Category: Book Reviews
Miracle Creek
The Bookshop on the Shore
This Is Home
Searching for Sylvie Lee
Mrs. Everything
Mrs. Everything
Fiction
Atria Books
June 11, 2019
E-book
480
Publisher via NetGalley
From Jennifer Weiner, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Who Do You Love and In Her Shoes comes a smart, thoughtful, and timely exploration of two sisters’ lives from the 1950s to the present as they struggle to find their places—and be true to themselves—in a rapidly evolving world. Mrs. Everything is an ambitious, richly textured journey through history—and herstory—as these two sisters navigate a changing America over the course of their lives. Do we change or does the world change us? Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise. Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life. But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after? In her most ambitious novel yet, Jennifer Weiner tells a story of two sisters who, with their different dreams and different paths, offer answers to the question: How should a woman be in the world?
My review:
I've enjoyed the previous books I've read by this author, and would probably put them in the "chick lit" category if pressed to pick a genre. This book is a bit of a diversion for her, and I think definitely crosses into the more mainstream fiction realm. While still maintaining her style of writing about women, Mrs. Everything ends up being so much more of a commentary on all sorts of women's issues that are front and center newsworthy. The story of two sisters that spans multiple decades, this one explores issues of sexuality, societal norms, the Me Too movement, communes, and much more. How these issues effect the two sisters and their relationship, is at the core of this one, and I thoroughly liked what I read. I was completely invested in both sister's stories, and despite a few slow spots, I thought the flow and pacing was great. There was a lot going on, and a lot to think about with this one. Upon reading interviews with Ms. Weiner and finding out that the book was loosely based on the life of her mother, I was even more impressed with the content. I was born in the late 50's, so a lot of the newsworthy events discussed were things that I lived through, making it a bit of a trip down memory lane.
I really liked this one (although All Fall Down still remains my favorite of Weiner's works). I though it was a great multi-generational story about the expectations put on women, and their ability to adapt and survive despite obstacles put in their way. Well done!
The Southern Side of Paradise
The Southern Side of Paradise
Peachtree Bluff
Fiction
Gallery Books
May 7, 2019
Advanced reader copy
400
Free from publisher
From internationally bestselling author and “rising star of Southern fiction” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author) Kristy Woodson Harvey comes the third novel in her Peachtree Bluff series, in which a secret threatens the tight-knit bond between a trio of sisters and their mother. With the man of her dreams back in her life and all three of her daughters happy, Ansley Murphy should be content. But she can’t help but feel like it’s all a little too good to be true. Meanwhile, youngest daughter and actress Emerson, who is recently engaged and has just landed the role of a lifetime, seemingly has the world by the tail. Only, something she can’t quite put her finger on is worrying her—and it has nothing to do with her recent health scare. When two new women arrive in Peachtree Bluff—one who has the potential to wreck Ansley’s happiness and one who could tear Emerson’s world apart—everything is put in perspective. And after secrets that were never meant to be told come to light, the powerful bond between the Murphy sisters and their mother comes crumbling down, testing their devotion to each other and forcing them to evaluate the meaning of family. With Kristy Woodson Harvey’s signature charm, wit, and heart, The Southern Side of Paradise is another masterful Peachtree Bluff novel that proves she is a “Southern writer with staying power” (Booklist).
My review:
Ansley and her three daughters are back in this third book in the Peachtree Bluff series. This is the conclusion to the series (or is it?) and things wrap up well. As in the first two books (which I do recommend reading in order, to experience the most complete immersion into the family), this book focuses on one of the sisters told in alternating chapters with mother Ansley. This is youngest daughter Emerson's story. Of course she is facing a dilemma and the family has to rally around to help her solve it. I enjoyed the independence of Emerson and her drive to further her career, but alas that usually comes with some cost. The words in Kristy's books seem to flow across the page. Great descriptive places, southern phrases, and likeable characters immerse you into the story. This book was my second favorite of the series. Nothing will compare to Slightly South of Simple as that featured one of my all-time favorite characters Caroline! Of course we still got some good quips from my girl in this one, along with the rest of the family chiming in at every turn. And let's not forget that the big secret the reader knows in book one is revealed in this part, creating yet another drama to weather. And for those who became fans of "coffee Kyle" in the last book, you will definitely want to find out what happens to him in this one!
A lovely series with lots of southern charm! I can highly recommend, especially for fans of southern writers Mary Alice Monroe and Mary Kay Andrews.