A review by treberry
Don't Make Me Turn this Life Around by Camille Pagán, Camille Pagán

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25


Meet Libby, Libby is a 40 something year old wife and mother of 12 year old twins. Libby’s fresh on the grief train with her father passing 5 months ago. One of the twins has a serious health condition. And Libby’s husband hasn’t been giving up -or getting up - the goods. Libby is frustrated. Libby could very well be me.
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Lily received what should’ve been great news- she’s 10 years cancer free. But she’s so emotionally detached she can’t even find the joy in her results. Lily and her family took a trip to try to find a way to reconnect, but once they got to beautiful Puerto Rico, here comes a tropical storm.
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The panic, fears, feelings of sheer desperation & helplessness was palpable. Every emotion popped off the pages. I was so tuned in, wondering what could happen next, how are they going to survive this ordeal? Will Libby be able to weather the storm?
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I feel this book had a good balance of a comedic, realistic & sentimental twist on life. I always say life is a MF! Especially around your 40s when you’re dealing with kids, marrital issues, career, aging parents, finding purpose while trying to keep it all together. It can be too much!!
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I started to reflect on my life and my outlook on unexpected things that come my way. It helped me to see the power of optimism, positive thinking, not falling apart at the seams and expecting the worse in every situation. Also, how we have to express our true feelings and not try to put on a perfect facade.
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I really enjoyed the authenticity of the story and characters. I just adored seeing how going through a tough time together brought things into perspective, made them realize what’s really important and brought them closer than ever before.
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 It’s a feel-good story with lots of life lessons! If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, think, shed some tears and relate - I’d definitely recommend!!