The Light We Lost

A friend suggested this book because we have the same taste. So glad she did! The story grabs you from the beginning and you just have to see how it will end. The book has a different format than I am used to and at times I found it annoying. Still by the end I found I enjoyed the uniqueness. I also kept thinking about the one that got away...

In Jill Santopolo's exquisite novel, she deftly explores the complex, and often complicated, experience of falling in love. If you have ever experienced love and heartbreak, I assure you that you will recognize yourself in Lucy's genuine, multi-layered story. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled so often my face hurt. This book is also proof that love stories are perfect for men, too!

Lucy Carter first met Gabriel Samson when it seemed like the whole world was exploding. It was September 11th, 2001 and there on a rooftop under a grey cloud of ash, she kissed him for the first time and lost her heart forever.

But sometimes loving someone with all that you are isn’t enough to keep them by your side. It never mattered how many years passed without seeing his beautiful face or how many other loves had drifted in and out of her life, it was Gabe she could never forget.

​Gabriel Samson wanted to change the world with his photographs.  He thought if he could somehow shine a bright light on the atrocity and cruelty that existed, maybe one day things would change.  But for all of its nobility, it cost him the one thing that meant the most to him – Lucy.  And not a day went by that he didn't wish that he had made a different choice.
 
People always say that true love never dies but theirs was a love that could transcend everything – even death.

​ ​When I first started to hear whispers about The Light We Lost, I knew immediately that I had to read it.  I thought it was going to great.  But I was so wrong.  It was so much more than that – it was a life altering experience!
 
From the first page to the very last, I was completely caught up in Jill’s beautifully emotional prose and her one-of-a-kind characters.  Every single aspect of this story unfolded flawlessly and I felt every word like a sweetly poisoned arrow aimed directly at my heart. 
 
If you’re just going to read one book this year, make it this one.  It will mark you in all of the extraordinary ways…

I can't remember the last time I read a book in less than 24 hours. Lucy & Gabe & Darren will live on in mind for a while. The only hard part about starting this book on the first day of my week Long Beach trip is that it's done by the second night. Not sure I can find another this good on this trip.

I couldn’t do it. I made it to page 57 then told my husband that I’d bet him 60 bucks that Lucy had to pull the plug on Gabe. Then I flipped to the last chapter and it said the man was brain dead. Bingo. Too melancholy. Let’s get some Pollyanna up in hizzy.

I've always been an avid reader, but I've had a hard time finding something to keep my attention now that I have a toddler anymore. Well, my search is over! The Light We Lost is beautifully written and elegantly styled. I couldn't put it down from the moment I started it - the wonderfully flawed characters are endearing in a way that draws you in entirely, and the narrating voice manages to be both comforting yet in need of her own comfort as well. It speaks like "chick lit" on a very superficial level, but its prose, character development, and emotional depth make it far too great to be in that category. The only disappointment is that this is Santopolo's only adult novel. Her style is addicting and I can't wait for the next. Definitely a MUST read!

The Light We Lost is a beautiful story of an imperfect and all consuming love. The emotional roller coaster of Lucy and Gabe and Lucy and Darren is very relatable. Even if you've not been in the exact same type of situation, most people have those "what if" thoughts about their lives. I can't say I support Lucy's choices but the honesty with which she is written allows me to understand and sympathize with where she was coming from. Nice job Jill so proud to know you.

Not a fan. This story is so immature and self-indulgent. I read to the end, hoping this person would wake up. Nope. The book could have made me simply unhappy, but it just annoyed me. Waste of time.

(Note: Someone may see this review as a spoiler.)
Jill Santopolo's novel offers many good things including in-depth, strong characterization and plot.
The love triangle is remarkably well drawn; it reverberates in every word, through every chapter. The plot fits well within it, and I enjoyed the story being told from the main character's point of view. In fact, I could not see the voice being anyone else.
I'm unsure why there are as many side female characters as there are. Only one or two seem to add anything to the story.
I'm equally unsure that I like the ending. It seems abrupt and unresolved. It is the one thing that pierces the love triangle's structure. How or would the lead character involve her husband in the final chapter? That still floats out there, and it is a loose end for me.
Still, I liked the book.

Rarely have I followed through with the impulse to fling a book against the wall after finishing it, but I almost made an exception for this novel.

Warning: there are some spoilers ahead.

A quick read written in extremely short chapters, it is narrated by Lucy, one of the most irritating characters in women’s fiction. Lucy is telling the story of her life since meeting free-spirited student Gabe on 9/11 during a college class. She is talking to someone who is not specified (but is easy to figure out). Lucy and Gabe form an immediate connection and their relationship is (implausibly) intense, but Gabe returns to his old girlfriend. Lucy is obsessed with what could have been, but moves on with her life, until they meet again and the pull is still there. They resume their relationship, but things do not go smoothly for the couple, and once again they part. They not only part, but they part in circumstances so bad that many women would resort to violence and need their friends to post bail rather than just to listen to them vent. Lucy is devastated, but eventually meets Darren and forms a new bond. Even so, Gabe is not entirely out of the picture.

Although Gabe contacts Lucy only infrequently, she always picks up the phone when he calls, meets him when he needs help, and generally tends to the image she carries of him as this amazingly sensitive and creative man who is going to change the world … with photography. He is supremely self-centered, but Lucy doesn’t seem to notice because she is so happy that he supports her dreams to change the world … with children’s television. There is nothing wrong with either profession, but I found it hard to stomach how noble these characters saw themselves. It was especially hard to take Lucy’s stance that she can’t possibly stay home to raise her own child because she is made for more important things (like helping other people’s children, apparently). There’s nothing wrong with preferring to work rather than stay home (and I have done both), but the way it is presented is the stuff of Mommy Wars.

Because her relationship with Gabe was so brief and so intense, Lucy sees it as the one that got away. She never seems to focus on how selfish he has acted nor does she ever seem to realize that Gabe can talk a good game about her career and following her dreams because their relationship never came up against the reality and the routine of married life. Lucy’s husband suffers by comparison, unfairly so. It is, in fact, almost comical how well this wealthy businessman treats her, only for her to emphasize that he doesn’t understand her need for a career or preference for control rather than surprises. Lucy does not treat him so well, culminating in a chain of decisions so selfish and ill-considered as to absolutely infuriate me. Not because I liked her husband’s character so much, but because I liked hers so little.

This said, I strongly suspect the younger you are the more you will like or even love this novel, and you may need some tissues as it ends. But the more experience you have with the way real life runs interference with your dreams, the less patience you may have for our Narrator, for whom Gabe is a touchstone to her most vital self. For this reason I am rating it a bit higher than I otherwise would.

4.5 stars. This novel is both beautiful and sad. The way Lucy tells the story is honest and real. She isn't perfect, neither is Gabe. Or anyone in the novel. But every event and person is seen through her eyes and through her reflection in hindsight so there's attachment there. These are people she loves, events that were meaningful to her and I appreciate how everything was tied into where she is now. The hints about where she was in the present and her current situation were perfectly laid.

I wish there was more closure, which is the reason for the -.5, but at the same time this is a story of Lucy and Gabe and well...the end made sense and I can't say I didn't see it coming.

Overall, a beautifully written story. I can't think of much else to say. This is a novel that leaves you feeling rather than talking. If you feel like you can handle, or are looking for, a little heartbreak then pick this up. Lucy is an excellent narrator and the pain is a slow burn.

I was not impressed by this novel. It is written in the first person and told from the protagonist's viewpoint to her long-standing love. Consequently the prose reads "I said..." and "You said..." over and over again. I found it tedious to read and left me feeling as a spectator rather than identifying with the characters. This is a convoluted love story - a woman, Lucy, who never gets over her first, passionate love, Gabe, despite the fact that she marries and has a family with another man. There is almost continuous tension throughout the entire book between Lucy's imagined "what ifs" and her chosen life path. She never seems to find peace within herself nor does she ever seem to achieve a mature perspective of herself and her life. The emotional roller coaster portrayed in this book left me exhausted and a bit bored. To top it all off, the ending felt unsatisfying.

I did not like this storyline or the characters enough to recommend it to others.

I can honestly say that a book has never saddened me and well as gave me so much joy to read. There is such an intense shift of emotions throughout this entire novel. You won't truly understand until you read Jill's book for yourself. The book description doesn't do it justice.

Lucy meets Gabe and is in love/lust at first site one day at Columbia, that day would be September 11th when the towers fell.

Those emotions only last for a fleeting moment when his ex-gf calls and needs him and he takes her back. Months and semesters past and graduation arrives.

Then life in NYC begins as adults. One night she runs into Gabe years later and cupid strikes again. Should she trust him or will he break her heart all over again?

But the job of a lifetime (in Gabe's eyes) comes up and he takes it without even thinking about Lucy. He breaks her heart and her world.

Lucy chooses to move on when it becomes apparent that their worlds will never be one and 13 years go by - great jobs, bf's, gf's, fiances, children, etc. yet they still remain in random contact.

The question then comes to mind - can you ever forget your one true love no matter how great your current life is?

I will not reveal anymore details but I beg you to read this book, be happy, cry a few tears and learn from the love that is Lucy and Gabe.

I enjoyed this book of love and loss but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was younger. The main character's flair for drama really kind of bothered me throughout the book - actually I didn't like her much. Overall though it is an interesting and well written book and I read it until the end. The author's way of writing - like Lucy was writing in a journal - took me a little time to get used to but now that I've read the entire book, I think that it was the perfect way to tell the story.

Lucy and Gabe met at college in NYC on 9/11 and could see the smoke and the dust in the city from their dorms. They developed an immediate lust (for lack of a better word) for each other and even though they quit seeing each other soon after, Lucy's memories of Gabe stayed strong. They met again in the city after they had both graduated and had a passionate love affair until Gabe left to go the Middle East as an embedded correspondent. Even as she continued to live her life without him, Gabe was never far from Lucy's mind. How she deals with his memory and goes on with her life is the basis of this book.

Pure and simple, this is a love story about two people who can't forget each other no matter where life takes them. It was well written and an enjoyable read.

As a child, I remember marveling at how people my parents’ age were able to recall, in staggering detail, where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news that JFK had been shot. I didn’t really understand that experience until September 11, 2001, when whole new generations had a new terrible moment indelibly etched on memory. Of course we all still remember where we were at that instant when the world changed; in Jill Santopolo’s debut novel, THE LIGHT WE LOST, two people will also always remember that moment, that day, as the day they found each other even as the world felt like it lost everything.

Lucy and Gabe have just begun their senior year at Columbia; a chance meeting on 9/11 results in the kind of intense conversation common among college students, especially against the backdrop of such extraordinary circumstances. The events of that horrific day in many ways set both Lucy and Gabe on the professional paths that will define their lives --- and also sets them on an unmistakable trajectory toward one another.

Their post-graduation romance --- as Lucy gets a job working on a socially conscious animated children’s television show, and Gabe explores the possibility of turning his passion for photography into a vocation --- is both passionate and volatile, as the two young lovers constantly challenge and support one another. Soon, however, Gabe’s pursuit of a career in photojournalism --- the very idealistic impulse that attracted Lucy in the first place --- will be the thing that tears them apart. Gabe accepts an assignment in the Middle East, and although he would love nothing more than to have Lucy join him, she can’t abandon the career she’s working so hard to establish in New York.

What follows over the next decade and more is a series of near misses, regrets, betrayals and attempts at reconciliation that, over the years, will find Lucy experiencing true happiness away from Gabe and subsequently questioning that happiness. What role did their romance then play in their adult lives now? Is it possible to find joy and satisfaction at different times with different partners who couldn’t be less alike? And if a love affair began at a moment of such global emotional intensity, was it meant to be…and will it be fated to reignite in the future?

