Donna

Back in the Burbs

Revisado: 11-21-21

The story
Mallory is a 35-year soon to be divorced wife of Carl, an NYC attorney. She gave up her law studies to work while he studied and held back in so many parts of her life to allow him to succeed. When her great aunt Maggie dies and leaves her house in New Jersey, Mallory decides she won’t sell the house but will move in and fix it up herself. But the house that’s filled with Maggie’s years of hoarding also has a very long string of HOA violations. Mallory’s savings are unlikely to stretch to fixing even the worst of the problems. But there is an attractive neighbour who looks very good in his suit and a younger contractor who seems to be interested than more than just the work on the house. Will Mallory be able to find herself at the same she is cleaning up the house?

My thoughts
This was such a fun listen. So many times I laughed out loud at Mallory’s self musings and extremely honest thoughts. She is trying to find herself, work through her baggage and in this she comes to realise some sad family issues and things that she realises have shaped who she is. Nick the neighbour is also an attorney although kind and helpful compared to her dodgy ex. It took time (and a lot of musings which could have been shorter) but eventually Mallory and get Nick get there.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Lovely listen

Revisado: 11-15-21

The story
Vera pulls over to the side of the road in New Jersey when she finally reaches a customer service representative from the website developer she is using for her business. Her business, Date-in-a-box is participating in an Expo in a few days and she needs to have the site working to demo her service. After years of giving up on things before finishing, she needs this to work to show herself and her family she can follow through. Kal is on the other end of the phone line. The longest phone call to customer service ever…. In that time, Vera’s phone battery is running low, her car battery has died and she ends up having to get her car towed. And the attraction between Vera and Kal is fizzing. Vera isn’t sure if Kal has a partner already and Kal is nervous to find out if Vera is available, but they really want to know!

My thoughts
This is the first story of Cara Bastone’s that I have read or listened to and it was so so good. A sweet story about finding happiness and someone that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. And in this audio version, the brilliant background sounds (the cat, incoming messages, the grocery store) and funny dialogue all combine to be one brilliant audio experience. I am just so glad that there is a follow up book in the series waiting on Audible Originals for me to listen to. Such a goodie 🥰

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Enjoyed the information!

Revisado: 10-29-12

What made the experience of listening to Made in America the most enjoyable?

Such interesting history behind how words come into existence. The book has so much information and research behind it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Made me think about the mother-daughter bond

Revisado: 08-27-12

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the travel elements mixed with the background to their relationship. A good listen.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Really enjoyed this book!

Revisado: 05-31-12

What made the experience of listening to The Paris Wife the most enjoyable?

I found the story fascinating, and it felt like Hadley Hemingway was telling you her story directly to you.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hadley Hemingway - her honesty and frank telling of her story of the time with Ernest.

Which character – as performed by Carrington MacDuffie – was your favorite?

Hadley Hemingway

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, just looked forward to listening to the story!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña