The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

In this collection of short stories by Jennifer Weiner we meet an assortment of characters struggling with both usual and unusual circumstances. We meet a new mother battling fatigue and bewilderment, trying to find her way through midnight feedings, sleeplessness, and wondering “what if I’d taken the alternative path?” We meet another mother finding her way to a support group and making an unlikely connection with a younger mother who surprises her with her pure and natural maternal instincts. And we meet another woman, older, alone, who is overtaken by two sisters who kidnap her inside her own home. Each of these characters and their plight reveals a slice of someone’s experience, a moment of a lived experience that we can peek in on and gain just a bit more insight, a bit more empathy.

In these various stories, Weiner manages to create, in so brief a time, characters that are as deep and authentic as you might find in a full-length novel. She creates stories that bring you in and leave you wanting more. Which is exactly my difficulty – perhaps my own impatience – with short stories. I just want more! Sure, short stories serve a purpose. They create vignettes that set a stage, make a point, relate an adage, perhaps, or even communicate an experience. But for me, I just find them frustrating. I am hooked, I am engaged, I am all in – and then, POOF! – it’s done! Just not fair.

On the other hand, if anyone can pull it off, it is Weiner. And these are quite well done. They are entertaining, engaging, and, well, leave you wanting more. Which is, I guess, the point?

 

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Marianne has always known that she is different from the other kids at school. She is used to being by herself, reading books alone through her lunch periods, and being somewhat anonymous. So when Connell, of all people, begins to show her attention, albeit in private, she is quite shocked. Of course they have known each other forever, as his mother has worked for years as a cleaner for her family, but they’ve never spoken before now. But the attention he now shows her and the relationship that has now developed, even though they do not acknowledge it in public, will come to change both of their lives forever.

I feel as if this is another example of a good idea that is just poorly executed. Marianne and Connell form a connection but it is not clear how deep that connection actually goes. Connell, begins as a typical, awkward, adolescent male, living mostly in his own head and for the purpose of creating an outwardly “cool” persona. On the other hand, Marianne starts out as a fairly mature adolescent with much self-awareness and respect for the social stratification in her school, keeping herself virtually outside it. But as they come together, we see how Marianne is forever being used and considers herself unworthy of being treated better than someone who should just be used. Connell is not ever brave enough to fully change this.

Why do I think it is poorly executed? While some frustration in the reader can create tension and can be a fine literary tool, I felt that the entire story here was frustrating, and that is not ok. We never fully get Marianne’s story, her family’s history, the full picture. We get glimpses of what she has endured, through scenes with her older brother, but we never really know what has occurred. We never really know why Marianne and Connell keep missing each other’s signals, why they can never fully communicate. And although we understand Marianne’s compulsion to be mistreated, that she feels she does not deserve to be treated better, we never know why it is Connell who gets psychological treatment and Marianne who does not. I felt stranded with more questions than answers by the end – and that was much more frustrating than satisfying. And, as you may know if you’ve read any of my prior entries, while I do not like everything in a story wrapped up with a perfectly tied bow, I also don’t think that the polar opposite needs to be the case.

In a word, I wouldn’t bother…

 

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Sasha, much to her dismay, has left her clean, shiny, new apartment to move into her husband’s family’s 3-story brownstone in the historic “fruit” section of Brooklyn. Mind you, she appreciates the generosity of her husband’s extraordinarily wealthy parents for letting them move in there, but when she was told to make it her own, there were a bit too many caveats. She could not change the dark, long curtains that hung in the huge windows, because, well, they’d been made especially for those huge windows and what would you possibly find to fit those? And you couldn’t think about replacing the shabby old couch, even though it had given her a rash when she’d sat on it – because, well, you know it came directly from the governor’s mansion. Nor could her sister-in-law’s entire bedroom be cleared of the junk in there, because, well, she had no idea why. It drove Sasha completely mad. In fact, the way the family clung to their traditions, and to each other, if she were entirely honest with herself, sort of drove her a bit mad. But she did love her husband, Cord. And wasn’t it worth it just to be with him? Or was it?

