I stayed up very late reading Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell. I think it is really good and you should read it. Many people are talking about it. This book reached #3 on The New York Times Fiction list. It was #10 on USA Today. It was also picked for Reese’s Book Club in August.
Bestseller List | Peak Position | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
The New York Times Fiction | 3 | Shows it is a bestseller |
USA Today Bestseller List | 10 | Shows it is a bestseller |
Publishers Weekly | 5 | Shows it is a bestseller |
Reese’s Book Club | August Pick | Shows Reese’s Book Club picked it |
Key Takeaways
Slow Dance gives us a sweet, slow-building romance with real characters. These characters deal with life’s problems in an honest way.
The story mixes funny moments with hard topics like mental health and family problems. This makes the book both fun and deep.
People who like strong feelings, second chances, and real talks will not want to stop reading this book.
Worth Reading?
First Impressions
I have to admit, I started Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell thinking I would read just a few chapters before bed. That plan failed. I ended up reading way past midnight, eyes burning, heart pounding, and snacks forgotten on the table.
The story pulled me in with its angsty, slow burn romance and real, sometimes messy, conversations. I felt like I was eavesdropping on two people who could be my friends.
The book uses a stream of consciousness style. Sometimes, I had to reread a page to keep up with the characters’ thoughts.
The story doesn’t shy away from tough topics. It talks about mental health and PTSD in a way that feels honest, not forced.
I noticed the humor right away. Even when things got heavy, I found myself smiling at the banter.
The ending left me satisfied. I didn’t feel cheated or let down, which is rare for me with romance novels.
To be fair, the narrative style can get a bit tangled. If you like stories that jump around in someone’s head, you’ll love it. If you want a straight line from start to finish, you might need a little patience.
Who Will Love This Book
I think Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell is perfect for readers who want more than just a simple love story. If you like books that make you feel something, this one delivers. Here’s who I think will enjoy it most:
Fans of New Adult romance who crave emotional depth and slow burn tension.
Readers who loved Sally Rooney’s Normal People. The conversations here feel just as real and awkward and sweet.
Anyone who wants characters that feel like actual people, not just names on a page.
People who appreciate stories about second chances, family struggles, and personal growth.
If you like to laugh and cry in the same chapter, this book will hit the spot.
About Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
Author Overview
Rainbow Rowell has a way of writing that feels like she’s talking right to me. She started with young adult books, but she also writes for adults. I always notice her characters feel real, like people I might meet at school or work.
Rowell’s stories often mix humor with tough moments. She doesn’t shy away from showing people at their messiest or most honest. I love how she can make me laugh on one page and then hit me with a line that makes me stop and think.
Some of her most popular books include:
Eleanor & Park (quirky teens, first love)
Fangirl (college, family, finding yourself)
Attachments (adult romance, emails, office life)
Carry On (fantasy, magic, friendship)
Rowell’s writing always feels personal. She brings out the awkward, funny, and sweet parts of growing up and falling in love.
Book’s Place in Rowell’s Works
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell stands out because it blends her young adult style with more grown-up themes. I noticed the high school flashbacks reminded me of Eleanor & Park. The story also looks at big life changes, which made me think of Fangirl. There are letters and messages between characters, just like in Attachments.
The book mixes genres and ages, so it feels both fresh and familiar.
The slow pacing and second-chance romance show Rowell’s growth as a writer.
Some readers think she might have written a similar story under another name, but no one knows for sure.
I see this book as a bridge between her earlier young adult books and her newer adult stories.
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell feels like Rowell is growing up with her readers. She keeps her signature humor and heart but adds more depth and maturity.
Plot
Main Storyline
I have to admit, I started Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell thinking I would just peek at a few pages. Instead, I got pulled into Shiloh and Cary’s story and didn’t look up until hours later. The main plot follows these two, who were best friends in high school.
Everyone thought they would end up together, but they never dated. Shiloh dreamed of acting, and Cary planned to join the Navy. Life took them in different directions.
Years later, Shiloh is a divorced mom of two. She bumps into Cary at a friend’s wedding. That moment felt so real to me. The book jumps between their high school days and the present, showing how their friendship changed and how they try to reconnect.
I loved the slow burn romance and the way the story let me piece together their history. Sometimes, the back-and-forth chapters made me pause, but I liked seeing both the past and present.
The story is a classic “will-they-or-won’t-they” romance. I found myself rooting for them, even when they made mistakes or struggled to talk about their feelings.
Setting and Time Period
The story takes place in north Omaha, Nebraska. I could picture the small-town vibe and the close-knit community. The high school flashbacks felt so familiar—awkward dances, late-night talks, and dreams of leaving for something bigger. The present-day scenes show how much has changed for Shiloh and Cary, but also how some things stay the same.
The book moves between the late 1990s and today.
I liked how the setting shaped their choices and dreams.
The wedding reunion felt like a real event, not just a plot device.
