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yolibear's review against another edition
5.0
Great and important topic. But also gives you a real view of how easily opioids affect everyone. Even in the suburbs
jenlynnhill's review against another edition
3.0
It was a little hard to get into in the beginning, and I was never in a position where I couldn't put this down...but in the end I liked the story and was glad I finished it.
minerva1221's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
texmom22's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
littleroseygirl's review against another edition
5.0
Refreshing and compelling
**SPOILERS**
I didn't expect to love this book. No, really, I didn't. As I dug in, I honestly expected to find the typical "woman isn't happy with her life so she walks away from her husband to pursue a better, more exciting life and lives happily ever after with a new guy that truly values her" trope. But what I discovered was so much better. This is the story of a woman wading through the rest difficult and heavy parts of life. Penny goes from assuming everyone else is the cause of her problems to realizing that her own selfishness and shying away from standing up for herself (because those can and do coexist) were a big part of her problems. The character development and growth in this story is dynamic and thought provoking. I found myself relating to Penny's depression and her struggle to truly cope with what's happening in her life and to even do what was necessary to deal with things. It was so good for me to watch a book character grow in such a positive and refreshing way. Camille Pagán takes a realistic approach to what at the end of the book proves to be lasting change. Lasting change is messy, difficult, and imperfect and she shows this in a marvelous way. I am so satisfied with this book in a way I rarely am when reading this genre. Well done, Camille. Well done.
**SPOILERS**
I didn't expect to love this book. No, really, I didn't. As I dug in, I honestly expected to find the typical "woman isn't happy with her life so she walks away from her husband to pursue a better, more exciting life and lives happily ever after with a new guy that truly values her" trope. But what I discovered was so much better. This is the story of a woman wading through the rest difficult and heavy parts of life. Penny goes from assuming everyone else is the cause of her problems to realizing that her own selfishness and shying away from standing up for herself (because those can and do coexist) were a big part of her problems. The character development and growth in this story is dynamic and thought provoking. I found myself relating to Penny's depression and her struggle to truly cope with what's happening in her life and to even do what was necessary to deal with things. It was so good for me to watch a book character grow in such a positive and refreshing way. Camille Pagán takes a realistic approach to what at the end of the book proves to be lasting change. Lasting change is messy, difficult, and imperfect and she shows this in a marvelous way. I am so satisfied with this book in a way I rarely am when reading this genre. Well done, Camille. Well done.
wdixon's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful story about relationships
Sometimes something big and devastating happens around us and opens our eyes to changes we should make in our own lives and all the things we should be grateful for. The characters in this book felt very relatable (especially as a wife and mother and a friend) and are a good reminder that sometimes just bettering our communication and clearly defining our desires and expectations in relationships can make a huge improvement in them. Marriage is hard, especially after kids, and remembering you’re on the same team makes all the difference. Family can be hard and being set in old habits can make you grow apart. All of it can be worked on if everyone is willing to make the effort and work on improving things. While, in this book, the ending may be a little idyllic and everything works out in the end, the principles remain.
Sometimes something big and devastating happens around us and opens our eyes to changes we should make in our own lives and all the things we should be grateful for. The characters in this book felt very relatable (especially as a wife and mother and a friend) and are a good reminder that sometimes just bettering our communication and clearly defining our desires and expectations in relationships can make a huge improvement in them. Marriage is hard, especially after kids, and remembering you’re on the same team makes all the difference. Family can be hard and being set in old habits can make you grow apart. All of it can be worked on if everyone is willing to make the effort and work on improving things. While, in this book, the ending may be a little idyllic and everything works out in the end, the principles remain.
aly_saurusrex's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so well written, I fell in love with the author and promptly found three other books of hers on Kindle Unlimited and only have one to go. This was all within a weeks time. I listened to this first and adored the writing style and promptly told my friends they all needed to read it.
It is due to an unforeseen loss that causes our protagonist, Penelope, to really open her eyes and see that not everything is as it appears. That even those with their seemingly perfect lives struggle and have a hard time talking about it. Even with those closest to them.
Having recently come to terms with my own mental health and to reach out, this book was a nice reminder that we need to talk about it and that it is okay to admit that you are struggling and need help.
It is due to an unforeseen loss that causes our protagonist, Penelope, to really open her eyes and see that not everything is as it appears. That even those with their seemingly perfect lives struggle and have a hard time talking about it. Even with those closest to them.
Having recently come to terms with my own mental health and to reach out, this book was a nice reminder that we need to talk about it and that it is okay to admit that you are struggling and need help.
ellyrarg's review against another edition
3.0
This felt too shallow on the emotional side. Your best friend just died, your father has cancer and your marriage is failing... I feel like our heroine just moved forward into action, there wasn’t the back and forth of messing feelings, there was no ruminating or or depth that I would have expected.
I also feel like things wrapped up quite quickly, I was expecting more of a resolution. Hey ho.
Still, the book was well written (though her style with the lists and stream of consciousness in the first chapter took some getting used to) and it was nice and distracting, so there’s that.
I also feel like things wrapped up quite quickly, I was expecting more of a resolution. Hey ho.
Still, the book was well written (though her style with the lists and stream of consciousness in the first chapter took some getting used to) and it was nice and distracting, so there’s that.
krobart's review against another edition
3.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/review-1813-literary-wives-im-fine-and-neither-are-you/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/review-1813-literary-wives-im-fine-and-neither-are-you/
juliasilge's review against another edition
3.0
If you want to read a book that is about the EVERYDAY REAL LIFE of working motherhood, except only a very difficult and depressing version, then I've got the book for you!
I jest somewhat, but yep, the first 3/4 of this book was like reading an especially painful version of my actual life: marriage after kids, motherhood, working, friendship among women, etc. The ending did turn this around for me in the enjoyment department, but overall I was reminded why I usually go for a bit more escapism in my reading choices. Rounded up from 2.5 stars.
I jest somewhat, but yep, the first 3/4 of this book was like reading an especially painful version of my actual life: marriage after kids, motherhood, working, friendship among women, etc. The ending did turn this around for me in the enjoyment department, but overall I was reminded why I usually go for a bit more escapism in my reading choices. Rounded up from 2.5 stars.