Litsy

The Wrap-up: 21 Days to Learn What the Bible Teaches About the End of the Age | Kay D. Paulson

May Stats: 11 books (2 short, 1 #chunkster, and 8 regular):

FAVORITES:
#SometimesILie
#GirlsNightOut - #arc (July ‘18)
#ImFineAndOtherLies - loved the #audiobook
#WhatHappened (chunkster)
#TheDeathofMrsWestaway - #arc (available now)
#You

Others:
#InConclusionDontWorryAboutIt (short)
#OurKindOfCruelty - ARC #BOTM (available now)
#OPH - #LitsyBuddyRead
#Wildflower - hated the audiobook
#DownwardDog - arc (short)

#ReadingResolutions - #MayStats

Jess7

Jess7 #MayWrapUp #JpMayBooks #JPgoodreads #Jpgoodreadschallenge 6y

Andrew65 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌 6y

Samplergal ❤️ loved downward dog. What a quirky little book and show. 6y

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morevna When does a book qualify as a chunkster? Also, I love this term 😍😂 6y

Jess7 Haha! Thanks! I‘ve seen other people use the term. I‘m not 100 percent sure — but it was thick. I think it might have been over 600 pages but I‘m not 100 percent on what qualifies - maybe just whatever you consider large? 🤗 @morevna 6y

britt_brooke @jess7 Great month! I consider anything over 500 pages a chunkster, but I think it‘s subjective. 😄 @morevna 6y

Karkar I think it is totally subjective. I think anything over 500 pages is a chunkster. 6y

laurenlovesliterature 😮😮😮😮👏👏👏👏 6y

Jess7 Thanks this only happens when my previous month‘s stats were like 2-4 books — bc a lot of these were started the previous month. I always have like 2, then 11, then 3 or 4, etc... Low months followed by high months lol @laurenlovesliterature 6y

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LitsyBuddyRead

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

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Final discussion starts now!!!

Don't forget to tag people in your comment so they can discuss with you!!

#OPH #LitsyBuddyRead @Jess7 @MinDea

LitsyBuddyRead How did everyone like this book? Was there a character/situation that you enjoyed most? Did you relate to anyone or any household at all? What about this book did you not enjoy, if anything? 7y

Jennifer3 I loved the story because of the writing and the humor. It made it a fast and fun read for me. Favorite character was Frances because she seems to be the glue that keeps everyone in her family together and she does the same with the carpool. Anne was my least favorite because she was selfish when she had the affair but at the same time she didn‘t seem to recognize that she was unhappy or why: 7y

SandyW I really liked Frances too. She was what kept me going. But I have to say, I wouldn't recommend the book. I didn't care for the ending at all. And I hated the way Waxman trivialized Anne's behavior. She didn't make a mistake. She had an ongoing affair. That involves a conscious decision to engage in (IMO) inexcusable behavior. Behavior that you know will damage your marriage and deeply wound your spouse.p 7y

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Jennifer3 @SandyW I agree she did trivialize the affair and I certainly don‘t think I could forgive my spouse. However, I loved the relationship with Ava and Frances so much that I would recommend the book to others. And Frances and Michael were a good pair. 7y

Cinfhen I thought the writing was fun and I felt like I was getting a taste of Abbi Waxman, the person. I thought the running away story line was really lame and a poor way of wrapping up the story. I was surprised/ sad to discover why Julie was living apart from her family. This isn‘t a literary masterpiece but it was a quick, enjoyable read. I would read this author again when I‘m in the mood for something light! 7y

Cinfhen Thanks @MinDea @jess7 for the buddy read!!! What‘s up for June?? (edited) 7y

MinDea @Cinfhen June's book is The Animators! It actually starts in May. Would you like to join? 7y

SandyW @Jennifer3 (Love your Avatar.) I enjoyed Frances and Ava's relationship too. You can just feel the good parenting. And I thought Frances and Michael were good together. And you do go through periods of time in a marriage where sex isn't a priority. But I don't believe Ann and Charlie have even the remotest possibility of getting back together. & to do it because the kid wants to live with mom? That doesn't serve anyone's interests in the long run 7y

Cinfhen I read it already!! Thanks @MinDea do u have the schedule moving forward?? 7y

SandyW @Cinfhen Agree entirely about the running away. I thought Julie's rationale was interesting. It certainly would preserve her young sons childhood as long as possible. 7y

Jennifer3 @SandyW I agree on Anne and Charlie, his anger seemed so intense and staying together for the kids doesn‘t mean it will be a healthy environment for them oftentimes it makes things worse than a separation would. 7y

mcctrish This book reminded me of Big Little Lies without the murder. It was a light without being complete fluff. I did like Frances the most but I feel she was the character that was most filled out. She was the lynchpin of the novel. I did enjoy it and I have recommended it already. I don‘t think Anne‘s affair was trivialized though @Jennifer3 I think Anne had an affair for the same reason men through the ages have #midlifecrisis 7y

