Callie McGraw is an overachieving lawyer in New York City who just got laid off. Now, Callie is listless, drifting through life when an old friend gives her a job opportunity in San Francisco in six months. Callie makes a last minute decision to spend her six months in Spain thanks to a strange phone call from her favorite deceased author, Ernest Hemmingway. Callie begins in Barcelona where she quickly finds fellow aimless American, Trevor. The two hit it off and enjoy Spain in all of it's excess, always with a glass of wine in hand. Soon, Claudio, a Spaniard also in transition joins their group. The trio journey to Madrid and Pamplona, taking in all the comforts Spain has to offer. Following Hemmingway's advice, they find themselves at the Running of the Bulls where Callie decides to face her fears.

Finding Hemingway is intriguing contemporary fiction with a dash of magical realism. I really loved the plot device of Callie receiving phone calls from Hemingway, I wish one of my favorite authors would call and give me advice! Callie was a difficult character to like. Right from the beginning, Callie came off as boastful, selfish, and judgmental. Though the story was a journey of growth for Callie, she seemed to grow in fits and spurts, often revealing more unflattering parts of herself before working on another. I was more compelled by Callie's travelling companion's Trevor and Claudio. Trevor and Claudio both had an air of mystery about their lives, backstories and why they are aimlessly travelling around Spain. I did enjoy reading about the many different locations that the group explored, especially the museums, restaurants and clubs. I especially liked the in-depth descriptions of the traditions surrounding the Running of the Bulls and the course itself. The ending was satisfying and I'm glad Callie found her Hemingway.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )

"Finding Hemingway" describes the journey of Callie and Trevor throughout several locations in Spain. Callie and Trevor are both between jobs and seek entertainment in Spain for six months. They meet and join up with Claudio, a wealthy Spanish businessman who acts as their guide. Unbeknownst to her companions, Callie has had "conversations" with Ernest Hemingway, her favorite author, as he directs her path through her journeys. (Yes, she knows he is dead.)

This book is essentially a retelling of "The Sun Also Rises," as the expatriates wander from town to town, spending most days eating, sightseeing, and getting drunk. The story also focuses on the love relationship between pragmatic Callie and the flamboyant Claudio, with Trevor tagging along as a sort of lost soul. Callie is called upon to face her inner demons and struggles.

The characters seemed shallow and contrived, rudderless drunken wanderers who recreate scenes from Hemingway's novel. The novel plodded along, much longer than was necessary. Callie and Claudio argue over really idiotic issues, such as how many lovers they have had in the past. Although Callie rediscovers her love of art, she does nothing about it when returning to corporate life after her fling. The epilogue seemed pasted on as an anti-climax.

The idea of a male author writing about the feelings and thoughts of a female seemed incongruous; I found myself doubting that a female would actually have some of the thoughts and say some of the things Callie did. There is mild swearing in this novel. I was intrigued by the description since it included Hemingway, but found it to be disappointing overall.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

I liked this book. It has a certain charm about it. Although, I did feel like it was a bit light in substance. Another reader commented that they felt Callie was whiny and immature. I will agree that at times she did come off like this but it was not enough to completely turn me off from her.

In regards to the other characters in this book. They were all fine but there was no one that I particularly was a fan of. They all just kind of felt like people who you might party with but would not really become best friends with.

When it came to Hemingway and this book; maybe it was too above my head but I really did not see too much of a connection to him and the story. It felt like he was there for reference but not really in context or to add anything to the story. This still could be the same book even without Hemingway. Yet, I did like all of the culture adventures that Callie experienced along her journey. ( )