Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell Book Club Guide with Discussion Questions

Rainbow Rowell’s Slow Dance (2024) is the August pick for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, and it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good second-chance romance. The story follows Shiloh and Cary, two best friends from their teens who reconnect after 14 years at a wedding. Now in their 30s, they reflect on their past and start to explore the love they never quite figured out.

What’s Included in This Guide: Online & Printable Versions

Everything you need for a successful book club meeting for Slow Dance is included below. You’ll find discussion questions, food and drink ideas, and more!

We also have an optional printable Slow Dance book club kit to take your meeting to the next level. This blog post is customized to Familiaris and includes the following pages:

• Character List
• Discussion Questions
• Quotes from the Book
• Themed Slow Dance Ideas
• Printable Bookmarks
• Extra Info: Author facts
• Themed Food & Drink Ideas
• Book Covers from Around the World
• Custom Journal Page for Meeting Details
• Themed Notes Page
• List of Additional Book Club Resources

About the Author | Q&A with Rainbow Rowell

Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations | Book Club Kit

Slow Dance

Slow Dance is all about first loves, missed chances, and how complicated adult relationships can get. It’s nostalgic, heartfelt, and perfect for anyone who believes in new beginnings.

Rowell is known for her earlier hits like Eleanor & Park (2013), which put her on the map with its sweet take on first love, and Fangirl, a fan-favorite about finding your voice. If you love those, you’ll definitely want to check out Slow Dance.

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

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Release date: July 30, 2024
Genre: Coming of Age Fiction
Hardcover: 992 pages
Publisher: William Morrow

Slow Dance Book Reviews

“Deeply human, profoundly romantic. Rowell tackles the challenges of love lost and rediscovered with nuance and candor. She will break your heart and you’ll thank her for it.”
— Leigh Bardugo, New York Times bestselling author

“Rowell is talented enough to be uncategorizable. . . . Landline belongs to a genre of its very own.” — New York Times

“Who can deny the absolute, dizzy pleasure of loving a novel so much that you cannot bear to put it down, that you want to do nothing but keep flipping pages, that you want to immerse yourself fully and not come up for air until you are finished. I read Slow Dance in just that way, breathless and weeping. There is no one better than Rainbow at creating flawed, deeply human people. I loved every page of Slow Dance, a book that is romantic to its core, and as funny and smart as its wonderful characters.”
— Emma Straub, New York Times bestselling author

Slow Dance Characters

Shiloh

Shiloh is a character who embodies the messiness of life. At the heart of Slow Dance, she’s a single mom navigating the complexities of raising two kids, surviving a divorce, and rediscovering herself in her 30s. What’s so interesting about Shiloh is the way Rainbow Rowell pulls us back to her high school self. We meet Shiloh first as a rebellious teenager, a misfit who’s not afraid to challenge the system, from politics to prom. She’s an anti-establishment soul who’d rather hang out with her best friends, Mikey and Cary, than get caught up in the typical high school drama.

Shiloh’s relationship with Cary is crucial in shaping her. In high school, she’s deeply in love with him but lacks the confidence to express it. Their bond is one of those slow-burn connections that neither of them fully recognizes until much later in life. She’s always touching him, always close, but never admitting what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s only after a painful, emotional split that Shiloh finally realizes how important Cary is to her, even as she struggles with the baggage of past mistakes.

Shiloh’s journey is one of self-acceptance. The title of the book Slow Dance is fitting for her—this is a woman who takes her time, making peace with her past and her fears before she can step forward into love and trust again. Her relationship with Cary, which starts off as tentative and complicated, grows into a raw and honest partnership built on vulnerability. Through her arc, Rowell paints a portrait of a woman who learns that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, especially when you’re brave enough to let love in.