THE LIGHT WE LOST is devastatingly romantic in its considerations of love and in its dramatic portrayals of love’s power and manifestations. The romantic relationships are vivid and memorable; perhaps inevitably, Lucy’s various female friends lack depth and characterization by comparison. Nevertheless, Santopolo's story offers numerous opportunities for reflection and discussion about the nature and variety of human romantic relationships. Readers who come away from Jojo Moyes’ novels with tears in their eyes will want to seek this book out --- and be sure to have an ample supply of tissues at hand.

Reviewed by Norah Piehl

At a glance this story might seem like a long expedition into the self-absorbed meanderings of the main character. It is however much more than that.
Everyone lives in their head. In fact to be more specific, there are at least three versions of every person.
The version we show to the world, the version of us we show to our family, partners and close friends, and then there is the version that lives inside us. The one that lives in our head, the one we have internal conversations with, the version of us who voices thoughts nobody ever hears.
The Light we Lost is Lucy’s internal voice and inner version of herself. It is essentially the written dialogue of hopes, fears and desires we never share with anyone else.
I think this is a story a lot of readers will be able to identify with. If you think back upon your life you might be able to recognise certain moments you could call crossroads. Days or decisions that took you in one direction when you could have chosen another one in the same moment.
It’s the same sentiment as some of us meeting what one would call the great love of our life, but ending up letting them go or choosing a path different to theirs. In Lucy’s case this person is Gabe. Santopolo describes it quite accurately when she writes something akin to some loves are like a hearth fire, warm and cosy, and others are like raging uncontrollable bushfires. One of them is consistent and reliable, and the other leaves you breathless and disorientated.
Lucy and Gabe have a relationship filled with What-If’s and it never being the right moment in time for the two of them. A pocket full of regrets and bag full of imaginary scenarios that could have been.
I really enjoyed this book, perhaps because it is simplistic, and yet poignant. It’s like entering a secret door in someone’s head, and having a front row seat to their inner thoughts and a lifetime of emotions.
Santopolo makes you feel as if you’re sitting on your couch drinking a glass of wine listening to a friend talk about their secret love. It’s an intimate moment, and yet at the same time it is a universal one, and so is this story.
*I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher for purposes of review.*

There was so much beauty in our life together
Maybe that's where I should start

The narration of this book is what interested me most. The style of writing is almost in letter form but it's also a story at the same time. It's not actual letters to someone but the way the story is written out you can tell the main character is trying to write to the one she loves.

It's September 11th, 2001 and we meeting Lucy. She's in college and studying Shakespeare. In comes Gabe and she is immediately infatuated by him. He invites her to hang out afterwards and they watch the World Trade towers shatter but this also brings them into an intense connection.

As Lucy goes on in life she has two loves: Gabe and Darren. Which one is better for her? Which Fire does she want? A Wildfire or a Heath fire? She loves them both but never seems fully satisfied with either. This book does a great job of outlining the different kinds of love one can have.

Why the 3.5 star rating? Well honestly the Characters frustrated me a bit. Granted, none of us are perfect but the things they did just would put me off. Maybe this was the Authors intention however I just couldn't get on board with any of them. I almost think the best thing would have been for Lucy to just not date. Period. I felt like Lucy kept sabotaging herself and never sat down to think who do I really want and what do I really want? I feel like her answer should have been none of the above. Maybe this is why I didn't cry during this book at all? Because I felt irritated rather than sympathetic? Just being honest.

I've been seeing #teamGabe, #teamDarren or #teamLucy almost like the Bachelor. I thought I was #teamLucy but then at the end I was like I think i'm #teamnoneoftheabove.

It's a well-written love story by Jill Santopolo for sure. But I also have a lot of unanswered questions. Maybe she'll write another novel or even a novella and we can continue Lucy's Journey.

I picked this book up for Reese Witherspoon's book club book of the month. Overall solid choice

You know those books you don’t want to end, you want the story to continue, you need the story to continue. There is so much I long for after finishing The Light We Lost today. Lucy feels like a friend I was having lunch with and she was telling me her story. I felt connected. I listened to the audiobook which may make me biased but this was one for the record books. I gasped, cried, was angry, was sad, was devastated. I went through a whirlwind of emotions with this book and I couldn’t stop listening. I found myself wanting to get stuck in traffic for 5 more minutes of listening before work. I know this won’t be for everyone but Jill did an incredible job making me feel like Lucy’s journey was mine, or that I was on her journey with her. Through the entire book I wanted to Google if it was based on a real story because the detail, the conversations, all of it felt so real and natural. It didn’t feel like a made-up world, it felt like Lucy was really Jill, Gabe was real, everyone in the story was. I fought the urge to look it up for fear I would see spoilers but I was in shock to see Jill doesn’t have more books for adults and has primarily focused on young adult/teen books. I was ready to buy every book she’s written so now I wait. Because I know Jill Santaopolo has amazing things to come. Thank you, Jill. And if I heard correctly, I believe she was the voice of the audiobook which makes sense why everything was brought to life so vividly. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I LOVED this book. Thank you, Jill.

I wish I could give this a less than 1 star review, but even 1/2 a star would be too generous. This book is premium trash and I feel I was robbed of 8 hours of my life.

The story line is absurd and the main character “Lucy” is an ungrateful, whiny, duplicitous, stage 5 clinger who never learned how to speak up, move on or value the good people in her life. The ending was also trash, so at least the author stayed on brand?

The audio book is doubly horrendous, as the author did an even worse job narrating than she did writing this book. I’d rather listen to someone run their nails down a chalkboard while vigorously shaking an old coffee can full of change, than sit through another audiobook written or read by Jill Santopolo.

Overall, this book is a waste of time and I was so disappointed that it was recommended by Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine. I was expecting so much more from this title, but was let down. Save your time, money and sanity — skip this read.

The Light We Lost is one of those books I always enjoy indulging myself in. It was a good story filled with emotion that was easy to get wrapped up in.

Lucy and Gabe met on 9/11 in New York City at Columbia University where they both attended. Before the tragedy that ensued that day, they felt an instant connection that kept them a part of each others lives.

Many things changed in their relationship over the years: boyfriends, girlfriends, marriage, break-ups, children, etc. But they always seem to come back to each other whether it is just to check in or for stronger support.

I had mixed emotions about their relationship. I want to have that connection with someone that they had to each other, yet it seemed to also cause them pain and heartache on a regular basis. I did love getting wrapped up in the drama and emotions that kept them tethered to each other.

This was an easy book to listen to and I think that the author, Jill Santopolo, did a great job narrating.

Gabe and Lucy meet in class at college on September 11 in New York City. The tragedy of the events that take place that day with the collapse of the twin towers while Gabe and Lucy observe the skyline from the rooftop of a dorm connect together their personal history for the rest of their lives. Lucy tells this story as if she's telling Gabe about their lives together, apart and how they reconnect throughout the thirteen year time span of this book. I read this story as if I was sitting with a friend listening to her relate to me what has happened to her over the last thirteen years, the highs, the lows and everything in between. The mistakes that are made, the chances that were not taken, the outcome that could have been different. The characters had me from the beginning. I didn't want to put the book down until I knew the ending. I would pick this book up in a heartbeat and reread it again.

The Light We Lost tells the story of Lucy and Gabe, from when they first met on September 11th 2001, and for the following 13 years of their lives. As you can imagine, I got quite attached to these characters, specially Lucy, as she is the one narrating the story. She tells the story as if it was a really long letter to Gabe, in second person, and even if I found this narrative a bit odd at the beginning, it soon captured my attention and I think it worked very well. Like we were spying on their lives. It also helped reflect the intensity of all the emotions and feelings between them during their up and downs.

Theirs was definitely a sweeping love story. It's hard to believe they were together for such a short period of time. But I guess some people leave such a strong and special mark in your life that it is impossible to completely forget them, even if you try really hard. Also, they met in a very crucial point of their lives, when they were still young and naive and thought they could change the world. So I guess that reaching out to each other later in life was not only reminiscing about their young love but about their younger selves. And I think we can all relate to this.

As people, Lucy and Gabe were not perfect. They took decisions they regretted, made selfish choices and were probably too proud or arrogant more than once. But nobody is perfect... so I felt like I got to know two real people, with real feelings. They made me angry several times but they made me laugh too. They also made me cry and surprised me. What else can you ask for in a novel? Theirs was a story I won't forget in a long time and I think Jill Santopolo's style was really honest and compelling.

But don't you think that this story is only about love, it's also about growing up, family, loss, reaching for your dreams, dealing with your feelings and trying to be a better self.

Eh, is basically how I would describe Reese Witherspoon's book pick: The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo. I LOVE Reese Witherspoon and I would like to think she has great taste in books, yet this one just did not do it for me. The novel is based around two main characters, Lucy and Gabe who met during the attack on 9/11 on a New York campus. It's an instant connection between the two of them as they bond over a traumatic incident. Santopolo dives deeper into the course of their lives and how the characters weave in and out of each others. Without trying to give anything away, the book ends on a very traumatic note, however, that's the problem, it ends. There is no closure for the characters we have followed for the last 300 pages. We don't get to know if their lives end up in shambles or if they live happily ever after, but at this point you don't really care, you kind of just want it over.

This book was not a favorite. I had too high of hopes for it and was disappointed. It's not realistic in the slightest. Gabe is kind of a dick, and nobody pines for someone that long while having (spoiler) a whole different relationship for YEARS with someone else. The ending too is ridiculous. That's all I am going to say on that. On a positive note it's VERY easy to read and get through, not a lot of attention has to be paid to know what is going on. Definitely a beach read, where you leave the book at the hotel.

Rate: 2.5/5

This book captivated me from the first page. I love a book that I can't put down. I fell in love with the characters, got angry at the characters, and really felt every emotion they were going through. It's a beautiful portrayal of love, temptation, despair, and how life may not always be as black and white as we might think. Although I disagreed with the actions of the main character, Lucy, I always FELT why she did what she did. Relationships are so complicated - love is so complicated - and this book really lifts that up in a beautifully written way.

This book was absolutely painful to read- I only finished it because it was chosen for my book club. The characters are one-dimensional and completely undeveloped (not to mention the fact that they are unlikeable, selfish narcissists). I could never buy into the "epic love" between Lucy and Gabe because it too was completely undeveloped- all I knew was that they met on 9/11, liked to have sex, and loved to make corny statements about how "hot" each other looked (e.g., Gabe's gushing over Lucy's sexiness as she tried on dresses for the Emmy Awardsy- GROAN). The writing is painfully simplistic, the dialogue stilted and boring. I found myself rolling my eyes and saying, "blah, blah, blah" out-loud repeatedly. The ending is completely predictable as well. Save your time and money- I wish I could get mine back.

The story of this book is the most toxic relationship I have EVER seen. The plot is awful, the writing is lame and the characters... I didn't like any of them. By the beautiful cover and the critics I was expecting something reeeeally different. Personaly, if you think this is a romantic love story, you have a serious problem. I think is pretty serious to sell this as "the ultimate love story" because people can understand that being obsessed with someone for the rest of your life and not moving on can mean it is true love when it is not. Love is supposed to feel good, to make you be a better person, and in this book nothing of that happen.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that made my heart race so fast. From the moment I picked up The Light we Lost, I completely consumed it. I still can’t stop thinking about the story and the characters and how connected I felt to them.
Jill Santopolo approaches the questions that we feel we should never ask ourselves when we chose a path in life that may not be the one we love the best. But, the what- if’s are always there if you’ve felt a love like these characters.
Thought provoking, inspiring, moving, and extremely emotional, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves well written stories, love, and life in general.
Hands down this is my favorite book I’ve read in the past year. I get chills just thinking about how amazing this book is!

