Book Review: 'The Friend Zone' by Abby Jimenez

I have a confession to make – for someone who loves to read romance novels, I have not been doing a lot reading recently. I always find something more distractive – whether it’s a TV show that I’m watching for the nth time, or silly videos that unnecessary or just work because that does take a lot of my time. Whatever the reason may be, for I have not been reading a lot and so, I have not been writing a lot. Not good, I know.

So, with temporary quarantine on the cards because of the current unfortunate pandemic, I leapt to one of my many new unread books, this one called, ‘The Friend Zone’ by Abby Jimenez.

I found about the book on Book Depository while ordering a couple of other books, the story sounded interesting – but the title got my eye and cracked me up. I knew I had to get it.

Within three days I found myself at the end of the book, it’s not surprising – I do inhale books that intrigue me, but I haven’t done that in so long – it felt back to being myself again. Whatever that means.

Back to the book, just a little bit about it – the book has been written from two sides of the story – both the protagonist – the girl and the boy. Kristen and Josh. They met through their respective best friends who were getting married – as their maid of honor and best man. They hit it off soon – but Kristen had infertility issues that needed urgent medical care and Josh wanted a big family. But, they both wanted each other.

It’s interesting how the story progresses – especially knowing both sides of the story. Usually it’s a situation of OMG JUST TELL HER/HIM. But, that wasn’t often the case. They both knew exactly what the other wanted – eventually. But, it was all the hurdles that came along the way that they had to deal with together.

The book deals with some really honest infertility issues that most women deal with and the ordeal it becomes on their mental, physical and emotional selves. It is about love, but it’s also about friendship, crazy mothers and importance of ice cream sundaes and fries a the same time. It also proves a well-known theory that all firemen are really hot. Hehe.

It is well-written, witty, honest and easily relatable. I was shaking with laughter, giggling and blushing at the romance and crying – nah, weeping – at the sad parts.

I would definitely recommend reading it!

Get your copy here: https://www.bookdepository.com/Friend-Zone-Abby-Jimenez/9781538715604?ref=grid-view&qid=1584172846652&sr=1-2

Best lyrics (so far) from Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ Album

If you’re new around here, let me begin by telling you – I’m a Swiftie. Taylor Swift is one of my favourite musicians of all times. I love the metaphors and sly play she does with her words. The most complex of emotions are described in the simplest words – words you didn’t know they could be explained in.

One of my favourite songs of hers, till date, is ‘All too Well’. In my personal opinion, the song is a lyrical genius. Whether it was, “Realized you lost the one real thing you’ve ever known.” or “You’ll mail back my things in a box with no note except for that scarf from that very first week”. In other words, I’ve always been taken by her lyrics – but this song, in particular, can make me cry and feel things at any moment of time.

So, obviously as the new album came out, I bought it right away – and while I wait for my Deluxe version to be delivered, here I am again, hoping to get lost in translation, I’m pulling together a thread of my favourite lyrics from Lover so far.

“I’ve got a hundred thrown-out speeches I almost said to you” – The Archer.

Don’t we all have those unsaid speeches? For every emotion, occasion and heart-break? This song explores how she herself is her Archer and her prey.

I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man.” – The Man.

Every woman needs to hear this song. She has spoken about sexism before, she’s been harassed before – and she’s talking purely out of real frustrations and experience.

“Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?” – Lover
AND
“All’s well that ends well to end up with you” – Lover
AND
“Swear to be over-dramatic and truuuuuuee, to my loverrr” – Lover

This song is the ‘lover’ I didn’t know I needed. Everything about this song makes my heart burst in a fun but slow dance with my imaginary ‘lover’. Every lyric hits close to home and makes you realize that this kind of ‘forever and ever’ love does exist – and is well worth saving the seat on the table for.

“And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends. I’d never walk Cornelia Street again. That’s the kinda heartbreak time could never mend.” – Cornelia Street

As human beings, it is our natural tendency to associate a special someone with a special place, a memory and a very real smell. Cornelia Street is a metaphor of that place – in real and in her heart – that she will never be able to revisit. And while time heals most things, that’s one heartbreak it could never mend.

“And I hate to make this all about me, but who am I supposed to talk to? What am I supposed to do if there’s no you?”  – Soon you’ll be Better

Without mentioning who she’s praying for, the song just gets you emotionally riled up. I don’t know what more to say, except hear it.

“Fighting with a true love is boxing with no gloves
Chemistry ’til it blows up, ’til there’s no us” – Afterglow

Doesn’t this ring you similar to ‘Back to December’? Like a version that is purely more emotional than it was. It’s Taylor admitting her mistakes and asking for another chance. We all get in our heads sometimes and make scenarios that might not necessarily be there. What we need in those moments is someone’s hand to pull us out of the woods and meet me in the afterglow.

