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3.26 AVERAGE
3.26 AVERAGE
An ARC from Book Expo, and thought the sarcasm and premise made it a beach read. It had the tone of [b:Where'd You Go, Bernadette|13526165|Where'd You Go, Bernadette|Maria Semple|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338822317s/13526165.jpg|17626728], but I found it more depressing. Harriet Chance is 78, widowed and trying to cope with living without Bernard, a for-better-but-unfortunately-usually-worse husband.
Written in an interesting way, a sort of "spin the wheel and see where in your life we stop", this novel is a look into the life if 78-year-old, Harriet Chance, a woman who at one time had high ambitions, that were not fulfilled, and like many of us settled for a life that was not all that she hoped for, much of which was brought on by her own actions. This is a lot about enjoying the life you have and not dwelling too much on the past.
**GoodReads First Reads Book**
I really enjoyed the way that this book was narrated. It was definitely unique and gave the book a lighthearted feel even when dealing with serious topics. My only issue with the book was that there really weren't any likeable characters.
I really enjoyed the way that this book was narrated. It was definitely unique and gave the book a lighthearted feel even when dealing with serious topics. My only issue with the book was that there really weren't any likeable characters.
Live, Harriet, live!
More depressing than I was hoping for. I liked that it basically told the story backward. I was hoping for a lighter read, though. This definitely touched on some rough subjects.
Medium amount of swearing.
More depressing than I was hoping for. I liked that it basically told the story backward. I was hoping for a lighter read, though. This definitely touched on some rough subjects.
Medium amount of swearing.
So confused. The back and forth, the ghost and then the sudden ending. Hated it.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There is just something so charming about this book that I just couldn't put it down! 78-year-old Harriet discovers that her husband had won an Alaskan cruise before his passing and, with an expiration date looming on the prize, she decides to take that cruise with her best friend. When her best friend unexpectedly bails on her, Harriet finds herself on a boat out to sea, but she isn't alone thanks to her husband's visits.
We grow to know Harriet in a unique way as chapters alternate with a, "This is Your Life," game show theme and we jump along the timeline of Harriet learning more about all of the life experiences that have shaped her, the people who have betrayed her, how she was treated when she was a child, how she felt as her marriage and parenting were failing, and what it was like for her to care for a husband who mentally was no longer there.
The book twists and turns, secrets are revealed and an unexpected guest joins Harriet on the cruise. It was a beautiful story that makes you consider what your own, "This Is Your Life," show might look like.
We grow to know Harriet in a unique way as chapters alternate with a, "This is Your Life," game show theme and we jump along the timeline of Harriet learning more about all of the life experiences that have shaped her, the people who have betrayed her, how she was treated when she was a child, how she felt as her marriage and parenting were failing, and what it was like for her to care for a husband who mentally was no longer there.
The book twists and turns, secrets are revealed and an unexpected guest joins Harriet on the cruise. It was a beautiful story that makes you consider what your own, "This Is Your Life," show might look like.
This was a very interesting book. It seems like a light hearted read but covers a lot of difficult issues.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes