The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

Lucy is faced with a life-altering choice. But before she can make her decision, she must start her story—their story—at the very beginning.

Lucy and Gabe meet as seniors at Columbia University on a day that changes both of their lives forever. Together, they decide they want their lives to mean something, to matter. When they meet again a year later, it seems fated—perhaps they’ll find life’s meaning in each other. But then Gabe becomes a photojournalist assigned to the Middle East and Lucy pursues a career in New York. What follows is a thirteen-year journey of dreams, desires, jealousies, betrayals, and, ultimately, of love. Was it fate that brought them together? Is it choice that has kept them away? Their journey takes Lucy and Gabe continents apart, but never out of each other’s hearts.

My Thoughts

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.

Drink Selection

I am going to use a popular drink from the book, the Appletini.  Delish!

 

Rating

I would give this book 10 wine glasses if I could, 5 wine glasses for sure all the way!

About the Author

Jill Santopolo is the author of the The Light We Lost, the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series, and the Follow Your Heart books. She holds a BA in English Literature from Columbia University, an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU. Jill is also the Editorial Director of Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. When she’s not writing or editing, Jill is a thesis advisor at The New School in their MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and is on the faculty of the Columbia Publishing Course. Jill has traveled all over the U.S.—and to Canada and Europe—to speak about writing and storytelling. She lives in New York City.

Twitter: @jillsantopolo
Instagram: jillsantopolo
Facebook: /jillsantopoloauthor

Link to Purchase

Amazon