I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny and times and also sad. It was a wonderful story of love, support and friendship which was a real page turner.

This novel is set in the day before, day off and day after the wedding of Gail's daughter. It's a difficult time; she's walked out on her job, her ex-husband has turned up - with a cat - and her daughter finds out her soon-to-be husband cheated on her. But somehow over the three days, Gail's perspective changes and so does her future.

I have to be absolutely honest, I am not the biggest fan of Anne Tyler's novels; they are a bit too distanced from her characters. I do like stories though, where characters change their perspective, and this novel certainly fitted that genre. Also, Gail herself is rather emotionally buttoned up, especially at the beginning, which suits Anne's style. So, I was left pretty conflicted. And I came to the conclusion that I quite liked it!

So delighted to be approved to read this advanced copy from NetGalley. From the very start you are ensconced into the wonderful writing of Anne Tyler & know you are in safe hands. She takes you directly into the story & you feel you are there in every scene and admiring the minutiae which with other writers might seem unnecessary but in Tyler novels is her superpower. I enjoyed days one & two more than day three, but in hindsight it subtly illustrates the anticlimax of the day after a major event. The cat was an amusing addition to highlight the complexity of the past, present & future relationship of Gail and Max. All the characters had such depth, another Tyler superpower, even the minor ones like the Head, the hilarious best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen etc. and Sophie, so well constructed & as irritating as she would be!
A short novel which could easily be read in one sitting, but I stretched out to read over three days to mirror the timescale but also to savour the story & lives of such wonderfully drawn characters. Go read this novel, you won’t be disappointed.

ANNE TYLER – THREE DAYS IN JUNE *****
Such a simple premise. Literally three days in June, the day before and the day after the central day which is the POV character’s Gail’s daughter’s wedding. And that’s it.
If I say that I was turning the pages as swiftly as a blockbuster thriller you will realise that Anne Tyler is a master craftsman, making the supposedly simple and mundane into something you simply can’t put down.
Set in Baltimore, as all Tyler’s works are, at the very beginning Gail loses her job in a school. Her maddening ex-husband Max turns up for the wedding with a cat despite Kenneth the groom being allergic to cats. Which means, he says, he cannot stay with Kenneth’s family. But Kenneth doesn’t live there, Gail says. But he visits, Max says.
Her daughter Debbie discovers that Kenneth has been a naughty boy, so is the wedding on or off? Everyone has an opinion.
Not only is the journey page-turning but the ending is satisfying. And all the characters are real. Highly recommended.

This is an easy enough read as it’s not very long and has some decent lines in it however I would have preferred more action than thoughts. I found myself feeling a little off kilter from the starting conversation between her and the school head which in honesty I felt the head didn’t deal with well which in that situation almost made the main characters reactions understandable but as the book progressed I found it harder to like and understand her. It offered a good insight into the friendship she has with her ex husband but it was difficult to understand why she’d chosen to blow up her marriage although she did explain it well, truthfully her ex seemed too nice for her. It’s a good look at relationships and how they evolve and how time plays a part too. It wasn’t a bad read by any means just lacked the kind of substance I personally prefer.

It's probably preaching to the converted to say that Anne Tyler is a wonderful writer. 'Three Days in June' is a lovely read, and I binged it in one sitting. Several bits made me laugh out loud by being so affectionately truthful about what people are like, and others were sad and tender for the same reason. This would be great as a book club choice.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I’ve always loved Anne Tyler’s books. Very few authors have her ability to make characters come to life in a way that’s so real it feels as though you’re peering through their curtains. Plot is almost irrelevant, they’re just a quick dip into somebody’s life and it always feels as if they were living before you came across them and their lives will continue when you leave.

Three Days in June follows Gail Baines through the difficult weekend of her daughter’s wedding. What should be a happy time is difficult for someone who ‘lacks people skills’ as her boss tells her, and the weekend ranges through work problems, her ex-husband arriving with an abandoned cat and the need to stay with her, and her daughter discovering a secret in her husband-to-be’s past which brings to light issues from Gail’s own marriage.

None of the problems is particularly major and nothing very dramatic happens but the details of Gail’s personality and past are gradually uncovered in a wholly believable way. It’s not a long book and I read it all in one go, totally engrossed in these average but captivating lives. Nobody is perfect but nobody is terrible either and it’s lovely to have a book that has you rooting for everyone and leaves you with a smile on your face. Typical Anne Tyler - and that’s a huge compliment.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

None of that chocolate box, isn't life wonderful stuff here, just good old-fashioned 'this is how life really is' stuff told in her own impeccable style by Anne Tyler.
You wouldn't want to be Gail, as her daughter gets married and having had to put up with everything that she has had to put up with.
But then again aren't we all like Gail. Don't things like this happen to us all.
Yes, I recognised myself in this novel, and a lot of people that I know.
This is what I like about Anne Tyler's writing, it is ordinary, but it is extraordinary.
She always finds the right word, the right phrase, the right situation to make a story interesting.
No surprises here a cracking good tale told by a cracking good author. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Old love rekindled is how I would describe this short novel. Long-term relationships even when broken have a possibility of picking up again as we age. A quaint story about Gail in her 60s changes lifestyle just before her daughter’s wedding. Ex-husband Max turns up, with a cat, unannounced to stay with Gail for the celebrations. An amusing short novel, showcasing the ups and downs of modern living.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House, for this ARC

Thanks to net galley and the publishers for this easy read short book I enjoyed it but felt it was very predictable I finished it in less than a day

A beautifully written classic Ann Tyler book. From the opening page I fell into the world of Gail and her social awkwardness and emotions as she navigates the three days in June, of her daughter’s wedding and her life as a whole. In such a short story, the author has packed so much joy and intrigue. I loved how the focus was on Gail’s role as Mother of the bride and the pure emotions she felt in her only daughter getting married, secrets of her own marriage and the relationship with her ex husband who I felt very sorry for. Loved the introduction of the cat, who Gail showed more emotions towards than humans. Altogether a joyous afternoon read and a story that I very much enjoyed.

Set over the 3 days of her daughter’s wedding, this book is an insightful read into the complications of a divorced couple and their relationship. Really well written and highly recommended.

This book is so boring. I am not a fan of ‘stream of consciousness’ writing, which is what this is, related over 3 days. Every tiny detail about what anyone said, what they ate, where they walked, where they drove, how they were seated for the wedding- all are described in minute detail.. The main character Gail, is not remotely likeable. She behaves bizarrely in most situations. She comes across as cold and unfeeling. Her ex- husband Max, and her Mum, by contrast, come over as nice people. The bride, daughter Debbie, is just a name on a few pages, but we do learn that she is blonde and beautiful.
It is the strangest wedding I have ever read about, is this the American way to do a wedding? What bride goes clothes shopping with her parents on the morning of her wedding day? What mother of the bride throws on a dress she’s had in her wardrobe for ages, wears no make-up? I kept waiting for the story to start, then discovered I was at 97%
The only saving grace is that the book is very short.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book. It just was not for me.

I neither liked or disliked this book; I found it a bit bland. Gail reconsiders her work relationship the day before her daughter’s wedding; where her daughter also finds out something disappointing about her future husband. I just felt this book very bland. Sorry, I know others have given great reviews.

The narrative follows the journey of Gail Banes as she navigates the whirlwind surrounding her daughter’s upcoming wedding, covering events from the day before the big event to the day after. Over the course of these three days, Gail is confronted with echoes from her past that deeply affect her, prompting her to reevaluate her life and confront the possibility of adapting to change or coping with loss.

The upheaval begins at the school where Gail works. Out of the blue, she’s informed that her job as an executive associate has been eliminated, and she’s labeled as too socially awkward for the leadership position she had hoped to secure. Dazed by this turn of events, she walks out of the school without even gathering her things. Returning home, she’s met by her ex-husband, Max, who shows up unexpectedly with a cat in tow but no suit for the wedding. Max explains he needs to stay with Gail because their daughter, Debbie, refused to host him at her place due to her fiancé’s allergy to cats.

As if that wasn’t enough to handle, Debbie soon arrives in tears, sharing a shocking secret about her fiancé just before the rehearsal dinner. The revelation threatens to derail the entire wedding. Debbie’s confession triggers painful memories for Gail, reminding her of the event that led to the end of her own marriage, stirring up guilt, regret, and sadness. Gail and Max attend the rehearsal dinner together, with Gail still wrestling with doubts about her daughter’s decisions—and her own.

Should she keep the cat that Max brought along? Should she return to teaching math, a profession she left behind many years ago? Is it possible to start over at 60, or is it too late to take chances and reinvent her life, even if it means risking more mistakes? Does she have the courage to make meaningful changes?

I adored this touching and engrossing book. Gail and Max are wonderfully eccentric and vivid characters, and it’s easy to see how they were once drawn to one another. Gail isn’t so much socially awkward as she is blunt and unfiltered, speaking her mind without hesitation. She’s intelligent, prone to overthinking, and a bit of a worrier. Max, on the other hand, is the complete opposite—easygoing, taking life’s challenges in stride, often lightening tense moments with surprising comments. Despite his carefree demeanor, he has a deep understanding of people and their motives, offering wisdom from behind his laid-back exterior.

