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campychick001's review against another edition
1.0
Allison Weiss is living the ideal suburban mom life - husband, daughter, dream job, and fancy house in the suburbs. While taking a magazine addiction quiz in a doctor's office waiting room, she starts to question whether her use of prescription medication is getting out of control. What started as an aid for a physical injury quickly becomes a method of dealing with her piling responsibilities - difficult child, distant husband, money issues, and parent issues.
I really wanted to like this story but had the hardest time connecting with any of the characters. Although I empathized with the main character's struggles with her ongoing list of responsibilities (and her desire to be hands on to get things done correctly), she drove me insane with her decisions. I completely understand the thought process behind writing the character as she is because of her addiction, however, I felt like the portray of addiction was superficial and lacked depth. Additional, her family was completely useless and just served as a vessel for justifying her addiction. This story felt like it dragged on for so long and then the ending felt rushed. I did not enjoy the minor time skip at the end and the lack of resolution.
I really wanted to like this story but had the hardest time connecting with any of the characters. Although I empathized with the main character's struggles with her ongoing list of responsibilities (and her desire to be hands on to get things done correctly), she drove me insane with her decisions. I completely understand the thought process behind writing the character as she is because of her addiction, however, I felt like the portray of addiction was superficial and lacked depth. Additional, her family was completely useless and just served as a vessel for justifying her addiction. This story felt like it dragged on for so long and then the ending felt rushed. I did not enjoy the minor time skip at the end and the lack of resolution.
lbn4real's review against another edition
2.0
When I read Jennifer Weiner I want something fun - this was not that. The book itself was fine but if I'm looking for something heavy Id rather read someone else
livetoread2024's review against another edition
1.0
not finished - I made it to page 149 and I've had enough of this woman's whiny daughter, spaced-out mom and indifferent husband. Frankly, I don't give a rat's ass about her, either.
hsrudolph's review against another edition
2.0
Pain killer addiction is a tough topic to tackle; the author was able in some instances to very compellingly convey the addict’s desperation and the impact addiction has in every facet of life; but a lot of the story was underdeveloped, I didn’t really like the main character, and some of it was just ridiculous (planning a musical to escape rehab for her daughter’s birthday party).
corgigirl02's review against another edition
2.0
I've always liked Jennifer Weiner's books, but this was my least favorite by far. The main flaw for me was that I did not like the main character. I found her weak, stupid, selfish & annoying. I didn't believe that her life was so bad that it drove her to such crazy levels of addiction. I'd skip this one Chick Lit fans & it's not good enough to warrant more serious reading.
readincolour's review against another edition
3.0
Did Weiner really just refer to this woman's words as ghetto vernacular and colorful patois? I think I'm just about done with her.
hmunkster's review against another edition
3.0
I hadn't read a Jennifer Weiner book since my 20s. I loved her back and then and remember relating to her characters. This book just seemed obnoxiously upper-middle class housewife, which I'm guessing is what JW has become herself. But all the brand name dropping, trips to Whole. Also,the addiction/recovery aspect of the book was kind of depressing, and moved slowly for me. I was annoyed enough by the main character that I found myself hoping that she'd lose everything at the end of the book... Still giving it three stars since it kept my attention enough to finish!
tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
Unread shelf project 2022: book 35.
Pros:
* this book pulled me in and kicked me out of my reading slump.
* the story was fast paced and immersive.
Cons:
* the MC was not very likable. Stuck up, white, wealthy, privileged, snobby, the list goes on.
* constant fatphobia and weight discussions throughout the book.
That being said, I think I needed a more salacious snooty society read to get me out of my recent reading slump feels. So that was a perk!
Pros:
* this book pulled me in and kicked me out of my reading slump.
* the story was fast paced and immersive.
Cons:
* the MC was not very likable. Stuck up, white, wealthy, privileged, snobby, the list goes on.
* constant fatphobia and weight discussions throughout the book.
That being said, I think I needed a more salacious snooty society read to get me out of my recent reading slump feels. So that was a perk!
icygrl7's review against another edition
4.0
I give this one a 3.5 but rated up since we don't have that option. It is a pretty realistic look at addiction and the problems it can cause. I can't say that I relate to the main character at all but I did understand her battle. I think she was an ok character. I am glad I have read other books by this author because I am not sure I would of read another one after this one. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great. I am sure others might enjoy it more than I did.