SuitabookI Do
Melody Carlson
- Reading
- If anorexia or unresolved relationship questions may be sensitive, read alongside the young person and pause to discuss their reactions. Focus conversation on choices and beliefs without treating Caitlin as a universal model.
- Themes
- Faith and marriage: Caitlin is described as prioritising following God and remembering that marriage, rather than the ceremony, lasts. The book clearly presents faith and enduring marriage as values Caitlin is encouraged to hold.
- Wedding expectations: Caitlin wants a lovely ceremony without spending a small fortune while facing pressure about whether seven months is enough planning time. The story appears to question perfection and expense while still taking the wedding seriously.
- Friendship and vulnerability: Caitlin’s friends become less available or face personal difficulties, including changed living arrangements, leaving for design school and a return to anorexia. The situations create opportunities to consider how friendships respond to change, but the book’s judgement of each response is unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Some material may merit preparation: a friend is described as returning to anorexia, an unexplained issue from Josh’s past affects Caitlin emotionally, and relationships around her are changing. The intensity and detail are unclear.