Caroline Leavitt is an author I truly enjoy reading. She brings depth to her characters. Her stories are compelling and thought provoking. This was an interesting topic to read about. I know I am very curious now about what coma survivers go through.

I was conflicted as I read this story. I felt sorry for Simon but blamed him for Stella's condition. I loved that Libby fought for Stella. And when Stella came to, I felt robbed and wanted her to be exactly the same much the way Simon and Libby did. I still can't decide how I feel about this story. I am not sure if I like the way the story ended. I have been thinking of this story for days. It is a book you won't soon forget.

Thank you to Algonquin and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own

Caroline Leavitt has written a thought provoking novel illustrating how your life can change, for better or worse, in a flash. Simon, a musician in a band trying to seek his fame and fortune is living with Stella, a nurse who truly loves Simon, but not his longing for fame, wishing he wanted to settle down and have a family. Simon is excited to leave to open for another band, thinking his moment has come, but then... Their lives changed irrevocably. I honestly could not put my kindle down until I finished. I did appreciate the ending. Keep writing Caroline Leavitt! Many thanks to Caroline Leavitt, Algonquin Books, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read this ARC.

I had no idea what to expect from this, and I loved every second of it. I have always been intrigued by the stories of patients who wake up from comas with new talents or personalities, and this charming and relatable tale really made the strangeness and wonder of that situation seem real.

The characters are wonderfully drawn, with characters that start out as unlikable or one-note blossoming and changing just as much as our coma-patient Stella. I did not want to put this book down, and was happy with where they each ended up.

There were moments of real connection between characters. It felt a little disconnected at some parts in the story. It felt like something was missing.

I set this one aside over half way through. For some reason this felt like a story I had already read. I didn't feel for any of the characters, basically just lost interest. I've loved all of her other things so I might go back to this in the future but for now I'm moving on.

Great story of love and heartbreak, hope and despair. What if your partner falls into A coma and comes out a different person? Simon and Stella are estranged, he’s always chasing fleeting fame and she wants to settle down. One night of partying puts Stella in a coma for a few months. It’s during this time that Simon realizes all he was taking for granted. But when Stella awakens, will things ever be the same? I was drawn to this story from the beginning. Simon seems magnetic. The descriptions of Stella’s experience while in the coma bring another layer to their story. Thoroughly enjoyed

Simon and Stella have been together for nearly two decades. Simon has the change to improve his career as a musician, but Stella wants more from their relationship. When Stella falls into a coma, everything changes.

I was really impressed by the uniqueness of this plot.

But that was pretty much the only thing I liked about With or Without You. This didn't have the bones for an enticing read, for me. (Also sorry but the format of this ebook was disastrous). I don't have constructive thoughts to convey about this, other than most of the book I couldn't connect with. It's not to say this isn't a bad novel, or it won't be a huge hit, it just wasn't for me.

Ms. Leavitt is a wonderful writer! I've read many of her books in the past, particularly Girls in Trouble and Cruel Beautiful World, and I've enjoyed them all. With or Without You had incredibly good writing and plot development, as well as excellent storytelling in reference to the characters.

This novel takes a candid look at a relationship in trouble. After being together for over 20 years, Stella and Simon aren't quite finding their groove anymore. After falling into a coma, Stella discovers a penchant for a talent that had previously gone undiscovered. How will this change the foundation of their relationship? Will it bring them closer. . or will it drive the wedge between them even farther apart?

I can't emphasize enough how much I adore Leavitt's writing. She has an innate talent is often unrivaled. Her ability to pen stories of relationships is uncanny. They are so real and relatable. I felt so close to these characters. Excellent work! 5+ Stars!

This was not as good as her previous and didn’t appeal to me. The writing was good but I just didn’t enjoy the story.

Thank you netgalley for an ARC read.

This book is about the changes a relationship can go through during 20 years. Some of the topics covered are, deceit, medical trauma, fame and growing apart.

This is an okay book.

Stella and Simon are now 42 years old. They have lived together for 20 years. Once in a fairly popular rock band, Simon has the opportunity to go to California with his band and open for a very popular young new performer.

Not feeling well, Stella (the one who is STILL waiting for Simon to "grow up" and start a family - and marriage), tells Simon she doesn't want to leave NY now to fly to California. Stella is a nurse at a respected hospital (and most likely pays most of the bills). Simon is hell bent on going to this concert - possibly kick-starting his rock career again.

Arguing, Stella and Simon get drunk on wine. Also, Simon gives Stella a pill - although she was also taking Sudafed. Simon tells her it is Darvon. Since Stella loves Simon so much and feels that if they calm down and discuss things, they can work things out. She takes the pill.

The following day, Simon is hungover and realizes after he first takes care of himself, he cannot wakeup Stella. Their trip to California is on that evening. Still, he rushes Stella to the hospital where she works...

Kind of twisty - it was a fast read for me. The characters (like them or not) were well depicted and the plotline was good.

Many Thanks to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for a chance to read and review.

Could not understand why this book would be a hit. A nurse with a bad cold, on meds and drinking wine, is persuaded by her long time boyfriend to take a supposed darvon to help her "relax" only to end up in a coma. The boyfriend is desperate to get his stalled singing/writing career back on track while she wants to settle down, buy a home and start a family, all of which he has said he does not want.
Together for over 20 years they are just getting to this discussion now? What kind of mother would she be making such stupid medical choices for herself? What kind of father would he be when he says he's just all about a good time and then lies to her about what drug he is offering? These idiots should not be allowed to parent.
Waste of time so I stopped reading.
Thanks NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

This wasn’t what I expected for whatever reason. Wasn’t my favorite, but I think it will do well with other readers.

With or Without You starts with the story of Stella and Simon arguing as they prepare to go to California for another chance of music stardom for Simon. They’ve been crazy in love for many years, but Stella doesn’t want to traipse off anymore, she loves her nursing job, wants a baby, and doesn’t want to leave. They’re drinking, she takes a pill, and falls into a coma. Simon stays home to be by her side, reluctantly giving up his chance at music. Meeting her doctor/best friend who disapproves of him, Simon slowly starts to grow up and change. He hopes it’s not too late.
This is a wonderful novel about life, the choices we make, our hopes, dreams, regrets and disappointments. We change, we grow, we learn who we are, and most especially we love. Beautifully written with compelling characters, I loved reading it.

Musicians Stella and Simon have been together for almost two decades, but there are problems on the horizon. Fame has eluded Simon for years, but now he wants to be back on the road, without Stella. Their lives change in drastic and unexpected ways when she falls into a coma the night before he leaves, and wakes up a completely different person.
If you read Leavitt's Cruel, Beautiful World, you know that this story goes much deeper than simply a tale of an accident and its consequences. It's the story of how two complex characters love, mourn, and long for a past that is gone, while trying to make their new lives work without losing themselves in the process.
With or Without You is an absolute literary achievement.