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rosemwood's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great story of a family that seems to have the worst luck but it brings them closer together. The love and strength is very strong and I loved the characters. This story makes you realize just how lucky you are. Though I am not sure I want to go to Puerto Rico any time soon.
meghan_plethoraofpages's review against another edition
4.0
Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around by Camille Pagán
What an emotional rollercoaster! Following Libby, who was just declared cancer-free at her ten year oncology appointment, has it all - successful marriage, twin teenage daughters, a fulfilling career, and apparently, her health. She’s always been known for her optimism, but somehow since the death of her father, she’s more apt to see the glass half empty. Looking for a way to gain some perspective and possibly her spark back, she books tickets to fly her family to a Puerto Rican island where over a decade ago she met her husband in a magical way. Disasters ensue.
My first novel by this author, I was very intrigued - she’s got a big backlist of books that all sound fantastic. As far as introductions go, I will certainly be adding more of her work to my ever-growing to be read list! I enjoyed this one. It’s surprisingly emotional, with thoughtful and inspiring insights. Character development is realistic and the relationships between characters are moving. It was a bit repetitive at times, and some of the action seemed a bit much (I mean, when it rains it really pours in Libby’s life!) but overall a solid read.
I’d recommend this for someone looking for an emotional read, life-affirming but not toxically positive, and who enjoys stories about relationships (familial and marital). Overall: liked it! 3.5⭐️
Thank you very much to Lake Union Publishing and to Netgalley for access to an e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Keep an eye out for this one - publishes May 11, 2021!
What an emotional rollercoaster! Following Libby, who was just declared cancer-free at her ten year oncology appointment, has it all - successful marriage, twin teenage daughters, a fulfilling career, and apparently, her health. She’s always been known for her optimism, but somehow since the death of her father, she’s more apt to see the glass half empty. Looking for a way to gain some perspective and possibly her spark back, she books tickets to fly her family to a Puerto Rican island where over a decade ago she met her husband in a magical way. Disasters ensue.
My first novel by this author, I was very intrigued - she’s got a big backlist of books that all sound fantastic. As far as introductions go, I will certainly be adding more of her work to my ever-growing to be read list! I enjoyed this one. It’s surprisingly emotional, with thoughtful and inspiring insights. Character development is realistic and the relationships between characters are moving. It was a bit repetitive at times, and some of the action seemed a bit much (I mean, when it rains it really pours in Libby’s life!) but overall a solid read.
I’d recommend this for someone looking for an emotional read, life-affirming but not toxically positive, and who enjoys stories about relationships (familial and marital). Overall: liked it! 3.5⭐️
Thank you very much to Lake Union Publishing and to Netgalley for access to an e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Keep an eye out for this one - publishes May 11, 2021!
agomez2015's review against another edition
4.0
Great Read
This book truly makes you look at things in a different perspective. Realize that not everything has to be perfect all the time and that’s ok. It’s truly a great book and of course I love Vieques!
This book truly makes you look at things in a different perspective. Realize that not everything has to be perfect all the time and that’s ok. It’s truly a great book and of course I love Vieques!
ndbeyer's review against another edition
4.0
This story touches on the importance of loved ones in our life- no matter the challenges we are facing. Sometimes, we take them and their support and love for granted- life is too short and we need to slow down and enjoy it while remembering to appreciate our loved ones.
aldarakamey's review against another edition
4.0
This book was read thanks to NetGalley
I want to highlight that this author did an amazing job by making the characters and history felt so reeaaal, like to me one of the hardest things to do in the writing is write the emotions and feelings from the characters, and she nailed it, literally it feel some parts as if a friend was telling me how she feels and all I could do was say, do you want a hug?
I recommend this book.
I want to highlight that this author did an amazing job by making the characters and history felt so reeaaal, like to me one of the hardest things to do in the writing is write the emotions and feelings from the characters, and she nailed it, literally it feel some parts as if a friend was telling me how she feels and all I could do was say, do you want a hug?
I recommend this book.
laura_htx's review against another edition
2.0
This entire book except like the last couple chapters is such a bummer. Like I need some positive things in between please.
krisboss's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.
3.5 stars
Don't Make Me Turn this Life Around was a good storyline, but I just found it too bogged down with lessons. I almost felt like it was a fictional self-help book or a parable used for teaching lessons about life. I don't mind that, but it just didn't land for me.
To summarize the book as quickly as possible, it is a book about a family with issues that all almost any family has. This story takes you through some medical, familial, and natural disasters. It shows how this small family navigates the storms.
I get that bad luck happens and most of the time it happens in a relatively short amount of time. Really, it was too much for such a short book. I found it repetitive and thought it could use some editing. I didn't hate it at all. It's a good story. I just think some editing would have helped. It didn't flow as well as it could have.
3.5 stars
Don't Make Me Turn this Life Around was a good storyline, but I just found it too bogged down with lessons. I almost felt like it was a fictional self-help book or a parable used for teaching lessons about life. I don't mind that, but it just didn't land for me.
To summarize the book as quickly as possible, it is a book about a family with issues that all almost any family has. This story takes you through some medical, familial, and natural disasters. It shows how this small family navigates the storms.
I get that bad luck happens and most of the time it happens in a relatively short amount of time. Really, it was too much for such a short book. I found it repetitive and thought it could use some editing. I didn't hate it at all. It's a good story. I just think some editing would have helped. It didn't flow as well as it could have.