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carleyberman's review against another edition
3.0
Well-written but just not my cup of tea. Definitely held my attention more towards the last third of the book.
catchelizabeth's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good story but it didn't connect with me. It seemed like it was all over the place, current social issues, time jumping, a random abortion thrown in, bankrupt farm, cheating, adult children listening to their mother's old love life and a suicidal star....I just didn't connect with it. I finished it to be done, but it didn't draw me in.
oliviack's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet story told from the perspective of a mother to her children about her incredible life before they existed. I listened to the Spotify audio book which was cool bc Meryl Streep read it. It was a little slow compared to the books I usually enjoy but listening to it while I did chores was calming. Had a good amount of life lessons and showed how what’s important to you when you’re young changes as you grow up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
seadenoyo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
marenmoose's review against another edition
5.0
Book club read! Wow! This was beautiful. The writing was beautiful, and the books setting of simultaneously past and 2020 was sobering. It brings to mind my past experiences and how they've shaped me into who I've become today. I also love how it uses Lara's daughters to continue the story and show her growth and development when she was a young adult.
julie_de_la_rosa's review against another edition
3.0
I did the Audiobook performed by Meryl Streep. I think that made it better than if I had read it. Not bad but not great either.
mlsamy's review against another edition
2.0
I waited a few days after finishing this book so I could try and sort out how I felt about it.
the good: it was a quick read, went down easy, writing style was fine.
the bad: I didn't much care about the characters. The mom/main character seemed to kind of float along in life, not a whole lot of spine. Her main love interest was not super developed but what I saw of him made me dislike him. The daughters were sketched out only pretty basically, and their dad came across as a generic good guy. For a plot that features actors and a stage production and a beautiful setting it just was not that interesting.
the good: it was a quick read, went down easy, writing style was fine.
the bad: I didn't much care about the characters. The mom/main character seemed to kind of float along in life, not a whole lot of spine. Her main love interest was not super developed but what I saw of him made me dislike him. The daughters were sketched out only pretty basically, and their dad came across as a generic good guy. For a plot that features actors and a stage production and a beautiful setting it just was not that interesting.
jerodman's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
jessinthelib's review against another edition
5.0
On the surface, such a lovely little book of nostalgia and family. I love how it unfolded, and the themes and complexities that underlie the telling of the story. I read it quickly because I was so absorbed, but also a book to savor and dig into and fully appreciate.