Apparently, this is this author’s first novel, and I have to say, I can’t wait for her next! I enjoyed this novel from the very first page until the end of the acknowledgements. Her writing is crisp, clever, witty and had me giggling along as often as I was empathizing with her utterly delightful characters. We hear the story not only from Sasha, an artist from a middle class upbringing from a suburb of Providence, RI (center of the universe!), but from her sisters-in-law, Darley and Georgiana, who are the ultimate in NY upper crust, and so privileged they are completely oblivious to how privileged they are; that is, until it hits them smack in their clear-skinned, tanned and tennis-playing faces.

I also hold a special place in my heart for the Rhode Island humor hidden deep in these pages. References to the quahog and its appropriate pronunciation, the use of the word “bubbler” (anyone know what that is???), and teaching their kid to speak Rhode Island – I was sold way before that, but that clinched the deal. It was pure poetry to my Rhode Island-born ears. While you might not guess I am from there from my accent, I still carry a very treasured place in my heart for that tiny state that is not, in fact, an island.

This novel addresses class difference and social justice with a sense of humor, a light touch, and a kindness that might be a bit generous, but it is also done in a way that is digestible. I for one loved it and, as I said, cannot wait to see what is next from this very promising author. Because of the pure fun I had reading this one, I’m giving it a MUST READ!

 

The Beach at Summerly

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Emilia, whom most on Winthrop Island know as Cricket, has had something of an idyllic upbringing. Although her family works for the Peabody family, who only grace the island during the summer, she has always seen no difference between herself and the Peabody boys with whom she and her siblings were constant companions from Memorial until Labor Day. But things appear changed for all of them now that each family has lost a son in the second world war, and the sons who have returned have done so having seen what the world could impose. When the Peabodys’ aunt shows up with her children and an offer of a job for Cricket, this opens up possibilities – and danger – for Cricket and for her family.

Once again, Beatriz Williams has written a wonderfully crafted novel with all the ingredients of a MUST READ. We love Cricket, because she is smart, loving, and trying her best to do what is right. Nevertheless, she is of course caught up in a tangle of historical fictional intrigue and there are more than a few sections that even I, who tries to really read every word of a book, found myself glossing over some to try to find out what happens, because I NEEDED to know!

In this novel, we also see how the “bad guys” are not always necessarily “bad,” but just victims of their own ideals. It can be quite easy to be swayed by ideas that feel right or pure. There was a time, for example, particularly after the market crash of the 1930’s when Marxism and communism may have appeared to be a sound alternative to economically vulnerable capitalism. An “equal” society might have seemed to be a fairer way to live when there was such a stark difference between the rich and the poor. It might even appeal today. Nevertheless, the countries who reign under these Marxist/communist theories obfuscated what was really going on in order to maintain these regimes – which was that any opposition of opinion or thought was being rooted out and violently suppressed. It was going on then, during and just after WWII, when Russia was considered an ally, and it is absolutely going on now.

This is both a well-researched, valuable historical perspective and an un-put-down-able work of fiction. The best combination, in my book!

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

This memoir, with its shocking title, was an irresistible read. Jennette McCurdy, a child star on iCarly, a 1990’s Nickelodeon hit, reveals her lived experience growing up with her mom, Debra McCurdy. From her earliest memory, Jennette learned that pleasing her mother would bring approval, peace and possibly even love – so this became her constant obsession. Whenever Jennette had her own thoughts or preferences, she would find that it was easier to suppress those and just go along with whatever her mother’s preferences were, even when it meant her doing the things she hated – including acting!

As shocking as the title is, so, too, are many of the details of Jennette’s life. So as not to give too much away, I will hold back on these, but suffice it to say, her mom was a narcissist, a hoarder, a pathological liar, and an abusive wife and mother. Nevertheless, this story is told with an admirable dose of humor, humility, and compassion, even when resentment and anger would be entirely justified. Jennette pays a heavy mental health toll for her upbringing and I am hopeful that writing this book was cathartic and therapeutic for her. I have to imagine it was.

One of the consequences for her that I will reveal – skip this paragraph if you plan to read it and don’t want to know anything about her before you do – is that she developed an eating disorder. In fact, at age 11, her mother actually instructed her in exactly HOW to have an eating disorder, which is more the point. They co-restricted, rejoiced together in how little they ate, almost competing in how few calories they might consume in a day, and monitored Jennette’s weight together as a mutual obsession. Her weight became a measure of how “good” she was, in every way possible. And this is how she learned to define herself, her weight truly defined her.