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Cary

If Shiloh is the heart of the story, Cary is the steady, reliable rhythm that keeps things grounded. Cary’s journey is both a testament to the complexities of love and the sacrifices we make for duty. As a teenager, he’s defined by his sense of responsibility—towards his country, his family, and especially his friendships. Though Shiloh and Cary grow up in the same tough neighborhood in Omaha, it’s clear that Cary’s sense of duty (particularly his commitment to the military) sets him apart from Shiloh’s anti-establishment tendencies.

Cary’s internal battle is one of unrequited love and emotional restraint. He’s quietly in love with Shiloh, but he holds back, believing he’s not the right guy for her, especially as she deals with her own set of issues. Cary’s own baggage—growing up without a father and watching his mother make destructive choices in her relationships—creates a sense of emotional fragility that he tries to mask with stoicism. His connection with Shiloh remains elusive for years, leaving him frustrated but also deeply protective of her.

As an adult, Cary is the person Shiloh can lean on, the one who makes her feel safe enough to be herself. He’s dependable, but he also struggles with the idea of being enough for her. His role as a caretaker, first to his sisters and then to Shiloh, reveals the deep well of love he has to offer, but it’s not without its struggles. Cary shows us the quiet strength of someone who is ready to love, but who also has to face the scars from his past in order to embrace a future with Shiloh.

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Mikey

Mikey is the glue that holds Shiloh and Cary together throughout the years. He’s the friend who’s always there, even when life pulls everyone in different directions. Mikey’s wedding is the catalyst for Shiloh and Cary’s reunion, and it marks a shift in their lives as they start to grapple with what they really want from each other. Mikey is the friend who knows their history—he’s the one who sees the sparks between Shiloh and Cary long before they do.

Mikey’s own life is also shifting as he gets married and becomes a father. But even as he steps into this new phase of life, his role as the connector between Shiloh and Cary remains unchanged. It’s Mikey who encourages Shiloh to pursue a relationship with Cary, and he later helps Cary pick out the engagement ring, cementing his place as the emotional support and cheerleader for their romance. Mikey represents the beauty of long-lasting friendships and the importance of shared history. He’s the one person who never doubted that Shiloh and Cary would end up together.

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Ryan

Ryan is Shiloh’s ex-husband, and he serves as a stark contrast to Cary throughout the novel. He’s charismatic and charming—exactly the kind of guy Shiloh was drawn to in her youth. But beneath the surface, Ryan is a cheater and a betrayer. Their marriage crumbles under the weight of his infidelities, and Shiloh is left to rebuild her life, emotionally and financially, with two young children and a complicated custody arrangement.

Ryan is important in the story because he represents the life Shiloh thought she wanted but ultimately outgrew. While Cary embodies the ideal partner—someone who is steady, supportive, and emotionally available—Ryan is a reminder of Shiloh’s past mistakes. Their co-parenting relationship is a constant tension in Shiloh’s life, reminding her of her failed marriage and her fears about never finding love again. In the end, Ryan acts as the foil to Cary—someone who once promised love but never really showed up for her in the way she needed.

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Juniper (Junie)

Junie is Shiloh’s daughter, and at just six years old, she’s already showing signs of the strong will and dramatic flair she inherited from both of her parents. Junie is fiercely independent but still craves her mother’s attention, and her presence adds another layer of complexity to Shiloh’s relationship with Cary. The more Shiloh and Cary begin to reconnect, the more Junie notices and reacts, which creates some conflict. Junie’s relationship with Cary is a slow-building trust, as both she and Cary learn how to navigate the delicate balance of blending families.

Junie is a reminder that love doesn’t just involve two people—it’s also about the lives and relationships that come with them. For Cary, the idea of becoming a stepfather is a daunting one, especially after witnessing his own mother’s struggles. But over time, Cary’s connection with Junie grows, and he embraces the role of a loving father figure. Junie, in turn, becomes an important part of Cary’s journey toward building a family with Shiloh.

Slow Dance Book Spice Level

When it comes to spice level, Slow Dance is more of a slow-burn romance than a steamy page-turner. The focus is on the emotional connection between Cary and Shiloh, and while there are some intimate moments, they’re written with tenderness rather than heat. I’d say it’s mild to moderate in terms of romance spice—think longing looks, a lot of will-they-won’t-they tension, and sweet moments that finally lead to a more heartfelt connection.

