This book takes place the day before, day of, and day after the wedding of Gail's daughter Debbie. It's essentially three days of Gail's life as she plays host to her ex-husband while he's in town for the wedding. This is a very quick read that offers a glimpse into Gail's life as she reminisces about the past and deals with unexpected changes occurring in the present. If you're looking for a well written book with emotion, humor, and typical life situations, I highly recommend this.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this story. Its a story about a woman In her early sixties trying to navigate life. She's trying to deal with her daughter getting married, her ex husband showing up at her door, losing her job, and adopting a new cat. A fun read.

I wanted to love this book. I loved the idea of a woman who was facing a job change and the marriage of her only daughter trying to deal with all the comes with both major life occurrences. I just could not get into the story to feel anything for the characters. The story was over three days and I just felt like I couldn’t wait for the wedding to be done. I also felt like the relationship between mother and daughter seemed so distant to even the point when a secret was shared the daughter didn’t see to have much to say.

This wasn’t a bad story by any means but not one I fell in love with. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love a good novella. Three Days in June is a reflective look at one's past, when we get to be the age that we've lived a lot our life and begin to wonder what else does it hold.

Main character, Gail Baines, receives some rather blindsiding news on the eve of her daughter's wedding day. At 61 years old, she is going to be released from her current job, an assistant to the head of a private school. Her boss casually tells her that she is retiring and the person being hired to be the new head mistress is bringing her own assistant. To add insult to injury, her boss adds lackadaisically that Gail has never really been a "people person."

This news somewhat (and rightfully so) sends Gail into a tailspin. She leaves school to head home to prepare for her daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner only be unexpectantly surprised by her ex-husband, Max. Not only has Max arrived in town early, he arrives with the news that he'll be staying with her the next two nights because he's also brought a foster shelter cat. Conveniently, his daughter has told him he cannot possibly stay at her and her fiancé's house because Kenneth (her fiancé) is extremely allergic to cats.

The three days in this novella's setting cause Gail to contemplate not only her own life but also her marriage (which ended in divorce more than 2 decades ago), her daughter's impending nuptials, and her relationship with her ex-husband.

Three Days in June was both tender and humorous at the same time and a quick, enjoyable read. Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, for this pensive and engaging ARC.

A quick read and what I assume is pretty relatable to many people. I enjoyed the glimpse into her life.

Three Days in June is the first Anne Tyler book that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. What a beautiful, spare novel that paints a picture of main character Gail Baines’ lifetime based on events that take place over a three-day period before, during and after her daughter’s wedding.

Reminiscent of Eudora Welty, Tyler’s novel is a moving character study of a crusty 61 year-old woman with “people skills” problems who learns that she is going to lose her job as a school administrator the day before her daughter’s wedding. She has also been excluded from her daughter’s spa-day festivities, and to make matters worse, her ex-husband Max turns up on her doorstep with a cat looking for a place to stay for the wedding.

Under her cool exterior, Gail is quite funny and self-aware, confronting the question of what she is going to do with the rest of her life in the midst of so many changes. She wonders why she is so “bottled up,” and knows that she is like the cat — she only appears cold-hearted in order to protect her dignity in case she gets rejected. She can make different choices or keep doing what she’s always done, and her process is all too human and comprehensible. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Borzoi Books/Alfred A. Knopf for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy of this lovely book.

Anne Tyler is back with another slice-of-life story that feels like a warm but bittersweet memory. In Three Days in June, she captures family dynamics, quiet regrets, and the unexpected beauty in everyday moments with her signature wit and emotional depth.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler: A Novel of Love, Loss, and Unexpected Revelations

Anne Tyler, the Pulitzer Prize-winning master of family dynamics and quiet drama, returns with Three Days in June, a novel that blends her signature warmth and humor with deep emotional insight. This latest work is destined to be an instant classic, capturing the fragile yet enduring threads that hold families together—especially in moments of upheaval drama.

Spanning just a few days, Three Days in June is a novel about the inevitable complications of love, marriage, and family life. Tyler, known for her nuanced character studies and quietly profound storytelling, expertly captures the bittersweet humor of middle age, the ache of nostalgia, and the unpredictability of human relationships. With moments of poignant introspection and sharp, witty observations, she reminds us that even the most carefully laid plans can be undone in an instant.

Through Gail’s journey—from a mother feeling pushed to the sidelines to a woman rediscovering her own voice—Three Days in June explores what it means to let go, to embrace uncertainty, and to find grace in life’s imperfections. Fans of Anne Tyler will recognize her signature blend of heartache and hope, her keen eye for the subtleties of human behavior, and her unmatched ability to turn the everyday moments of life into something unforgettable.

Perfect for readers who love introspective, character-driven fiction, Three Days in June is a poignant and deeply human novel that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.

On a Friday in June, Gail Baines is informed that the head of her school is retiring and Gail, the assistant head will not be replacing her, as the Board has found a younger woman with "fresh" ideas to take the post. And, oh yes, she will be bringing along her own assistant. Being blindsided, Gail just leaves and goes home. She isn't sure if she has been fired or quit, or if she still has a job, but she can't take it, TODAY of all days!! Because her only child, daughter Debbie is getting married tomorrow.

The bride, the bridesmaids, the maid of honor and the mother of the groom are having a spa day, but no one even thought to invite Gail, and she only found out about it accidentally. That is the way this wedding has been going. Debbie has always been independent and really doesn't care about planning a wedding, so her future mother-in-law has taken charge. And Gail really has no part, except to show up for the festivities.