If you’ve read any of my other entries in this blog, you’ll know that this is not the usual genre that I read. I do not generally read about TV or pop stars. But this memoir had its own merits, not because of how famous Jennette is but more because of what she endured and what she fought to overcome. She is an admirable young woman and I hope that she continues to fight the good fight. I hope she succeeds in finding who she is underneath it all.

The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J Edwards and Alyson Richman

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

When Stella and William say a passionate farewell at the beginning of this story, they have no idea if they will ever reunite. William is an enslaved Black man in the South, escaping his master at the outset of the Civil War, and Stella is an equally indentured Black woman who technically is free but is “kept” by a White man for his “pleasure.” All William has is his flute and his magically musical ear, but this wins him a place by the side of his newfound friend, Jacob. Likewise, Jacob, a Jewish New Yorker, who has signed up on the side of the Union, with the dream of fighting to end slavery, has also bid goodbye to his true love, Lily. He also has no idea if he’ll be able to return to her, fearing the worst as he moves closer and closer to the front. All he can hope for is that her continued correspondence and her love for him will help him through his arduous fight.

This narrative was apparently based on true characters in the history of the two authors’ families. Each of them is writing about the marginalization and, particularly in the case of the Black men who fought for the Union, dehumanization, experienced by these soldiers. And how relevant is this story now? With the rise of antisemitism and racism that is rampant in this country – and worldwide – it is both tragically and unsurprisingly, unchanged. Both Jacob and William experience the feeling of being treated as less-than, socially, financially (William is paid less than his White counterparts in spite of doing their scut work), and in terms of supplies, food and healthcare. Moreover, I feel that many of us can, sadly, relate to the schism in Jacob’s family, as he finds that his brother sides with the South and defends the vile institution of slavery, while Jacob and Lily fight for abolition.

As a novel in itself, however, I feel it is just ok. While it tells an important story, and there are some gritty and heart-rending scenes, it is mostly on the predictable side and just a bit corny. A few coincidences are just too perfect and a few situations turn out just too well to believe.

On the whole, however, it is a worthy read and one can learn quite a bit about this slice of history, from a more insider, less glamorized perspective.

The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Maisie Dobbs is pulled in once again to a new case, when she learns of a young boy, a messenger in London during WWII, who is witness to a brutal murder. The problem is that those around her seem to not believe this young boy, who, to her, seems not only trustworthy, but also in danger himself and worthy of protection. So even while she is caught up in clandestine work for the British defense against the Axis forces herself, she cannot resist delving into the details of this case as well, even when it might put her and those around her in potential danger.

I should probably have read this series in the order they were written, because there are recurring characters and continuing story lines. Nevertheless, each book is a stand-alone novel and a story worth reading and I have found each that I have read engrossing, entertaining, and endearing. Each character is written with charm and wit and the relationships between the characters are quite beautiful. For example, the working relationship that has developed between Maisie and her assistant detective, Billy, has grown into a collegial and respectful,  and yet tender and caring one. They are a formidable yet wholesome team. 

This series is a fun mix of historical fiction and mystery/suspense that always achieves just the right grittiness and never disappoints.   

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

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Moshe never imagined himself worthy of such a catch as Chona, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the grocery store who, because of her limp, was reading in the back more than she was working in her father’s store. He was actually more focused on getting himself settled, out of debt, financing his theater, which he managed to do by inviting in the Negroes of the community of Chicken Hill as well as the Jews (a radical move in the early 1930’s in Pottstown, PA, where the KKK had its annual parade down the town center). But he managed to win her heart with his openness and his respect for her intelligence and free spirit. And they were happy together, their only disagreement being about where they should live, he believing they should move out of town, as most of their fellow Jews had, and she believing they were already home, with their Negro neighbors who had always been their friends and saw no reason for them to leave. Of course, he gave in to her, as he always had, knowing that their closest friends were right there with them, the Black couple who worked with them day in and day out, Nate and Addie. When this couple approached them with a request for a favor, Chona immediately said yes, setting them up for trouble they had no idea they were in for.

