audrey Hepburn at your dinner table, what's not to love?

This book was a surprise in many ways, and definitely not what I expected. Based on the premise (Sabrina actually gets the chance to live out the "name any five people you'd like to gather for dinner" exercise) and some prior reviews, I was expecting a lighthearted story. For me, it definitely wasn't. This is a character based drama that explores what went wrong in many of Sabrina's relationships. There's a lot of emotional baggage and angst at that dinner table. There's also a plot twist about halfway through that I didn't see coming... it made the situation more interesting and pulled some things together, but it also changed the tone of the story.

"The Dinner List" is well written and explores the complexities of modern relationships. I feel like I didn't connect well with the main character... she seemed rather self-absorbed, although there was definitely growth by the end of the story. And I normally love magical realism but there are some things with that concept that didn't work for me here. Though I did really enjoy getting to learn a bit more about Audrey Hepburn's life!

If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted romp, this probably isn't for you. If you like a unique story with character development and emotional twists, pick this one up! I'd give this 3.5 stars overall... it's thought provoking and fresh.

(Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a digital advance copy of this title. All opinions are my own.)

Was this review helpful?

So touching and heartwarming and such a unique idea. Brought up the thoughts of the lost family I would invite to my dinner I loved every second of this easy to read story can’t wait to read more by her!

Was this review helpful?

The Dinner List took me completely by surprise. I didn’t have a ton of expectations for the book, but thought it would be light an fun. Oh boy!

Despite it’s sometimes serious topics, the book ultimately is about family, relationships, and friendships. It was so touching and real (despite the unrealistic setting of a dinner with some dead people) to read about how our relationships with people and how we feel about them can adapt and change with time, but that ultimately the people important people in our lives are always with us when we need them. This was such a touching story about love, loss, and finding your way back.

On another note, I was seriously skeptical of the Audrey Hepburn character, but she was delightful! I also loved that the main character’s name is Sabrina like the famous Hepburn character from one of my favorite classic movies.

Was this review helpful?

The question has been posed, if you could invite any five people to have dinner with you, who would you choose? When protagonist Sabrina arrives at a New York City restaurant to celebrate her 30th birthday, she ends up seated with the five individuals from her list, one of whom is Audrey Hepburn. (Of course, her name is derived from the titular character portrayed in film by Hepburn.)

The story is told with two unfolding timelines, one in the present, and one in the past. Before the clock strikes midnight and everyone goes their separate ways, Sabrina must examine the reasons of what led her to this place, with these particular people, and what actions are required of her to move on into the future.

While compelled to keep reading and find out what happens at the end of Sabrina's birthday dinner party, there is an overarching and pervasive presence of melancholy, and the metaphysical aspect of living and dead people sharing a meal together is never explained.

Even though this wasn't my favorite read, the premise is unique, and the plot contains the gentle reminder that in life we experience both love and loss and it's important to embrace them both in order to fully live.

My thanks to NetGalley for access to the digital ARC.

Was this review helpful?

A very interesting and enjoyable read. A very different concept and truly enjoyable. I found this to be well written and thought-provoking. The start was a bit slow going for me, but the story picked up and it was well worth reading. Read this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a review copy. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

THE DINNER LIST by Rebecca Serle is both a LibraryReads and Costco monthly selection. I definitely agree that the premise is terrific: if you could have dinner with any 5 people – dead or alive – who would you choose? Here, the main character, 30 year-old Sabrina, chooses her best female friend, her ex, her estranged father, her former professor and Audrey Hepburn. Unfortunately for me, the ensuing conversation was way too self-centered as Sabrina works to resolve various relationship issues. And even she admits to this: “When I chose these five people to put on my list, it was entirely about me. My issues with each of them, and my mixed desires to be in their presence.”

Links to LibraryReads page and Costco review
http://libraryreads.org/september-2018-libraryreads/
http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=103#pg103

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Flatiron books and Netgalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.

I began reading this book after being in a little reading funk. A little slow to draw me in, when it did I was completely hooked. Thank you so much for getting me out of my reading funk and introducing me to this wonderful book.

The book was set around a dinner party between five people. i loved the way the book weaved between the dinner, set over the course of a few hours, and the love relationship between Sabrina and Tobias, I loved the way their relationship, as well as other important relationships in their lives, were slowly described to the reader.

A wonderful book that I have raved about since finishing a few days ago. I highly recommend this if you feel like getting sucked into Sabrina’s life for an afternoon.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.
4.5 ⭐️

Was this review helpful?

It's an age old question that most of us have pondered at one point in our lives: who would be our dream guests at a dinner party? "The Dinner List" is a wistful, bittersweet & touching novel about love, life and loss that is rich in depth & feeling but avoids all the sentimental trappings of cookie cutter novels. As Sabrina nervously counts down the hours until her dinner party ends, you too will be keeping an eye on midnight knowing that, much like the dinner party, the novel will soon be coming to an end. When you're reading, you are studying Sabrina's list and trying to figure out why she chose who she did and what puzzle piece they fit into her life. After you're done reading, the thought of your own list stays with you: who are the people you would want to gather round your table? This book highlights the moments, memories and messy relationships that make up a life. No relationship is perfect but there is grace in accepting that there is beauty in the messiness, the unanswered questions and bittersweet endings. This book falls into the category of immediately after you read it, you text all your friends to read it too so you can discuss it together. It's a party you won't want to leave.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been sitting on this review for a couple weeks, eager to wish @rebecca_serle a happy #pubday and congratulate her on the release of her amazing debut novel, #thedinnerlist. This one was such an unexpected surprise; the story of a woman celebrating her 30th birthday at a dinner surrounded by the five people (dead or alive) she’s always wanted to share a meal with...included are her best friend, her estranged father, her philosophy professor, her ex-boyfriend, and...Audrey Hepburn. Together, the group discusses love and loss, the meaning of family and friendship, and of course, they eat! The writing is confident and smart, the characters well-developed and relatable; it’s a big swing and Serle delivers what is essentially the book equivalent of a big, warm hug. I loved it. Thanks as always to @netgalley and @flatiron_books for the advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

Librarian: This doesn't fit the collection needs of my particular library. However, if I was an adult services librarian, I would consider it. It reads easily, and provides a very intriguing premise. I would recommend this book to readers who like contemporary fiction with a slight fantastical twist (though not those who tend more towards contemporary romance. This isn't their book.)
Reader: As a reader I found this book to be oddly intriguing. It really shone a spotlight on the way that we can be impacted by the people in our lives, and even by people we never meet in person. It spoke to the power of forgiveness, and the importance of cherishing those we love.
This book is not my preferred genre, but I can say that it's one dinner party I'm glad that I attended.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Flatiron Books for a digital copy of The Dinner List for review.
It’s Sabrina’s 30th birthday and she is going out to dinner. This one is a little different though, she is going with a group she put on a list years ago, top 5 people dead or alive she would want to have dinner with. Her list includes her estranged father who passed away before they could meet, her university Philosophy professor, her best friend, her ex-boyfriend, and Aubrey Hepburn.
An interesting concept, but for me it just didn’t work. I did not like the main character. That is a bigger problem in “bottle episode” type books. You really have to connect with the characters to stay with them through a dinner party in one place and their reminiscing of the past. Sabrina just wasn’t connecting with me and it was hard for me to finish. However, if you love character development, and she or her ex-boyfriend Tobias really connect for you, you are going to LOVE this one. I thought it was well written, just didn’t work for me particularly.

Was this review helpful?