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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I wish I could give this book more stars- I applaud the author for addressing the concept of mental load. However, this novel feels more like an outline with a tiny bit of plot padding. It feels as though, similar to the main characters, Mackler asked “What if there was a wife app?” And then chatted with her friends for a bit to explore the concept at a superficial level and addressed minor quibbles by having side characters as questions or make suggestions.
I think this is too serious a topic for a book that is trying to be light-hearted.
As a wife, a mom, and a former NYC jack-of-all-trades for a wealthy family, I get how delightful the ease of having a wife would be. I get the ease and simplicity of an app making tedious work disappear. But I don’t like that not once was anything suggested to combat the patriarchal standards, systems of oppression, systemic racism, and more that sustain the ima balance that places so much weight on women.
I appreciated that a conversation with a Wife who worked for the app included the pitfalls of gig work, even in a supportive setting. Regardless of the sliding scale, which we never see implemented to help the most burdened families- mental load for those living in poverty is astronomical, but it makes it clear that as is all to often, resources are only available to those who can afford them and the people who need the help the most are the ones doing the work.
Which is normal in so many other situations, like having a house cleaner or a nanny, that I have a hard time putting a finger on what bothers me so much about this.
More than any of the content though, I felt like the characters were middling in personality and development.
I think this is too serious a topic for a book that is trying to be light-hearted.
As a wife, a mom, and a former NYC jack-of-all-trades for a wealthy family, I get how delightful the ease of having a wife would be. I get the ease and simplicity of an app making tedious work disappear. But I don’t like that not once was anything suggested to combat the patriarchal standards, systems of oppression, systemic racism, and more that sustain the ima balance that places so much weight on women.
I appreciated that a conversation with a Wife who worked for the app included the pitfalls of gig work, even in a supportive setting. Regardless of the sliding scale, which we never see implemented to help the most burdened families- mental load for those living in poverty is astronomical, but it makes it clear that as is all to often, resources are only available to those who can afford them and the people who need the help the most are the ones doing the work.
Which is normal in so many other situations, like having a house cleaner or a nanny, that I have a hard time putting a finger on what bothers me so much about this.
More than any of the content though, I felt like the characters were middling in personality and development.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loved it! It's always nice to know that you aren't alone in feeling like sometimes things can be to much. Lauren, Sophie, and Madeline are so relatable and so different. I loved each of their stories and the overall storyline was so intriguing. Loved the twists and turns and the final realizations are unmatched!! Great read!!
This was definitely a unique plot with a variety of fun characters. I did feel like the characters as a whole lacked depth, but it was also a fun quick read so that didn't fully deter me.
I will say, it was definitely slow to start, but not too slow that it was hard to get through. Once it picked up, it definitely got better! With that said though, I did feel like the ending was a little rushed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will say, it was definitely slow to start, but not too slow that it was hard to get through. Once it picked up, it definitely got better! With that said though, I did feel like the ending was a little rushed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Minor: Drug use, Death of parent
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
The Wife App is a book about 3 friends, divorced moms, who have had enough of being taken for granted. They run the households, manage all family responsibilities, take care of the kids and do it all without getting any acknowledgement that it is hard work. One night while out celebrating Lauren's recent divorce they complain how their ex's did not give them enough appreciation for all of the work that comes with being the default parent/head of the household. This is when #thewifeapp was born. A way to outsource your mental load of running a household similar to the way you would hire a housekeeper or tutor. And a way for "Wives" to use their unique skill sets to help out others and get paid for their time and effort to complete those tasks.
The book started off a little slow for me, but the second half of the book is what made me love this story. It isn't a story about bitter divorced moms... it is a story about 3 woman who learn their worth, stand up for themselves (and other moms) and make positive changes in their lives. They all realize how strong and capable they are and that they they are much more valuable than the stereotypical mom/wife. In the end it is so much more than just developing an app that outsources the mental work of being a "wife" or head of a household. They all changed in positive ways and those changes helped their families become stronger and closer even though they were divorced.
The book started off a little slow for me, but the second half of the book is what made me love this story. It isn't a story about bitter divorced moms... it is a story about 3 woman who learn their worth, stand up for themselves (and other moms) and make positive changes in their lives. They all realize how strong and capable they are and that they they are much more valuable than the stereotypical mom/wife. In the end it is so much more than just developing an app that outsources the mental work of being a "wife" or head of a household. They all changed in positive ways and those changes helped their families become stronger and closer even though they were divorced.