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maryk8 's review for:
Mrs. Everything
by Jennifer Weiner
I always enjoy Jennifer Weiner's books, and this one, even though it was 19 CDs long, held my attention. We follow sisters Jo and Bethie from their childhood in suburban Detroit in the 50's, their teens and 20's during the 60's and 70's civil rights movement, and into the 21st century as they and their families experience the highs and lows of life and adapt to the results of their choices and the opportunities society gives women. This would be a great book for a book club discussion as she covers most of the major women's issues of the past 70 years, and the choices women made based on the options available to them at the time. Some of the issues may be uncomfortable to some readers - including same-sex relationships, interracial relationship, sexual abuse, prejudice. However, Weiner's well-developed characters will hopefully help people develop more compassionate opinions of people who are victims or have made lifestyle choices that differ from the readers.
June 2021
I reread this because I noticed that one of the local libraries is having a discussion of this book. Still very enjoyable the second time through. The issues of the book seemed to stand out more this time though after having two daughters navigate major life changes - starting college and graduating from college and starting a career - during the pandemic. Also, during the two years since I first read this book, there have been major social movements regarding Me Too, race relations, and homosexual rights, which makes one reflect on how long these changes took and how much work there still is too do.
One thing that I did notice this time I listened to the audiobook, is the extensive descriptions. While this is nice for nostalgia and character development, it could have been edited, maybe two, not three or four songs listed when describing the music the characters listened to, or describe a few key articles of clothing they were wearing, not the entire outfit. At times it seemed like every object in the room was being described in detail.
June 2021
I reread this because I noticed that one of the local libraries is having a discussion of this book. Still very enjoyable the second time through. The issues of the book seemed to stand out more this time though after having two daughters navigate major life changes - starting college and graduating from college and starting a career - during the pandemic. Also, during the two years since I first read this book, there have been major social movements regarding Me Too, race relations, and homosexual rights, which makes one reflect on how long these changes took and how much work there still is too do.
One thing that I did notice this time I listened to the audiobook, is the extensive descriptions. While this is nice for nostalgia and character development, it could have been edited, maybe two, not three or four songs listed when describing the music the characters listened to, or describe a few key articles of clothing they were wearing, not the entire outfit. At times it seemed like every object in the room was being described in detail.