Review: Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Published: June 11, 2019

Publisher: Atria Books

Format: via audiobook

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

Do we change or does the world change us?

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?

In her most ambitious novel yet, Jennifer Weiner tells a story of two sisters who, with their different dreams and different paths, offer answers to the question: How should a woman be in the world? 

My Thoughts

Jo and Bethie are sisters but their lives followed different paths. Bethie is the wild child, growing up in the free lovin' 60s she enjoyed and partook in all that the decade offered. She was the one who always gave her mother trouble but no one really knew why. What was it in Bethie that made her this way? We see why later in the story, how she experienced some pain and tragedy in her childhood. 

Jo, on the other hand, had her secret knowing very early on she was gay and in love with her best friend but decided to never let anyone know. She went on to get married and have children, never letting her true self be happy and living the life she wanted and deserved until later on in life.

We see both these sisters lives evolve and how they each went from kids to adults and trying to find their niche in this world. Neither one had an easy life, both having hard lives and never really coming into their own until they were grown. This book was rich in storylines, the way we see these sisters go through decades is amazing and seeing them struggle at times pulls at your heartstrings.

Mrs. Everything is a well-written story with its focus on family, love and coming into your own with elements of feminism. I loved that it has strong female characters that many of us can relate to, and while some of the topics touched upon in this book can be tough to some, I believe its things that can help some people also. This is one book that I highly recommend for anyone who wants an honest to god amazing read.

Review: Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake

Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake

Published: January 9, 2018

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Format: via publisher

Rating: 3/5

About JUST BETWEEN US

Four suburban mothers conspire to cover up a deadly crime in Just Between Us, a heart-stopping novel of suspense by Rebecca Drake.

Alison, Julie, Sarah, Heather. Four friends living the suburban ideal. Their jobs are steady, their kids are healthy. They’re as beautiful as their houses. But each of them has a dirty little secret, and hidden behind the veneer of their perfect lives is a crime and a mystery that will consume them all.

Everything starts to unravel when Alison spots a nasty bruise on Heather’s wrist. She shares her suspicions with Julie and Sarah, compelling all three to investigate what looks like an increasingly violent marriage. As mysterious injuries and erratic behavior mount, Heather can no longer deny the abuse, but she refuses to leave her husband. Desperate to save her, Alison and the others dread the phone call telling them that she’s been killed. But when that call finally comes, it’s not Heather who’s dead. In a moment they’ll come to regret, the women must decide what lengths they’ll go to in order to help a friend.

Just Between Us is a thrilling glimpse into the underbelly of suburbia, where not all neighbors can be trusted, and even the closest friends keep dangerous secrets. You never really know what goes on in another person’s mind, or in their marriage.

About the Author

Rebecca Drake is the author of the novels Don’t Be Afraid, The Next Killing, The Dead Place, which was an IMBA bestseller, and Only Ever You, as well as the short story “Loaded,” which was featured in Pittsburgh Noir. A graduate of Penn State University and former journalist, she is currently an instructor in Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction M.F.A. program. Rebecca lives in Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband and two children.

Website: https://www.rebeccadrake.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.drake.writer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorRDrake

My Thoughts

I was really intrigued when I read the synopsis but I also felt like I’ve heard this tale before but I was really curious and decided to give this read a chance. Let me start off by saying I really did want to like this read and in a way I did but there were some points of this novel that I just couldn’t buy into.

This is the tale of four friends who thinks one of them is being abused by their husband and as friends are they are extremely concerned and are protective of their friend. Everything comes to a halt with one late night phone call and their friendship is truly tested. Now, this is where my problems with this read went wrong. First of all, the things they did to help out their friend is way beyond anything I could ever do. Call me crazy but I wouldn’t put my family and life on the line and do all the things they did to help her out…sorry, no way. I found some parts far-fetched and kind of campy, but maybe that was just me. Secondly, I had a hard time distinguishing all the women in the beginning. It’s not like there were a ton of women it's like four but for some reason, there was never enough established in the beginning for me to make me remember who was who.

Though I did have a few problems with this read, there were some good parts. I could appreciate the concept and felt the secrets were good. I was really in the middle with this one. I felt that the storyline had so much more potential and just fell a little short for me. All in all, it was an okay read.

Review: Room by Emma Donoghue

Room by Emma Donoghue

Published: September 13, 2010

Published: Little Brown and Co.

Format: purchased

Rating: 5/5

 

Add to Goodreads * Buy: Amazon

 

Synopsis

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits. Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work. Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, Room is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

 

My Thoughts

Talk about an emotional rollercoaster! Room is everything I thought it would be and more and let me tell you this read WILL NOT DISAPPOINT! As many of you might know from the book or movie this is the story of Jack who with his Ma are victims of a kidnapper and are confined to a single room.

The book is told through Jack and it is heartbreaking. From his limited speech and knowledge, we learn what their days consist of and his sole view of the outside world is via a skylight. Ma does the best she can and she protects Jack fiercely when Old Nick comes by from time to time. Jack doesn’t know that there is a whole world outside those four walls but as he grows older his Ma wants more for him so she sets a plan in motion to give Jack a chance in life. I won’t go into details because I honestly want everyone to read this book, it’s one that not only will touch your heart but it will creep into your soul as well. The things we take for granted every day are things he doesn’t even know exist. The fact that he doesn’t even know there is a world out there is what’s shook me up so much. You feel for them both and know that once they are “free” it’s simply the beginning while they might be free so to speak the years of abuse have taken its toll. They must now learn to adapt to the outside world but it’s the hardest for Jack who has to learn everything and that is what is so hard to read.

You can’t help but to feel for these two and once you read their full story you will be brought to tears. I am very curious to see how this story will transfer to film. Usual it’s not a good move but seeing how it’s gotten a lot of great reviews and raves this is one that I will definitely check out. As a stated before this is a rollercoaster of emotions one that I was glad I took and one that I highly advise everyone to take as well.

Review: Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Published: October 2, 2012
Format: Purchased
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Challenge: TRB Pile
Rating: 4/5

Summary via Goodreads

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a mom and stepdad who would stop at nothing to keep her siblings and her happy.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now that Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

In this unforgettable powerhouse of a novel, Mindi Scott offers an absorbing, layered glimpse into the life of an every girl living a nightmare that no one would suspect.

My Thoughts

Wow. This is one amazing story. It’s a story of bravery, hope and courage. When Coley’s secret is revealed all you want is for her to stand up for herself and get help. It’s a tough subject matter but one that I know can and will hopefully help someone out there. Coley’s courage to finally say something and admit to others and even herself about what has been happening breaks your heart. No one deserves to be taken advantage of and no one deserves to ever feel that pain…ever.

Mindi Scott takes a tough subject matter and writes a great book. Never over or under playing a single thing. I will say I was surprised when it was revealed who was hurting Coley. I must admit I never saw that one coming. I recommend reading and passing on this book to everyone. If this book can help at least one person than it’s all worth it. Abuse tends to make people feel ashamed when really it’s never the victims fault. I feel this wonderful book gives these victims a voice and speaks for those who can’t or won’t speak for themselves.

Review: In The After by Ashley Mackler- Paternostro

 In the After by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro

Published: October 16 2012

Publication: Self Published

Format: Ebook ARC provided by author

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

There is a reason fairy tales end when they do ... because happily ever after is just the beginning of real life. Once upon a time in the quaint, forgotten coastal town of Joyce, Washington Emmy Burns existed in the middle of an inconsequential life that resembled a small-town fairy tale; days filled with caring for her daughter Avery, running her small but thriving pottery store, married to the only man she had ever loved. But all of that changed when the fog rolled out one beautiful morning, leaving emptiness where Emmy had stood only the day before. She had seemingly and without a sound vanished into the thick misty air of the Pacific Northwest, taking with her a lifetime of secrets.
In the aftermath Stephen Burns is content telling the police his wife must have simply chosen to walk away from him and their daughter. But Sidney Ruth, Emmy's closest friend, knows the truth. Sidney is the one person who had watched as the vines grew around the dark forest that was the Burn's marriage trapping Emmy inside and keeping everyone who loved her out.
Years of abuse has to lead to this moment. As the days unfurl so do the secrets Emmy kept walled away, leaving the people of Joyce wondering: What really happened to Emmy Burns in her happily ever after?

My Thoughts

Amazing. Wonderful. Heartbroken. Emotional.

Those are just a few of the things I thought/felt while I read In The After. This book stirred so many emotions that words simply cannot explain. This is one of the most heartbreaking books I've read in a long time. Emily and Sidney have been friends since they were little and have vowed to always be there for one another. No matter what. So when Emmy goes missing Sidney sticks to that. Being there for her friend, Emmys voice and the keeper of her secrets. Letting everyone and anyone who would listen letting them know Emmy wouldn't just walk away from everything, especially her daughter. If she did there had to be reason... leading everyone to look at Emmys husband Stephen.

While I wont spoil the book I will say it's a very heartbreaking story that literally had me in tears, especially at the very end. When I was done I felt I had gone through an emotional roller coaster. I can say without a doubt that this is one of my favorite books this year and one of my all time favorites. I dare anyone to read this and not be emotional involved or moved to tears. It's that good people!

I would like to thank Ashley Mackler-Paternostro for allowing me a preview copy of her book. She's an awesome and amazing writer. Please also check out her debut book if you haven't The Milestone Tapes [review] another must read. I advise anyone who wants a GREAT read pick this book up, trust me you won't regret it.

WoW

Waiting on Wednesday (WoW) is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s WoW feature is:

In The After by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro
Expected publication: sometime late 2012



Synopsis
There is a reason fairy tales end when they do ... because happily ever after is just the beginning of real life.
Once upon a time in the quaint, forgotten coastal town of Joyce, Washington Emmy Burns existed in the middle of an inconsequential life that resembled a small-town fairy tale; days filled with caring for her daughter Avery, running her small but thriving pottery store, married to the only man she had ever loved. But all of that changed when the fog rolled out one beautiful morning, leaving emptiness where Emmy had stood only the day before. She had seemingly and without a sound vanished into the thick misty air of the Pacific Northwest, taking with her a lifetime of secrets.
In the aftermath Stephen Burns is content telling the police his wife must have simply chosen to walk away from him and their daughter. But Sidney Ruth, Emmy's closest friend, knows the truth. Sidney is the one person who had watched as the vines grew around the dark forest that was the Burn's marriage trapping Emmy inside and keeping everyone who loved her out.
Years of abuse has to lead to this moment. As the days unfurl so do the secrets Emmy kept walled away, leaving the people of Joyce wondering: What really happened to Emmy Burns in her happily ever after? [Goodreads]
　
Actually I was lucky to received a ebook ARC from the author a few weeks ago and I'm excited to dive into this. I've been a fan every since I read the authors first book The Milestone Tapes. If you haven't read it please check it out it's an awesome read. As soon as I read it I will post a review. I'm sure I will love this also.


*Goodreads says 10/16/12 but I couldn't confirm the date through Amazon or BN. So I went with the date given on the authors website