I checked this book out from the library, i didn’t actually purchase it, but still wanted to review here.

This is a very well written book. You can definitely tell the lady who wrote this has training and a degree in what she does. She had my attention from the first page, and the story flowed beautifully. I also love that it has short chapters. Short chapters are my favorite, because when I have to stop reading for a while, i prefer to do it at the end of a chapter.

***spoiler space***

The only thing that I didn’t love about the story is the affair. Even though I LOVED Gabe, I hate that they had an affair. I would’ve much preferred a divorce and then them sleep together, not doing so while Lucy was married. I know some are against divorce, but in my mind, it’s way better than an affair.

What's your favorite love story? I used to think my favorite was Romeo and Juliet. But now they have been replace by the characters in this book, Gabe & Lucy.
Their love story is heart breaking and heart warming. They meet in college on one of the most horrific days in American history, September 11, 2001. That tragedy seems to be the constant in their lives. They start a passionate relationship full of honest and raw love. But their lives head in separate directions and even though they lead different lives, they always end up in each other life. It may be just a visit or an email or even a photograph in a newspaper. But their love never dies. Even as they form new loves with other people. Their love story is constant.
This was one of most beautiful books I have ever read. This authors writing style made me fall in love from the first page. Gabe and Lucy's story is a beautiful story. It feels so real. There are lovely moments but there are also those moments that grip the heart and make the reader angry, fearful, anxious and even frustrated. That's what makes this story so real. There are decisions made and having to live with those decisions. And when the reader gets to the last line and they close the book, finished, it's far from over. They will feel every word they consumed.
I highly recommend this book. Not just for hopeless romantics. But for everyone. This is a book that will touch every adult. There is something relatable for all. Whether it's the love, the friendship bond, the tough decisions, the real current events or just getting lost in a truly great story. I couldn't get enough of this story. And I am just waiting until they decide to make it a movie.

So in a romantic novel where great loves are lost and regained, the biggest and most important factor is that the reader must be rooting for their love to reunite. The characters should be written in a way that you understand their desire to hold on to each other, and for the reader to WANT their love to reconcile, and that wasn't the case in The Light We Lost. The characters were flawed, leaving me rooting for perhaps the wrong person.

*Contains Spoilers*
In the first chapters you love Lucy and Gave, and you see this joyful, beautiful union that you hope can endure the test of time. But when Gabe selfishly leaves, he takes all redeeming aspects of his character with him. I get that Lucy loved him, but she too becomes unlikable in her unwillingness to let go of someone that doesn't treat her well. He pops in and out when it suits him, only to disrupt her life. I dint find that endearing, I find it frustrating. Ultimately, I found myself rooting for Darren, a man who tries hard, is fully dedicated to his marriage and gets a wife that cheats on him and always has one foot out the door. He didn't deserve the scrappy partner he got, and Lucy sure as hell doesn't deserve him. I was heartbroken at the end, not because of Gabe or Lucy but at the thought of her going back and either keeping the secret or telling it to Darren. Either way he loses, not them. I didn't root for them because I couldn't support their selfish choices the popped up over and over again

Gold star for being an addictive read. I despised the characters though. Lucy, you are a moron and belong in therapy...stat!! Gabe, selfish--selfish as they come. I think what I found troubling in this book is the very common notion nowadays that "my happiness trumps anyone else's" and that marriages should be perfect or else. I am sure she could have worked things out with Darren--helloooooo therapy. It seems like she didn't even try that route with her marriage. And this holding on to a past love... super annoying. A lot of us do that and it's a mistake--start to finish. I think she fantasized about this life with Gabe without know what years of marriage and kids would do to their perfect "light."
The book is honest though... but I honestly didn't care for the characters. Get it together. For anyone who identifies with this story go see a shrink and get a divorce. Poor Darren.

How many of us have “the one that got away?” How many of us, despite being happy with our lives, would take that person back without a moment’s hesitation? Be warned: if you answer yes, this novel will draw out a lot of emotion for you.

Lucy and Gabe meet in college. Lucy falls for Gabe nearly instantly, but their timing is off. Timing will play a key factor in the future of their relationship, through college, adulthood, and children.

This novel was profoundly beautiful. Jill Santopolo’s writing style is so lovely and lyrical. I don’t recall ever reading a book so quickly — I was engaged from start to finish. I have also never cried after reading a novel (really!), and I did so once The Light We Lost ended.

This was not a typical romance story. I’ve observed a lot of negativity in reviews I’ve seen for this novel. They claim that the characters and plots aren’t believable. I have to strongly disagree. The love between these two characters is so strong that its polar strength is constantly pulling at the spectrum.

I highly, highly recommend this novel. It was an emotional read for me personally, but I would read it again in a heartbeat to remember the novel’s beauty and presence.

This is the first book I've read by author Jill Santopolo. It should take no more than a weekend to read this book. It is about a sexual attraction between Lucy & Gabe that is twisted by Lucy into a fantasy love story. Lucy finds Gabe so irresistible that she is helpless to stop herself from succumbing to his lame charms. Her friend gives a subtle warning that he is a player, and she discovers him flirting & closeting himself with other women yet shrugs it off. She is a fool for "love."

Without giving away the entire plot, Lucy is helpless and weak when Gabe comes calling throughout the years. I wonder if she would be as susceptible if he were 85 yrs old & his enthralling "curls" were gone & replaced with grizzly white fringe framing a bald pate.

I knew the ending, at the beginning, would involve loss. I think Lucy confused sexual attraction with love. I also think Lucy needed serious counseling - she was either selfish to the core - not even her children's needs came before her own - or clueless.

I understand that this book is to be made into a movie. Yet another role where a woman is portrayed as lacking wisdom, moral conviction & self-confidence. I shall boycott the movie.

First off, I never write reviews, but am compelled to write one for this novel in the hopes of saving others a few hours of frustration. To start, the following *contains spoilers* - I am rating this book 2 stars, and that’s just for the autor’s expertise at telling a story. Secondly, but what I feel is the most important point, this book is *not a love story*. I repeat, “this is not a love story”. Nor is it a tear-jerker. It’s more of a let’s some some sense into the protagonist, right after we tell her to stop being a whining, selfish, sex-crazed brat, all over some guy that dumps her out if the blue, that for some reason she is convinced she loves, when clearly to all it’s a clear case of pure, hot lust.
Lucy is so annoying. Truly. It’s not a love story by any means. This book is more a character study of a selfish young woman who’s hung up on some guy from college, no less that she can’t seem to get over, even though her life turns out to be fab. Really, it’s perfect. Entry-level job in Manhattan gets her fab apartment no other regular 20-something could afford without Daddy’s money, she doesn’t worry about student loan payments, shops at Bloomies, looks down upon lesser non-intellectual types (most likely anyone not in her circle that went to a SUNY - the horror!). She carries on like someone died when Gabe dumps her to the point where you’re wondering why her friends or at least her family don’t tell her to see a therapist and take a Zoloft. It’s just cringe-worthy how she jumps anytime he emails.
She means an awesome investment banker (of course! cause this is a story the about NY monied 20 something’s, after all) who she takes advantage of at best, and feels indifferent to, at the worst. There is no way she deserves this guy, and Darren is the real hero of this story who should have his own book because he’s the only likable character in it, and is way more interesting that our whiny, annoying, supposedly star-crossed (not) lovers - just gag.
Why is this book more a character study that a love story? Because the book is about our main character, Lucy. The real story here is about these new twenty somethings that thing they’re so hip, and how cool is it to check all the traditional boxes in society, but stil keep to our young ideals? Wow, aren’t we cool? No, you’re not. You’re a Mom now. Act like one.
Clearly, this book is not for me. I’m with others here that commented that age gives you wisdom. I see Lucy not being wise and being dumped by Darren, cause she’s so whiny she’ll never be able to keep the baby’s true father a secret from him. Plus, once she figures out how hard it is to be a Mom and married to someone you don’t love or respect, there is no way these two will stay married. Darren, there’s someone so much better out there for you.
I’d really love a story from Darren’s point of view. Not many books out there from a man’s point of view about the aftermath of divorce with two young kids while you’re recovering from the ultimate betrayal. Now, that’s a story.

I love to read and enjoy many different kinds of fiction novels, my favorites being religious, historical, and contemporary. I also happen to be a big sap when it comes to love stories. Any book or movie that can turn my heart to mush and make me cry like a baby is a winner for me! I came across this book sometime this summer and had my eyes on it for awhile. When a friend of mine said it was the best book she'd read in a long time, I figured it couldn't hurt to read it so I borrowed it from my local library.

The Light We Lost is a novel about love, fate, and how our choices affect our lives. Lucy Carter and Gabe Samson meet while they are in college on September 11th, a day that changed many people's lives. They are immediately drawn to each other just like two people who know they are meant to be together. Their personalities and choices affect their relationship and they decide to go their own separate ways and lead different lives. No matter what happens though, their lives are still entwined and they can't help but love each other.

I started off excited to read this book and really enjoyed it at first but then my interest diminished. The story is told from Lucy's point of view and she's recalling the events that happened. It's a light read and a contemporary love story but I couldn't help but keep in mind that one of the characters wasn't entirely focused on their marriage and spent most of the time thinking of the other person that they weren't married to. It just seemed like that individual was going through the motions and didn't really want to be married. There was some cheating that went on in this novel and I had a hard time enjoying it because of that. For anyone who wants to know this information ahead of time, there is also some profanity and explicit scenes. There aren't too many of either but some readers like to know this before they read the book.

Overall, I feel this book is just okay. It's well-written and I appreciated the literary references the characters used. I feel like the story is bland and it didn't melt my heart like some love stories do. I seem to be in the minority with this novel since it seems like a lot of people really enjoyed it. Sadly, I wasn't one of them.

3.5 stars

Let me start off by saying that I have never been a fan of contemporary romance novels. Nothing against the genre per se, it’s just that I prefer stories with more depth to them and unfortunately, a lot of the books I’ve read that fall into this specific category are typically lacking in this area. While I would consider The Light We Lost as one of the better-written contemporary romance books I’ve read, it still didn’t quite hit the mark for me, especially from an emotional perspective. In reading the reviews, I know a lot of people loved this book and found it to be a heartbreakingly romantic and moving love story, which I guess it was to some extent depending on how you look at it, but to be honest, I didn’t really feel it.

The story started off well and in the beginning, I truly was moved by the special bond and love that the central couple Lucy and Gabe shared, but as the story progressed, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the direction things were going, especially with the main character Lucy. It was hard for me to understand Lucy’s thought process at times and some of the actions she took as well as reactions she had to things that happened actually frustrated me to no end. While I didn’t really like Lucy all that much, I do appreciate the author’s attempts to make her character realistic in that, like all human beings, Lucy is not perfect – she makes mistakes (big ones as well as minor) and bad choices that of course have devastating consequences and have the potential to ruin the good life that she had worked so hard to build. In this regard, even though I disagreed with a lot of Lucy’s actions, there were some parts where I was truly able to empathize with her.

One of the things that I found disappointing with this book was the lack of character development outside of Lucy. She was pretty much the only character in the book who was fully developed – everyone else was essentially one-dimensional. I’m assuming this has to do with the way the story was structured in that the entire narrative was told from the first person point-of-view, with Lucy “talking”’ to Gabe and essentially recounting her perspective of their story from the day the two of them first met. This “spin” on the first-person narrative is indeed unique, but I also felt it kind of backfired in that I was basically able to guess the ending early on, barely a few chapters into the story. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why I was not able to relate to the story as much on an emotional level.

