There's so much good that can come from reading.
Most of us are always hungry to learn more, always seeking further information.
Books are a great way to indulge in this. There are so many different genres of books out there, guaranteeing that there is at least one that is sure to tickle your fancy.
Books can take you to far away places, or not so far away places. They can help you deal with a certain problem in your life or simply be an escape from every day life. Books can teach us all about the past, our favorite celebrities, or our favorite hobbies. They are also a great way to use your imagination! There's nothing like delving head first into a story, loosing all track of time, and letting your mind wander freely. It beats tv or movies any day! Reading can also effect your every day life by improving your vocabulary. I love to learn new words and phrases. Words and phrases that are not part of pop culture, not a fad, and not something you will see on tv or in a magazine in hopes of sounding "cool." Words that mean something.
If you are already a book lover, you know exactly what I am talking about. But, suppose you are not.Perhaps you are a book hater. (Gasp!) As hard as it may be for some of you to believe, there are indeed these kind of people out there. My husband is one of them. (double gasp!)
For those of you who do not enjoy books and reading, I can only give you good reason to try it. There is so much joy to be had from the pages of text, the feel of the glossy cover, the crinkle of pages, and ahh, the coveted book smell. My hope is that by reviewing some books I have read, in different genres, it will entice everyone (from book lovers to the mythical non reading bunch) to give them a try!
I will also have guest bloggers do some reviews for me, as well as have some book give aways!
I'm So Happy For You
By Lucinda Rosenfeld
Copyright 2009
I chose this book for my first review for a few reasons. I'm So Happy For You is a proclaimed "chick lit" fictional novel that has received a lot of mixed reviews. It is a topic that I have not personally seen written about in such detail. And lastly because I enjoyed the different thoughts and emotions this book brought about.
At first glance the cover is intriguing to say the least. It features the back view of a woman. She is wearing a conservative, hideously orange dress with her fingers crossed behind her back. This highlights the sarcastic tone of the title. Upon flipping the book over, and seeing the pin filled voo doo doll, it gives a better idea of what you will be in store for.
Wendy Murman is a self proclaimed plain jane. The story revolves around her and her circle of friends, the hierarchy involved in such friendships, personal jealousy and emotional health, and strained marital relationships.
Wendy, who is in her thirties, has a career at a left wing paper. Adam, her somewhat secretive and lazy husband, is currently being supported by his wife while he attempts to write a screen play. They have been trying to conceive for eight months with no luck. She refers to their physical relationship as a "military operation." Only engaging in sexual activity when the calender and thermometer deems her ovulating.
Enter the best friend- Daphne. She is a gorgeous, messy, somewhat conceded, people pleaser. Her life is a constant disaster that Wendy is always helping clean up. Her on again, off again relationship with an older married man dictates her slew of emotions. Late night calls and suicide threats keep Wendy (kind of) guessing. She is torn between being a good friend and getting the juicy gossip which she shares with their circle of friends. Most of this gossip is shared via email (kind of old school for 2009), and leaves Wendy feeling like she is at the top of their circle of friends. Aside from the fact that all of her friends are easily conceiving and having baby after baby, all of her small accomplishments are highlighted by Daphnes personal failures.
Until one day when Daphnes luck takes a turn. She meets a handsome, wealthy, lawyer, who just so happens to be single. He also just so happens to be a jerk, sending a lot of mixed feelings to the reader. Their relationship quickly goes from dating, to engaged and then married, to with child. Leaving Wendy extremely jealous, saddened, and slowly slipping off her rocker.
Meanwhile Wendys life is plagued with misfortune. Her marriage is a mess, her husbands allotted 12 month leave from work is up and passed, and they are evicted from their home. Adam, who clearly loves his wife, begins acting more and more secretive.
Wendy's life begins slipping into oblivion. She gives a particularly brutal wedding toast, drives her husband away, and gifts a malicious baby shower gift. She forces everyone she knows and loves out of her life and is left basically alone. She allows her jealousy to take hold and suspects the worst in those around her. Wendy is in a constant battle with her own self. Trying to validate who she is and who and what she loves, while only looking outwardly instead of in.
The ending of the book is surprising and not expected. It would not be the foreseeable ending you would think of the story line. But it is a good and "happy" enough ending to not leave the reader feeling cheated.
I enjoyed many aspects of this book. The characters are all relatable, some lovable some loathsome. The happenings of the various relationships leave you feeling happy, excited, irritated, angry, and anxious. The story line, while whiny at times, is different and refreshing, and doesn't take the normal turns you would automatically suspect.
I think this book has received mixed reviews because people have trouble getting into a story with such a plethora of characters. Some don't want to believe that there are people like this out the real world, or are angered at the feelings the characters are having. Especially if those feelings hit close to home.
I think this book is very true to life, especially for women still trying to find themselves and position themselves in the world and in their relationships. At some point in the story you will be able to relate or understand exactly what the character is feeling. And perhaps know exactly what he or she is going through.
This book evokes a lot of emotions. Some good, some bad. It is also well written and keeps you guessing, making it a likable and easy read.
