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A review by mrsfligs
A Job You Mostly Won't Know How to Do by Pete Fromm
4.0
When I first started this book, I didn't think I was going to like it. But, because I was obligated to provide a review for the Amazon Vine program, I persevered and I'm so glad I did. By the end of the book, I was in tears -- probably for the last 50 to 75 pages or so.
This is a book that sneaks up on you. Fromm's writing style takes a bit of getting used to. (It was the reason why I didn't want to stick with the book in the first place.) It felt a bit choppy and was hard to get into. But, as I read, this style started to work its magic on me. I became invested in the story and the characters.
The story is simultaneously a quiet one and a huge loud one. Taz loses his beloved wife Marnie when she gives birth to their first child. (This isn't a spoiler ... it says it on the book jacket.) The rest of the book chronicles the first two years after this event. There aren't chapters ... rather, transitions are measured in the number of days since the baby's birth.
As bleak as it sounds (and there are very bleak and haunting moments), there are also moments of comic relief--mostly provided by Taz's best friend Rudy. You need a friend like Rudy in your life if you experience such a devastating blow--someone who knows you and loves and you but won't let you wallow or suffer or stay rooted in your grief. I thought Rudy was a great character -- I just loved him.
By the end, you'll be rooting for Taz to take a step forward and begin engaging with life again. I thought this book was heartfelt and well-done and it is one that will stay with you for quite some time.
This is a book that sneaks up on you. Fromm's writing style takes a bit of getting used to. (It was the reason why I didn't want to stick with the book in the first place.) It felt a bit choppy and was hard to get into. But, as I read, this style started to work its magic on me. I became invested in the story and the characters.
The story is simultaneously a quiet one and a huge loud one. Taz loses his beloved wife Marnie when she gives birth to their first child. (This isn't a spoiler ... it says it on the book jacket.) The rest of the book chronicles the first two years after this event. There aren't chapters ... rather, transitions are measured in the number of days since the baby's birth.
As bleak as it sounds (and there are very bleak and haunting moments), there are also moments of comic relief--mostly provided by Taz's best friend Rudy. You need a friend like Rudy in your life if you experience such a devastating blow--someone who knows you and loves and you but won't let you wallow or suffer or stay rooted in your grief. I thought Rudy was a great character -- I just loved him.
By the end, you'll be rooting for Taz to take a step forward and begin engaging with life again. I thought this book was heartfelt and well-done and it is one that will stay with you for quite some time.