IN FIVE YEARS
This book surprised me in so many ways. I expected to enjoy it, because it was recommended by a friend with wonderful literary taste. But for some reason, I thought it would be a super light romance, with an early meet-cute, a predictable conflict, followed by a happily-ever-after conclusion. How wrong I was - and I found myself thoroughly engrossed throughout this moving story.
In it, Manhattan corporate lawyer Dannie Kohan has the job of her dreams, a fiance who adores her, a loyal best friend, and a straight path to the life she has always envisioned. Until she has an intensely realistic, unshakable dream set five years in the future, where her life looks nothing like her set-in-stone plan. Over time, elements of her vision begin to emerge in real life, and Dannie begins to question everything she knows about her carefully constructed, meticulously devised existence. As Dannie’s mapped out plan for love, career and friendship falls out of focus through the lens of her dream, she comes to learn just how much of how much of her life she can control after all.
This book filled a hole in my heart missing New York City, which was home for many years when I, too, was working at midtown law firms and frequenting charming restaurants. Isolating now in the burbs, I’m an hour away, but the changes to NYC feel seismic. In Five Years is a thoroughly New York story, infused with a uniquely NYC energy that pulses throughout. I look forward to returning to the city when it emerges from this crisis - undoubtedly changed and deeply scarred, but still strong. If you want a memorable story that feels unexpectedly heartfelt and emotionally honest - and if you hold NYC dear to your heart - In Five Years is for you.
Sarge’s Deli is featured in this book. I used to work near Sarge’s, and every so often, I’d brave the line for one of their legendary sandwiches. Whether you like your bagels with whitefish like Dannie, with cream cheese and lox like me, or any which way: bagel with a schmear is the ultimate comfort food.
