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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Started off with promise, then descended into cliche after cliche.. and characters that were not believable . I hardly ever have to struggle to finish a book.. I don't like to give up.
But this one just did not feel true.
But this one just did not feel true.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jennifer Weiner isn't an author I have read a lot of. I'm not sure why. And this title made me wonder why even more so. I was gifted this title recently and dove in with eagerness. It did not disappoint.
Jo and Bethie are sisters growing up through the 1950s and 1960s, coming into their own through the 1970s, and discovering who they actually are in the 1980s into the present. Weiner takes the reader into the lives of Jo and Bethie throughout chunks of each decade and during significant events. She taps into how some events alter a life course and how the "what if" can nip at the heels of life from that moment forward.
Jo is the oldest, a "tomboy", and jives with her Dad but she and her mom can't seem to get along. Bethie is the Mama's girl, hair perfect, dresses perfect, she's just always...perfect. Despite their differences, Jo and Beth manage to be fairly close as sisters. Little do they know what tests are going to come their way that will threaten their familial ties and test the foundations of their relationship.
I'm finding this title hard to review because I feel like if I say too much it ruins the story for those who haven't yet read it. To discover Jo and Bethie's stories for myself was part of the pleasure of reading this book. I'm not sure if it is sufficient or not but the best way I can review, or speak, about this book is to say that it is such a wonderful, thoughtful, and deep look into the lives we think we are going to live, the ones we do end up living, and the choices we can make to be fulfilled. Weiner did a beautiful job of making Jo and Bethie seem so real that I almost felt while reading it, that I was watching it unfold on a screen.
I feel like there is so much more I could say, and maybe should say, but words are failing me. It was a really special story, one that highlights that we live many lives within our one lifetime.
Jo and Bethie are sisters growing up through the 1950s and 1960s, coming into their own through the 1970s, and discovering who they actually are in the 1980s into the present. Weiner takes the reader into the lives of Jo and Bethie throughout chunks of each decade and during significant events. She taps into how some events alter a life course and how the "what if" can nip at the heels of life from that moment forward.
Jo is the oldest, a "tomboy", and jives with her Dad but she and her mom can't seem to get along. Bethie is the Mama's girl, hair perfect, dresses perfect, she's just always...perfect. Despite their differences, Jo and Beth manage to be fairly close as sisters. Little do they know what tests are going to come their way that will threaten their familial ties and test the foundations of their relationship.
I'm finding this title hard to review because I feel like if I say too much it ruins the story for those who haven't yet read it. To discover Jo and Bethie's stories for myself was part of the pleasure of reading this book. I'm not sure if it is sufficient or not but the best way I can review, or speak, about this book is to say that it is such a wonderful, thoughtful, and deep look into the lives we think we are going to live, the ones we do end up living, and the choices we can make to be fulfilled. Weiner did a beautiful job of making Jo and Bethie seem so real that I almost felt while reading it, that I was watching it unfold on a screen.
I feel like there is so much more I could say, and maybe should say, but words are failing me. It was a really special story, one that highlights that we live many lives within our one lifetime.
I can’t say enough good things about this book! It is beautifully written and I absolutely loved it!!! I would highly recommend this book.
I can’t stress how much I loved this book. It was the longest audiobook I’ve ever listened to but was so captivating the entire time — Jennifer is a beautiful writer and her style is unparalleled. I can’t wait to read more of her books!
I love a book where I truly feel the story as I am reading it. This author built two strong female characters with the sisters, whom each had a separate coming of age story since having been born in the 50’s. Both have individual struggles that prevent them from realizing their true potential and life’s happiness, for many years. The sisters have a strong bong but also several issue they need to deal with in their relationship with each other. I truly enjoyed this one.