Thursday, July 19, 2012

WHERE WE BELONG by Emily Giffin





Well, it's here, another long-awaited Emily Giffin book! Waiting for an Emily Giffin book is like waiting for your very own birthday or for Christmas or for your summer vacation. It's just one of those things that as a reader, I anticipate now every year as something to be really excited about. And unlike birthdays, for me anyway, Emily's books do keep getting better year after year! Haha! (not that my birthdays are terrible, but getting older is not always the most fun thing to do. Getting a new Emily Giffin book however, is the most fun thing to do!).

I remember the first time I saw Something Borrowed in the store. It was the shiny pink and diamond embossed cover that got my attention, and then, like probably most of you, I was hooked with her endearing loveable characters, even difficult Darcy. 

I followed Emily and since I lived in what was once her hometown, I was fortunate to get to meet her at some signings. The first time I met her at a reading, she was sharing stories about SoBo and SoBlue, but I noticed her third book up on the podium. When she asked if there were any questions in the audience (which back then, it was held at the library where her mother worked and there were about 20 of us in attendance!), I boldly asked her, "What does one have to do to get that copy of that book right there?" and I pointed to her ARC of Baby Proof. 

She kind of smiled at me and said, "Email me and I'll send it to you."

She's just that cool of an author, and I emailed her and she sent me her original ARC of Baby Proof

The next time I saw her was at an Aurora Lit Fest and my dearest bestest friend Swishy was with me, and we hung out with Emily, and when she went up on stage, she asked us to hold her sweater. OK, we were giddy with excitement. Would we hold Emily Giffin's sweater!??!!

YES. We would. 

Because we were her original fans. 

That day she shared secrets with us on how to pose for best-ever photographs and told us about a reader who didn't care for her books because they were too "matchy-matchy." 

Later that year when she came back to town and did a bigger event, she invited me out for dinner and margaritas. What kind of author takes the time to make a fan feel THAT special? She's truly unique. The night before I moved from the Chicago area to Arizona she had a signing. I made sure I was there to let her know how much she and her books meant to me so I went there with my copy of Heart of the Matter. She knew I was moving away and leaving the very next day and she let me cut in front of everyone.
 
As an author, she means the world to me. She's inspiring, kind and good-hearted. I also consider her a true friend of mine. 

And now she's got a trillion fans and a trillion of followers but Emily makes time for so many of them, and she reaches out to them and is kind enough to share her life with them on Facebook and Twitter and she's doing it here today by giving away a copy of her latest, Where We Belong.

I'm so happy that I get to share her latest novel with you all!

Emily Giffin’s books unfold like a slow satisfying meal – one that you don’t want to end – but one that you can’t wait to get to the dessert. Where We Belong is one of those books where you can’t wait to find out how it ends but you also want to prolong the reading for the pure enjoyment of Emily’s words.

The summer Marian graduates from high school, she has a summer romance with sort-of-rebel-outsider musician and fellow classmate Conrad Knight, who she has known since sixth grade, and discovers that he is the love of her life. She knows he is not going to college and she is, and that their summer will only be that – a summer romance.

When she ends up pregnant, and he tells her that he loves her, she commits the biggest of lies and decides (out of love for him maybe, or fear for her own future – that’s for you, the reader, to decide!) to tell him that she is actually NOT pregnant.

Marian breaks things off from Conrad, takes a year off from college, has the baby, gives her up for adoption, then goes to college and goes on with her life, to become a famous TV producer.

Fast-forward 18 years and she’s in a committed and loving relationship with Peter, the CEO of her network, and hoping to get married and start a family of her own. Her television show is doing great, she lives in NY and life couldn’t be more perfectly scripted. 

Then Kirby Rose lands at her doorstep.

Kirby has never really fit in with her family – her perfect younger sister and her boisterous dad and protective mother. She’s always been a bit of a loner who loves playing the drums. After she turns 18, she decides to find her birth mother. 

When she heads to NY to meet Marian, Kirby will turn Marian’s world inside-out. Kirby has been Marian’s best kept secret, and only her mother knew that Marian had a daughter she gave up for adoption. This secret (or lie, as Marian’s boyfriend neatly points out) will bring to light the fact that keeping Kirby a secret was wrong on so many levels. 

