Girls in White Dresses (Vintage Contemporaries)

A book that is wickedly comical, Girls in White Dresses (Vintage Contemporaries), by debut writer Jennifer Close, is the saga of three young ladies who go to the marriage parties and bridal showers of everyone that they know. But for these girls, life is not about the white dress; rather it is about heartbreaks, endless work hours and yes, lots of family pressure.

Isabella, Lauren and Mary feel as if everyone around them is tying the knot and that they are the only ones to be left behind in this race. One Sunday, when they attend yet another bridal shower, like typical young girls they collect the wrapping papers and ribbons, utter a toast and munch on tiny sandwiches and cakes. and yes, to become a part of the celebration, they too deck up pastel dresses and drink endless rounds of champagne.

But while the three gals show the world that they could not be happier attending their friends' bridal showers and weddings, inside they suffer the agony of doing the same, for life is certainly not a bridal bunch of sweet-smelling flowers for them. Isabella has a tough boss and a worse time at work, Mary must deal with a nice boyfriend who has a not-so-nice mother and Lauren must stick to the monotony of a job as a waitress at a bar. Will life ever look rosy for three?

Written with a wry sense of humour, Close's book reminds readers of what life is all about for all young, yet-to-be-married adults. and it is this gentle reminder from the author that makes the book so relatable for one and all. Pull yourself into this circle of friends, which could very well resemble your own, with this endearing read.

Girls in White Dresses (Vintage Contemporaries) was published by Vintage in 2012. This reprint edition is available as a paperback.