Why Can't I Be You

By: Allie Larkin

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

At one time or another, everyone has wished they could be someone else. Exploring this universal longing, Allie Larkin follows up the success of her debut novel, Stay, with a moving portrait of friendship and identity.

When Jenny Shaw hears someone shout "Jessie!" across a hotel lobby, she impulsively answers. All her life, Jenny has toed the line, but something propels her to seize the opportunity to become Jessie Morgan, a woman to whom she bears an uncanny resemblance. Lonely in her own life, Jenny is embraced by Jessie’s warm circle of friends - and finds unexpected romance. But when she delves into Jessie’s past, Jenny discovers a secret that spurs her to take another leap into the unknown.

©2013 Allie Larkin (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Recorded by arrangement with Plume, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Critic reviews

"Allie Larkin’s latest explores an intriguing question: What if you could shed your own life, and step into someone else’s? Why Can’t I Be You is a thoughtful and compulsively readable examination of identity, friendship, and trust - and what happens when all three spectacularly collide." (Sarah Pekkanen, author of These Girls)

"Brilliant... It’s not until we’ve let go of who we think we should be that we can discover who we actually are." (Amy Hatvany, author of Outside the Lines)

Fun, Intriguing story

I struggled with the first chapter, as the main character, Jenny, came across whimpy to me, in voice and character. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book, and almost stopped listening. I'm really glad I decided to continue listening. The initial tone was purposeful. This ended up being a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable story! I will definitely recommend it to others.

Silly

Chick lit regarding mistaken identity. I usually read thrillers and wanted something lighter as a break. But the charade of our heroine successfully passing as someone else not only wears thin but strains credibility. Also, there just wasn't enough at stake to keep me interested.

Love It

very entertaining story and enjoyed the author ... the narrator was awesome as well making the story even more enjoyable!

Great Story

Very touching story, that I think many can relate to. Wanting to step into someone else's shoes, even just for a few days. Expect to possibly cry though. Often.

Good Story

This book was an easy listen between books which require using lots of mental energy. Easy to follow. Interesting plot.

I enjoyed every bit of this story

This book was a total surprise, an enjoyable surprise. I love everything Julia Whelan narrates and thought I'd give Allie Larkin a try. What I received was a delightful story with a feel good ending.

Very good

Love the 3 books I've read by Allie Larkin! Can't wait for more! Waiting for more...

wild ride

so interesting!!! the story line is insane but something i feel like we all think about at times… pretending to be someone else. the title drew me in, but this book was so much more than just, “why can’t i be you.” loved it!!!

Relationships so sweet

Starts off good and gets better as you go. Very touching. I loved Jessie Jenny twist.

Fun story about Mistaken Identity

What did you love best about Why Can't I Be You?

I enjoyed the entire book, from start to finish. It's a story about having the chance to be someone else, step into someone else's shoes and be that someone you've always wanted to be. This book is clever, sweet and playful. When protagonist Jenny Shaw innocently (at first) takes on the identify of cool, bad-ass popular girl Jessie she only plans to be her for a moment. It was after all, a case of mistaken identity and she couldn't bring herself to initially make the correction. And once her "friend" from high school showed her elation and surprise at seeing Jessie after so many years, Jenny was point blank seduced by the attention. At this point, Jenny NEEDED a friend, and she needed to feel part of shared past. From here, the story snowballs and Jenny slowly morphs into Jessie.

I didn't know how Allie Larkin was going to tie the two identities together because as Jessie, Jenny had friends, was free to speak her mind and was wanted. The temptation to be Jessie was just too strong a pull and Jenny didn't come out as Jenny until she was in the thick of it. I didn't think Allie Larkin could wrap this story up but she did. The finale was pulled together nicely. This is an enjoyable listen and I'm glad I listened to it.

Which character – as performed by Julia Whelan – was your favorite?

I love Julia Whelan. With her voice, she makes every book better.

Any additional comments?

It's worth the time and credit. I hope to see more Allie Larkin audiobooks in the future. She's a fav!