The character development and candid storytelling kept me hooked from start to finish. I’m giving this book a solid five stars and highly recommend you add it to your reading list for 2025. Don’t let it linger there for long—dive into it right away!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers at Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Anne Tyler has done it again with *Three Days in June*, delivering a heartfelt and simple story that feels like a glimpse into the real lives of her characters. Her writing style is beautifully understated, allowing the small, everyday moments to shine in a way that's both touching and relatable. I felt completely absorbed in the story, as if I were living alongside the characters, witnessing their struggles and joys firsthand.

What truly made this book stand out for me was the ending—it left me feeling incredibly happy, tying the story together in such a sweet, satisfying way. It’s a book that reminds us of the beauty in ordinary life, and I found myself smiling long after I finished it. If you love character-driven stories that feel real and meaningful, this one is a must-read!

There's nothing not to love about an Anne Tyler book. She takes the commonplace challenges of everyday life and turns them into low-key drama with neither fuss, not fanfare, but always with her usual trademark warmth, wit and wisdom.
This story takes place over just three days. Preparing for her daughter Debbie's wedding, Gail is forced to house ex-husand Max and his rescue cat for a couple of nights. As the story of their failed marriage unfolds, the reader reaches an understanding of what it is like to be Gail, and to be Max.
At first Gail seems a straightforward, if slightly on-the-spectrum, character, but as we get to know her, it becomes apparent there is much more to her than meets the eye.
Ditto with Max - don't make the mistake of dismissing him as a lightweight philanderer.
As the narrative of Debbie's wedding plays out, with its own dramas, the relationship between Gail and Max is explored in minute detail. Anne Tyler is so good at pulling out the emotions that even a mundane conversation about breakfast becomes a thrilling event. Every word, every action, every interplay helps drive the story on, establishing the characters and the situation they are currently in firmly in the reader's mind - and in their heart.
Because that's what Anne Tyler books stand for - for the heart, for what it is to be human, for living well despite life's vagaries, forgiving, forgetting, loving and being loved.
She reflects the best of life and I always come away from her books with a warm glow in my own heart from her reminder that humanity is what counts in a world that can be scary.
She is a writer of true genius.

It’s always such a pleasure to get lost in an Anne Tylern novel. I read this book over a couple of hours , at under 200 pages it is a sharp character study of Gail; a school administrator, divorced , and quite socially awkward. The novel takes place over the weekend of her daughter’s wedding. Her daughter Debbie reveals something about her soon to be husband, Gail’s ex husband shows up with a foster cat, Gail may be losing the job she’s held for years and there seems to be a lot happening all at once in Gail’s calm and normal life.

This was a delightful read. Realistic characters , vivid setting, dry humour, uncomfortable situations and an exploration of family dynamics. Tyler writes real life situations with such clarity and wisdom. This book will be published in Spring 2025, if you haven’t read Anne Tyler before, this novella would be a lovely introduction to her books and for Tyler fans, this is such a treat.
4.5 stars.

Three days in June is written with Anne Tyler‘s customary wit and spare prose which conveys such clarity of character and setting that I’m there walking along the pavement of a typical American town, meeting an overbearing mother in law or standing in a field of waving golden wheat, or was rye or barley?!
I find the humour in her books laugh out loud funny, it’s so very dry. Her characters are all too human and so we recognise ourselves in their frailty, moments of deliberation and awkwardness.
Gail and Max are prime examples of this and I loved them! I was rooting for them to have a good three days during the period of their daughter Debbie’s wedding.
So many of Gail’s traits seem to indicate a level of autism and I wonder now whether many of her characters are the same. I remember instances where other characters have too force themselves to look in another’s eyes, they adhere to strict rules and black-and-white thinking is prevalent. I had not really considered this before. Has anyone else noticed?
Breathing lessons still stands as my favourite of Tyler‘s books, but this warm and witty novella about another all too real couple of people comes a very close second.

Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

When I spotted Three Days in June, Anne Tyler's forthcoming novel, on Netgalley, and was approved for it, I was over the moon and delved straight in.

Three Days in June follows private-school administrator Gail, who may or may not have just lost her job, over the three days surrounding her only daughter’s wedding. Together with her ex-husband Max, she muses over her past mistakes, reflects on Becky’s childhood, and considers what’s in store for Becky and her soon-to-be husband, who seems to have been caught hiding something he’d rather not have his bride find out the day before their wedding.

Just like the other Tyler books I’ve read so far, this is a lovely examination of human nature. Surprisingly, it’s also filled with plenty of humour, the kind that only a couple that’s so used to each other’s moods and ways can conjure.

Truth be told, I kept having to remind myself that I wasn’t reading an Elizabeth Strout book but, in fact, an Anne Tyler; Gail was neither Lucy nor Olive, but boy, she could’ve fooled me.

In short, this was a lovely read and I’m more determined than ever to continue working my way through the author’s back catalogue!