Slow Dance Book Age Rating

Slow Dance is best suited for adult readers, probably around 16+ if you’re thinking about a younger audience. The novel deals with themes like divorce, infidelity, and emotional baggage from the past, so it’s definitely geared toward a more mature crowd. There are also a few intimate scenes, but nothing too explicit or graphic. It’s mostly about emotional depth and the journey of reconnecting, making it perfect for adult romance lovers who enjoy stories that focus on relationships and second chances.

Book Club Questions for Slow Dance

1. Shiloh and Cary’s friendship was once the most important relationship in their lives, but time and circumstances led to their estrangement. What do you think caused their rift? Was it inevitable, or could they have saved their bond?
2. The novel explores how both Shiloh and Cary have changed over the years. How do you think their past relationship shaped who they are in the present? How does their reunion challenge their personal growth?
3. Shiloh often feels like she is “bad at holding on to people,” especially when comparing herself to Mikey, who seems to effortlessly maintain connections. How does this feeling of inadequacy affect her actions throughout the story? Can you relate to Shiloh’s struggle with maintaining relationships?
4. At the beginning of the novel, Shiloh and Cary are both hesitant and anxious about seeing each other again after 14 years. How does the tension between them evolve as the story progresses? What role does nostalgia play in their interactions?
5. The book is structured with flashbacks that slowly reveal the complexities of Shiloh and Cary’s past. How did the shifting timeline impact your reading experience? Did you find it more engaging to learn about their history piece by piece rather than in a linear fashion?
6. One of the themes in the book is that Shiloh and Cary understand each other better than anyone else—but sometimes that leads to miscommunication. Did you find it frustrating when they assumed they knew how the other felt? Or did it feel real to you?
7. Dating after a divorce is never simple, especially when kids are involved. How do you think Shiloh and Cary handle the challenges of reconnecting after so many years? What did you notice about their dynamic as adults?
8. Being around Cary as an adult brings Shiloh back to her teenage self. Are there any pieces of your own teenage years you’d like to reconnect with now as an adult?
9. What did you think of Shiloh’s relationship with her mom? How does it compare to her relationship with her kids? Was there a particular moment that stood out to you?
10. Shiloh is faced with the reality that she didn’t become the person she thought she would be in high school. She’s a single mom, living with her mother, and not an actress like she imagined. How do you think this disappointment shapes her identity and her perception of success?
11. In the book, Shiloh is described as someone with “subtle beauty,” while Cary is noted as being magnetic but not conventionally attractive. What do you think the novel is saying about how we perceive beauty and attraction over time? How does this reflect the themes of change and self-acceptance?
12. Mikey’s wedding serves as the catalyst for Shiloh and Cary’s reunion. Why do you think this event was significant for both of them? How does the idea of “home” play into the narrative, both literally (the wedding) and figuratively (the reunion)?
13. The characters in Slow Dance are far from perfect. They are messy, complicated, and sometimes make mistakes. How do you think the novel portrays the messiness of life and relationships? Do you think the messiness makes the characters more relatable or more difficult to empathize with?
14. Shiloh and Cary’s relationship is central to the story, but the book also touches on themes of family, responsibility, and the passage of time. How do the other characters—like Mikey, Shiloh’s mother, and even Shiloh’s children—contribute to the overall story?
15. The novel touches on how high school friendships often don’t survive the transition into adulthood. Do you think Slow Dance challenges the idea that we outgrow our friendships as we change, or does it affirm this belief?
16. When Shiloh divorced her ex, she fought for 50-50 custody, thinking it was better for the kids to have a dad who would fight for them. What do you make of this situation, especially considering how Ryan treated her during their marriage?
17. Cary’s childhood was marked by witnessing his mother’s unhealthy relationships and lack of family support. How does this impact his adult life and choices? How did you feel about his relationship with his mother by the end of the book?
18. Did Shiloh and Cary’s relationship remind you of any past friendships or relationships you’ve had? Maybe a “what could have been” kind of vibe?
19. Shiloh’s perception of herself in high school seems at odds with how others saw her. How do you think that difference affected the person she became as an adult?
20. Shiloh and Cary’s bond is tested not only by time but by their individual life choices and circumstances. Do you believe that deep, meaningful friendships can survive even the most difficult periods of life, or are some relationships simply too fragile to last?
21. By the end of the novel, Shiloh and Cary’s relationship is still unresolved. Do you think there is hope for their friendship to flourish again, or are they better off moving forward separately? How do you interpret the novel’s ending?
22. Rainbow Rowell is known for writing characters with deep emotional complexity. Which character in Slow Dance did you connect with the most, and why? Were there any moments or lines that particularly resonated with you?
23. The theme of forgiveness is explored throughout the book, both in terms of forgiveness between friends and forgiving oneself. What do you think the novel says about the difficulty and importance of forgiveness? Do you believe Shiloh and Cary can truly forgive each other?
24. The title of the book, Slow Dance, feels like it symbolizes more than just a literal dance. As the story unfolds, how did you interpret the significance of the title? Did it evolve for you?
25. Do you think Shiloh and Cary’s friendship would have turned into something more if they’d dated in high school? How might their relationship have been different (or the same) if they had?
26. Shiloh and Cary’s financial struggles really shape their lives and choices. How do their financial realities affect their relationship and the way they see each other?
27. Shiloh describes motherhood as something that takes over your whole head, saying you never want anything more than to make your kids happy. How do you think the way she loves her kids compares to how she loves Cary, her mom, or even herself?
28. A big theme in the book is how the brain remembers novelty but forgets the everyday. By the end, Shiloh promises to create so many good memories with Cary that they’ll blur together. What did this idea make you think about the role of memories and nostalgia in your own life? Do you believe in the power of creating those “blurred” moments?
29. Shiloh and Cary both carry baggage from their past, yet they seem to offer each other something the other has been missing. How do you think their friendship (and potential romance) helps them heal?
30. At one point, Shiloh reflects on the idea that people don’t really change, but they can still grow. Do you agree with her? How do you think Shiloh and Cary demonstrate personal growth throughout the book, even if they haven’t changed fundamentally?