There are layers to Where We Belong and surprises along the way that will keep the reader enthralled throughout. You will root for Kirby the whole way through, and find her endearing and brave. I can see how Marian made some of the decisions she made, and I was very sympathetic toward her. In fact, Emily writes all of her characters so that there is no one ‘bad guy’ and you will feel for each and every character, from Marian to Kirby’s adoptive  parents; and even Marian’s own mother, who while you might not like her very much, you will understand why she acts the way she does.

One caveat: As with all Emily’s leading men, you will fall in love with both Peter and Conrad – she writes such sexy men in such diverse ways. 

I have to say I closed the book and wondered where life was about to take some of these characters I had really come to care about. One thing I knew for absolute certain was that Kirby was going to be absolutely, 100-percent OK, and that made for a completely happy ending. After all, there would be no story had there been no Kirby.

I also think that Emily put her heart and soul into this book, as she has with her others, but in the case of Where We Belong, I think it will inspire people who have been adopted or even women who have given up babies to search for their biological children. And if Where We Belong brings a happy ending to even just one family who has felt the need to search, then that is an incredible gift of this book. 

Phew, this was one of the most emotional posts I've written. If you'd like to win a copy of Where We Belong, tell me about a time in your life where you've felt the most like you've belonged. It could be a moment, or an age, or an event, or a celebration … just somewhere or some time when you felt completely encompassed in the feeling of belonging!

And thanks Emily, for quitting being a lawyer! But also, it's time you come to Arizona for a book tour.

XO

Important note: 
Next week there will be a HUGE one-day book giveaway with 10 BOOKS BEING GIVEN AWAY IN ONE BOOK POST -- DON'T MISS IT! 


If you're new to Booking with Manic, thank you for stopping by! We love new readers! Some notes - If you're entering to win a book, please use an identifying name and it's usually a great idea to include an email, which I will never give out to anyone else. You can only enter once please. You'll need to check back here in about a week or so to see if you've won the book -- I will highlight the winner's name at the top of this post. Most books are supplied directly through publishers, publicists and the authors. Winners will receive books directly from the publisher within 3 weeks from the time you provide me with your address, unless I send you the book (sometimes I will). Sorry, but we can only ship to U.S. and Canada so if you're from another country, thank you for coming by to read and discover new authors, but we can't send you a book. Any questions on how I run the blog or suggestions on who you would like to see featured, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

107 comments:

Anonymous said...

I felt like I belonged when I was in college. I had good friends that I enjoyed being around and I believe they enjoyed me also.

-Donna W.

Mary Jo Burke said...

Being a mom.

ncsuloges said...

When I worked for the football team in high school. I truly felt like that. OMG OMG OMG I am so so excited it is finally Emily Giffin day. I have never met her but everything you say about her is true. She is such a kind person and I love how she shares her life on FB. I was actually just telling my boyfriend about this yesterday at lunch and said how I felt like we were real friends because she tells so much about her life and family. I hope I win!!!

jdstec said...

Love, love, love some Emily Giffin. I would say when my children were born.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing you stories about Emily. She sounds wonderful!

Tough question. The obvious answer would be when I'm with my kids. But even then, I sometimes wonder....how in the world did I end up HERE:)!?

I guess I'm still hoping to feel like I belong. Wow, not sure what to make of that.

Coleen said...

I felt like I belonged the day I married my husband!!

Queen of Reading said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Queen of Reading said...

I feel like I was meant to work in my office. We all get along so well and have so much in common.

I absolutely love Emily Giffin. I cannot wait to read her new book, and I hope she did not hurt hand too badly.

Queenreading at gmail dot com

absolutahnie said...

oddly enough it was just last week! my boyfriend's sister invited me to join their mother and her on their "girl's weekend."
every year the two of them go to the casino & golfing and now they've invited me! i've been taking golf lessons so it should be an intresting "bonding" experience!

Kelleyc said...

Those family moments when all the kids are getting along, and I see them and my hubby, and I know that this is exactly where I belong.

buttah said...

Right now, I feel like I belong with my friends. I have a great BFF and she and I are just complete crazies when we are together, and even when we aren't. As far as my career...that's another story, because I still haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up! My marriage is really strong as well, and I love being a mom!

Melissa said...

WWB was so hard to put down and I'd love to win another copy to give someone as a gift because it was just that great!

The first time I truly felt I belonged somewhere was when I was about to graduate high school and started hanging out with a local "Rocky Horror" group (in Mundelein, IL), that performed in front of the movie as it was playing. I felt so out of place with my school friends and when I performed as Janet for an audience night and then got to go out to a diner with everyone, I felt such a euphoric high! Later, I started playing Magenta and it was so much fun!

