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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Leave Me in Books

Feb 13, 2018  
Leave Me
Leave Me
Gayle Forman | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Maribeth is an overworked mother of four-year-old twins: busy dividing her time as an editor of a magazine, mothering her twins, and taking care of her household. But Maribeth is so busy she doesn't even realize she's had a heart attack. Once out of the hospital, Maribeth is shocked to realize that her mother and husband seem clueless when it comes to taking care of her (and in many ways, the household). Maribeth feels overwhelmed and frustrated. Angry at her husband, Jason, she packs a bag and flees her husband and the twins, basically starting her life over in another city. Once there, Maribeth makes new friends and starts a search for her own birth mother. But obviously she has left behind unresolved issues in New York, such as her husband and family. (Minor issue, right?)

Wow, this is quite a book, and honestly, I'm still processing some of my feelings about it. I've previously read two of Forman's YA novels (both of which I enjoyed), but this was my first time reading her foray into general fiction. For me, this book really hit home, considering I am an overworked mother of four-year-old twins, who juggles work and motherhood much like Maribeth. Lucky for me, my spouse isn't clueless like Maribeth's husband (in fact: she's lovely). I also don't have a mother who is basically totally worthless; I mean, seriously, how pathetic is Maribeth's mom? Can these people not help the woman mere weeks after she's had a freaking heart attack? The whole episode where Meredith's kids have lice and her spouse and mother flake on her had me completely stressed out.

In fact, there were honestly times reading this book that I felt my own heart hurting, both from Forman's realistic description of Maribeth's cardiac attack, as well as from the stressful scenario she's in. Forman does an excellent job of conveying the pressure Maribeth is under and the frustration she feels in her life--overwhelmed, alone, trapped, desperate. What mother hasn't felt that way at some point, and truly, what mother hasn't wanted to run away at times?

My issue with this book is that Maribeth actually does run away. It's really hard to believe she'd actually leave her kids - not for a week or two - but for a good chunk of time (and taking a sizable chunk of her family's savings with her). But, while I really didn't agree with all of her choices (they didn't truly seem realistic), I have to admit, I found myself liking the book in spite of them. The life Maribeth creates for herself away from her family is unique and readable, and her world away is compelling. My only beef: should a woman really have to leave for her spouse to appreciate all she does? I am not totally sure I agree with the message.

Overall, this book is different. It's not your typical contemporary fiction, but it's certainly worth reading. 3.5 stars (and leaves you thinking).

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 9/6.

<a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">My Blog</a> ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/justacatandbook">Twitter</a>;
  
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Louise (64 KP) rated Beside Myself in Books

Jul 2, 2018  
Beside Myself
Beside Myself
Ann Morgan | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I love a family drama mystery and the synopsis instantly pulled me in. Identical twins that swap places! surely the mother would realise or friends and family? Apart from the twins being identical in appearance their personalities are very different. Helen is the devious one, she has loads of friends and is confident, whereas Ellie is perhaps a bit behind for her age and has some social problems. One day Helen thinks it will be fun to play tricks on people by swapping identities and seeing whether they can tell. Only for Helen this is the biggest mistake of her life as Ellie doesn’t want to return to her former self and starts to reinvent herself and be Helen permanently. This lead Helen’s mental health to spiral out of control and becomes instantly labelled as a troublemaker by family and friends as she constantly tries to tell them that they have swapped. Years later when Helen has been cast out by her family, it’s only when a tragedy occurs that she is swept back into the drama by meeting her sister’s husband and daughter.

This book got a little confusing for me, I was having a little of a hard time of trying to keep up with who was who. At times I was skeptical towards the plot as it felt unrealistic in parts.The Mother was just an awful human being and treated her children badly.. This was difficult to read as Helen had such a tragic life and everything and one seemed to be against her. I would recommend reading if you enjoy family psychological drama.

Overall I rated this book 3/5 stars.
  
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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Magic Study (Study, #2) in Books

Feb 15, 2019  
MS
Magic Study (Study, #2)
Maria V. Snyder | 2006 | Young Adult (YA)
10
8.3 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
As much as I loved the first book, Poison Study, I loved this one even more! Somehow it just clicked more with me than with the last. Ms. Snyder seems to be developing her world and characters more solidly. For some reason I found Valek a little more unnerving and frightening in this, maybe because he's not in it as much and I took off my rose-colored glasses and actually saw his role as assassin. Who knows? I did miss the 'Power Twins', Janco and Ari and wished they could have been in it more, but overall it was a great book that I could not put down. I'm so glad the next book is only a month away, as I cannot wait to get to it!
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Hen of the Baskervilles (Meg Langslow, #15) in Books

Mar 9, 2018  
HO
Hen of the Baskervilles (Meg Langslow, #15)
Donna Andrews | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Meg is the assistant direct at the Un-fair, a local alternative to the state fair. The first morning things get off to a rough start with some vandalism and theft, including two heritage chickens from the chicken tent. Throw in tension in the wine pavilion and things are hoping before the dead body shows up.

While I didn't find this one as laugh out loud funny as some of the previous entries, I did really enjoy it. The plot was good and the characters - new and old - were fun. Meg's twins stole every scene they were in, too. Fans of the series or lighter cozies in general will love it.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-hen-of-baskervilles-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.