Review AND Giveaway - Attachments - Rainbow Rowell

Attachments is Rainbow Rowell's debut novel - and what a great debut it is! I adored it!

When the girl of his dreams broke Lincoln O'Neill's heart he retreated...into academia, moving back home with his mother and giving up socializing. He's even taken a night job with no contact with co workers. He's working at a newspaper (The Courier) as the Internet Security Officer. It isn't until he starts the job that Lincoln realizes he will be monitoring internal emails for inappropriate content.

Jennifer and Beth also both work at the Courier. They're best friends and their internal email is often (well, mostly) of a personal nature.  Which, of course, flags it for Lincoln. He should send them a warning, but he doesn't....he shouldn't keep reading their communications...but he does....He is fascinated by their lives and he finds himself falling in love with Beth.

Rowell has created such a warm, sweet, lovable character in Lincoln. His intrinsic goodness and caring (he's pretty cute too) make him a perfect catch, but he just can't see it himself.

"Lincoln wasn't inherently un-dateable. He'd gone on a date three years ago. A friend's sister had needed a date to a wedding. She'd danced all night with one of the groomsmen, who turned out to be her second cousin, while Lincoln ate exactly thirteen cream cheese mints."

"My get-a-life window. I think I was supposed to figure all this stuff out between twenty-two and twenty-six, and now it's too late."

The novel unfolds in alternating chapters - first from Beth and Jennifer and then from Lincoln.We get to know Jennifer and Beth, but in more of an arm's length way, as we only know of their lives through the emails. It was very easy to get caught up in Lincoln's quest to reclaim his life. It was impossible not to root for him. The supporting cast of characters were just as engaging. Lincoln's mom and her reluctance to let go of her son, his sister Eve and her determination to drag Lincoln out into the world and his loyal circle of Dungeon and Dragon playing friends. But of all the supporting characters I think I enjoyed Lincoln's interactions with Doris the snack lady the most. His kindness towards her was touching.

Rowell has written a delightfully heartwarming story. Attachments is a clever, witty, warm story that will capture you completely. A fantastic first novel - I'll be watching for Rowell's second!

You can find Rainbow on Facebook, and on  Twitter.

Also available in audio format. Listen to an excerpt.

Want a chance to read it yourself? I have a copy to giveaway! Simply leave a comment to be entered. Open to US and Canada. Ends Sunday May 1st.

Check out what others on the TLC tour thought.