Melissa A from CLC

Ready To Be A Momma said...

I felt like I belonged just this past weekend with the guy I'm seeing. Never, ever, ever in my life have I ever been more comfortable with myself and my surroundings. It made me feel like all was right with the world.
qweska8402

Emma S. said...

I have to say, I love Emily Giffin, and all of her books. I am really excited to read her new one! I appreciate her take on a sensitive subject. I myself am adopted, and while I will never search out my adoptive family (and they can't search for me since it was a closed adoption), it is interesting to read other stories about adoption (even if they are fictional).

So, I have to say even though I'm adopted, I've always felt like I belonged to my family. I even joke that I'm my mom and dad's favorite child!

GoGreen said...

I felt most like I belonged when I was in elementary school.




Bonnie

faithspage said...

I had a 'This is where I belong' moment talking with the boss one day. I knew right then that he is 'my forever'

kyfaithw at aol dot com

accidentalgypsy said...

I've always been the "black sheep", and a little socially awkward, so I have a hard time feeling like I belong. I met my fiance 3 years ago working at an airline, and his friends embraced and accepted me faster than anyone and it was so nice!

CAnative said...

In the last year it would be hanging with my kids.

Nicole

Bridget said...

When my kids were little, we belonged to a Moms and Tots group. I met so many great friends all with kids about the same age as mine.

iambtinrb

Juliet Farmer said...

i feel like i belong when i'm with my husband. he's my bff and we've been bffs pretty much since we met.

Tiffany Drew said...

Honestly, I'm still looking for that feeling. I'm terribly shy and I always feel out of place. I'm sure I've felt it a few times, but none that stick out. So I guess I'd have to say when I'm at home with my family, we are all a bunch of weirdos and I fit right in here :)

Margie said...

I feel like I really belong when we have our family picnic at the cabin. Thanks for the giveaway.
Margie T

Megan said...

I feel like I belong when I teach.
Eloisepeaches

Unknown said...

I felt like I belonged for the few years when I volunteered @ the Crystal Cathedral as an extra for the Glory of Easter & the Glory of Christmas shows. Those were some good times. I felt good about what I was doing and the message the show provided. I truly spread myself throughout the production & friended MANY people. I was sad to see production halt & the cathedral sold to the Catholic diocese. :(

lucy872 said...

I felt like I belonged when I hosted a "girls night" recently and had all different friends from different parts of my life together and we had just a fabulous time. Everyone got along, we did a lot of laughing and it was just nice to know that no matter where I "found" my friends, they all are there for me and can get along with each other. I am very lucky.

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

My time where I belonged the most was college. I went to University of California at Santa Barbara--the beach, parties, cute boys, my sorority sisters...I definitely belonged there!

equinn726 said...

I feel that I am right where I belong any time I see my Aunt & Uncle. I think I felt most like I belonged when I was with them the weekend we all got together for one last pig roast at their lake house before they moved closer to town. Our entire family and many friends were there and I will never forget the perfection of that time we all shared.

Melissa said...

I feel like I belong when I'm with my parents and also my husband. Unconditional love from all of them and they love just the way I am. Mel Rem

Ally said...

Probably now as a mother wife and friend. I feel more secure about myself and feel like I belong where I am.

Missy1019 said...

I feel I belong once I established doing what I love to do and that is helping people.
So excited for Emily's new one...can't wait to read her book.

Anonymous said...

With my family- some of us women in the family took my future sis in law with us for a big day of pedicures, eating out, shopping and a movie. We shared stories about what being in the family meant (traditions, etc) and as I looked around- I thought this is my family,this is where I belong. We may not always agree- but we love each other. And we're sharing the love by welcoming another person in our family. Very peaceful feeling!

I also love Emily Giffin- I hope to one day meet her!

Jeanz xx said...

Felt like I belonged after my divorce and escape from domestic violence...when I moved into my own home, where its just my name on the rent book and me who makes the decisions!

keltban said...

Oh this is a hard question...I felt like I belonged when I was on a summer softball league growing up. I played every summer before high school. The yr. before high school was the best b.c I got selected to be on an all-star team and we had the best time together. We pretty much shared the month of Aug. together. It was a great time!

Kim W. said...

At my children's school! Both of my kids have special needs and go to a private school specialized for them, and every single time I walk through the door, I feel accepted and like I'm exactly where I am supposed to be. The staff are amazing and have a smile and a caring word, every single time I see them. Ah-mazing!!