“They say the road gets hard and you get lost, when you’re led by blind faith.” – False God

I think this song is hinting towards what it is like to be in a relationship when it gets hard (It refers to Taylor’s to long distance relationship with Joe Alywn). While these lyrics don’t exactly say it, but its asking you to take the road to the blind faith and worship this love. It’s about taking a chance and jumping in – making it work through the harder times. What’s not to love?

“I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with Paper Rings” – Paper Rings

So full of cheese and love, of course I was dancing around the room to this! When it comes to love, everyone settles for something – not in a bad way. Actually, my use of the word ‘settle’ is incorrect. It’s compromise. Every relationship – platonic or otherwise requires compromises and comes with complications, but how you compliment each other is what makes it click.

I can guarantee I would have found completely new lyrics to be in love with by next week – so I’ll keep you updated!

But, Tomorrow

Begin at the beginning,
When those little moments –
That first date and that ridiculous coffee,
Holding hands in the very first movie
Made a new meaning.

Life, already one with a rhythm,
Now danced to a new music,
So we created more memories.
We sat underneath the stars,
And drank and danced on the bar.

In sync our minds, that though alike,
It became easier to picture,
What tomorrow be might.
We could be camping for the Aurora,
Or in Venice on a gondola.

But, tomorrow is still far,
And I wonder,
If the simplicity of everyday,
The boring dailies, and mundane chores –
Wouldn’t be a far.

We might be stuck in a dinner party,
With someone’s horrid candles,
And the jokes that aren’t funny.
Boring as some board games get,
But, you’ll snicker, and it is our secret to tell.

We will get caught up in life –
Tiring work,
And a baby that won’t quit crying.
We will be sleepless and honestly, terrified,
Tell me baby, if otherwise.

April 20, 2019

Terms of My Virtue

Like with everything that comes,
There’s terms and conditions,
Things that we expect,
A stance towards disappointment.
But, I’ll reach my hands out,
Even when it’s dark and we can’t see,
You’ll reach out too –
Or so, I’ll be hoping.

These crowded roads,
Leading me astray,
This blaring music,
Just doesn’t feel the same.
But, I’ll have to understand –
People are people,
And they keep changing their heart and head,
And hope, here, isn’t my friend. 

The mythical corner,
That doesn’t exist,
The unsaid conversations
Now – feel flaky to begin with.
But, patience, unfortunately, is my virtue,
And I’m running out,
Because to me – for a very long minute there,
It felt like something real.

April 11, 2019

La La Land

Like a nagging thought 
That refuses to rest,
Always on the team for love,
I’m on crossroads with myself.

Long drives with longer chats,
Green teas with minted laughs.
Stolen kisses in the theatre and garage,
You make my knees weak.

That intentional stare,
And that knowing grin,
Constantly on my mind,
I’m on crossroads with myself. 

You say you are bound-
Restricted by time,
Laying down all your cards,
Telling me exactly what it’s like.

In my head, 
I recite speeches,
Endless monologues,
I’m on crossroads with myself.

I repeat to no end,
Confused in vary words,
Happy, but dumbfounded,
And lost to mindless babbles.

Then on this pen and paper,
With my insistent need to tell,
I jot down all the reasons why –
I’m on crossroads with myself.

A plane of advice,
Of what Tennyson had said-
Better to have loved and lost,
Than never have loved at all.

I’ll lay out all my cards,
And finally say,
everything that’s been said-
I’ve been on crossroads with myself.

Time-bound –
I get it,
Your cards –
I have read.

You charm me when you’re around,
And enchant me when you’re not,
But I want us a name,
And I want to see you around.

I want more of you dancing
To insane peppy tunes,
I want to keep you talking,
And shaking your head like a buffoon.

I cannot be treacherous,
To my hearts beat,
Because I really like you,
It’s more than ‘seeing’ to me.

February 17, 2019

Charades

Close your eyes,
And guess how I look at you.
Shut your ears,
And hear everything I say.
Hold my hands tight,
And then let me go, too.
Let me kiss you till our knees weaken,
But, don’t build any feelings.

The curtain has pulled up –
And my eyes, they’ll say volumes.
The stage has been set,
Because my words, they will confuse you.
This charade that we are in,
This temporary haven of bliss –
Let me kiss you till our knees weaken,
But, really, babe, don’t build any feelings.

March 3, 2019

Standstill

In a flurry of pushed trolleys,
Hurrying people, even on Valentine’s.
Surrounding a fleet of emotions,
Of glancing goodbyes, and of happy welcomes.

Her eyes searched the rushing crowd,
Landing on him – with the coffee and flowers.
For a moment, while she raced,
The airport was at standstill.

Reaching him in a warm embrace,
And everyone moved again.

February 13, 2019

A Moment

In a crowded room, chatting away,
Faking smiles, shaking hands,
Your eyes meet mine,
Words needn’t be said.

A secret smile spread,
The one you knew too well,
Making your way slowly,
Every stride, with swell.