The summary hints at similarities to Me Before You in terms of romantic, “tug at your heartstrings” love story, but to me, both books were at different levels. Me Before You had way more emotional depth – that book made me laugh but also made me cry, the ending especially. This one didn’t have the same emotional pull – or perhaps it was just lost on me.

Overall, I would say that this was a good book, just not my type of book. It’s definitely well-written and as far as contemporary romances go, this one deserves to be near the top of the list in that genre. Some of the dialogue was meaningful and the message about the consequences of choice definitely rings loud and clear.

Received advance reader’s copy from G.P. Putnam via Penguin First To Read program.

Read in April 2017

This was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

The good: Despite the story being written as a letter to someone/a person talking to someone, Santopolo did a good job at pulling the reader in and evoking emotion. I was invested in the story - I wanted to find out what happened next, and what all the foreshadowing meant, so it became a sort of page-turner for me.

The bad: All the characters were pretty unlikable. Lucy acts like a doormat for Gabe, and a snob with Darren. Gabe is selfish throughout the whole book. Darren is conniving underneath a "good guy" facade. They all treat each other pretty terribly, and the never-ending stream of bad decisions (combined with the tone-deaf yuppie lifestyle that Lucy and Darren live and Santopolo describes ad nauseum) gets to be pretty cringe-worthy.

Overall, it was a good read. The story and suspense kept me interested.

A heart-wrenching story is the easiest way of describing the relationship between college students Lucy and Gabe who meet on September 11th, 2001. As they stand on the top of a building at Columbia University, they see the devastation that takes down the twin towers and in its place, their shifting thirteen-year relationship takes form.

Lucy is consumed with her immediate connection with Gabe, but when he suddenly returns to his ex-girlfriend she pines and wallows until they meet up by chance a year later. They are drawn to each other but they each have careers that they are equally passionate about and have agreed to never dissuade each other from their dreams.

As Gabe’s career as a photojournalist takes him to war torn regions, Lucy develops her ideas for children’s programs that build young minds. Then Lucy meets Darren, a stable and settling force. He is not as exciting as Gabe is, but he is dependable. Something that Gabe never was. She settles for the man that does not tick all the boxes, but is home every night for dinner. Their life together grows, her career fulfills her, yet her husband Darren discounts her dreams. He thinks that what she does is unimportant and wishes that she would just stay home with their children. Something that Gabe would have never asked of her.

This is the danger point in her marriage. Lucy sees excitement in Gabe that is missing from her life at home. Maybe just one last time and she will finally be able move on, but fate hands her one last trick. As Gabe, lies injured in a hospital in Gaza City, Lucy rushes to his side. Trying to keep him engaged in this world instead of letting him float off, she recounts their dreams, desires, jealousies, betrayals, and, ultimately, love.

No stone is left unturned in this bittersweet love story. A story that will stay with you and at points make you question your own life choices. This book is both beautiful and devastating so grab the tissues because you are in for a bumpy ride.

Woman (Lucy) reminisces about relationship with ex-boyfriend (Gabe).

This book ponders the following: Is there a limit to how much happiness one person can have in life? Is it necessary to choose love or career? Can one only be truly satisfied in one area of life at a time? What kind of love does Lucy want the most? A hearthfire, a bonfire, or a wildfire? Which one will withstand the test of time?

This love story begins on 9/11, the day the Twin Towers fell in New York City, when Lucy met Gabe. They fell in love and enjoyed 14 blissful months together before Gabe chooses his photography career abroad over remaining in NYC with Lucy. He wants to make a difference in the world with his art, while Lucy's career is in NYC. After mourning her loss, Lucy eventually moves on with her life, marrying and having two children with Darren, yet can't seem to forget her long-ago connection with Gabe.

I would recommend this book for those yearning for a past love or those wondering what their life would have been like if they'd made a different decision or taken a different path.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and very much enjoyed hearing the author read it.

"A woman filled with light makes everything she touches brighter. Lucy. Luce. Luce. Light." - Text next to Gabe's photo of Lucy

If you're looking for a book to read that will make you long for a first love or that fluttery first love feeling and ache for the way life sometimes makes a mess of things....The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo is it. I went into this book not really having any idea of what it was about, other than that I knew I would probably cry (like so many others warned me about) and that it involved missed chances and true loves. What's more devastating than a missed chance? Especially when it involves the truest love of your heart.

I don't want to write this review with spoilers but I will say that the flow of the chapters, the back and forth between Lucy and Gabe, the fact that from the very first day they met they were marked by unspeakable circumstances and the heartache at the center of it all made this book truly unique. I've read plenty of Nicholas Sparks in my time and cried over the unfairness of love but its a different feeling altogether when an author can hit home something deep inside of you. When two characters can be written with such honesty and normality that it almost feels like you're reading a story that could've happened to you. Yes, I could see myself sitting in that bar and walking over to a an old friend from college. Yes, I could see myself getting caught up in the meaning behind two lines in an email. Yes, yes, yes, I could see telling myself over and over again that it means nothing....that a love missed isn't the end of the world.

Jill Santopolo has written a truly remarkable, original and still very believable love story that takes place in one of the best places a love story can: New York City. I highly recommend this book if you want to escape into a love story that may break your heart but in doing so will remind you what it means to love someone, or multiple someones, in very different and real ways.

Gosh, this book ripped me apart in the best way. I picked it up at the airport while traveling and could not put it down. It had me up into the wee hours for the first two nights of my vacation. I had to finish. Then I continued to think about Lucy and Gabe for days afterward. The characters were well developed and I loved the way the author told the story, Lucy talking to Gabe. I thought her exploration of the different types of love was both accurate and compelling. I knew the ending would bring tears. And it sure did. I look forward to more from this author.

Highly recommended.

"Usually we were even, usually we were equal, but once in a while I'd find myself down at the bottom, trying to spring back up, afraid that you'd jump off to be with someone else, and I'd be stuck without any chance of reaching equilibrium."

I received a copy of this ebook from firsttoread.com in exchange for an honest review.

Ohhh this book hit me right in the feels.

It's beautiful and harrowing as it navigates the relationship between two people who may or may not be meant to be together. This book is raw and wonderful. Despite being fiction it's almost impossible not to feel for Lucy. While the book starts out in a way that builds from an already volatile point it captures how relationships change over time and how external factors influence those changes.

Seeing Lucy's vulnerability and unpacking of her relationship with Gabe is an almost cathartic look at relationships that blur the line of romantic and friendship. This book is both beautifully written and shines a light on sadness and hope in relationships that isn't often captured this well in fiction.

The narration threw me off at first, but I felt myself sucked into Lucy's world and whirlwind life. This is a heart wrenching and necessary read.

Lucy and Gabe met on that fateful September 11th day in New York City. They were both seniors at Columbia and as the World Trade Centers are falling and the world is changing, they are on the roof of Gabe's building plotting their futures. Over the next thirteen years their paths with cross and intersect and diverge. Lucy can't forget him. He inspired her. He made her feel alive. He left her.

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo sets out to tell the story of two people whose lives are so intertwined that they can't forget each other. It's intended to be an emotional love story compared to novels such as Me Before You and One Day. After reading the first 100 pages I was bored. I contemplated just giving up on the novel. The chemistry between Gabe and Lucy was not so amazing that I just had to see what happened. But I persisted. It might get better.

Fortunately, The Light We Lost is written well enough that I finished it quickly without the added insult of spending too much time. I never cared about the characters. I didn't believe that this love affair Lucy and Gabe had was so powerful to consume Lucy. Lucy is super annoying. She is whiny and a pushover and shortsighted. Gabe was thoughtless and self-serving. Perhaps they deserved each other.

I received an ARC of The Light We Lost from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The Light We Lost is lyrical, romantic and heart-wrenching. It's a story of first love, choices, destiny and sacrifices. It's beautifully written and thought-provoking. This book is described as Me Before You meets One Day so I had a pretty good understanding that it would involve major heartache for the characters and a lot of sobbing for me. Even though I knew where the story was going I couldn't stop reading it. And as I finished the last page I couldn't stop thinking about Lucy's and Gabe's journey. This story will stay with me for a long time just like Me Before You and One Day.

On 9/11, life changed for many people, including Columbia University students Lucy and Gabe, because this is the day they first met. Circumstances separated them until a year later when they meet again in a bar and this time it seems like nothing can keep them apart. But, while Lucy is happy with her job as a TV producer in New York, Gabe is restless and wants to do something that will change the world. So he takes his camera and goes to Iraq to capture the war, leaving behind his life with Lucy. Over the years, as Lucy goes on with her life, marrying Darren and having children, and Gabe travels all over the world with his camera, they will keep in contact and meet again, their love for each other never really fading.
This book broke my heart - it’s such a beautiful and heart-breaking love story. I loved the character of Lucy, even though I didn’t always agree with her choices. As much as I liked Darren (although I wanted to hit him when he said that a mother should give up her job to stay at home with her kids), I am team Gabe. He is a bit selfish and self-centred, but how can you not love a guy who quotes Shakespeare? Beautifully written, consuming and romantic, this unforgettable novel will take you on an emotional rollercoaster so, before you start reading it, stock up on tissues because you will need them.

Intelligent, insightful, and emotionally charged love story. The first sentence pulled me right away, “Sometimes objects seem like they’ve witnessed history.” The story is told from Lucy’s point of view starting out in NYC on the 9/11. Lucy and Gabe are in college and meet for the first time that day. They eventually fall deeply and intensely in love. The story skillfully examines life, love, dreams, and the choices we make. It’s unique in how the story is told. You know from the start something is going to happen but not what, when or how. Lucy drops hints along the way. The ending is surprising and a tear jerker.

This is a book I’ll read again. It’s a book I’m giving to my girlfriends, especially Carole, who I’ve had those conversation that Lucy and her girlfriends have about what type of relationships there are and the impacts of them. I want a reader’s guide and questions. I want to dig deeper into this, I’m sure because I read it so fast, I missed some things. Beautifully written. Best romance book I’ve read in a long time.

This review was written by Marie for a guest review post on Ever After Book Reviews blog:

My heart is in a thousand pieces. There are stories like this one that stay with you for a very long time. I am honestly not sure if this one will ever leave me.

This is a beautifully poignant telling of two souls that are forever connected through fate. But it’s the choices they make in this life that bring them to this heartbreaking and unforgettable end.

I thought really long and hard about how I would review this book. I toyed with giving away some of the story, mentioning things that I liked/disliked. Ultimately, I couldn’t decide the best way to convey my thoughts on this book. It’s unlike anything that I have ever read before. It shattered me. Absolutely paralyzed me to the point that for about 2 weeks after reading it, I was unable to read anything else.

This book changed me. It truly did. And for that, I will be eternally grateful.

I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

‘The Light We Lost’ is a book that is receiving much publicity as an ultimate love story.
As I read this I started to disagree. Lucy and Gabe have a huge physical relationship. They have their extreme intimate moments anywhere and anytime including in taxis as a favorite place. I would believe their love story as a greater one if it was based on more than a seemingly physical relationship.

Perhaps it is that I’m an army brat and have been in the army all my life, with long spaces in a physical relationship with my loved one and have seen it in others including my parents and relatives where love and marriages last and flourish. Granted it does not always work, but neither Lucy nor Gabe seem to give this a try. It makes them appear to this reader as selfish and self-centered.

It is a love story that lasts for years but also puts others in part of that love-story relationship at jeopardy.
Also a warning for those who do not like books that let you hanging for the completion of the whole story – this does.