Q&A about Slow Dance with Rainbow Rowell

Q: Can you tell us about Shiloh and Cary’s relationship in Slow Dance?

Rainbow Rowell: Shiloh and Cary are two kids from a tough neighborhood in Omaha. They were part of a close-knit trio during their teenage years, along with their friend Mikey. Although everyone around them thought Shiloh and Cary were probably dating, they never saw it that way—especially Shiloh, who feared that things would change when they graduated. She made Cary promise that nothing would change, which of course, set the stage for the collapse of their friendship after high school. Slow Dance is set 14 years later, when they’re in their 30s, and they’re trying to figure out if they can reconnect or if their relationship was always more complicated than they thought.

Q: Why did you decide to drop readers into the story at Mikey’s wedding, after Shiloh and Cary have been estranged for so many years?

Rainbow Rowell: I think it’s always more dramatic for readers to see characters in the present and wonder how they got there, rather than telling the story in order. When I first started writing Slow Dance, I had originally planned to begin in high school with scenes from their past, but I quickly realized that Dungeons & Dragons was too “old school” for modern readers to connect with. Once I realized that, I decided it was more interesting to drop Shiloh and Cary into the present moment—at Mikey’s wedding—because that’s when the reader starts to feel the tension of their reunion. It’s a more compelling way to explore how they’ve grown apart and what that means for their potential future.

Q: In the book, Shiloh reflects on how she’s “bad at holding on to people.” Is this something you personally relate to?

