The Lies That Bind

A Novel

By: Emily Giffin

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley, Will Damron, Vikas Adam

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this irresistible novel from the author of All We Ever Wanted and Something Borrowed, a young woman falls hard for an impossibly perfect man before he disappears without a trace. . . .

It’s 2 A.M. on a Saturday night in the spring of 2001, and twenty-eight-year-old Cecily Gardner sits alone in a dive bar in New York’s East Village, questioning her life. Feeling lonesome and homesick for the Midwest, she wonders if she’ll ever make it as a reporter in the big city—and whether she made a terrible mistake in breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, Matthew.

As Cecily reaches for the phone to call him, she hears a guy on the barstool next to her say, “Don’t do it—you’ll regret it.” Something tells her to listen, and over the next several hours—and shots of tequila—the two forge an unlikely connection. That should be it, they both decide the next morning, as Cecily reminds herself of the perils of a rebound relationship. Moreover, their timing couldn’t be worse—Grant is preparing to quit his job and move overseas. Yet despite all their obstacles, they can’t seem to say goodbye, and for the first time in her carefully constructed life, Cecily follows her heart instead of her head.

Then Grant disappears in the chaos of 9/11. Fearing the worst, Cecily spots his face on a missing-person poster, and realizes she is not the only one searching for him. Her investigative reporting instincts kick into action as she vows to discover the truth. But the questions pile up fast: How well did she really know Grant? Did he ever really love her? And is it possible to love a man who wasn’t who heseemed to be?

The Lies That Bind is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant exploration of the never-ending search for love and truth—in our relationships, our careers, and deep within our own hearts.

Critic reviews

Praise for Emily Giffin

“Giffin is a worldwide best-selling author because she gets under your skin—by creating relatable characters wrestling within believable situations.”—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Giffin [has a] trademark ability to capture the complexities of human emotions while telling a rip-roaring tale.”—The Washington Post

“Giffin’s talent is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to the modern woman’s story about life, love and family.”—Redbook

Hated the last half

Since this was a “light” book I expected a nice happy ending kind of book. The main character made so many foolish decisions and obsessed about every decision. I couldn’t finish the book.

Loved the twists!

Was a fun 2001 throw back and neat incorporation of 9/11. Loved the twists in the relationship stories along the way. Would make for a great book club discussion!

My Favorite Emily Giffin Book!!!

This book was really good! It is full of many twists and turns that keep you interested. Her writing is always effortless and entertaining. I loved how she pulled a few characters from her previous books into this story, as well. Well done, Emily Giffin!

So good!

I just couldn’t stop listening to this book! I was wanting more and more as it went along. I also enjoyed some of the nostalgia of 2001, it took me back to that time. I felt like I was reliving the tragic day of 9/11 and felt Cecily’s emotions. I really loved this story and I will definitely listen to this again! This was well written and the narration was fantastic as well!

Poor judgement, and forgiveness

Each character made so many bad decisions, it was difficult to witness. But with all dramatic train wrecks, I couldn’t stop listening. Ahhhh, foolish youth. I’m glad I stuck it out to the end. She ended up with the one I hoped she would.