I just finished reading this book, which I highly recommend, as it is nearly impossible to put down, and is so moving and powerful, filled with a love so intense it transcended time and continents. "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo, begins on September 11, 2001, on that beautiful Tuesday morning when life changed forever in this country. It was also the day that Lucy and Gabe embraced for the first time, after leaving their class at Columbia University (which is in Manhattan, for those who do not know) finding comfort in one another and beginning their intense, often painful, but never ending love story. Anyone who lives long enough will have regrets, memories which are so intense they never die, and will be able to relate, on some level, to the story of Lucy and Gabe. I hated to get to the last page, and wished for more, in ways I cannot say or I would be spoiling the ending. This is a must read!

This book is supposed to be about two young people meant for eachother whose lives get pulled in different directions. But it is not a good love story. I found the dialog weak and the characters lacking depth. There’s not enough there to justify the obsession these characters have for eachother. I was tempted to give up on this book after a few chapters. I finished but ended up skipping sections so factor that into my review. This is apparently a YA Romance and I have noticed a trend in books and TV aimed at teenagers and college-aged young people to write the characters as self-absorbed and shallow. Maybe they should be offended, but the reviews seem to say otherwise. While reading this book I found myself annoyed with the characters; despite their beautiful, world-traveling, effortlessly successful lives things just weren't *exactly* perfect. I couldn’t connect with them or muster any feeling for them one way or another. I wish I’d passed on this one.

This is like a really, really bad young adult novel. I felt like a high schooler wrote it. It's an easy read, but there are way more easy reads that are much better than this. The characters are flat, annoying ("My husband surprised me with a weekend trip to Paris and I'm mad that I didn't get to have a say in where we are going!"), and the whole thing feels very trite. It's like a 10th grader's image of what love and marriage will be like. It's supposed to be a sad story, but I laughed out loud in many parts, which I'm sure wasn't the author's intention.

HATED this book. First of all, the book is written in a tense that is a complete spoiler. The narrator is clearly writing/speaking to someone who is gone, dead... etc. so there is just this sense of doom the whole time. There are so many eye roll inducing scenes and passages. I really wanted this to be a great New York love story (Delia Ephron's review was on the cover, for crying out loud) but it was just so, so bad. I couldn't root for any of the characters, especially Lucy who I wanted to shake and say "SNAP OUT OF IT, WOMAN!" Maybe it's my ripe old age of 40 but I just couldn't see why she was so stuck on this Gabe guy who left her for his career with zero notice or discussion (who gets a job working for AP so quickly, by the way?) She and Gabe were both so self-absorbed I couldn't stand it.

In honesty, I couldn't put this book down. Its message was powerful and I couldn't help but feeling every emotion the main character felt. She wrote this book as if it were to someone else, and the tone really caught every part of me. True love, first love, better love, forever love, crazy love, real love? Which one is better? Lucy tries to separate her feelings about love between Gabe and Darren. She loved Gabe first, with a fire burning passion she could never shake, even years and a marriage and children later. But she learned to love again, a different kind of love, but love nonetheless. I experienced heart wrenching, tear provoking, and heart breaking feelings throughout this entire book, and I wanted to dive into it as I explored what love meant to not only Lucy, but to Gabe and Darren as well. It's a must read, but you might want to read it somewhere alone.

This is a well written love story. it is in first person and takes you on the journey of Lucy. It starts when she first meets Gabe when the twin towers fall and carries on from there. There relationship and then Lucy's life and how she deals with Gabe throughout her life. The twists and turns of love and also the different types of love. The characters are well written and you can't help but feel for them. I have nothing but praise for the book but can't bring myself to give that 5th star because of the ending. The ending makes sense but still it leaves you raw. Personally I am a reader that needs to have the major parts of the story tied up so even though you know there is life after the end of the book you can take it where ever you like, but this doesn't it takes you to the top of the cliff and leaves you there, with only a peek of closure.
Most of the book is written as Lucy telling the story to Gabe and weaves a line of what two different types of love can be. If you like a happy ending love story with a nice bow at the end and a happily ever after, the don't read this book. But if you want to read a story a love and life with beauty but a realistic idea then read and come to know Lucy, Gabe and Darren. Just make sure the tissues are by the side of your chair.

In present time, Lucy is faced with a life-altering decision. But, to explain her decision, she must start at the beginning, the day her and Gabe first met. Lucy and Gabe meet their senior year at Columbia University on the day that New York City hurt the most. That day causes both of their lives to careen down a certain path and they must decide where they want their lives to go. Their decisions take the two of them away from each other, only to bring them back together a few years after they graduate. Through a whirlwind love, the two’s paths once again separate, but seem to overlap as they continue through life.

Review: I casually passed this book in the library and loved the cover. I did not even look at the description and just decided to give it a try. I FINISHED THIS BOOK IN ONE DAY. I love this book with all of my heart. Immediately the prose grabbed my attention. It is written entirely in Lucy’s perspective and is written like she is talking to Gabe through the entire book. Their love makes your heart melt, makes you feel anger in every part of your body, and makes you fall in love with them as well. I highly suggest this book. Jill Santopolo knocked this out of the park.

I loved this book! The writing is excellent, the characters so real they leapt off the page and into my heart.

I could relate to Lucy and Gabe - - couldn't everyone? Doesn't everyone have someone in their past with whom they might have wanted a second chance? Love can be tricky and there are all different kinds of love - not that one is better or worse, just different.

This book made me FEEL. That's something magical. And when I finished, I wanted to know more - wished I could know what happened next That's the sign of a good book to me - - when I don't want it to end.

This was so well written and the characters were like people you would know. They were so well developed. I fell in love with this story and the characters. So sad but very emotionally connected and really great reading. I had a long hard ugly cry at the end but it was worth it. So amazing1

I fear I am in the minority as very little about this book worked for me. The less said the better, however, comparisons to either One Day or Me Before You are ludicrous. The Light We Lost is a cloying and very predictable story with piecemeal development of two unlikable cliches. Lucy and Gabe meet in a Literature class at Columbia University on 9/11. After a 5 month relationship, Gabe leaves to travel to dangerous places to make his mark on the world as a war photographer. His love of photography and his war correspondence job happen so rapidly, it makes a mockery of those who struggle to achieve greatness in this art form. Lucy is left home to cry and pine until she meets another man and they marry....Darren, unfortunately is not Owen and will never live up to his hype. What is difficult to comprehend is what either Gabe or Lucy ever saw in each other. Both whiners and complainers, little growth is seen in either of their development, with Owen only popping up whenever something goes contrary in his life, until..... tragedy strikes. The book is written in the 2nd POV, and appears as one very long and drawn out rumination on two lives misspent.

I don't think I am the target audience for this book. I just couldn't get into it and I didn't really enjoy it. I found the characters frustrating and annoying. They didn't feel like real people. I did like the format of the book as a diary/letter of sorts that tells the story. That was about all I liked. I read this book because it was a Reese Witherspoon recommendation, but I'm discovering I only like about half of the books she recommends.

My true rating, 0 stars. When I began reading this I actually checked to see if the book was written for young adults! Then came the graphic sex. Then it became corny & just another trashy novel about an obsessive, whiny selfish girl. It's predictable from just reading the prologue. I kept thinking it would get better--but alas, not so! I only completed reading this book because two friends seemed to like it. I did not find this sad--no tears shed, however, I did laugh out loud reading the last 4 pages--the protagonist would have been better off writing a letter to her first two children about THEIR father.

This book totally broke my heart. I listened to the audio at work one day and I'm amazed none of my co-workers asked me if I was ok. I was sitting at my desk, a sniffling crying mess. I felt connected to the characters and just to the whole storyline in general right from the start. The narrator was the author herself and I thought she did an excellent job. You could really hear the emotion in her voice and it really added to the whole experience of the book. This is one of my favorite books of the year so far. Can't wait to read more by this author in the future!

I wasn’t too sure about this book BUT it was everything and more!!!
I’ve been in such a book funk lately- I normally read 4-5 books a week but haven’t since I started working. Life, right? Lol anyways picked up this beauty and decided to give it a go.
I started it on my lunch break today and just finished it!! It’s been sooo long since I’ve read a book in one day. But once I started I couldn’t stop.
The dynamics between Lucy/Gabe and Lucy/Darren is soo relatable to anyone!! And makes you think about things in your own life.
Love love loved this book, I’m a sap so I only wish it ended differently!

And honestly, I am still trying to gather up the pieces of my heart. You know those books that break your heart and then mend it back together? Well, this one forgot about the mending part!! This is a story about chances and choices, karma and fate, the decisions we make when we come to a fork in the road. It is about trying to be okay with what we did choose, hoping we don't have to live with regrets. It is about being brave and staying true to yourself. It was a sad story, but life often is. It was beautifully done!

First of all: I have nothing against the writing and I honestly devoured this book in about 2 days. That being said, I feel like I read a different book than most of the other reviews. Usually I do cheer on the explosive, passionate love that keeps you coming back; but I'll be honest, Lucy was over the top. In my opinion, Gabe gave her away, more than once. Then, (oh poor thing) Lucy finds a man who makes her laugh and seems to do everything in his power to make her happy. I just could not back her much after she marries Darren. Her betrayals towards her family and Gabe overstepping the boundaries (Lucy giving in to them) made me sick. When children get involved it's tough - classic question: how much of yourself do you lose for the sake of their happiness? Lucy was selfish and way too dreamy for me. The grass is greener where you water it. Sorry for the rant. Worth the read either way, but I just landed on a different emotion than most of the other reviewers by the conclusion (which I saw coming very early on).

"When you give yourself over to love like that, your heart will get bruised. It will get battered. But you will also feel invincible and infinite."

What is it that allows a first love to weave itself deep within your heartstrings? The Light We Lost follows one woman, Lucy, as she grapples with the romance and heartbreak of love and the decisions life requires of her. Beginning on September 11, 2001 we see how one devastating event alters the lives of a nation and, on a smaller scale, the lives of two people, Lucy and Gabe.

"The world felt like it was cracking in pieces, like we’d gone through a shattered mirror into the fractured place inside, where nothing made sense, where our shields were down, our walls broken."

Brought together by this tragedy- or what some may even call fate, they spend the evening together treading on the edge of something that will prove to be more than either could expect.

"You squeezed my fingers. “Thank you for making this day about something more,” you said. “Lucy. Luce. Luz is light in Spanish, right?” You paused. I nodded. “Well, thank you for filling a dark day with light.”

With a youthful exuberance they enjoy all that the beginning of a relationship has to offer- a passionate romance which inspires each to reach farther for their dreams. They dive in headfirst without regard for the consequences.

"But at that point, there was nothing I could have done to change our trajectory— yours, mine, ours. I stand by that decision. Even now, I stand by it. I’ve never felt as alive as I did those five months we lived together. You were life-changing, Gabe. I’m glad we made that choice. Free will, despite our fate."

Their deep desire for each other is not enough to quell their ambition, however. They bravely part ways putting their future together on hold. Gabe sets forth as a photojournalist in the Middle-East amidst the rising danger and conflict while Lucy begins her career as a children’s television producer in New York. Is is enough to rely on fate or must they do more to secure their future?

“The thing about roads,” I said, “is sometimes you happen upon them again. Sometimes you get another chance to travel down the same path.”

As time and geography put space between Lucy and Gabe, life moves forward and introduces opportunities both romantically and professionally. One weekend at the Hamptons adds an unexpected trajectory to Lucy’s life- Darren. He is rooted and steadfast, everything Gabe is not but like Gabe he falls head-over-heels for Lucy.

"Darren was my Old Nassau experiment. The longer we were together, the more I loved him, and the better it got."

Darren and Lucy work hard to build a life together, to build a love that lasts. But for Lucy there is always a lingering shadow of the love she once had and she is tempted by its spark, its flame, and its lasting burn.

"Love does that. It makes you feel infinite and invincible, like the whole world is open to you, anything is achievable, and each day will be filled with wonder. Maybe it’s the act of opening yourself up, letting someone else in— or maybe it’s the act of caring so deeply about another person that it expands your heart."

