I have been reading Anne Tyler's novels for years. THREE DAYS IN JUNE has become my favorite now. Previously THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST was the one that resonated and stayed with me. The movie adaptation of that book captured the tone and essence of the story.
THREE DAYS IN JUNE is set in Baltimore, of course, since that is the locale the author consistently uses. Longtime readers know there will be quirky characters in this and in her other character driven novels.
Gail Baines is having horrible day. She's told her job has been eliminated and she's too socially awkward for the management position she applied for. Totally blindsided and shocked, she leaves without even getting things from her office. When she arrives at home she finds her ex-husband on the doorstep with a cat and no suit for their daughter's wedding the next day. He has no where else to go because of the groom-to-be's allergies. Gail lets him in. She is feeling a little out of touch with the wedding since she hasn't been invited to the women's spa day the groom's mother had planned. To top things off, their daughter, Debbie, shares a secret that could affect the wedding plans. Debbie's secret causes Gail to look at her past and all that lead to a divorce.
Gail is certainly at a crossroads. Will she adopt the cat Max brought? At age 60 can she start over and perhaps teach math again? Is she strong enough to deal with huge changes?
The story does take place in just three days: the day before the wedding, the day of the wedding and the day after the wedding. The author lets us see how these characters were in the past and how they face the present. Yes, both Gail and Max are quirky. I didn't find Gail to be socially awkward. She just expresses herself honestly without much of a filter. She is worrier. I can relate to that since I did a lot of that when I was 60 and working full-time. Max wouldn't have ever been on my radar. He's a little too laid back and disorganized. I have learned to live with my husband's clutter over time.
If you are already an Anne Tyler fan, you are bond to love this book. If not, this book would be the perfect place to start. Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Publishers for providing me with a digital copy for review. All thoughts are my own.

I've been looking forward to Anne Tyler's latest book and Three Days in June did not dissapoint! I love a main character who is imperfect and as you read and watch them grow it feel believable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My first Anne Tyler book - explores the inner life of Gail, a socially awkward divorced mother whose only daughter is getting married. Not a lot happens, plot-wise, but I enjoyed the introspection and glimpse into this world.

This is the first Anne Tyler book I've read. I really enjoyed it, because I recognized myself in it! Ha!

Three Days in June literally takes place in the life of Gail, a socially awkward divorcee going through the day before her daughter's wedding, the day of and the day after.

I will be reading more of Anne Tyler!

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

Nothing is more perfect for the month of February than a novel about a wedding. They can be the most stress- inducing time for any family, with strangers suddenly becoming family. Not to mention all the out-of-town guests needing accommodation and the pressure to get everything perfect.

But this is an Anne Tyler novel. That means a few things going on. Firstly, it will be set in Baltimore. Secondly, not all will go as planned. Most importantly though, there will be strong characters who will undergo some kind of change.

I love that these protagonists are older and scarred. Gail has the kind of detachment that is an integral part of Tyler’s writing. She is the personification of “no nonsense”. She is accused of missing “people skills”. By the novel’s end though it is clear that it isn’t skills she is missing, but the right people.

Having marital secrets is a cornerstone of many of Tyler’s novels. The question of Kenneth’s infidelity casts a shadow on Debbie’s marriage. Early on it is clear infidelity also ended Gail and Max’s. Misidentification of the culprit adds a much appreciated twist. The two marriages also provide a generational compare and contrast and add much depth to this short work.

What could have been a comedic romp about wedding catastrophes or a statement of inlaw class differences reveals itself to be a resonating statement about the endurance of love and marriage. I hope this gets adapted eventually to be made into a film. A comparison to Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway is not unwarranted.

I highly enjoyed this novel (actually more of a novella given the length). It still reverberates through my head. As Tyler is a local writer to me, I would be remiss to not mention the many references to places and buildings. I even researched several. Her voice continues to be unique even after her many, many works.

"Three Days in June" by Anne Tyler is a touching and insightful novel about family, love, and second chances, unfolding over the day before, the day of, and the day after Gail’s daughter’s wedding. On the eve of the big day, Gail’s life is in chaos. Work is throwing unexpected challenges her way, and to make matters worse, her ex-husband, Max, appears unannounced at her doorstep—looking for a place to stay. As if that weren’t enough, he’s brought along an aging foster cat he picked up on a whim. Debbie learns a secret about her fiancé. A secret that may destroy the whole wedding. The family of three must come together to get through this. With Max’s presence rekindling long-buried emotions and a long-kept family secret coming to light, Gail finds herself navigating not just the wedding weekend but also the complexities of her past and the uncertainties of her future.
This book is heartfelt and engaging, Three Days in June is uplifting, lighthearted read, this one is well worth picking up! Thank to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

<b>The Short of It:</b>

Anne Tyler. Always a pleasure.