Rainbow Rowell: Yes, I think when I’m writing characters, I often splinter off pieces of myself and expand on them. I can definitely relate to Shiloh’s sense of sometimes holding on too tight and other times letting go. I think when life gets overwhelming, especially with young children or big life changes, you start editing people out of your life—sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. It’s a difficult balance. For Shiloh, she feels like she failed Cary in the way she let their friendship fall apart. But she’s also facing a lot in her own life, which makes it hard to keep everything intact.

Q: Can you talk about how you imagined Shiloh and Cary’s appearance? Were there any surprises in how they looked to you as you wrote?

Rainbow Rowell: I don’t often start with physical descriptions because I think it pulls you out of the story. I want readers to experience a character’s appearance when the character notices it themselves. I wanted Shiloh and Cary to feel like “normal” people, because that’s more relatable. When I write, I think about what makes someone attractive not in an “objectively beautiful” way, but in the way that you might become drawn to a specific trait or feature over time. The kind of attraction that’s less about perfection and more about the person becoming magnetic in your eyes. For Shiloh, I wanted her to have a subtle beauty—she’s not supermodel pretty, but there’s something about her that draws people in. Cary, too, feels more like someone who becomes attractive in the way that time and life make people settle into themselves.

Q: How does the story of Shiloh and Cary resonate with the experience of growing up, especially after a challenging or difficult high school period?

Rainbow Rowell: I think what’s special about Slow Dance is that it deals with the idea that people change, sometimes in ways that are unexpected, and sometimes those changes make it hard to hold on to certain relationships. High school is a weird time, and for Shiloh, she held on to the idea that her life would turn out exactly as she imagined it, but it didn’t. She’s not the actress she thought she’d be, and she’s a single mom with two kids, living back in her childhood neighborhood. As she reconnects with Cary, she realizes that her own life’s path might not be what she expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s less valid or important. It’s a story about growth, acceptance, and trying to reconnect with parts of your past that you thought were lost.

Rainbow Rowell Author Biography

Rainbow Rowell is one of those authors whose books you pick up, and you instantly feel like you’re connecting with an old friend. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Rowell has a knack for writing relatable, heartfelt stories about love, friendship, and personal growth—whether it’s first love or second chances.

She made a huge splash in 2013 with Eleanor & Park, a novel about two outsiders finding love in the 80s. It became an instant classic, praised for its raw emotion and realness. That same year, she released Fangirl, which explored the world of fanfiction and fandoms, resonating deeply with anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place.

Rainbow’s books are full of heart, and she’s not afraid to tackle some tough themes—like in Landline, where a woman uses a mysterious phone to reconnect with her past. But she’s also got a great sense of humor, which keeps her stories from ever feeling too heavy.

In 2024, Rowell released Slow Dance, an adult romance about rekindling a lost love, and it’s already getting a lot of buzz, being chosen as Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick for the month.

Slow Dance Book Club Food Ideas

Hosting a book club for Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell? Let’s set the mood with some cozy and nostalgic food ideas that capture the essence of Cary and Shiloh’s story!

Comfort Food Classics – Since Slow Dance takes us back to Cary and Shiloh’s simpler teenage years, serve up comforting dishes that evoke nostalgia. Think mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, or even homemade pizza. These easy, crowd-pleasing options will make your book club feel warm and welcoming—just like those carefree high school days.

Omaha-Inspired Bites – Since the story is set in Omaha, Nebraska, bring a local touch to your spread with Midwestern comfort foods like corn casserole, sliders, or a hearty chili. Bonus: include some sweet treats like caramel popcorn (a local favorite) to snack on while you dive into discussions.

Bake-Off Treats – Shiloh sends baked goods to Cary while he’s away on deployment, so why not whip up some of your own? Try homemade cookies, brownies, or muffins. For an extra book-themed touch, bake heart-shaped sugar cookies to symbolize the love story.

Slow Dance Book Club Beverage Ideas

Wine & Chill – A glass of white or red wine is the perfect companion for a book that’s all about second chances and slow-burn romance. Go for something smooth and mellow, like a Pinot Noir or a buttery Chardonnay, that feels comforting and a little indulgent.

