First of all, I’m not going to comment on the amazing line-up of television premieres last night because I haven’t watched them all yet. (Don’t worry, I will catch up this weekend.) I will say, however, that I watched Grey’s Anatomy – followed by a quick break to put Sam to bed and do a few little things around the house – and Parenthood and, basically, sobbed through both episodes. Pregnancy Hormones + Thursday Night TV = Hideous Elizabeth on Friday. Just in case you happen to see me today and think I look like I got beat up. 😉
Moving on…
So, way back at the beginning of August (I know), I read What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty and hosted book club at my house…
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was, by far, the best book I read all summer.
Here’s a little blurb from Amazon:
I really enjoyed that this book read like a “beach read”/ chick-lit, BUT it also really made me think.
Obviously, since I’m thirty years old, happily married, and pregnant with my second child, I could relate a lot to the “young Alice” character. I think all those “commonalities” are what drew me to the book to begin with. But, what really stuck with me long after I was done actually reading, was just how easy it was to fall into the trap of image/pressures/expectations and become someone entirely different over time. Thirty-nine year old Alice was, frankly, unlikeable. BUT, she too, was relatable. It scared me how many tiny glimpses of myself I saw in her – the way she took her marriage and other relationships for granted, the way she strived to “do it all,” the way she found her value in how nice her clothes were or how perfect her house was. If I’m really being honest, it’s a trap I stand dangerously close to already.
Based on our book club discussion, I wasn’t the only one who read this book more like a warning – almost as if the “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come” showed up in my dreams and gave me a tiny glimpse of what could happen if I let it. Not only that, but it helped put into perspective the incredible gifts of THIS season and helped me appreciate my husband, my family, my life just.as.it.is.
It was good.
Even months later, I find myself thinking about this book.
If you haven’t already, go read it.
E
P.S. I’m about a month late planning my Book Club for October. I haven’t even chosen a book yet folks. Please, what should we read? I need recommendations… Ready, set, go!