Faith A. said...

I feel like I belong when I'm holding my son Jacob in my arms. He was my miracle baby, and has gone through so many medical issues in his short two years. I feel so thankful, and FULL when I spend time with him. His love for me, as his Mom, makes me feel like I belong.

EKB said...

The birth of my two daughters was the most perfect moments ever. There is no way to describe. I just knew this was my moment (s) and nothing would ever top it.

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

I think it is when my small group of women friends get together and we laugh and talk about old times. And are there for each other in the rocky future, whatever it brings.

Krystal said...

I love love love Emily Giffin!!! I got my best friend hooked on her!

I think that when I most felt I belonged was when I started dating my husband! Also, when each of ny kids were born.

kndyer

Books Etc. said...

I went through four years of university with some awesome friends but never really connected with any of my classmates. I did a post-grad program the year after and finally felt totally involved with my classmates. We all had similar sensibilities and tastes. Not only were we all interested in the program but we all had other things in common outside of school as well. I made some great friends that I still talk to, a few years later. Good times :)
Thanks for this contest. It was an excellent post to read and I am incredibly jealous that you've met her! I'll be seeing her for the first time ever in Toronto next month :)

The Book Chick said...

It may sound silly, but I most felt like I belonged on my wedding day. Even though we already shared three children and a home together by the time we officially tied the knot, there was just something about making it legal that made me feel like I belonged in this family unit of 5- and to this day there is nowhere that I would rather be. Fittingly, today is our fourth wedding anniversary!!

Tami said...

When I first started my job right out of college. So young and happy to have a job!!

Leslie said...

I have felt like I belong all summer. I have the most awesome friends. We all just went on a week long baseball trip/vacation and had the best time. Everyone got along, both parents and kids. It seems that my kids and I are just where we belong right now. LeslieGC

Bev V said...

I felt like I belonged when I first started college.

Marla W. said...

I actually feel like I most belong right now. I just got out of a less-than-perfect work situation and I'm in a new dept where I just "fit". I love the job and the people. Additionally, things are going well with my family (not perfect, but whose is, right). So oddly enough...right now...at 35 years of age...I feel most like I belong (let's see how long this lasts).

Carie Casey said...

Mine just happened a few weeks ago. I was on faculty at a music camp and we all had the best time.

Carie

Jessica said...

Hard question! I guess I would have to say at my job right now. I really feel like I know what I'm doing and I belong there.

Thanks!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Laken said...

When I started nursing school in January. I had worked so hard and I was surrounded by people who knew just what I had been going through. My friends never understood why I couldn't go out on the weekends or skip class like a lot of them did. I met 5 amazing ladies that I have only known for 6 months, but I feel a sense of belonging when I'm with them because they know EXACTLY how I'm feeling because they are usually feeling the exact same way.

I can't wait for the new book!!!
Laken
Laken.lee@selu.edu

A Soccer Mom's Book Blog said...

I have to say at my wedding I was exactly where I was suppose to be. When the doors opened and I saw my hubby to be standing up by the alter, then I knew it was exactly right.

Anonymous said...

I felt like I belonged when I worked at Highland School in Skokie. I felt I was part of a very talented team of teachers and assistants and had the time of my life so to speak!

scoster1@comcast.net

Melissa said...

I love, love, love Emily Giffin!

I pretty much feel right now is when I've felt the most that I belong...only because of my hubby.

-tmd636

Literary Chanteuse said...

My first time performing(singing) to a live audience. I felt like yes! This is what and where I want to be. Happy faces in the crowd and the cheering and clapping. It's an awesome feeling of belonging!

Margaret(Literary Chanteuse)

your invisible pixie said...

I felt most like I belonged when I was in college.

Betsy said...

Right now. My kids are old enough to know they love me, and not too old to not love me. My husband... it's better all the time.

Christine T said...

I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere most of my life. I was born in one country, raised in another, then another, and when I turned 18, I decided to continue the pattern. I shunned relationships, thinking they would hold me back from this aimless quest to keep moving. Then I met the man who, 2 years later, would become my husband. There are so many differences between us -- nationalities, age, upbringing, culture, taste in books and music! -- but when I'm with him, I feel rooted. We met in an unexpected place that neither of us officially belong to, and we've made it our own. Sometimes I think I knew I was searching for him, thus my steely determination to keep bouncing from place to place, ignoring other romantic possibilities :)

TinaB said...

