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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
This was a difficult book to read. At first, I did not have much sympathy for Allison. However, later in the book, you find out more about the reasons for her addiction and the struggle she went through to stay sober.
I read through this book within 24 hours...and I'm not entirely sure why. I liked the story well enough, it wasn't terribly challenging, but I didn't really care for any of the characters. Allison, the main character, is an upper middle class mommy-blogger living in the burbs with her very sensory-sensitive child and her slowly distant husband. She struggles to deal with her father's worsening alzheimers and finding him a place to live once it becomes clear that her aging mother can't handle him on her own. Allison uses pain medications to smooth the struggles- a pill before visiting with her father, a pill before visiting her daughter's school, a pill to help her sleep. It quickly becomes an issue. Now, I liked the premise of the story but I realized after finishing that I really never cared what happened to the characters. Allison is very selfish and keeps thinking her 20 pill a day habit doesn't mean she needs help. Once in rehab, she looks down on the others in the treatment facility with her, which is very annoying. Her husband is a creep- training for marathons in his free hours, which literally seems like he's trying to run away. I liked the story line but felt the characters needed some work.
Loved that the main character was a blogger. Also, thought the ending was very well done.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow, this novel was unexpectedly powerful!
Years ago I read Jennifer Weiner's "Good in Bed," thought it a breezy, entertaining book, and hadn't read any more of her work since that initial chick-lit introduction. But "All Fall Down" is far from light; It is a gripping story with a quick pace, believable plot, and timely subject.
Years ago I read Jennifer Weiner's "Good in Bed," thought it a breezy, entertaining book, and hadn't read any more of her work since that initial chick-lit introduction. But "All Fall Down" is far from light; It is a gripping story with a quick pace, believable plot, and timely subject.
0/10 across the bored. I would prefer to select no stars. The blurb & author is what made me read it, and since I'm not a quitter I finished it. What a mess! It doesn't fall under Weiner's usual Chick Lit. I don't even know what it would fall under?? I was rooting for the MC just for the situation, but her story deserved better. This could have been more than it was.
Weiner is quite garrulous in her writing. It was easy for me to skip lines and still know what was going on. Again, it is summer, and I have TIME to read, and read for large periods of time, allowing me to get into the book more. I cannot imagine how many people in my life who are going through these addictions. I also love that Weiner's stories take place in and around Philadelphia.
This is the first Weiner book I have read in a few years and it reminded me why I love her voice so much. I really dove into Allie's story and everything that was going on with her. Weiner did a good job of showing just how easy it is to slip into addiction and how quickly it can happen as well as the justification for everything. It was also very real in what would happen and how someone would do anything to get their addiction fulfilled. Plus the ending was believable even if it was a little abrupt and almost to the point of seeming rushed to tie everything up. I would recommend this for any women who may be going through what Allie is feeling like the weight of their world is on their shoulders and may be tempted to go down that rabbit hole of relying on pain killers, wine, or anything else to get them through the day.
I am a fan. Skeptical at first; the subject of suburban moms being addicted to painkillers while interesting and often overlooked, at first it seemed like the book was going to be more surface level. But I was proved wrong and I am glad. Fast read because you can't put it down (although it drags a bit early in section 3). I recommend, especially for Weiner fans.
So in love with this... gives you a true and honest view of what it is like to become addicted. Jennifer Weiner is a true artist and her writing is at her best in this beautiful yet sad story. I recommend for all readers. I feel there is a large crowd of people who would love and enjoy this book as much as I did.