Lincoln thought he’d snagged a sweet new job as an IT security chief at a large newspaper, until he realized the job description was almost entirely about monitoring staff emails and activity flagged as violations of the company’s computer-use policy. Newspaper computers are for conducting serious newspaper business, not searching AltaVista, hunting for bargains on eBay, and gossiping! The idea of reading people’s emails makes Lincoln feel like a major creep, but two particular people whose emails are frequently flagged catch his interest: a film critic named Beth and her BFF Jennifer, a copy editor. Beth and Jennifer are hilarious and earnest, talking to each other about family and relationship issues. Even though he shouldn’t keep reading, Lincoln—at a dead space in his life—is charmed by their friendship and a bit smitten by Beth, despite having no idea who she is.
As the last year of the second millennium A.D. comes to an end, the exchange of letters pushes Lincoln toward some personal growth, especially after he realizes that the ‘cute guy’ Beth sometimes mentions in her emails is him. With a little wind added to his sails, Lincoln becomes more proactive in his life—he begins talking to more people and doing things like taking up a gym habit and attending concerts. As the months progress, Lincoln struggles between knowing he’s being a bit of a voyeur by reading these women’s personal letters and the delight he takes in ‘getting to know them.’ That’s part of the problem, though: Lincoln’s feelings for Beth grow more intense as he realizes she’s in a failing relationship and is actively interested in getting to know the aforementioned cute guy—himself. Ultimately, Lincoln will have to decide whether to confront her and come clean or run away.
As soon as I heard of this premise on Saturday, via a post at Bewitching Books, Ravenous Reads, I wanted to read it. Fortunately, I had access to an ebook copy and wolfed it down that very morning. The premise was interesting in itself, especially for an IT-adjacent fella whose first regular use of the Internet was in 1999, the very year this book is set. I have some doubts about the premise, in large part because, in my experience, guys who are as attractive as Beth says Lincoln is generally know it, but I liked the execution of the book in general. Lincoln’s technical eavesdropping is balanced a bit by the fact that Beth is actively stalking Lincoln without either of them knowing it, and Beth and Jennifer’s personal dramas and their responses struck me as well-developed. Jennifer is especially complicated. I knew the ending would be difficult—both deceit and truth would doom their relationship—but I think Rowell pulled it off as well as could be expected. Rowell evidently has written a few more books since then, so I’ll probably check them out—at least Eleanor and Park.
Reading Freely 
I’m glad you enjoyed this. I think the format with the inclusion of the emails made it quite fun. And I felt for Lincoln given his awkward tendencies. It’s lovely to hear that it’s made you curious about at least one of the authors other books. I can’t believe I haven’t read any since 🙈 but they’re definitely still on my TBR. I hope you enjoy Eleanor & Park if you do pick it up.
My library has it, so I plan on picking it up tonight to read once I finish this thriller I’m working on. It’s so absorbing I was 20 minutes late coming back from work because I’d lost track of time! (Ware’s “The Turn of the Key”..)
Ooh sounds good, I know I was intrigued by the premise of that but can’t remember what it’s about now. It’s good that it’s so enthralling though. Thriller wise if you haven’t read anything by her before I’d also recommend Samantha Downing. I haven’t read her latest yet but her other three were addictively gripping and she crafts unlikeable characters in such a compelling manner.
Ooh, thanks! I’m trying to broaden my author-horizons this year and it’s going well. Appreciate the tip!
Turn of the Key is about a woman babysitting some kids (ranging from a toddler to a teenager) in a smarthouse that may also be haunted — and the kids have obvious issues . Very absorbing.
I’m glad it’s working out got you (: just don’t read the tag line of her debut. It’s a spoiler as far as I’m concerned and impacted my experience.
Ooh yes the smart house part rings I’ve bell. I’ve only read The Woman In Cabin 10 by her so far but may well check that one out next. Thrillers are such a fantastic genre when done well.
Relationship books are becoming quite the regular feature for you!
I’m cruising through my late thirties, so I think at this point I’ve given up on romance and have decided to enjoy it vicariously instead. XD
Copy THAT. I’d **hate** to be dating these days – or whatever they call it now…
This sounds terrific! My work computer opens with a warning that everything I do is monitored and a checkbox for me to tick confirming that I’ll use the system appropriately, but I never thought anyone on the other end actually does this.