Cary’s Old-Fashioned – Channel Cary’s steady, reliable vibe with a classic Old-Fashioned cocktail. It’s simple, bold, and timeless—just like him.

Mocktails for a Nostalgic Twist – For a non-alcoholic option, try a soda float with vanilla ice cream and your favorite soda. This sweet, nostalgic treat takes you right back to those carefree high school days, just like Shiloh and Cary’s memories.

Slow-Sipping Hot Cocoa – Since Slow Dance has that cozy, slow-burn feel, a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream is a great choice. Perfect for sipping while you discuss the ups and downs of Cary and Shiloh’s journey.

Slow Dance Book Club Decor Ideas

Set the perfect vibe for your Slow Dance book club gathering with decor that reflects the story’s themes of nostalgia, love, and second chances.

String Lights & Soft Candles – Create a warm, intimate atmosphere with soft lighting. String up some fairy lights or place flickering candles around the room to match the slow, romantic tone of the book. Think wedding reception vibes, just like the one where Cary and Shiloh reconnect.

Memory Lane Photo Display – Since Slow Dance is about revisiting the past, why not create a photo wall of old high school memories (your own or print some vintage-style photos for ambiance)? You could also ask your book club friends to bring in a photo from their teenage years to spark fun conversations!

Vintage Records or Playlist – Music plays a role in the story (hello, slow dance!), so set the mood with a playlist of classic love songs. If you have a record player, even better! Play vinyl records to add that nostalgic touch.

Shabby Chic Tablescape – Go with a laid-back, rustic feel to mirror Shiloh’s down-to-earth life. A simple tablecloth with wildflowers or dried blooms in mason jars will set the perfect tone.

Quotes From Slow Dance 

The following quotes from the book would each make a great talking point as part of a book club discussion. Be sure to bring any quotes you highlighted along the way as well.

“We dug up our past and laid it all out on clean tarps, trying to figure out what sort of natural disaster had come through and destroyed everything.” (Chapter 27, Page 168)

“She wanted to pull those old warm feelings through the empty years and into the present. She wanted to repot them here and find them a nice sunny window.” (Chapter 32, Page 196)

“But Ryan was much more malleable, and the kids were constantly pushing at Shiloh’s boundaries, looking for a tear in the fence.” (Chapter 40, Page 221)

“And now when he thought about her, there was no more gravel and broken glass mixed in—he just missed her.” (Chapter 53, Page 268)

“When I moved back home, all my childhood memories got sharper. Like I had moved onto the soundstage where my childhood was filmed.” (Chapter 55, Page 275)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Printable Version of the Book Club Guide?

Yes! We have a printable version, just scroll down below.

Is There a Slow Dance Audiobook?

Yes, there is an audiobook version of Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell.

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

Released: June 11, 2024

Listening length: 11 hours and 31 minutes

Language: English

Most people find the book great, fun, and well-written. They describe the romance as touching, poignant, and endearing. Readers also mention the pace is slow, while opinions are mixed on the character development, with some finding them lovely and others saying they’re annoying.

Is There a Slow Dance Movie?

There has been no movie adaptation of Slow Dance released as of now.

What Are Some Other Books Like Slow Dance?

Some books you might enjoy are:

Normal People by Sally Rooney
This one is a no-brainer if you’re into Slow Dance. Normal People follows Connell and Marianne from their high school years through adulthood, showing how their complicated relationship changes over time. It’s all about missed opportunities, miscommunication, and the way people drift in and out of each other’s lives—basically Slow Dance vibes all the way!

One Day by David Nicholls
If you’re a sucker for stories that span decades, One Day is a must-read. It tracks Emma and Dexter as they reconnect on the same day each year, showing how their relationship evolves over time. Much like Cary and Shiloh’s story, it’s about second chances and the idea that some loves are just meant to be—if they can get the timing right.

