It's awfully early to say this is the best damn light read of the summer. Especially since some parents, teachers, and kids are not even out for the summer (Hi, Sis!) So I won't say it. I'll just nominate this novel and say I'll hold my real vote at the end of summer (wink, wink).
It qualifies as a light read because there are no longer-than-your-driveway sentences, it's not thicker or heavier than your Websters New Collegiate Dictionary, and it's written in a three-paragraph-per-section style, i.e., you can pick up the book soon after sitting your feeling-fat, matronly self down at Barton Springs Pool, surrounded by the hundreds of young, single, hip, tattooed, hard-bodied University of Texas coeds, and immediately jump right back into the story, without being distracted once.
I loved this book because Julia is such the anti-heroine. She reminds me of an all grown up and married with a kid version of Bridget Jones. And I lurrved Bridget Jones.
Julia's conversations with herself are such a contrast to the out loud conversations I have with the moms I run into.
You know the type, the I only buy organic, gluten-free, lactose-free, corn syrup-free type and the Gotta run, my son has a soccer tournament in Dallas and my daughter has a soccer tournament in Houston, busy day!! type and the I'm so tired I stayed up reading the entire Harry Potter series to my identically dressed, identically hair-styled triplets type.
The type where I walk away, thinking, My kids are soooo screwed.
But not true with Julia. This is a mom who writes honestly about her parenting foibles. Who shares her dissatisfactions within her marriage (read, mediocre to forgettable sex) . Who does all the wrong things, thinks all the most irreverent thoughts, hopes for all the most immoral endings.
And I loved her. Lots of cynical, gutteral sniggering in my beach chair.
My one complaint - I wish it were the size of my Websters New Collegiate Dictionary.
If you like self-loathing, sardonically witty, modern-parenting-trend-bucking moms who still have a naughty sex life, at least in their minds, and occasionally in real life, you might love Julia too.
26 comments:
Oh, I already do love her. And I'm going to put it on my nook. Now.
Another book to add to my summer reading list!
Fabulous - sounds like a great read. I will have to search for that one. Thanks much!!
Right now, at the library, looking for a light read. I'll see if it's in. Thanks! :)
I'll look for this one - I could use a light read. Wonder if it is available for download. Speaking of light - you might like laugh out loud Bill Bryson's Life and Times of Thunderbolt Kid (or something like that). It's my current read.
So - curious - why are your kids so screwed? Because you don't do any of those things or because you/they hang with those that do? :)
That does sound like a perfect summer read.
Count me as one those almost out of school people!
onelongjourney -- I don't mean much by it. Said very tongue in cheek. I very much do NOT see my kids as screwed. Although perhaps some moms might think my kids are screwed because I don't subscribe to the same parenting ideals.
Thanks for the Thunderbolt recommend. I'll check it out.
Oooh, another book t add to the pile! Thanks. (I figure it is way too late to worry about how much I messed up - so I may as well have a laugh.)
Oh my goodness. Visiting from Jason's tonight and I totally want to run out to the store and get this book. I will control myself and not leave the house right this second as it is midnight and I am pretty sure nothing is open. Thanks for the great book for my summer reading list!
PS I hate the skinny coeds at the pool. Darn it.
I love a good book tip -saves me from thinking !
So this goes on my list too!
can't wait!
Poodle, it's on the list. What else have I read by Guterson? Must go do Google now. Thanks for the tip!
Sounds great. She sounds like my kind of mother. I know the kind of women you are talking about. Their children were not allowed in my home. We had sugar and candy and toy weapons. They didn't allow that. Their children were usually horrid little monsters so we didn't want them either. And I think my boys grew up just fine. A little twisted but that's good too.
Hey it sounds great - I shall look for it. I've recently decided I must get a book to read that's just lovely and easy and instantly yummy fun stuff.
Sounds like another book I'm going to have to search for at the library.
Thank you for this. I was in Barnes and Noble last night wanting a good book and left with nothing
sounds like a great summer book -- just what i need. thanks for the recommendation
Ah - my comment was also tongue in cheek (I did put the little smiley - don't remember the tongue in cheek emoticon). And I know exactly the type of parents you were referring to :)
Didn't see the book at the bookstore this weekend and it's not available for download. I'll put it on a library hold.
Hey there - coming back to respond to your comment on my blog in case you didn't see my reply there ;)
Here's what I said:
Oh Doc... it was so awesome I can't even put it into words! Here's their menu...
Click on "Dinner" (top right) and then scroll to find the Porcini Mushroom Pappardelle... Oh. My. God.
ShaMoo and J-B each had a different chicken dish, but I couldn't tell you which ones, only that they said they were amazing. Knarf had one of the day's specials, which was the Elk, done medium-rare. We each tried a bit, and proclaimed it delicious!
Was that enough misery for you? ;) I just made myself hungry, dangit.
BTW: Today is our haiku-versary and challenge if you're interested in participating!
I like anti-heroines. I think they are very interesting.
Now, about you & your blog. In a recent post, I wrote about you & your blog. See for yourself:
http://caffeinatedglobe.blogspot.com/2010/06/outdoor-budget-breakfast-table-setting.html
it's on my list now! it will have to wait until I finish the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series, though.
I will put this on my list. I'm reading "Pretty in Plaid" by Jen Lancaster. Fun, light easy read.
That sounds like a really fun read :)
Haven't been blogging. Been reading on my new NOOK my dear husband gave me for my birthday! 40years! UGGHH! Looks like I have a new book to download! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some catching up to do here...
Maybe one day you'll give my book the same review. (You know... that book in my mind that I have YET to write. Hey, where is YOUR book you funny lady!?)
I just found your blog from your comments on Jocelyn's. Great to read! I appreciate the recommendation for a good book-always. Sounds like just what I need. Thanks!
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