Monday, August 10, 2020

Book Review - Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

 Jennifer Weiner is a reliable author - she writes rich characters, very real plot lines, and truly captures human emotions. Mrs. Everything, her latest, checks the boxes and delivers. 

Back blurb - Jo and Bethie Kaufman, born in 1950s Detroit, have a world of promise ahead. Jo's the tomboy. Bethie's the pretty good girl. But the 60s bring free love, Vietnam, Woodstock, and women's lib. Bethie goes counterculture. Jo is a proper young mother in CT with three girls. She's a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. 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?

Big issues - lesbianism, feminism, rape, religion (Jewish), race are all featured in this book. Mrs. Everything is not heavy handed. This is fiction, but it does make one think about the characters' choices. You do root for the sisters, and no matter, what they do end up having each other's back (No,  I'm not blowing any major plot point). Oh there's moments of frustration, guilt, and disappointment. 

But there's love and family. Darn good themes and read. 


11 comments:

  1. Great writer. Thank you for sharing.
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2020/08/name-change-after-marriage-tradition.html

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  2. Sounds a great book hope it does well.

    Enjoy your new week and keep safe.
    Yvonne.

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  3. Replies
    1. it tends to be that way. Close sisters, but oh so different

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  4. Sounds like a lot wrapped into one that paid off.

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    1. Her books tend to go that direction and she writes it well

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  5. Good summary of the book! I think a woman needs to be herself. :)

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    1. yep - you'd like this book. She writes strong characters

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  6. Always a relevant question: How should a woman be in the world? You do quite well at being, Joanne.
    Thanks for another good book suggestion.
    Cheers.

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    1. I try. You too - you are an excellent example of following your heart and staying true to ideals. That's what we need. Cheers my friend

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