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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The idea of taking a vacation from marriage was interesting to me but definitely not something I would consider. But reading about it? Yes, sign me up. I was especially interested after I started and realized that Nicole and Jason were your typical average traditional couple so them trying this experiment was a reach for them. The book takes place over the course of their year apart as Nicole moves to Santa Fe and Jason takes off on an adventure in South America but there were also flashback chapters that gives you insight into their dynamics and the history between them. This would be a great book club pick as there is plenty to discuss. The characters were extremely likeable and even relatable for me and I really enjoyed this one.
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
I enjoyed this, though I was a bit worried where it was headed for awhile. A married couple (20+ years) is dealing with life changes and an empty nest and decides to take solo trips for 9 months, agreeing to enjoy and experience life however it comes, including possible other relationships. I loved the settings of Portland, Sante Fe, & Patagonia, & the thoughtful way they supported each other as they reimagined their lives. So good! Releases 4/1.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
When given the chance to put their marriage on hold for a year, Nicole and Jason embrace the opportunity with open arms.
"The Marriage Sabbatical" follows Nicole and Jason who are a strong married couple of twenty-three years. With their kids off to college on foreign exchange programs, they are about to set off on a year long trip around the world. That is, until Nicole confesses that she doesn't want to go. The two decide that they will each explore their own passions and interests for one year and take a sabbatical from their marriage while they are at it. With this agreement in place, Nicole moves to Santa Fe to learn the art of silversmithing as Jason bikes his way across the world. Each feels freer than they have in years, but eventually, their sabbatical has to end.
The 500 Mile Rule is an interesting philosophy, for sure. It states that once a couple is at least 500 miles away from each other, they can act and partake in anything they want with anyone they want. This rule mainly applies to having sex and I think that it is an interesting concept, though it does have its flaws. Personally, I don't think that it is a great idea, but it was interesting to see how Nicole and Jason each worked through having a freedom that hadn't felt in over two decades. Even with the rules relaxed, they mostly stayed faithful to each other, which was nice to see. A good portion of this book did follow them contemplating the times they'd slept together in the past and if they wanted to sleep with someone new while they were on sabbatical, which was a bit tiring at times, but to be expected with the change in the rules.
My favorite part of this novel, was watching the self-discovery that Nicole and Jason both experienced. While they took a year off from all the expectations of their life, one came to realize that they weren't doing what they loved and should adjust their life plans as the other one rediscovered their passion for what they were already doing. It could be said that Nicole and Jason were going through of a bit of a midlife crisis moment, but I like to think of it more of a midlife rediscovery scenario, which I found to be inspiring. They both found a renewed longing for their relationship while they were a part from each other, and I think that this book sheds some light on how easy it is to get burned out, even while dealing with the things and people we love.
There are many moments in this book that seem a bit fantastical and not that likely to occur, but I feel that it added to the magic of Nicole and Jason's alternative lives that they were living. I just wanted to point out that if one went on a marriage sabbatical in their own life, there is a great chance that it wouldn't work out as nicely as Nicole and Jason's did (this is the difference between fiction and real life people!). Despite this, I wasn't frustrated with the events that did happen, and I thought it was neat that we got to follow their new lives.
Overall, I really wasn't expecting much when I picked up "The Marriage Sabbatical," but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I think it served as a good reminder that one doesn't have to do the same thing every single day, especially if it doesn't make them happy and that one should embrace their hobbies and passions before it is too late. The whole idea of the marriage sabbatical isn't too original, but I also haven't read a book like this either, so I see that as a win. I think that many people in longstanding relationships could have much to glean from this novel. I am only eighteen years old at the time of writing this, so I feel that there are many things in this book that I can't connect to personally, but I can see where they are coming from. It wouldn't be the first book that I'd recommend, but I found it to be a good read.
"The Marriage Sabbatical" follows Nicole and Jason who are a strong married couple of twenty-three years. With their kids off to college on foreign exchange programs, they are about to set off on a year long trip around the world. That is, until Nicole confesses that she doesn't want to go. The two decide that they will each explore their own passions and interests for one year and take a sabbatical from their marriage while they are at it. With this agreement in place, Nicole moves to Santa Fe to learn the art of silversmithing as Jason bikes his way across the world. Each feels freer than they have in years, but eventually, their sabbatical has to end.
The 500 Mile Rule is an interesting philosophy, for sure. It states that once a couple is at least 500 miles away from each other, they can act and partake in anything they want with anyone they want. This rule mainly applies to having sex and I think that it is an interesting concept, though it does have its flaws. Personally, I don't think that it is a great idea, but it was interesting to see how Nicole and Jason each worked through having a freedom that hadn't felt in over two decades. Even with the rules relaxed, they mostly stayed faithful to each other, which was nice to see. A good portion of this book did follow them contemplating the times they'd slept together in the past and if they wanted to sleep with someone new while they were on sabbatical, which was a bit tiring at times, but to be expected with the change in the rules.
My favorite part of this novel, was watching the self-discovery that Nicole and Jason both experienced. While they took a year off from all the expectations of their life, one came to realize that they weren't doing what they loved and should adjust their life plans as the other one rediscovered their passion for what they were already doing. It could be said that Nicole and Jason were going through of a bit of a midlife crisis moment, but I like to think of it more of a midlife rediscovery scenario, which I found to be inspiring. They both found a renewed longing for their relationship while they were a part from each other, and I think that this book sheds some light on how easy it is to get burned out, even while dealing with the things and people we love.
There are many moments in this book that seem a bit fantastical and not that likely to occur, but I feel that it added to the magic of Nicole and Jason's alternative lives that they were living. I just wanted to point out that if one went on a marriage sabbatical in their own life, there is a great chance that it wouldn't work out as nicely as Nicole and Jason's did (this is the difference between fiction and real life people!). Despite this, I wasn't frustrated with the events that did happen, and I thought it was neat that we got to follow their new lives.
Overall, I really wasn't expecting much when I picked up "The Marriage Sabbatical," but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I think it served as a good reminder that one doesn't have to do the same thing every single day, especially if it doesn't make them happy and that one should embrace their hobbies and passions before it is too late. The whole idea of the marriage sabbatical isn't too original, but I also haven't read a book like this either, so I see that as a win. I think that many people in longstanding relationships could have much to glean from this novel. I am only eighteen years old at the time of writing this, so I feel that there are many things in this book that I can't connect to personally, but I can see where they are coming from. It wouldn't be the first book that I'd recommend, but I found it to be a good read.
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
This book was fine. I'm clearly not the target audience, but it was breezy and interesting enough to hold my attention, if problematic at times