Characters
Protagonists
I have to admit, Shiloh and Cary felt so real to me that I started rooting for them from page one. Shiloh stands out as a character who tries to hold everything together, even when life keeps throwing curveballs. She’s a single mom, juggling work, kids, and her own dreams. I saw myself in her late-night worries and awkward moments.
Cary, on the other hand, comes back into Shiloh’s life with his own scars. He’s quieter, but his loyalty and kindness shine through. Their friendship felt honest, not perfect. I loved how they could make each other laugh, even when things got heavy.
Shiloh: Brave, stubborn, funny, and sometimes a little lost.
Cary: Loyal, gentle, haunted by his past, but always trying to do the right thing.
I found myself wanting to shake them both at times, but I also wanted to hug them. That’s how you know the author did something right.
Supporting Cast
The side characters in this book don’t just fill space. They add flavor and help the story feel real. Shiloh’s kids made me laugh out loud with their wild questions and honest comments. Her mom brings a mix of tough love and old wounds.
Cary’s friends from high school show up at the wedding, each with their own baggage. I liked how nobody felt perfect or fake.
Shiloh’s kids: Chaotic, sweet, and always surprising.
Shiloh’s mom: Tough, sometimes harsh, but clearly cares.
Cary’s old friends: Bring back memories, both good and bad.
These characters made the story richer. I cared about what happened to them, not just the main couple. Sometimes, I even wished for more time with the side characters.
Romance
Friends to Lovers
I have a soft spot for stories where friends fall in love. This book nails that feeling. Shiloh and Cary start as best friends. Their connection feels real from the first page. I could see the inside jokes, the shared memories, and the way they just get each other.
Sometimes, I wanted to yell at them to admit their feelings already! The slow build made every small touch or look feel important.
The friendship never feels fake or forced.
Their banter made me laugh out loud.
I saw myself in their awkward moments and silent hopes.
I’ll be honest, the tension between them had me flipping pages faster than I meant to. I needed to know if they would finally take the leap.
Second Chances
Second-chance romance always hits me right in the heart. This story takes that idea and runs with it. Shiloh and Cary drifted apart after high school. Life changed them. When they meet again, both carry scars and regrets. The book reminded me of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion”—nostalgic, a little bittersweet, but full of hope.
Experts call this a “will-they, won’t-they second chance romance for the ages.” I agree. Watching them face their past and try again felt honest. They don’t just pick up where they left off. They have to talk about what went wrong and what they want now. That made their reunion feel earned, not just a happy accident.
The story shows how hard it is to forgive and trust again.
I loved seeing both characters grow before they could love each other fully.
Their journey made me root for them, even when things got messy.
Sometimes, I found myself holding my breath, waiting for them to finally say what they really felt. That’s the magic of a good second-chance romance.
Themes
Love and Growth
I felt the love story in this book was more than just romance. It showed how people change and learn from their mistakes. Shiloh and Cary did not just fall for each other. They had to work through old pain and new fears. I saw them mess up, say the wrong thing, and then try again. That made their journey feel real.
The “will-they-or-won’t-they” tension kept me guessing.
I watched both characters grow up, not just fall in love.
Their talks about dreams and regrets hit close to home.
I have to give props to Rowell for making me care about their growth as much as their romance. Sometimes, I wanted to shake them. Other times, I wanted to hug them.
Family and Challenges
Family plays a big part in this story. Shiloh’s kids bring chaos and joy. Her mom brings old wounds and tough love. Cary faces his own family struggles. These parts made the book feel honest. Life is messy, and family can make it harder or better.
The book shows how family shapes who we become.
I saw real struggles with parenting, divorce, and forgiveness.
Second chances are not just for romance but for family, too.
The family scenes left me thinking about my own life. I liked how the story did not pretend everything gets fixed overnight.
Writing Style
Humor and Heart
I have to give props to Rainbow Rowell for her humor. I found myself laughing at the smallest things—awkward texts, silly family moments, and the way Shiloh and Cary tease each other. The jokes never felt forced. They popped up when I needed a break from the heavier parts. Sometimes, I even snorted out loud. That’s rare for me.
Funny banter: The conversations sound like real people talking, not just lines in a book.
Warmth: Even when the story gets tough, there’s always a soft spot. I felt the love between friends, family, and even the kids.
Relatable moments: I saw myself in the embarrassing scenes and the honest talks.
The mix of humor and heart made the book feel safe, even when the topics got heavy.
Pacing and Engagement
I’ll be honest, the pacing kept me on my toes. Some chapters flew by. Others slowed down, letting me sit with the characters’ feelings. I liked that balance. It made the story feel real, not rushed.
Short chapters: Easy to read “just one more” (which turned into five).
Flashbacks: The jumps between past and present kept me guessing. Sometimes, I had to pause and remember where I was, but I never felt lost.
Emotional pull: I couldn’t put it down. My heart raced during the big moments and softened during the quiet ones.
If you want a book that keeps you turning pages but also lets you breathe, this one nails it.
