”’I'm fine,’ I insist. It's been my mantra lately.”
Very rarely do you read a book that checks almost all the boxes or is very clearly relatable to your life experiences. Weather Girl did that for me. I feel like this book was written just for me and I appreciate the care and consideration Rachel Lynn Solomon took in crafting this story that had heavier themes, in particular depression and anxiety. Her author's note was everything and mentally prepared me for all the emotions I would experience while reading it.
Set at a Seattle news station, Ari delivers the weather and Russell reports sports. After a disastrous holiday party ends with their bosses tossing a regional Emmy out a broken hotel window, the pair decide to "parent trap" the couple, hopefully getting the pair back together and restoring peace in the news room. But with the development of their scheme, plus forced proximity, Ari and Russell''s relationship turns from friends to anything but.
I absolutely adored this book for so many reasons, but I keep thinking about the above quote. In true fashion, Solomon not only delivers a beautiful and relatable love story, she also manages to spotlight mental health with sensitivity and care.
Over the past year, my depression and anxiety has slowly crept up and some days, has completely taken a hold on my life. Where it used to be manageable, I started noticing the dark hold it had on my life, especially after my mom's death. It wasn't until I started therapy and was finally honest with myself, that I began to make progress.
Like Ari, for so long, I was used to putting on a face of "I'm fine," and pushing through, many times to the detriment of my own mental health. I chalked my days full of activities and jobs to further bury the deep pain I didn't want to surface. Always bringing the positive attitude, rarely did I show others this side of me.
I adored Ari's character for so many reasons. Despite coming off a rough broken engagement, she still has hope for love, but she is determined to work on herself. I found myself frequently relating to Ari, as she lives in the mantra of "I'm fine," putting on a brave face and putting on a positive persona for others, even in her darkest days. Yet, I loved how openly the book discusses depression, medication, and therapy. Ari also takes her job seriously, trying to show people the science behind weather, not just a person that looks out the window. She also is lookig to grow and become better in her craft, which I absolutely loved.
Russell was the perfect hero for Ari and I loved being able to peel back the layers of his persona as you go through the book. On the outside, he keeps to himself at work, forming surface level relationships with co-workers. But as Ari begins to break down his walls, she realizes all he has to offer. He is incredibly tender, kind, and much more than first meets the eye. With Ari, he is unsure, but there are moments that he takes control and it's oh so sexy.
I could tell Rachel did her research, because she nailed the vibe in a news room. Coming from a former broadcast journalist, the behind the scenes glimpses into meteorology were so fun (and incredibly accurate). I loved how she highlighted the story-telling aspect of the news, specifically with sports, showing that it's less about the wins and losses and more about the people.
This friends to lovers romance is different and unexpected. It's steamy, funny, and incredibly frank and honest. Both Ari and Russell don't play games with each other, showing incredibly vulnerability throughout. Their chemistry was intense and off the charts. I simply loved their love story.
Reading Weather Girl made me laugh, cry, and helped me reflect on my own mental health journey. These are the types of stories people need to read. Thank you Rachel for always being incredibly candid and real. I am forever thankful for your words.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. Weather Girl publishes January 11, 2022.
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