Thriving Through the Thirties

“The Idea of You,” the second book that kept me up all night this year! Honestly, I can’t recall the last time I devoured a book in just one sitting. It turned out to be the unexpected read I didn’t know I needed. This gem found its way to me as I mindlessly scrolled down Instagram. I thought, “Okay, let me check it out…” with zero expectations.

The audio was available to borrow on Libby, and I seized the opportunity. However, after reading the blurb, I got a bit skeptical. Just days ago, I gave “The Perfect Find” another shot. For those not in the know, it’s the book turned into a Netflix movie this year, chronicling a 40-year-old woman dating a 22-year-old guy. So, when I saw a similar dynamic in “The Idea of You,” with the woman at 39 involved with a twenty-year-old who couldn’t even legally drink, I thought, “Lord, is this a sign to start searching for my soulmate in high school? I give up.”

But, long story short, it was a Friday night, and I had nothing else to do (except catch up on pending assignments), so I decided to give it a shot. I can’t pinpoint exactly how it happened, but I got hooked right from the start. The author did a fantastic job portraying the characters, and next thing you know, I found myself falling for twenty-year-old Hayes Campbell, a member of a popular boy band.

This book touches on important topics like divorce, the struggles of co-parenting, working women, challenges faced by middle-aged women and the power of a great support system. More importantly, it gave me a backstage pass into the lives of stars, revealing how their profession affects those around them.

I’m not typically one to get starstruck—having worked as a cultural journalist for 13 years killed that for me a while ago. But hey, I’m only human. There are artists in my industry whose work I genuinely appreciate, some I now consider friends, and a few others I simply find smoking hot. Regardless, whenever I had to interview someone, I had to work on myself and make sure I was well-prepared. So, I totally get it; having a superstar randomly call and ask you out could indeed be overwhelming.

As much as I claim I’m not a jealous person, I’ve never pictured myself as the girlfriend of a high-profile musician, let alone one thousands of girls/women fantasize over. It might be flattering to know that he is wanted by many and yet comes back to me after every show, but I can only imagine the constant comparison and the insecurities that come with it. When you add the age difference to that, it can take a real toll on one’s sanity. After reading “The Idea of You,” I realized that we often take artists for granted. Fans invade their privacy and feel entitled to their time and attention without considering the impact it may have on their loved ones.

The main subject of the book is, of course, the relationship between a mature woman and a much younger man, with all the insecurities and differences in point of view on full display. Solene and Hayes obviously didn’t always like the same things, and she would sometimes refer to events from the ’90s that happened before he was even born. However, Robbine Lee managed to portray a mature, responsible, –yet daring and playful, – honest, caring, and oh-so-vulnerable twenty-year-old. Hayes Campbell is the most imperfectly perfect boyfriend!

Beyond the challenges faced by the couple, the relationship felt like an everlasting vacation as they met along Hayes’ tour stops, taking the reader on an amazing journey across various cities and countries. I can’t wait to watch the movie adaptation, especially now that I know it stars actors I simply adore.

I honestly didn’t know how I expected the book to end, but I definitely did not see that ending coming. I won’t give it away, but it was emotional. If anything, reading has broadened my horizons this year. I found myself understanding people with life choices and convictions different from mine, and I may have fallen in love with a few along the way. I’m still not over my trip into the head of someone fighting addiction in “Final Offer” by Lauren Asher. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to grab some tissues because my heart is still in pieces after pulling an all-nighter reading “The Idea of You” by Robbine Lee.