Strengths
I have to confess, I read Slow Dance with a flashlight under my blanket. I told myself, “Just one more chapter.” That never works for me. My eyes felt heavy, but my heart kept racing. I just needed to know what happened next.
Here’s what made this book stand out for me:
Real Characters: Shiloh and Cary felt like people I could meet at the grocery store. Their awkward moments and honest talks made me root for them.
Sharp Dialogue: The conversations snap with humor and truth. I laughed at the banter and sometimes winced at the tough parts.
Emotional Honesty: The story doesn’t hide from pain or mistakes. I saw the characters mess up, apologize, and try again. That felt brave.
Family Dynamics: The kids, the parents, the messy dinners—everything felt true. I saw my own family in some scenes.
Perfect Pacing: Short chapters kept me flipping pages. Flashbacks added just enough mystery to keep me guessing.
Humor: Even during sad moments, I found myself smiling. The jokes felt natural, not forced.
Weaknesses
I have to admit, even though I stayed up way too late with this book, a few things bugged me. Sometimes, I wanted to shake the characters and yell, “Just say what you mean!” The story felt real, but it also dragged in spots. My snacks ran out before the plot picked up again.
Here’s what tripped me up:
Pacing gets uneven. Some chapters fly by, but others slow to a crawl. I found myself skimming a few pages, hoping for something big to happen.
Flashbacks can confuse. The jumps between past and present sometimes left me flipping back to check where I was. I lost track of the timeline more than once.
Stream of consciousness style. I like getting inside a character’s head, but sometimes the thoughts tangled up. I had to reread lines to figure out who was talking or what they meant.
Side characters fade out. Shiloh’s kids and Cary’s friends made me laugh, but they disappear for long stretches. I wanted more from them.
Emotional whiplash. The book swings from funny to heavy in a snap. I needed a breather after some chapters.
To be fair, these quirks didn’t ruin the story for me. I just wish the book had trimmed a few scenes and given the side characters more time to shine. If you like a straight path, this one might test your patience.
Comparison
Other Rowell Novels
I’ve read almost everything Rainbow Rowell has written. Each book gives me a different feeling, but I always spot her style. Here’s how Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell stacks up against her other stories:
Eleanor & Park made me remember my first crush. That book felt raw and sweet, but the ending left me wanting more.
Fangirl pulled me into college life. I loved the awkwardness and the family drama.
Attachments made me laugh with its email snooping and office romance.
Carry On took me on a wild ride with magic and friendship.
I noticed Rowell always writes about people who feel out of place. Her characters mess up, fall in love, and try to figure out who they are. That’s what keeps me coming back.
What Sets This Book Apart
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell stands out for a few reasons:
The story jumps between past and present. I felt like I was piecing together a puzzle.
The romance is a true slow burn. I kept waiting for Shiloh and Cary to finally talk about their feelings.
The family parts hit me hard. I saw real struggles with parenting and forgiveness.
The writing feels more grown-up. Rowell doesn’t shy away from tough topics like PTSD and divorce.
The Nebraska setting feels personal and real. I could almost smell the grass after rain.
To be fair, this book made me feel both hopeful and a little sad. I finished it and wanted to call an old friend. That’s rare for me.
Personal Take
Highlights
I have to confess, I read this book with a blanket over my head and a flashlight in hand. My snacks sat untouched. My heart raced every time Shiloh and Cary almost said what they felt. Here’s what really stood out for me:
Real emotions: I felt every awkward pause and every hopeful glance. The story made me remember my own high school crushes.
Sharp, funny dialogue: The banter between characters made me laugh out loud. I even read a few lines twice just for the fun of it.
Family moments: Shiloh’s kids brought chaos and warmth. Their wild questions made the story feel alive.
Second chances: Watching two people try again after years apart felt honest. I rooted for them, even when they messed up.
Nebraska setting: The small-town details made everything feel close and real.
I’ll be honest, this book left me gasping at times. I couldn’t put it down, even when my eyes begged for sleep.
Frustrations
Not everything worked for me. Some parts made me want to toss the book across the room (but I didn’t, because I love my books).
The story dragged in a few spots. I found myself skimming, hoping for something big to happen.
Flashbacks sometimes confused me. I had to flip back to remember where I was.
Side characters faded away. I wanted more from Shiloh’s kids and Cary’s friends.
The stream of consciousness style tangled my brain. I reread lines to figure out who was talking.
I closed Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell with a smile and a sigh. This story gave me late-night chills and real laughs. I’d say:
Pick this up if you love slow burn romance, messy families, and honest conversations.
The book left me thinking about old friends and second chances.
I rate it a 7/10—worth the lost sleep!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell a standalone novel?
Yes, it stands alone. You don’t need to read any other Rowell books first. I jumped right in and never felt lost.
Does the book have a happy ending?
I closed the last page with a smile. The ending felt hopeful and real. It didn’t feel forced or cheesy, just right for these characters.
Can teens read Slow Dance, or is it for adults only?
Teens can read it, but the story focuses on adult life and second chances. I think older teens and adults will connect most with Shiloh and Cary.