I feel like I really belong when I'm with my friends!
Brannanflooring@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I feel like I belonged in Grade 8 - it was my favourite year - good friends, exciting times ahead and I really felt like myself within my pack of friends. The next year we all split up but I still remember all the fun and memories we shared.
RebeccaE

Reese78 said...

Right now! I finally have my dream job and really believe I have found my purpose in life! :)

BRN2SHOP9 said...

I always felt like I belonged at camp. I loved being there and had a great time!

brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

Read Baby Read said...

Oh yeah, and the only place I feel like I belong is in the role of a mother. No time, no place, just me being a mom.

robynn78 said...

The day that my step dad and I stood before a judge & I took his last name.. I became his daughter right then and there on paper which I knew from age 3 in my heart!

Erin G said...

Love her books!I feel like I belong in the right now, with my famiily and current friends.

Dani In Chicago said...

I felt like I belonged when I was in College. some of the best years of my life.

Bridget O'Neill said...

I felt like I most belonged on my wedding day. It was such a fun day, spent with all of my family and friends, and of course, my wonderful husband!

I really hope I win this book-as an adoptive mom, I love reading books (fiction and non-fiction) about adoption!

bjoneill@hotmail.com

Kristen said...

Surrounded by my friends on my 30th birthday!

Kristen27

Erica said...

Thanks for sharing!!!

wordywon@gmail.com

Kristi said...

When I am with my 3 best friends. I always feel like I belong with them even when they are harassing me.

Christina said...

College! Best time of my life and I would go back in a heartbeat!!

ChristinaL

Raela Schoenherr said...

Road trip with my family to California two years ago. We were helping my younger brother move, so we were packed into his small sedan with all his worldy possessions. And we played Catchphrase for six hours straight one day. They are where I belong.

Liz Ticona said...

The moment i felt like I've belonged (which is very rare because i usually feel like the contrary) is when I met my husband's family, they've treated me like a family member since day one and on our first thanksgiving together, I felt so comfortable and wanted at that table with all of them, that I felt like i belonged which is an amazing feeling! :)

CherylB said...

The time I felt most like I belonged was when I was in college. I remember the exact moment I chose my college (even though it was 25 years ago!). I was touring the campus (and I had toured a few others before this one) and I had the MOST overwhelming feeling that "this is it, this is the place I should be." I made a great circle of friends there and we are still close today. It was also the place I met my hubby!

cabest@yahoo.com

Books & Reviews said...

I've never felt like I belonged anywhere .... is that odd? I still don't really feel like I "belong" but I'm okay with that. If I had to pick something it would be totally cheesy and it would be, I feel as though I belong the most when I"m in my husbands arms.

A.C. said...

I rarely feel like I really belong anywhere. I guess it's when my husband is home and it's just us with my daughter. Our little family feels complete and I really do belong with them.

slm8803 said...

I always said i didn't want to have kids-i wanted to adopt. i met my husband and he had two young children. i have raised them as my own but decided a few years ago that i wanted to have a baby. January of 2010 i gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, trenton-that was one of the best days of my life where i felt like I made the absolute BEST decision.

Kimmi said...

When I bought my house - I really felt as if it was the right decision and where I was meant to be.

Katie said...

I would say the time when I felt I most belonged was the day my husband and I got married. I felt it was the right thing and it was not rushed and we both wanted it just as much as the other!

Emily said...

When I got my current job. Right away, I fit in with my colleagues, loved my bosses, worked well with others...it was perfect. And still is!

Emily116

Lizett34 said...

I feel like I belong when people need my help or advise. It makes me happy to know that people do care about me =)!

ludy2288 said...

when I'm at home snuggling with my love and our pup, I feel peaceful & a sense of belonging

Sslinsky said...

I felt like I belonged the most when I was in vacation with my husband and my son two years ago, it was just right.

Sarah

Unknown said...

I felt like I belonged when I met my husband, from that moment on everything was just right.... I have never felt awkward or unwanted or unbelonging (new word??) since then! Can't wait to read this one!

Kristin said...

I felt like I most belonged on my wedding day and the days my children were born.

Becki*** said...

14-16 working the Disneyland America On Parade parade with a couple hundred young people 16-25. We were a family. It was a carefree time. Because of the two parade times we were allowed to go into the park inbetween. We were so hot from the costumes and entertaining we would race to Welchs and get giant cups of grape juice. Most refreshing drink and time of my life. First boyfriend was an AOP parader too . .ah . .thanks for allowing me to remember . .