Then her ex-husband shows up, with a cat in tow, that Debbie says her fiance is allergic to, so Max and the cat will have to stay with Gail!! The divorce was not a bad one, and they have both gotten over the hurt feelings, but, really?

As Friday, Saturday and then Sunday progress, the wedding goes off well and the couple seem to be happy, in spite of a MAJOR bump in the road, but as Gail spends more time with Max, she begins to think maybe she made a mistake?

A short book, it was an easy read and Anne Tyler is an expert at showing feelings and emotion without even trying hard.

This book is an ideal choice for readers who are drawn to stories that delve into the intricacies of family relationships, the complexities of love and marriage, and the multifaceted nature of personal identity. With its character-driven narrative and exploration of profound themes, this book will resonate with those who appreciate a thoughtful and insightful examination of human connection and the challenges and joys of navigating life's complexities. The subtle touch of humor and heartfelt moments woven throughout the story further enhance its appeal, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant reading experience.

Three Days In June by and Tyler is a short quick fabulous read about a mother attending her daughter‘s wedding with her ex-husband Max and her mother. The three days starts off wonky because she learns she’s loosing her position at the private school where she works and is told by the head mistress that she isn’t a people person and doesn’t have personal tact. This causes Gail to be angry and walk out. She also hasn’t been invited to the day of beauty at a spa pay for by her daughters soon to be new mother-in-law and this definitely rubs Gail the wrong way as well as the MIL. While daughter Debbie brings dad Max and her mom to buy Max a suit she drops a bombshell about something her soon to be husband. Kenny has done which causes Gail to reflect back on her own life. If I continue going on, I will just tell you the whole book just know this is a fabulous book. I’m so excited about how it ended because that is how I wanted it to end not to mention with Selena the cat it was just an awesome awesome literary fiction read. I love the humorous clips set in the book. I love the story. I have never read Ann Taylor before, but would definitely read her books again in the future. this is a book. I definitely absolutely recommend. #NetGalley,#KnophPantheonVintageAndAnchor,#TheBlindReviewer, #AnneTyler, #3DaysInJune,

I made it 60% through and i honestly don’t have a single clue about what this book is about. At first, it talked about a character getting terminated, but then flipped about her daughter getting married. Aside from one shock factor, nothing. Is. Happening. I hate to say it, but save your time on this one.

I really enjoyed reading Three Days in June! It’s a family saga about Gail, a somewhat awkward main character, her daughter, Debbie, and Max, Gail’s ex-husband. The story centers around Debbie’s wedding with plenty of backstory to become fully invested. Anne Tyler does a great job with character development. Thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Small but mighty. What a delight to read a book about a woman in her sixties which treats her as though she has a lot of life left in front of her, rather than having it all behind her. Tyler is a master of writing about relationships and this novella is no different. Gail's relationship with her ex-husband, her daughter, her mom and even her cat tell us so much about her and although this reveals many of her flaws, you are rooting for her the whole time.

I unexpectedly started and finished this lovely little book today (motivated by its publication day next week, no doubt), and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The narrator, Gail Baines, a long-divorced woman on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, tells the whole story in a stream-of-consciousness like way. Gail is an introvert and arguably lacks “people skills” (as one of the side characters tells her), so reading all of her thoughts and emotions during the 3 days in which the novel takes place helped me really understand her as a person. The book was very easy to read and discussed themes of forgiveness, loneliness, guilt, and of course, familial love.

I can't recommend it enough! I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down, I finished it in a couple of days!

Family drama about a divorced woman whose daughter is getting married. Takes place over the wedding day and the days before and after. Has the quirky but relatable characters, the humor, and the understanding of human nature that I expect from Anne Tyler.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. This is my first read by Tyler and I will be reading other novels by her. This was a sweet, easy read that I read in a day. The main character's daughter is getting married and as mother of the bride she hasn't had much say regarding the planning of the wedding. Facing a career change and being alone has Gail in a funk. Gail's ex-husband appears on her doorstep with a cat and announces he needs to stay with her for the weekend during their daughter's wedding functions. Over three days, Gail and Max realize they still have feelings for each other. I found this an enjoyable read and loved how Tyler interwove humor with touching life moments. I
enjoyed it!. Thank you again NetGalley!
Leslie Ponder

I have really liked Anne Tyler's books and this novella is equally as good. I loved the characters - everyone of them has flaws, has made mistakes and the themes revolve around family, forgiveness and love. I could not put this book down I found it so enthralling and I really fell in love with the characters and could emotionally relate to them on many levels. The premise revolves around the main character's daughter's wedding and her ex (the bride's father) coming to stay with her. I teared up at different points including the end. Just an absolutely beautiful book about what it means to be human and be in relationship with others.

Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

Novellas that can pack a punch in such a short amount of time are worth all of the stars. I absolutely was swept up in the drama and have way too many quotes that really resonated with me.

The story follows Gail, whose only daughter is getting married. As a divorcee, Gail still remains on good terms with her ex husband Max and they have to come together make this wedding run smoothly. The setting is the day before the wedding, the day of, and the day after. We fleetingly meet characters but Tyler writes in such a way where I felt immersed in the setting.

In short it is a portrait of a marriage, the mistakes that can be made during, and the reconciliation after.

Some of my favorite quotes:

"I didn't tell her how many years of ups and downs and ice silences and hurt feeling we'd had to go through to get there."

"Someday I'd like to be given credit for all the times I have not said something that I could have said."

"Anger feels so much better than sadness. Cleaner, somehow, and more definite. But then when the anger fades, the sadness comes right back again the same as ever."

A huge thank you to NetGalley and to Knopf for an ARC of this!

Content: really none- no language, or open door scenes