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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
One of my favorite reads of the year so far! I was interested in how both Elisabeth's and Sam's stories would play out. I also appreciated Elisabeth's internal monologue of snark.
I was super into this book at first but felt a bit bored by the end— a little too much of a hang-out story for me, but I enjoyed reading it nonetheless.
Rounding up for the first book I managed to read in months.
I didn’t think I would like this or finish it when it first started. Elisabeth was such a snot, but I was quickly drawn into the story and watching her grow. It reminded me of when I was 21, with a creepy boyfriend and not knowing what I was going to be when I grew up. My best friend was my cousin, and the age difference was similar to what it was between Elisabeth and Sam. Now that I think about it, we were closest during the first year of her first son’s life, also like the book.
Anyway.
Things I liked about the book:
- the female friendships, please see above.
- george, and everything he represented in the story (privilege of all kinds that we deny/ignore)
- the theme of secrets running through the book but then knowing there are two huge ones that the author leaves open ended! (SPOILER: sam was 100% pregnant, right? she was puking and showing all the gd signs, then there’s a gap of time in her story line but she comes back and starts telling Elisabeth there’s something awful she’s done? she definitely had an abortion and did not tell the reader. SPOILER #2: who in the shit is Willa? I will tell you. Andrew came home from Denver all bummed about the failed solar grill (bro. one exists already. the world does not need two shamwows. you’re so sweet though). they bone. like, a day later she goes through with IVF and an immediate blood test says she’s not pregnant. that story line ends. we’re led to believe since E wasn’t taking the shots and the blood test was negative, the story ends and there’s no baby. lest we forget the boning.
Things I did not like about this book:
- the in-law storyline had me in cringe city every single time they came up. Elisabeth’s family stuff, too. both played a really big part of the story and I’m not sure if it hit a nerve or what my problem was but I had to put the book down during christmas dinner. all of them at one table? girl, I feel you.
- clive, oh my god. was he not the creepy Brit from love, actually?
- was it intentional to exclude the cost of IVF??? Andrew was on a fellowship or whatever and we were to understand she had pissed away their savings. IVF is $$$$ and did they even have insurance? for a book all about privilege and money, why wasn’t this acknowledged?
I wouldn’t say that overall I loved it - but, I will say that I may remember details from this, which is a way higher compliment.
Anyway.
Things I liked about the book:
- the female friendships, please see above.
- george, and everything he represented in the story (privilege of all kinds that we deny/ignore)
- the theme of secrets running through the book but then knowing there are two huge ones that the author leaves open ended! (SPOILER: sam was 100% pregnant, right? she was puking and showing all the gd signs, then there’s a gap of time in her story line but she comes back and starts telling Elisabeth there’s something awful she’s done? she definitely had an abortion and did not tell the reader. SPOILER #2: who in the shit is Willa? I will tell you. Andrew came home from Denver all bummed about the failed solar grill (bro. one exists already. the world does not need two shamwows. you’re so sweet though). they bone. like, a day later she goes through with IVF and an immediate blood test says she’s not pregnant. that story line ends. we’re led to believe since E wasn’t taking the shots and the blood test was negative, the story ends and there’s no baby. lest we forget the boning.
Things I did not like about this book:
- the in-law storyline had me in cringe city every single time they came up. Elisabeth’s family stuff, too. both played a really big part of the story and I’m not sure if it hit a nerve or what my problem was but I had to put the book down during christmas dinner. all of them at one table? girl, I feel you.
- clive, oh my god. was he not the creepy Brit from love, actually?
- was it intentional to exclude the cost of IVF??? Andrew was on a fellowship or whatever and we were to understand she had pissed away their savings. IVF is $$$$ and did they even have insurance? for a book all about privilege and money, why wasn’t this acknowledged?
I wouldn’t say that overall I loved it - but, I will say that I may remember details from this, which is a way higher compliment.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Classism
I've always been a casual fan of J. Courtney Sullivan's work - in fact I've read all her books, she's my favorite "chick lit" author. Was really taken by this latest novel from her - I felt like it was the first time I saw her scratching at some much larger social / political issues and would love to see her take it further in future novels! Like many of Sullivan's novels - I found myself shocked by how quickly I made it through almost 400 pages.
Really enjoyed the switch between Elisabeth and Sam, found myself wishing I could go back and read the alternate view point for some of the scenes. Their stories felt very familiar and exceptional all at once.
Would definitely recommend for an easy summer read - Saints for all Occasions is still my favorite by Sullivan hands down.
Really enjoyed the switch between Elisabeth and Sam, found myself wishing I could go back and read the alternate view point for some of the scenes. Their stories felt very familiar and exceptional all at once.
Would definitely recommend for an easy summer read - Saints for all Occasions is still my favorite by Sullivan hands down.
Oooh, this book was messy, emotional, explorative, all of it. People are hot messes and some of the situations had me filled with low-level dread while I was reading. I know all books shouldn't end with a perfect bow tying everything up and it probably speaks to the messiness of human life, so it was a little frustrating when we didn't get some definites at the end, but also it was good to see that people can move on from seemingly huge mistakes or betrayals.
I really disliked how the perspective changed from Elisabeth to Sam and back throughout the story but the narration remained the same.
The build up to the major conflicts was almost too much and the conflicts were rushed with little explanation. I suppose that could have been the point, however, if I’m going to read 700 pages, more depth would be expected.
I did, however, enjoy the story. The character development was excellent and the setting was well described. There were side plots that weren’t tied up at the end (Elisabeth’s parents having an affair, Elisabeth’s sister, the grill, London), but I kind of like imaging different outcomes for the scenarios.
The build up to the major conflicts was almost too much and the conflicts were rushed with little explanation. I suppose that could have been the point, however, if I’m going to read 700 pages, more depth would be expected.
I did, however, enjoy the story. The character development was excellent and the setting was well described. There were side plots that weren’t tied up at the end (Elisabeth’s parents having an affair, Elisabeth’s sister, the grill, London), but I kind of like imaging different outcomes for the scenarios.