Nanette said...

I feel I most belong when I go home to visit my family...which isn't often enough. :(

Have a great vacation!

Nan :)

Terri said...

I feel I most belong when I am with my group of friends. They take such good care of me, and never make me feel like the extra wheel I usually am since my divorce.

And please share the secret to taking the perfect photo!

Terri M.

erin said...

Relaxing with my husband and our dog in our first home. :)
Thank you!

Marybeth Whalen said...

I feel like I belong within the family my husband and I have created. As a stepchild, I always felt out of place in my family of origin. But now I'm a mom and wife-- and my role is irreplaceable. Pretty cool to know there's always more to the story.

Chrissy said...

As an adopted child, I know this book will grip my heart!

I felt absolute belonging when I gave birth to my children; not just the first one, but all five of them! They are the only people in the world with whom I have a (known) blood connection. That realization was overwhelming, sweet, complete.
:-)Chrissy
ReadWriteSing

Just a Girl In the World said...

This point in my life is the perfect example of feeling like I belong. Things aren't 100% how I would like them to be, but for whatever reason I just know that this is where I'm suppose to be and that I'm heading in the right direction. (Does that make sense?)

- Tracey M. from CLC

Joanie said...

I feel like I belong when I go on vacation to Aruba. They are the friendliest, warmest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I slways end up inviting them to come and visit me.

Cyndee said...

I love every Emily Giffen book so far in her writing career. The best day I felt I belonged came in College. I was named Editor of the school newspaper. I picked the staff. We produced a pretty good paper. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "Where We Belong". Your review was very interesting!
Cyndee Thomas
cyndee.thomas0@gmail.com

KHBride said...

I think where I am right now in life, as a grad student.

Carly said...

I actually had a great weekend and felt like I belonged! My brother proposed to his girlfriend and my family (brother, fiance, husband, dad, and his girlfriend) all stayed in a cabin all weekend by the river. We went river rafting, BBQed, swam in the lake. It was perfect and everyone was happy.

Carly H

Sherry said...

I have to say the job I have now. I finally am at my comfort level at doing what I know. Only thing is I try a lot harder when I feel out of my comfort zone hence how I landed here--best thing is it is a great job. the other place is at the beach/ocean--which I did live at for awhile but again got to comfortable --so one day I will hopefully m,ake it back but for now I am content.

Lisamarie said...

Coming to work at my current employer. I was in the corporate rat race world and was stressed to the max as a mom. I decided to start over of sorts and began back at the bottom at a Non-profit...15yrs later its been the most fulfilling and definitely felt I belonged here from the get go.

Joelle said...

I always feel like I belong when I am with my husband's father's family and my parents. I always feel so accepted with them and loved.

Colleen Turner said...

Right after my husband and I got married and we were living alone - just the two of us, no roommate anymore - and we could just be in love and together!
Colleen T.

bluestarbrite said...

One time I felt like I belonged was in college. I met really great people there and most of my best friends today are ones I met in college.

BrendaL71 said...

That time has to be now for me. I feel like I belong single and a mother of an 11 year old daughter. Our personalities clash but she still belongs with me.

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

I recently made a major change and called off my engagement and I feel exactly where I belong now that I've done it.

Sharon said...

Hmmm. Let me think. I felt like I belonged for the first time when I got my first job. I have so many good memories of working there. Thanks for the giveaway!

BRN2SHOP9 said...

I felt most like I belonged at camp. It was so easy to fit in. All the drama that usually occurs as everyone grows up totally disappered.

Brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

Kristi said...

The time that I felt I most belonged was at my wedding. Surrounded by our close friends and family, I think it's only natural. I LOVE EG and have started this book on my kindle but would love to have it in hardback too!

aggiekristi04

betsy_blixt said...

It was at a punk rock show. I was with some new friends and even though they are all covered in tattoo's, which I am not, and have tready clothes I still felt so comfortable with them.

Jeryl M. said...

When my older daughter was little and we belonged to this Mom's group.

Shellybelly43066 said...

When my parents, children and grandchild are all in one place

Kristen at Me and My Three said...

I think that I have felt increasingly more comfortable in my own skin as I have matured and taken my place
In the world - as a mother, as a wife, as a working professional. The more experience I gain, the more settled I become. I absolutely love Emily Griffin!

cupcake said...

I'm in my late forties, and I can't think of a time I really felt like I belonged. I guess I'm getting there, slowly but surely. :)

cupcake at nc.rr.com