Headed to a quieter corner,
With your hand in mine,  
Excused from the nonsense conversation,
Giddy with giggling joy.

In the dimly lit balcony,
Overlooking the lush gardens,
With a moment to ourselves,
A deep sigh and a deeper kiss.

February 9, 2019

The Eiffel

Like a familiar rush,
That of a first date,
A little nervous, mixed with anxious,
And little butterflies giddy with excitement.
Simmering hope,
And jitters of ‘this could be it’,
Shaking legs and beating heart,
She walks toward the gate.

She had known it from before –
The feelings that it strikes,
Had read about in books,
Had watched it movies all her life.
In the city of love,
With bridges and cathedrals,
Sitting next to a vintage carousel,
The Eiffel stood out.

No realistic expectations,
She had dreamt it too much-
A little rosé and cold medicine,
Newly, out of words.
It had been a long road,
There had been prayers,
Lost loves, some tears,
And a happy, hopeful girl.

A long sigh,
Under the glittering lights,
It was the Eiffel,
Beckoning her home.

February 1, 2019

Tapping of the Rain

Staring blankly ahead, as the discreet tapping of the rain began,
Blooming Peonies in the vase on the table by the window,
Like caught in a moment of joyous wonder, her hand in his hand.

As the sky tore up faster, pouring with lightning and thunder,
Dressed in hurried slippers, stolen kisses and gleaming gazes,
The umbrella left astray, they jumped on their feet.

Growing muddles in the park, mixed with that fresh smell of rain,
They danced around in their garden,
Adding the sounds of laughter to the chain.

In these little memories of time,
Of love, of laughter and of his contagious smile,
She quietly took a picture – one for her mind.

January 22, 2019

Valentine’s Day: Where’s the cheese?

I can sense it as I write, a lot of my own best friends will be like, ‘what the hell, Swati!’ But, I cannot help it! I’m reading about love, and it’s Valentine’s day and I don’t see a lot of love! And while I’m a newly acquired advocate of self-love and self-relationships, I’m sorry to say, but, where is the cheese?!

Before, my own dear best friends you question my sanity for the nth time again, I respect feminism or willingly being single or not being in love. I know I celebrated last year by sending all of you a giant flower bouquet for being the super supportive squad, that you are. But, you know despite all circumstances and idiot boys, I’m a true romantic and love of all things cheese (including actual cheese). So, when you try to argue my sanity, bear in mind, I love ‘love’.

Sorry for drifting away, but I think that was important to not get worried phone calls and facepalm emojis. Getting back to the topic, Valentine’s day is about celebrating love – all kinds of love – we have that figured out. And yes, wow it’s fantastic that people don’t want to celebrate it because really, love should be celebrated every day. But, are they? What are they doing to celebrate love every day?

Take the day as a token day – Valentine’s Day is a reminder to keep celebrating that love that you apparently already do every day! And what is wrong with that? I personally blame all these “aesthetic Instagram pleasers” for this trend. I was discussing this with my crazy friend, Radhika, who FYI, totally agrees with me, and she said, “Every day is self-love day, but Valentine’s Day is love love day.”

So, if you’re reading this and whatever be your relationship status – CELEBRATE IT! If you are 1/2 of a couple (god knows I’m all about monogamy but to each their own), go out for a nice dinner, maybe bring some heart candy or flowers or something cheesy along and make your significant other’s day. You might celebrate love every day, but today, celebrate it a little more. And if you are completely single, like I am, but love ‘love’, then watch a cheesy romantic movie, or read a cheesy book or take a long bubble bath or eat a box full of chocolates or party with other singles – I don’t know, I’d think these are enough examples to do on a weeknight! But, the point being, celebrate it! Bring back the cheese. There’s a lot of hate and violence in the world everywhere, a little love and celebration of love might do well.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY.

Or you know, Happy 9-days-to-my-birthday! 

–

Happiness Collides

Happiness collides,
With a little sorrow and mumbling lies.
Knew you from a time before,
Knew enough, to know you more.
You continue looking,
Straight into my eyes.
Talking in another language,
I couldn’t confide.

I still remember the softness
Of your beautiful eyes.
I miss the way you looked at me,
And how you made me smile.
All those pretty flowers,
On the day things went bad.
I also remember the day,
You left me, sad.

There’s this happiness,
And an old melancholy.
It’s like from another time,
We knew and when we met.
Formality and manners,
Greetings and words.
What have we come to-
From lovers to this?

I hug you tight,
And you hold me close.
We don’t talk of the past,
Just smile at us.
I still feel the fireworks,
The little, that are left.
I still feel the happiness,
And the sorrow, that we fell.

I cannot understand what this is,
What this meeting meant.
I have nothing bad to swear,
Only good feelings to bear.
So, one thing went wrong,
And it was a big blunder.
But, what we had,
I’d cherish forever.