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
For a deeper emotional dive, The Light We Lost follows the journey of two lovers over the years, torn between their ambitions and the love they can’t let go of. If you loved the intensity of Cary and Shiloh’s connection, this one will pull at your heartstrings in the same way.

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Want something a little more fun but still loaded with emotional depth? You Deserve Each Other is all about a couple on the verge of breaking up but who rediscover their love through hilarious, chaotic situations. It’s like Slow Dance but with a lot more laughter and banter!

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
This one is Slow Dance written all over it! It flips between past and present, following childhood friends who reunite after years apart. The way it balances nostalgia, unspoken feelings, and the fear of getting hurt again is totally in line with what Rowell does in Slow Dance.

For latest books, scroll down below.

Are There Other Books by Rainbow Rowell?

Now, if you’re a Rainbow Rowell fan (and who isn’t after Slow Dance?), there are a few other gems from her that you NEED to check out:

Landline
Landline is a bit more magical—literally! It’s about a woman who finds a way to communicate with her husband in the past through a mysterious phone line, giving her a second chance to fix her marriage. It’s all about love, timing, and second chances, much like Slow Dance but with a fun twist.

Attachments
Rowell’s debut novel is a sweet, quirky workplace romance set in the late ‘90s, featuring a guy who accidentally reads his co-worker’s emails and falls for her. It’s packed with charm and feels, and while it’s lighter than Slow Dance, it still has that emotional punch.

Eleanor & Park
This book launched Rowell into the spotlight for a reason. It’s a beautiful YA story about first love between two teens in the ‘80s. If you loved the deep, raw emotions of Slow Dance, you’ll adore the way Rowell writes about love and identity here. It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.

Fangirl
If you’re into fandom culture or love a coming-of-age story, Fangirl is Rowell at her best. It’s about Cath, a socially awkward college freshman navigating family, fandom, and her first real love. Shiloh’s introverted nature in Slow Dance reminds me a lot of Cath’s character here.

Books Like Slow Dance

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

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The White Lotus meets Agatha Christie in this bold novel from a #1 New York Times bestselling author, “a knife’s-edge whodunit that’s as much a thriller as it is an exquisite meditation on grief and loss.” (Nicola Yoon)

Ellery Wainwright is alone at the edge of the world.
 
She and her husband, Luke, were supposed to spend their twentieth wedding anniversary together at the luxurious Resort at Broken Point in Big Sur, California. Where better to celebrate a marriage, a family, and a life together than at one of the most stunning places on earth?
 
But now she’s traveling solo.
 
To add insult to injury, there’s a wedding at Broken Point scheduled during her stay. Ellery remembers how it felt to be on the cusp of everything new and wonderful, with a loved and certain future glimmering just ahead. Now, she isn’t certain of anything except for her love for her kids and her growing realization that this place, though beautiful, is unsettling.
 
When Ellery discovers the body of the groom floating in the pool in the rain, she realizes that she is not the only one whose future is no longer guaranteed. Before the police can reach Broken Point, a mudslide takes out the road to the resort, leaving the guests trapped. When another guest dies, it’s clear something horrible is brewing.

Everyone at Broken Point has a secret. And everyone has a shadow. Including Ellery.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

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From the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slow Dance, Wayward Son, Fangirl, Carry On, and Landline comes a hilarious and heartfelt novel about an office romance that blossoms one email at a time….

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It’s company policy.) But they can’t quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O’Neill can’t believe this is his job now—reading other people’s e-mail. When he applied to be “internet security officer,” he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers—not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth’s and Jennifer’s messages, he knows he should turn them in. He can’t help being entertained, and captivated, by their stories. But by the time Lincoln realizes he’s falling for Beth, it’s way too late to introduce himself. What would he even say…?

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

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On a secluded bluff overlooking the ocean sits a Victorian house, lavender with gingerbread trim, a home that contains a century’s worth of secrets. By the time Jane Flanagan discovers the house as a teenager, it has long been abandoned. The place is an irresistible mystery to Jane. There are still clothes in the closets, marbles rolling across the floors, and dishes in the cupboards, even though no one has set foot there in decades. The house becomes a hideaway for Jane, a place to escape her volatile mother.