<b>The Rest of It:</b>

Gail Baines loses her job and then discovers that her bride-to-be daughter is in crisis mode. Something has happened to make her question her relationship. Because it’s the weekend of the wedding, Gail’s ex-husband Max is also in town and hits Gail up last minute for a place to crash, and he just happens to have a foster cat with him.

A wedding weekend filled with rehearsals and meals. The ex, well-liked but quirky and with a cat no less. Debbie. the bride-to-be, darting around busily as the wedding ensues. How can Gail rein this in? Can she? Is it even her place to do so?

Gail is a likable character. Not all that confident in her “mother-of-the-bride” status but she tries. She wants to do right by her daughter, and to remind her that if there are any doubts, that it’s okay to back out now. That it doesn’t matter that everyone has arrived for this thing. But then Gail is reminded of her own infidelity and how people can make mistakes and still be good people.

This is a whirlwind type of read. As a reader, you are invested in this story quickly and it’s tied up in much the same way, quickly. The writing is what earns stars here. Tyler’s characters always posses that quirky something-something that makes them interesting. I enjoyed it a lot. Almost felt it was too short.

For more reviews, visit my blog: <a href="http://bookchatter.net">Book Chatter</a>.

Gail Baines is the mother of the bride, Debbie. The day before Debbie's wedding Gail loses her job. Part of the feedback Gail receives in this conversation is that Gail is lacking people skills. As the three day weekend unfolds the reader gets to see the lack of people skills first-hand.

Gail claims she wasn't invited to the spa day Debbie's mother-in-law to be organized for the bride and bridal party. Yet a conversation with Debbie leads the reader to believe Gail missed a social cue at some point and could've been there. There are several instances in the story where Gail misses social cues and comes across as self centered.

This story is about the characters more than the plot. Gail grows some by the end of the book.

A lot can happen in 3 days! 3 days in June takes place over a long weekend; Friday is the rehearsal and dinner, Saturday is the wedding, and Sunday is the day after. But a lot can happen in 3 days! Family, memories, déjà vu. Honest, relatable, hopeful. I enjoyed the story, the writing, and the pace of this book.

Three Days in June follows Gail Baines over three days in which she loses her job, deals with her ex-husband, and sees her daughter married. Through the book, we learn of past secrets and how they weave into the character's lives. I would not say that any character was particularly likable for me, but I found myself wanting more for Gail. I wanted her to move past her insecurities and complacencies to embrace more for her life. Her struggle to find relevance and question the life she built felt realistic although frustrating at times.

Anne Tyler always scores when examining the complicated emotions of families. This book, covering the three days of her daughter’s wedding, end a terrible week for Gail Baines. Her daughter, Debbie, has excluded her from many of the bonding events of the wedding, seeming to favor her soon to be mother-in -law. To compound the issue, Gail’s ex husband Max arrives on her doorstep expecting g to be housed for the weekend.
Gail must navigate her emotions concerning her daughter and her ex to survive the big day. Gradually, she finds her peace and is able to support her daughter and navigate the emotions of her divorce and Max’s continued presence in her life.
Love Anne Tyler, and this one did not disappoint!

4.5 stars
I enjoyed Anne Tyler’s previous book and have been looking forward to Three Days in June. I had an advance copy of the ebook but wanted to wait so I could listen to J Smith-Cameron. It was worth it!
I find it refreshing to explore these first person books with character dives. It’s the same vibe as Elizabeth Strout’s books. Nothing much happens with the plot but we do get a glimpse of the character’s inner world. What fascinates me is that I finish these books and almost have more questions about what made them tick than during the book. The plot and pacing are simple but the main characters are so compelling!

ARC BOOK REVIEW

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
4 STARS

Thank you, Knopf, for the #free eARC of this book!

SYNOPSIS: “Gail Baines is having a bad day. To start, she loses her job—or quits, depending on whom you ask. Tomorrow her daughter, Debbie, is getting married, and she hasn’t even been invited to the spa day organized by the mother of the groom. Then, Gail’s ex-husband, Max, arrives unannounced on her doorstep, carrying a cat, without a place to stay, and without even a suit.

But the true crisis lands when Debbie shares with her parents a secret she has just learned about her husband to be. It will not only throw the wedding into question but also stir up Gail and Max’s past.

Told with deep sensitivity and a tart sense of humor, full of the joys and heartbreaks of love and marriage and family life, Three Days in June is a triumph, and gives us the perennially bestselling, Pulitzer Prize–winning writer at the height of her powers.”

