Release date: September 15, 2026
Publisher: Lake Union
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis:
At a high school reunion, old secrets and heartbreaking truths come to light for four estranged friends in a poignant, humorous and bittersweet novel by a New York Times bestselling author.
Audrey, Micah, Jasmine and Beck—the lucky one, the beautiful one, the smart one, the sporty one—are called the Core Four. Full of promise, laughter and loyalty, they promise to be best friends forever. But the night after graduation, they’re in a devastating accident, and the friendship that seemed unbreakable is shattered.
Twenty-five years later, the four women agree to reunite for their high school reunion. None of them is where they hoped to be way back when, and all have scars and secrets. But for one, the diagnosis of early-onset dementia means this is the last chance to revisit their once-golden friendship.
Over the weekend, they’ll come to terms with that tragic accident, as well as the dreams and realities of their lives. Can they forgive each other and peel away those secrets? Is there anything left of that old friendship? After all these years, it’s time to see if the Core Four can come together once more.
Review:
The Me I Used to Be by Kristan Higgins is a beautifully layered, character driven story that perfectly captures why she remains such a standout voice in contemporary fiction. Blending her signature humor with deeply poignant themes, this novel explores friendship, family, grief, and the complicated ways the past continues to shape who we become. Through dual timelines that move seamlessly between past and present, Higgins crafts a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing you into the lives of four former best friends whose bond was once unbreakable.
Set against the backdrop of a twenty five year reunion, the story slowly unravels long buried secrets and unresolved heartbreak, revealing how one tragic night altered the course of their lives forever. The shifting timelines are handled with care, making the pacing feel compelling and immersive rather than disjointed. Each character is richly developed, carrying their own regrets, losses, and quiet hopes, and the emotional weight of their shared history builds steadily as the story unfolds. It’s incredibly moving—at times devastating—but balanced with moments of warmth, connection, and even levity that keep it from feeling overwhelmingly heavy.
The ending is both heartbreaking and perfect, the kind that leaves you sitting in your feelings long after you’ve turned the final page. Fans of Pack Up the Moon will find similar emotional depth here, as Higgins once again delivers a story that is as thought provoking as it is tear inducing. This is the kind of novel that begs to be discussed, making it an ideal pick for book clubs, there’s so much to unpack about friendship, forgiveness, and whether the past can ever truly be left behind. A truly beautiful, unforgettable read—even if you’ll likely be sobbing through parts of it.
Overall rating: 5/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
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