Twenty years later, now a Harvard archivist, she returns home to Maine following a terrible mistake that threatens both her career and her marriage. Jane is horrified to find the Victorian is now barely recognizable. The new owner, Genevieve, a summer person from Beacon Hill, has gutted it, transforming the house into a glossy white monstrosity straight out of a shelter magazine. Strangely, Genevieve is convinced that the house is haunted—perhaps the product of something troubling Genevieve herself has done. She hires Jane to research the history of the place and the women who lived there. The story Jane uncovers—of lovers lost at sea, romantic longing, shattering loss, artistic awakening, historical artifacts stolen and sold, and the long shadow of colonialism—is even older than Maine itself.

Enthralling, richly imagined, filled with psychic mediums and charlatans, spirits and past lives, mothers, marriage, and the legacy of alcoholism, this is a deeply moving novel about the land we inhabit, the women who came before us, and the ways in which none of us will ever truly leave this earth.

Slow Dance Summary

In Slow Dance, we follow Cary and Shiloh, two childhood best friends who reconnect at a wedding after 14 years apart. Back in high school, Cary and Shiloh, along with their friend Mikey, were inseparable. Cary lived with his grandmother Lois, while Shiloh grew up with her mom, Gloria, in a difficult home. Although Cary always looked after Shiloh, they never confessed their feelings for each other. They finally shared a romantic moment when Cary visited Shiloh at her college dorm before leaving for the Navy. However, uncertainty pulled them apart, and they lost contact.

Fast forward to adulthood—Shiloh is now a divorced mother of two, and Cary, having served in the Navy, is back in town for Mikey’s wedding. The two reconnect and feel an undeniable pull towards each other. Although Shiloh is hesitant due to her complicated past, they start spending time together again. Cary helps Shiloh with her kids, and their old feelings resurface. But Shiloh, still guarded, is unsure if they can truly make it work with Cary’s military life and her responsibilities as a mom.

Despite the ups and downs, Cary proposes to Shiloh after his deployment ends. She accepts, but they keep their engagement a secret while they figure out how to make it all work. They eventually marry in secret, and though their journey is far from easy, they manage to blend their lives together, navigating family, distance, and love.

At the end, Cary and Shiloh host a wedding celebration for their loved ones, and despite Shiloh’s old fear of dancing, they share a slow dance, bringing their story full circle.

Slow Dance Review

Reading Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell feels like a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that stays with you long after the last page—similar to the lingering impact of Normal People by Sally Rooney. Cary and Shiloh, the main characters, may take some time to grow on you, but once they do, their story sticks with you.

The novel jumps between past and present, showing how their friendship and hidden love as teenagers evolve into something deeper when they reconnect 14 years later at their friend’s wedding. The title Slow Dance perfectly symbolizes the second chance they get, with both of them navigating complicated, messy lives—Cary dealing with a dysfunctional family and Shiloh co-parenting her two kids after a divorce. The big question is whether their love can overcome the miscommunication and missed opportunities of their youth.

One of my favorite things about the book is the banter between Cary and Shiloh during their high school days and the email exchanges they share as adults. It gave me a sense of nostalgia for old-school communication. The supporting cast, especially Mikey, Shiloh’s kids, and her mom, also adds so much depth to the story. While Cary feels like the more grounded character, Shiloh’s introverted nature and her personal struggles really stood out to me.

But I’ll be honest—this book might not be for everyone. The story’s focus on dialogue and the slow progression of their relationship might feel repetitive at times. Their teenage misunderstandings and long separation could test your patience. But if you stick with it, Slow Dance is worth the ride. It’s a good old-fashioned slow-burn romance that takes its time to unfold, much like a ballad you need to savor.

And this quote from the book sums it up perfectly:
“I think that when two people are slow-dancing to ‘Hey Ya!,’ everyone leaves them alone.”

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