When circumstance forces Lucy and Gabe together, Lucy is left with a decision that tests her heart, her compassion and her willpower. But first, she must tell her story, as a kind of solace, maybe, or as her penance. As her choice looms she relives every detail, full of tenderness and anguish and we read as it is told until the heartbreaking end.

"You taught me to look for beauty. In darkness, in destruction, you always found light. I don’t know what beauty I’ll find here, what light. But I’ll try. I’ll do it for you. Because I know you would do it for me."

The Light We Lost is a beautifully written story that depicts the many different types of love one can experience, and the overwhelming heartbreak love can render when one gives oneself over to another, utterly and completely.

I saw a review on this book from The Skimm that stated, “One Day meets Me Before You”, and I had to read it. 48 hours later, I am missing Lucy and Gabe, am out of Kleenex and have shelved this book as a new member of my Top 25 All Time Favorites.

Lucy and Gabe meet during a Shakespeare seminar during their senior year at Columbia University. It also happens to be September 11, 2001. Drawn together by the events of that fateful day and the raw emotions they share as it seems the world is unraveling, the two succeed in making an indelible impression on one another; one that still feels fresh over a year later, when their paths cross again.

Alas, Lucy and Gabe are not meant to be, or are they? Jill Santopolo’s remarkable adult debut takes us on an honest journey of what it means to love someone, lose someone, and wait to see if they come back to declare themself as yours. Along the way, Santopolo prompts us to contemplate the feeling of being in love, how it differs from person to person, relationship to relationship, the way love can grow or decline over time, and whether or not it is better to have love and lost, or to never have loved at all.

I cannot understand how this book got good reviews. It was so bad, and the only reason I finished it was I kept hoping it would get better. First of all, the main character is not relatable. She’s not even likable. The only time she seems remotely like a person I might know is when she talks about her children. Her obsession over her ex just wasn’t believable and their love story wasn’t developed well enough for me to get it. I could go on and on about why I didn’t like this book. For those saying it felt like a YA book- that’s an insult to good YA writers, whose books about puppy love have been more believable than this. I cannot recommend this book with a good conscience.

I LOVED this book! It is such and emotional story full of great times and some bad. If you have EVER experienced a first love and was forever affected by it, you will love this story. So much of it reminded me of my own first love, the highs and the lows, the laughter and tears. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to give anything away.
One more thing though, the author made each chapter only a page or two long which made the reading so much easier and quicker. I couldn't put it down!

first off, this book was very well written, and hard to put down. however, I found the narrator of the book (Lucy) to be sometimes tedious and self-centered. then I further thought, well humans are flawed so maybe there is somebody out there like her. I hated the ending. I felt like somehow, in a tiny way, the villain was rewarded,

Wow. Where do I even begin? The Light We Lost was so engrossing so all consuming that I didn't want to put it down. I devoured the words and the story of Lucy and Gabe as quickly as I possibly could. It was so beautifully written, so real and heartfelt. I felt as if I knew Lucy, I understood her choices and why she made them. This is a book that I will not soon forget.

I read The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo because it was the February pick for Reese Witherspoon’s book club. I’m conflicted in my thoughts on this book-I loved it and I didn’t love it. Here’s what I loved: the intensity of Gabe and Lucy’s first love; the way Darren loves Lucy; the way the story is told as a narrative to Gabe; Kate, Jay, Violet and Liam; that Lucy is a producer of children’s programming; the references to Shakespeare, and Frost, and Dickinson, and mythology, and all the other wonderful literary works. Here’s what I didn’t love: Gabe’s narcissism; Darren’s controlling of Lucy; Lucy’s immature obsession with Gabe; Lucy’s lack of voice with Darren (although she does have a moment or two); Lucy’s deception and betrayal; and Lucy’s lack of honesty with herself. Lucy is caught between a “wildfire” love with Gabe, and a “hearth fire” love with Darren. In actuality, her wildfire love with Gabe would have burned itself out if she hadn’t stoked the flame occasionally, and she settled for the hearth fire love with Darren. There is a lot of meat to this novel if you can get past the characters-love, loss, fate, free will, marriage, betrayal, forgiveness.

If you've ever had a real love go wrong for a reason that could have been compromised you will re-live this story for a long while after you have finished this book. I love the author's reading of the book. The emotion she put into it. It was extremely well written. She detailed every gut wrenching detail and you could feel it in your heart and soul. It does take you on a roller coaster ride that you may not want to ride ever again, but it also shows you how fast life is, how very important true love is and the magnitude of choices. It's a good life lesson in love. Kudo's to Jill Santopolo. She show's she is not only a good writer, but a great writer.

This book was a beautiful but sad romantic story. It was about first loves and the choices we make in our lives and how they come back to haunt us long after those choices have been made. The story of Gabe and Lucy's love is told over increments of time from Lucy's perspective. They first meet on Sept. 11th 2001 and were able to find comfort in one another during this horrific event. This event had a big impact on both of them. Lucy and Gabe's connection was intense and each found it hard to let that connection go even though their lives took different paths. Jill Santopolo told a beautifully romantic but sad love story. I would definitely read another book from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I have been on a reading streak of books that make me blubber. I didn't do that on purpose. It just happened that way. But this book. This book did me in. To say that I loved this book is a major understatement. It need a warning label. Beware: you will require a box of tissues before beginning to read this book. I am not sorry to say that I was Team Gabe all the way. I am going to scrape myself off of the couch and avoid blubbering books for a short while so that I can recover from this book. Read this book but don't blame me when the tears start flowing. Happy reading.

I can't tell you how much I loved this book because I simply cannot put it into words. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, passionate, and I couldn't put it down. Make sure you have tissues nearby. Truly one of the best books I've read in a long time.

"I hope that you find a love like that--one that is all-consuming and powerful, that makes you feel like you're going slightly mad. And if you do find that love, embrace it. Hold on to it. When you give yourself over to love like that, your heart will get bruised. It will get battered. But you will also feel invincible and infinite."

I was very excited to pick up my next read but really disappointed in this one. I'm not sure how it got so many great reviews. It was a pretty quick and easy read, I think due to the short chapters, but there came a point I wanted to read just to get it over with. It really felt like nothing was happening for the first 3/4 or so of the book.
I could not root for Lucy and Gabe, I didn't feel that the author did a good job making the reader truly feel a passion and connection in that relationship. It seemed that Lucy's relationship with Darren was beautiful and perfect and I could not understand at all why she kept going back to Gabe...someone who just kept hurting her. The point of view was a little odd. She would spoil events for you several chapters in advance so it just felt predictable, including the ending. I don't think I could recommend this book.

I just finished this book last night and I'm already feeling hungover. Finding words to explain why I loved this book so much is impossible right now, I'm just too close to it and it's hard to say much without giving important plot points away. The p.o.v. and way the story is told and unfolds won't work for everyone. Either will the subject matter. Highly emotional books that gut you are kinda my thing. There are so many things I related to and saw myself in, other things I was so glad I didn't. This book is the perfect example of how beautiful and heartbreaking the messiness of love and life can be.

The story of two people who fall in love on the day of the 9/11 attacks drew me in immediately. As someone who was of a similar age at the time, and became engaged within a couple weeks after that fateful day, I could easily identify with their emotions. But... as the love triangle emerges, I became rather infuriated with main character's poor decision making on MANY LEVELS. It was one I wanted to throw across the room at the end for it's utterly un-redemptive qualities (I refrained, because it was from my beloved library). I guess I'm in the minority...

I absolutely loved this book! Lucy's voice is so compelling that I could hardly put this book down. I'm not a huge romance reader, but this is definitely one of the best books I've read this year. I don't necessarily enjoy stories that romanticize infidelity, but I felt like the relationship between Lucy and Gabe was something I could identify with - the first love that got away, the road not taken - that it didn't bother me.

I've already called several friends and made them promise to check this one out. Definitely a must read.

A chance meeting on September 11th intertwines Gabe and Lucy for the rest of their lives. They start a love affair that lasts close to 13 years. Throughout this time you see each character grow as their life unfolds. Unfortunately the reader can tell very early on that something has happened to Gabe as the story plays out as Lucy retelling their history to him. It is a heartbreaker. But I kept myself from sobbing since you know early on that there probably won't be a happy ending. thanks first to read and Netgalley for the galley in exchange for an honest review.

Captivating. Heart-wrenching. Powerful. Emotional. Love. Loss. Choices. Regret. Guilt. Destiny. One woman, two men who love her, and she loves them both. Lucy's voice is so clear, even as she struggles with her own choices, with her heart, with her devotion. A story that will immerse readers in its pages, a story that will live in your heart long after you reach the end.

I had trouble putting this book down, but I also had trouble recognizing why. I liked it but didn't love it, so I suppose it is a testament to the author's writing that I finished it so fast. I liked the style, how we see detailed explanations of some scenes, but fast-paced overviews of others. I liked less the persistent allusion to the "present time" by the author, it kicked me out of the story a little too often and gave me a feeling of dread for what was to come. That could be a good mechanism in storytelling, but this story just didn't do it for me. The main character and both of her men drove me a little too crazy. I finished it quickly, but I don't want to read it again.

An easy read with a great plot line and romance and drama mixed in. I'll be honest I struggled at the beginning of this book with how it was written but once I got into the book and realized why the book was written that way I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down.

Wish I'd read more reviews on this relatively boring narrative. "Lucy" tells the story. **Spoiler** - the story tells of a chance meeting (Lucy and Gabe) on 09/11/01 that fizzles fast. Another chance meeting a year later that evolves into a mostly one-sided 18 month relationship (Lucy) with another break-up (Gabe). She meets another (Darren) and appears to move on to marry and have children. But she carries this totally illogical torch for the one who left and the book follows the path set by this obsession.

This vapid book lacked characters that you really even cared about. The plot was predicable and although the ending was sad, I didn't feel much empathy for Lucy's situation. I gave it two stars as it was a mercifully quick read.

I was disappointed in this one. It's the love story of Lucy and Gabe, who meet at Columbia University on 9/11, and then reunite for a brief, passionate love affair a few years later. They are separated again when Gabe pursues an international career as a photojournalist, and the vast majority of the book is about Lucy's life (and marriage and family) after Gabe. But there's a twist, or a gimmick, depending. The book is written in the second person, as Lucy tells Gabe the story of her life since him. It intends to be a romantic saga, with jacket comparisons to One Day and Love Story, and that's the problem. (Minor spoilers below, for people who can't easily guess plot twists.)

In the prologue of the book, which should have been edited out, Lucy explains the circumstances under which she is writing it: she is clearly speaking to a Gabe who is in front of her but cannot hear her. When you add in the comparisons to Love Story and One Day, isn't it clear what has happened? I think it's crystal clear and makes the book feel maudlin. But that isn't the core issue. Gabe dumps Lucy twice, once on the day they meet, when he chooses to return to an old girlfriend, and again after they've been together for a year or so, when he takes a job abroad. They're together for about a year at the age of twenty three. But Lucy strays fixated on him her entire life, through marriage to a good man, through two kids who serve as plot devices; it all feels indulgent, and makes Lucy unsympathetic. This would be fine if the point of the story were to make Lucy unsympathetic, but we are supposed to feel torn and conflicted. And I didn't get that. Gabe and Lucy never felt that real to me, it felt like a regular young romance, and I didn't mourn it, or them, or him. Plus there's a sub plot about how her husband doesn't respect her work as Gabe did, but we see no evidence that Gabe really gets her work, nor do we ever see Lucy working -- all she does is think about Gabe and compare Gabe to her husband -- so Lucy doesn't feel very three dimensional.