James McBride has a magical way of creating the most colorful characters who are flawed in the most gorgeous way possible. Chona, with her limp, her seizures, and her mysterious illnesses, is the most beloved character in all of Pottstown. Nate, with his inner turmoil and fury, has a quiet and kind exterior that earns him deep respect (and, yes, fear) from all who encounter him. And the bonds that form between these beautiful, sometimes comical, sometimes tragic characters, often of different races, are borne of longstanding histories of common suffering and oppression. By necessity, yes, but also by loyalty and friendship as well.

Herein also lies a commentary on how the mentally ill were treated at the time, which is to say that they were not treated at all, but rather locked away from society, and at the mercy of generally untrained, unkind, and unsupervised caretakers. Utter chaos reigned and heaven help anyone who was brought to one of these facilities. Moreover, it was a random path to finding oneself there, as “diagnosis” was random, not scientific at all. One could be physically ill, deaf, speak a foreign language, or just have a different view of life and find oneself declared mentally ill. And if you were not mentally ill when you first got there, the “treatment” there would ensure that you would be after a short time.

This is a powerful story, there are powerful commentaries on life in the US as non-white folks, and it is well worth the read. Don’t miss it!

 

 

 

 

Wellness by Nathan Hill

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Jack cannot help himself. He cannot look away from his window that faces the apartment across the alleyway from his – into the apartment of a woman who has captivated his heart. Somehow, he has found himself in love with her, or at least with everything he imagines to be her. And when he meets her, months later, Elizabeth seems to be everything he dreamed she would be. They connect on an instinctual level, sharing their affinity for all things non-conformist, radical 90’s music and art, rebellion against capitalism, an overall cynicism toward traditional life. But as they age, they fall into patterns they never expect – marriage, parenthood – that challenge their prior efforts to shed their respective, traditional, pasts. And gradually, their pasts slowly seep back into their present, as a reminder of who they really are, at their fundamental truth.

I honestly had varying reactions to this book as I read through it. There some passages that I felt were so unwieldy and wordy that I felt my eyes glaze over – but then there were other entire sections that were so well-written and brilliant that I was so glad I read the book. Overall, I felt it was worth the read and that it had multiple messages that were important, but it was not without its effort.

There is tremendous symbolism here, so much to learn from these characters. Both Jack and Elizabeth come from families with deep pathology, and both raised with minimal affection or love. This void is apparent both in their inability to communicate effectively and/or honestly to each other, and in the absence of meaning in what each of them do professionally (Jack’s photography without taking pictures and Elizabeth’s use of only placebo to treat her clients). They deal in nothingness, as one character accuses them of – and this deeply resonates.

Where the narrative becomes onerous is in the occasional weedy explanations that feel like rabbit holes the author drags us down. For example, we are taught in mind-numbing detail about the algorithms of Facebook and how they operate to create the echo chambers we find ourselves in. And yes, it allows us to see just how Jack’s father, much to Jack’s chagrin, has become radicalized, step by step, committed to his conspiracy theories and deeply entrenched in a subculture of lies – but we might have learned this in a few paragraphs rather than a few chapters.

Overall, however, it is a clever story, with layers of detail and plot lines, interesting characters, and lessons to learn. Not a MUST READ, as I had been expecting, but it is a worthy read in the end, in my opinion.

 

 

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

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Sasha has reached her limit. She can no longer keep up with the emails, the workload, the exasperating demands that her boss keeps piling on with unrealistic expectations because of their absurdly short staffing. When she tries to express this to his brother, the founder of the company, she is so rudely ignored that her anger drives her to a breakdown of sorts. Within days, she finds herself “getting away from it all” to a beach resort that does not exactly measure up to her memory of what it had been in her youth. But she rises above, goes with the flow, as they say, and she finds that ultimately, she is able to find her way to being more honest both with others and with herself about what she needs to be happy and fulfilled.

This story is one of those lighthearted indulgences that you take with you on a vacation and read with pure pleasure. There is no work to it, there is no deep thought – it is just good, clean fun. Sophie Kinsella is reliable for this – for sweet, charming characters that will soften your heart and make you giggle and give you a chance to escape from our crazy world for just a bit. We know where the story will ultimately lead and we know it will all be ok – and sometimes, we just NEED to know that it will all be ok.

A delightful escape novel for those looking for one…!