REVIEW: This is my third book my Anne Tyler, and her writing never disappoints! Tyler’s writing is deliciously subtle but impactful. She has a unique talent for uncovering deep truths in the most ordinary moments.

The dialogue is both authentic and compelling, capturing the quirky ways families communicate. Private jokes and unspoken tensions are conveyed with such precision that it feels like you’re witnessing real interactions. It’s a testament to her mastery of human relationships. And in such a small package!

The characters, especially the ex-husband, are delightful and full of wisdom. Their playful banter adds a lightness to the story, while Gail’s reflections on her identity as a woman, wife, and mother provide depth. Her journey of self-realization is a key part of the book’s charm.

This book is an absolute treat. The story is rich with wit and emotional depth, leaving you thoroughly invested in the characters and their journey.

Publisher: Knopf
Pub date: OUT NOW!

Gail’s life is not what she thought it would be at this point in her life-she may or may not be out of a job, her daughter is getting married and her ex husband has turned up at her door with a cat and needs to stay with her until the wedding. The story takes place over the course of 72 hours and shows Gail going through the emotions as she deals with all of this amd looks back at her life and forward to what her life as the mother of the bride and someone’s mother in law.
This was a novella that had a lot going on but at the same time it didn’t feel cohesive. It kind of went all over the place and never really landed. I wanted to enjoy it but the main character was so negative it was hard to like her.
It wasn’t bad, but it had the potential to be more than it was.
Thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Anne Tyler is one of my favorite authors because of the way she writes her characters. They truly come off the page and stay with you long after the story is done. The book spans the wedding of Gail's daughter and all of the chaos that surround her life during that short time. Gail is such a unique character and although she is meant to be awkward or even strange to those around her, I found myself really caring about her. This is an emotional story about relationships, family, and finding yourself. All of that is a very short book, under 300 pages! That is the power that Anne Tyler brings to the page. I really loved this short, sweet read. Thanks to Anne Tyler, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler is a poignant and humorous novel that captures the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth. The story centers around Gail Baines, a socially awkward mother of the bride, who faces a series of unexpected challenges in the days leading up to and following her daughter Debbie’s wedding.

Gail’s life takes a chaotic turn when she loses her job, her ex-husband Max shows up unannounced, and Debbie reveals a shocking secret about her fiancé. Tyler’s writing is filled with deep sensitivity and a tart sense of humor, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs feel authentic.

The novel explores themes of love, marriage, and family life with a keen eye for detail and a warm, engaging narrative style. Gails journey of self-discovery and the rekindling of old relationships are beautifully portrayed, make this a touching and memorable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf,Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor publishing for the advanced copy

<I>Three Days in June</i> is a short story centered around the 3 days of Gail's daughters wedding - the day before, the day of and the day after. Gail is described as an awkward women with undesirable people skills, even though she has worked as a teacher and school administrator for her whole career. I found the story to be very old fashioned and odd. As the mother of the bride, she had zero part in the wedding. She was not present during her daughter's day of beauty and showed up to the wedding as if she was any other guest. This was her only child. Wouldn't she want to be more involved? I also had to keep reminding myself that this was set in modern day United States (2023) and not an uptight european country. This story just missed the mark for me. I suppose I wasn't the right audience for it.

Story is told by Gail, mother of the bride (Deb) over the day before, of and after the wedding. Gail is having a bad few days: her job, her ex husband planning on staying with her and brings a cat, her relationship with her daughter, the wedding.

First, I can’t believe this is the first book I’ve read by this author. The writing is excellent, one could definitely feel everything the characters were going thru. I enjoy reading about characters close to my age. However, I couldn’t relate to Gail. I found her annoying. While she did stick up for herself in certain ways, her lackadaisical attitude toward other things drove me crazy. Max, was a little too laid back for my liking, although I found him more loving than Gail. Debbie was a cross between her parents. It was good this was a novella that I should have read in one sitting, I found myself totally uninterested and bored. The ending left me unsatisfied.

Thanks to Knopf Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

It's a real treat having a new book by Anne Tyler to read!! Her descriptions allow the reader to see, hear, and feel the characters' every emotion. I savor some of the more unusual descriptions - the ones that I never would have thought of to use but are absolutely perfect in bringing a scene to life. The characters in Tylers' books are always realistic and interesting. Her stories are much more about character development than plots. I feel like I've crawled inside the characters and see the story unfolding from their viewpoint.

The story is a simple and common one yet it's very enjoyable to watch it unfold. That's the magic of Anne Tyler

A woman, her ex-husband, her daughter and a wedding.

Gail is getting ready for her daughters wedding. Her ex shows up and wants to stay.

I felt as though this is the same story that the author has told time after time. Well written but too much of the same