If you like romantic tear jerkers set in NYC, and you aren't very picky about how they're done, this might well work for you. On the upside, Inwill say that it is smoothly writte, a quick and easy read. But lacks emotional impact for me. And guessing the big reveal on literally the first page didn't help.

Initially I didn't think I would like the way the story was being told - by the author to another person. But it grew on me as the story and plot unfolded. It was a sad story but filled with a lot of love and truthfulness. I cried at the end. Worth the read for sure.

The Light We Lost is about that one true love -- the one who got away when timing isn't right -- the one who you keep getting pulled back into their orbit.

This novel starts with Lucy and Gabriel as college students on 9-11 and follows them over thirteen years, as they chose the different paths life puts before them.

Jill Santopolo leaves you questioning the power or your first love, fate and choices.

Highly recommend.

This is not the most epic love story. I gave the book 2 stars because at the beginning I enjoyed the story line and the writing but about halfway through book the story started to lose it's excitement and was incredibly predictable. I knew exactly how the story would end by page 100 but I was hoping to be proved wrong. I thought there was not way this writer could be that predictabks but she was and it was so disappointing. I also questioned if the writer is a mother in real life when She related the love she felt for Gabe to be deeper then the love that parents feel when they have their babies. If that was true, then they would have done more to be together and not gone down the road of getting married and having kids with another man. It's unrealistic and so stupid. I finished the book a week ago and I'm still upset.

Maybe it’s because I can relate to the story, or because I am a hopeless romantic. This story made me drown in emotions, happy, hopeful, excited, frustrated and Mad. From begin to end I was hooked. I had to constantly put it down and give myself a break because of the memory or emotion it Stirred in me so strongly. Thank you Jill Santopolo for being such an amazing artist.

This is a very easy book to read and if you like romance stories, you will get drawn in. However, as I read the book I could see shades of, The Bridges of Madison County. Many of the readers of today may never have read that book. it is of a similar premise where girl loves the unavailable photojournalist who travels the world while she has an honest, loving husband by her side who only wants the best for her. Not a great piece of literature but a nice book to escape into.

On one hand I really enjoyed this novel and it was very engrossing - I read it pretty quickly and was very into it while I read it. However on the other hand I felt that there was a lot left on the table and there was a lot of frustration in their relationship for me and while I GET it, in the end it made me a bit irritated.

It's a very true to life story though and I feel that it was beautifully written, it just misses the 5 star mark for me personally.

I finished reading this book yesterday and I keep re-reading the ending - so powerful that I have to absorb it over and over again.
It is so hard to believe that this is the author's debut novel - so intense and very moving. I really could not put it down and I needed to keep finding out more. The characters really came alive for me with such heartbreak and emotion. This is truly an amazing story that will stay with me for a long time. And it begs for a sequel - please!

Have you ever finished a book and felt like you wanted to write a review so deserving of this book that everyone would read it? Of course, you don't want to share spoilers, but this book...

It was beautifully written, and a novel with an unusual format. Each chapter was a short vignette and I was drawn in, wanting to know what happened next the entire time.

I don't want to give anything away, but that ending left me with quite the emotional hangover. Loved this book!

This is a story that goes through the lives of Gabe and Lucy. How there lives are entwined from the time they meet in college. Even after the break up and marry other people the story just keeps evolving.
This story really pulls at your heartstrings and it will stay with you for a while. It really makes you think of life as it is today and how doing things differently could dramatically change the path you are on.

I think I kept reading because I hoped that somehow the main character would become likable. The main couple is just plain selfish and over the top with their love for each other. The whole thing was just nonsense.

This was a great book. I don't usually read romance novels, but this one felt different. It had a lot of real emotions behind the story that made it feel more realistic rather than a fairy tale. It was also a quick read and easy to get into. I recommend to anyone who is remotely interested in the romance genre, but honestly anyone who might want to read a real depiction of life's relationships and curve balls.

I had HIGH expectations for this book, maybe too high. I thought it was just ok. I loved Lucy and Gabe's love story, but I wanted more from Lucy and Darren's. I know the premise is "do first loves ever die?" - so I tried to ride that train of thought. Key word is TRIED. I think Lucy allowed herself to be torn by another person... But that is just my opinion.

Overall an OK book... Not an epic love story. I do love the title of the novel after reading the book.

Little spoil alert.
Loved the way this book was written. I couldn’t put it down. Did not Like how Gabe treated Lucy throughout book though, only wanted her there when he was feeling low. But I still gave the book 5 stars because it completely kept my attention until the end. The author did very well in how it was written.

This book grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down. I am about the same age to the author and experienced 9/11 in a similar way. I thought she described the feelings of the day and how it affected her life in a way I could relate. The love story is complicated like life. The way it is written once explained makes everything snap into place. I couldn’t put it down and I hope you feel the same.

I’d probably put this at 3.5 stars. It was an enjoyable read. I really understood and liked Lucy, the central character. It was easy to understand why she felt so torn between two men and why she continued to be drawn to Gabe after moving on with her life. I also appreciated how each character was flawed and well developed. I don’t think this is a book I’ll remember for a long time or return to again, but I did enjoy it while I was reading and I liked where the author chose to end it. I’m interested to see this book portrayed on screen since I know the rights have been optioned. There is some sexual content scattered throughout the book.

Jill Santopolo's The Light We Lost begins on September 11, 2001. Lucy is narrating to Gabe their story, the story of how they met and everything that has happened between them over the years. The entire novel is written from Lucy's perspective, which unfortunately doesn't allow us to fully get to know or empathize with the other characters.

"You did quit your job, of course, to take photography classes."

"And then all the worry for you, the concern I'd felt when I heard your voice—it hardened back into anger. How could you have called me like that, brought those feelings back to the surface, if you weren’t planning on following through? It wasn’t fair, Gabe.”

There are two main plot devices. First, the characters meet on September 11, 2001. This has the potential to be interesting in terms of connecting with a stranger on this day and how it can influence a future relationship. As the story progresses, the supposed crux of meeting on this date is not handled with enough care and satisfaction to make it feel meaningful. September 11th feels more and more superfluous as a plot point and disrespectful that the date was used as a plot device. Even Santopolo feels like she has to justify a love blooming on this day to us readers:

"Guilty that we kissed for the first time while the city burned, guilty that I was able to lose myself in you in that moment. But later I learned that we weren't alone. People told me in whispers that they'd had sex that day. That they'd conceived a child."

Lucy and Gabe could have met on any other date, and these two people would have made similar choices.

Second, without revealing spoilers, the second plot device brings Lucy and Gabe back together in a way that makes the ending of the novel feel like a soap opera. We're also left with a big "So what?" "What happens next?" The story ends with a big plot twist that feels contrived on how we got there and cowardly that we're deprived of reading about Lucy finally taking responsibility for her actions. Or, maybe not. The novel ends with an ambiguous letter of what Lucy may or may not do; ultimately letting time or others' actions determine how she will react.

A waste of time. Woman falls in love in college. The guy dumps her. She gets into another relationship with a great guy. She doesn't appreciate him but marries him anyway. She has children with her nice husband. She does not appreciate this, either. She keeps in contact with the guy who dumped her in college because she is a silly doormat and gets pregnant with his child. It gets even stupider from there, if you can imagine it. If I were her husband, I would have dumped her and taken her children elsewhere to start my life with someone who appreciates me. Silly childish romance. Ok if you are like 13, but even that is pushing it.

I really wanted to like this book based on the reviews but just couldn’t . Found myself skipping paragraphs which is never good. The men in Lucys life were so unrealistic, whose husband is going to be okay with this wife’s ex boyfriend always in the picture . And who’s husband is that perfect? Who throws away a great life for and old love that left you? Don’t waste your time. If I wanted to read a Harleqium Romance novel I would have bought one.

one of those books that makes you sad it's over...I got so engrossed in the story and the characters that I felt like I had a front row seat to something very special. really wonderful writing and storytelling...the story moves quickly so it doesn't get stale or boring but each character is developed and nothing gets lost in the pace. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

I wish I had read the reviews first before buying this book. Yes, it’s an easy read and I read it in two days. However, I skipped about 40 pages to get to the end. My biggest problem with this book was that it needed better character development in the beginning. I just didn’t care enough about the main characters. I thought one was selfish and one was an idiot! I’m not saying which was which! If I had cared more, I might have been more invested in their ending.

The Light We Lost is a brilliant narrative of characters navigating their hopes and dreams in a world defined by the events of September 11th. I was captivated from the first page of Lucy and Gabriel's story and enjoyed every minute of this book. I was engaged with their struggle to be authentic to themselves and how that impacts their relationships with others.

This book brought out soo many feels! I'm still thinking about it and in a major book hangover after turning the last page. It's a bittersweet love story and so worth reading!! Fate, the what ifs, the decisions we make.....

When I download three books for this weekend, I just grabbed titles off my list. This is not what I expected. When I noted that the narrator was always speaking TO Gabe, I knew the other shoe would drop eventually, but I still didn't expect this ending. I'm a bit surprised I didn't see it coming. But it was a lovely book and not at all what I thought it would be. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I wanted to shake Lucy and tell her to move on with her Life. Shame on you Reese Witherspoon for making want to read this book. There are some very endearing parts but I feel like she’s in love with a phantom, hypothetical first love who only thought of himself!! Never really fully appreciate what she has in her marriage!! If you LOVED Gabe so much she should have done something about it when she had the chance but Lucy to him you weren’t worth it!! Okay. That’s my 2 cents. Please if you want to read this book get it at a library!! Don’t waste your $$$.

All the characters in this novel were completely selfish and boring. I forced myself to finish the book and had predicted Gabe's demise about halfway through.
Lucy and Darren had it all, but it wasn't enough. Pitiful.

This book was really awful. Her obsession with that guy was unhealthy and hard to read. She was in love with the idea of unrequited love! The alternative with ending up with a guy like that is certainly disappointment and divorce! Duh!

Although it was a page turner, the ending was disappointing. It glorified cheating on your husband/adultery and raising a child with a lie his whole life in the name of "true love". Nope. Not for me. I found that disturbing.

I read this book in a day. It is an easy read and such a page turner. I loved everything about it. It made me physically long for my days in New York City. It made me sad I never had a NY love story like this. This story will stay with me for a long time.

This was a devastatingly beautiful and haunting love story. The author captures perfectly the feelings of those in Manhattan on 9/11. While some love stories seem so mythical and unrealistic, this one felt so real and true. You felt the emotions along with the characters. I can’t get them out of my mind.

I really tried to like this book...to the point I kept reading it all the way through despite starting to lose touch about halfway through -- I usually prefer not to waste my time if something hasn't grabbed me in the first few chapters. This grabbed me well enough there to continue, but at the halfway point, you have all of the basics established and a pretty good idea that the book is going to continue in the same old way forever.

It does, and it ends in a very disappointing and predictable manner, and I feel like we got there in a really reactionary way better suited to a 1950s melodrama versus a novel set in a post 9/11 world.

I am a teacher and have absolutely no extra time to read, but I promised myself I wouldn't go through the whole year without at least trying to read a few books. I grabbed "The Light We Lost" on a whim because I really liked the cover. (Yes, I totally judge books by their cover!) I read this book in about 5 hours. I LOVED it. It has a little bit of everything, and you'll need quite a few tissues as you follow the characters through their journeys. This book will be sitting on my nightstand so I can read it again soon!

It was a little slow at the start mostly as I tried to get used to the first person account. But a couple (short) chapters in I was hooked and flew through it. Some reviews say that want to slap Lucy but it felt real to me. Someone who just doesn't know what they might be missing but knows they need to move on with their lives at the same time. It's a GREAT story!!!

If you like books with shallow, self-obsessed people, you're gonna love this one! It opens with two main characters making out on 9/11, because that is the natural reaction to a mass murder right outside your window. It doesn't get any better after that.

Thoughtful glimpses into a woman's romantic life, and examination of the "might have been". Lucy felt real and complicated, and you could see her conviction, and indecision, as she vacillated between two men. Especially great if you're familiar with NYC.

Loved this book!!! I read it obsessively and when I was away from it The Light We Lost, I couldn't wait to get back to it. This is a love story based on the after shocks of 9/11 and is one I will never forget, ever. I am do better off for having read it. So good!!

This book had me shutting down everything else I needed to do in order to read and finish it. I have a love/hate feeling about how it ended. I wont say any more so as not to put a spoiler out there. But I would definitely read more from this author.

This book was beautiful and heartbreaking. The characters are going to stick with me for a while, as is the way the book makes you think about your choices in life.I wasn't super crazy about the ending, I still have so many questions. I can't wait to read more from this author.

The two stars are for writing, which is good. The story, NO. It is basically about a bunch of privileged, and selfish people with so much money and success in their lives, that they have to try to create meaningless problems for themselves. Honestly, there is really not much of a story. It can be summed up in one paragraph. It might make a good romantic movie, though.

Completely captivating. I couldn't put this down. I loved the 13 year peak into Lucy's life, she was such a relatable character and I thoroughly understood so many of her feelings and decisions. I didn't find a single fault with this book. It was absolutely terrific and I'm so bummed it's over.

This book spoke to the 20-year-old me who had no concept.of healthy relationship dynamics. So reading it 20 years later was...ah...just didn't do it for me.

The world Lucy lives. An abundance of money, ive league colleges, transatlantic trips on a whim...damn, tough life sister!

I can understand hoe this book draws readers in. We all have that love from our youth' but kost of us are not privilged enough to linger there. A bourgeois life gives ya time to weep and moan....

I loved this book so much. I couldn't put it down and read the whole thing over the course of a weekend. One of those epic love stories where you can sense impending doom, and feel the tightening in your chest, but can't stop reading. The writing is beautiful and clear, and you strongly feel the characters' emotions. I found myself reflecting back on my own relationships and past loves. I ended the book bawling and have already shared it with a few friends. Highly recommend!

This book was read by me in one sitting. The ending truly broke my heart, but it was such a great read. Haven’t cried this hard in a long time, but it was so worth it! This is definitely a must read!

I am so surprised that so many people are raving about this book and that they're turning it into a movie. The style of writing was fast - but juvenile, in my opinion. I felt like I was reading essays from a college class. The story? Also quite lackluster. I see no great romance here. Any readers who felt that that way must be filling in the blanks with their own feelings and experiences. The part that bothered me the most was the reference to "All the Light We Cannot See" within the book - now THAT is an amazing read. This didn't even remotely compare. Like every other reader, I read it fast (5 hours?) and didn't put it down - but not because it was compelling, mysterious, or enthralling. I just wanted to be done with it as soon as possible. I thought maybe there must be something at the end which is why everyone was hooked? I mean, so many people raving about this - but nah. Nope. Nothing. Save your money. If you really must read it, borrow from the library. This is not something worth reading over and over. I'll hardly remember the story either other than it's completely uninspired. At the end, the author reveals the story was inspired in part by her own bad break-up (or something to that effect) - once I read that, my thought that I was reading something without literary maturity or skill was confirmed. I think this story

The point of view of the writer telling a story reflecting on a decade long on and off relationship seemed odd to me. While I really didn't enjoy the storyline and didn't find much happening other then a woman bemoaning the loss of her true love, I did appreciate the emotions of the ending.

This book was a terrific story told in a very relatable voice. The main character, like us all, is learning about love and relationships as life moves along. I appreciated the intelligent and even tone which made her experiences ones I felt a part of or that I could maybe even learn from. It felt like a good friend honestly sharing her story which has several difficult forks in the road at various points. This book will stay with me for a long time to come. I very much recommend the read.

I know it's a great book when I force myself to put the book down so I won't finish too quickly. It's a great story with relatable characters, and very well written. I'm looking forward to more great work from this author. :-)

This book is okay, I didn’t love that it was written in first person. The story is good, but the writing is so bad. Because this book is supposed to span over 13 years I thought the writing would reflect the maturity of the main character, but the whole book feels like it’s written by a whiny teenage girl which made getting to the end pretty difficult. The main character is pretty immature which also made this a tough read. Bottom line: not worth it, don’t waste your time.

Reads like a summer fling, replete with self-centered characters. Had a very shallow feel; the writing tense of narrator speaking to 'you,you,you' became so tedious. Not even close to a tragic romance.

Heart wrenching and dramatic. POV is not my favorite style but it definitely added to the effect the author was trying to achieve. I think the main character embodies many women today and the uncertainty they feel when having to make such important decisions that will have major ramifications on how their lives will turn out. Life is crazy and this book just reiterates it. I was sad for her and the way things turned out. It's also interesting to see how and what we sacrifice as we get older.

While reading, you almost have the ending pictured in your mind but it was impossible to choose between the happily ever after and the most common love story. Could not stop reading until the end and I'm still not sure which ending i wanted to happen.

I loved, loved, loved this book! To me, it was a story about love, loss, and fate, and it was beautifully written. It's one of those books that I will pick up again and have recommended it to several people.

Absolutely beautiful! The writing was superb and felt so incredibly connected to the characters. Their love and the internal struggles for Lucy were so well captured. A book that I want to come back and reread time and time again. I can't wait to read more books by Jill.

This is one of the most engulfing and heart wrenching books I've read in a long time. If you're a New Yorker, it'll grasp you even more. I saw so many parts of my life in the narrative and in the end was heartbroken for the main characters...

I loved the journalism, 9/11, etc bend to it too. It made it feel very real and "just in time".

I read this in less than 2 days, and even though I thought I knew how it was going to end, I was still surprised. I enjoyed Lucy's voice telling Gabe's actions/thoughts, so he always seemed part of the narrative.

I just finished this novel and I'm in tears. It took me a while to get into the way it is written, but once I did I instantly became swept away. This story is full of so much heartbreak, but also so much love. It's my new favorite novel, a thousand times over.

Poor Lucy can't seem to fall in love right. First she loves Gabe. Their love affair takes off like a rocket. They are in sync mentally. They agree that dreams are not disposable for either one of them. Lucy pursues her career as a producer of children's TV shows, and makes good progress. Gabe's chosen career is photojournalism, inspired by the 9/11 attack. Sadly, his career opportunities are overseas so he decides to leave her. Was it a good choice for Gabe to leave Lucy and pursue his career? It did not seem to bring him the satisfaction he expected. He is a bit of a womanizer. He has a long string of relationships. He forgets about Lucy, or at least he forgets to call her or write to her. It seems like Gabe was able to move on without too much difficulty, but not Lucy. She is left devastated. It makes her vulnerable to the next overly-controlling man who comes along.

Lucy meets Darren, who is the opposite of Gabe. He is stable, reliable, and goal-oriented. One of his goals is a well-managed family, with a suitable wife and some children. He decides Lucy meets his criteria, and he pursues her with all his resources. He sweeps her off her feet with a surprise trip to Paris and a proposal. She accepts -- somewhat reluctantly -- and they try to make a go of it. But they are not on the same page on many life issues, including the subject of working mothers. Darren thinks raising children should be Lucy's full-time job, not working on her award-winning show. Lucy increasingly feels stifled, and during this time she unwisely reconnects with Gabe.

What these men are doing to Lucy is hurting her, over and over. Their heartless disregard for her needs and feelings wears her down. Years of major betrayals and minor injustices leave their mark. You can just feel the tension building. You know something is about to happen.

This is a book about love, but it is not flowery or sentimental. The mood darkens as the book advances. It is very well done, and I couldn't put it down.

I was gripped by this book from the beginning all the way to the last page. It felt like the main character was feeling emotions that I myself have felt so deeply. I am going to be thinking about this book months from now! I definitely recommend.

I loved this book. It pulled me in and wouldn't let go. It's relatable, well written, and the author seamlessly navigates you through a lengthy time period without losing your attention. Will be saving to my personal collection to re-read in the future!

I'm listening to the audio and the author chose to narrate this story. Huge mistake in my opinion. She sounds too young, talks too fast (like a teen-anger) and her voice lacks emotion. So...not sure what my final opinion of the book will be. Hope there's a reason she has written this as a letter to him instead of just telling the story because I don't get it.

It is rare that I feel I can't finish a book, but I just couldn't push thru this one. I finally closed it for good around pg. 50. I chose to read it because of the great reviews and I do enjoy a good love story. However, this one is just filled with lust and raunchy, UNNECESSARY parts. I let the first one slide thinking maybe it was a one-off, but they kept happening and I decided it wasn't worth it no matter how good it was. There was nothing that made me want to keep reading aside from the great reviews. So I'll just take your word for it now. :)

This was so disappointing! I feel like it must appeal to all the people in the world who have a long lost love. I married the love of my life, so bringing myself to root for infidelity was something I couldn’t connect with, I also didn’t enjoy the second person narration.

I did not enjoy this book one bit. The beginning sounded like a high school girl telling one of her friends every detail of her uninspiring life. The prose was week, often repetitive and lacked depth. The entire story lacked depth. Girl meets boy. Girl and boy fall in love. Boy leaves girl. Girl never gets over it and marries somebody else and is so selfish that all she can think of is the boy she loved for a year. Then she ruins everything. I listened through to the end, hoping for some redeeming quality and was greatly disappointed. I liked the narrator.

A heartbreaking love story that's also a real page-turner! I couldn't wait to see how it would end, and stayed up late to find out! Loved the second person narration, which made every page engrossing. Perfect beach or airplane read.

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. So moving and so alive. I could feel 9/11 and I could feel the depth of their love for one another in addition to the conflict/struggle of maintaining marriage vows and family.

I loved this book. I related to this book. I felt this book. I can see where not everyone would, but if you've had a relationship like this in your life....it will bring it all back - not that it's ever truly been gone. You may or may not want that...

I thought it was very boring. It finally got better the last few chapters but I kept waiting for something to happen. I listened to the audio and the author narrated it. She was kind of annoying and whiny.

I hated the book. It glorifies a failed relationship as a true love. It is not a beautiful love story. It is a story about two people who dwell on what could have been. Whenever the female character compared her husband to him, I wanted to puke. He had said yes to a job that would take to the other side of the world without discussing with her and left. Yet, she was mad that her soon to be husband planed a trip to Paris without telling her.
I can go on and on. The author tried really hard to sell is as a true love. All I can say is "grow up."

Lovely and emotional read--the kind of book where you get frustrated with the characters, not because they are poorly developed, but because you care about them! The Me Before You/One Day comparison is spot-on, so if you're looking for an easy read that still feels meaningful, this is a good one.

One of the absolute best books I have ever read. I cried uncontrollably at the ending and was devastated when i flipped the last page. Lucy and Gabe's love story is so relatable and you can feel the heartbreak in her writing. I wish I would not have read it so fast because I already miss Lucy and Gabe!

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
I really liked the way this book was written, as a sort of diary of memories. The relationship between Gabe and Lucy was intense and full of emotion. However Gabe was selfish and quite self absorbed in his own future, which made me question how much he truly loved her. I also really empathised with Darren who seemed to be second best, without knowing it.
A book that left me thinking "what if"..... and how one's actions at any stage could change the direction of your life.
3.5 stars

I bought this book while I was out of town and ended up reading half of it immediately at a coffee shop. I only put it down because I had to drive home, but I finished it the next day. It was moving, insightful, and heartbreaking. I will without a doubt be recommending this book to everyone I know.