Jennifer3 @Cinfhen I liked that it was an easy quick read. But I agree the running away wrap up was almost too easy and a bit silly. 7y

Jennifer3 @mcctrish That is a good point sometimes there isn‘t a lot of thought behind an affair, I guess myself and @SandyW wanted it to be handled a little more seriously because the book did have some humor. I think Frances was most developed because it is a reflection of Abbi Waxman or someone in her life. 7y

TheRomantiCate Frances ended up being my favorite, as I had predicted... I ended up not liking Charlie OR Anne. Charlie was pretty cruel and just turned into a spurned man caricature and when he got drunk and Bill punched him, I was glad. I thought that the plot line of Julie and Bill‘s relationship hit me harder than expected and was pretty sad but I loved the conversation with Julie and Frances... I also liked Ava and would‘ve liked a bit more development... 7y

janeycanuck I thought this one was light & fun, especially given how heavy some of the topics were that it covered. I had a couple of good laugh-out-loud moments, which is always welcome. I felt like maybe some things maybe were wrapped up too quickly - a little bit too much laying of ground work for too little payoff. But a fun read, I enjoyed it. 7y

Suelizbeth I liked Frances the best. Her relationships are warm and real, and she showed some backbone when she let Anne have it with both barrels when the boys were missing. I loved her relationship with her cousin Iris, and I loved Iris and Sara‘s relationship. I guess the simple moral of the entire book is, however difficult it may be, never stop trying to honestly talk, and talk honestly, to your loved ones. 7y

MinDea @Suelizbeth @janeycanuck @TheRomantiCate @Jennifer3 @mcctrish @SandyW @Cinfhen I agree with a lot of what you all have already said. I enjoyed this book for what it was. A peak into the house and lives of the people you interact with all the time. You never really know what someone is going through or what happens behind closed doors. I think there was a lot that Waxman could have built on like Ava, Sara and Iris, Julie and Bill. 7y

MinDea I felt like she touched on them but really didn't develop their stories which was a little disappointing. I really enjoyed the humor and liked how relatable everything was. I personally didn't feel that the affair Anne had was trivialized. I have known a few friends who have had affairs. I get both sides of the coin. I think it is hard to judge someone's situations or actions when you don't know what they are feeling and going through. 7y

Jennifer3 And if you think about it @MinDea That was how it was advertised on the cover. It was a peek into their lives and I still looked forward to reading it. 7y

MinDea It is definitely a hurtful and damaging act, having an affair, but I also think some people.have one not thinking of the consequences or how anyone else will feel about it. Mainly because they don't think they will get caught or aren't thinking of anyone else but themselves. However when they do realize how hurtful it is they then realize what a mistake it was. How bad their actions were. 7y

TheRomantiCate @MinDea yes definitely!! It‘s a good book for what it is and it does bring up the point about being open and honest with your loved ones like @Suelizbeth says. I also love the irony that Richard is the one that brought the boys back home... 7y

MinDea But I really loved how this ONE action affected all the lives around her because that is so true. You just don't realize how your actions can reverberate and affect other things. I also found the ending very disappointing. I didn't like the kids running away and I didn't like that Anne and Charlie ended back together! But overall I enjoyed this book. Super quick read, had some really funny moments and was relateable. 7y

MinDea @Jennifer3 yes! You are so right. It is advertised that way. I just wanted MORE!! 😀 7y

MinDea @TheRomantiCate ha! Yes. That was interesting. And poor sad pathetic Richard. He really had no idea what he got himself into. Just that he thought he was in love with Anne. How blinded. 7y

Jennifer3 @MinDea I did too because the topics are all so relevant! Marriage - sex, getting older, changing, raising kids together; relating to your kids especially teenagers; friendships; the gossip mill we all live in; health...on and on all things that I would have loved to see developed more. 7y

TheRomantiCate @MinDea I just thought it was funny how he kept popping up, like in the art store with Ava and Frances 7y

Suelizbeth How many cat lovers laughed out loud at the last line of the book? For me, it saved the ending from being maudlin. 7y

Currey @MinDea I enjoyed the read and appreciated Frances but ultimately found Anne, Richard and Charlie‘s characters and situation too simplified. The ending just didn‘t pull off the dynamics of the neighborhood. She is a good writer though, maybe her next book 7y

britt_brooke This was a quick, easy one which is just what I needed. I laughed a lot, too. I was annoyed by how much Frances‘s weight was mentioned. Total overkill. I really like her character and identified with her the most. I just wish her and hubby could figure out their sexual relationship, though. 7y

Jess7 I liked the commentary in this book a lot. Overall I liked Francis the most. Her observations were funny and witty. I didn‘t care for the neatly wrapped up ending and I wish it had a little more depth to either the characters or the plot, but it was an easy, light, enjoyable read @MinDea @Jennifer3 @SandyW @Cinfhen @mcctrish @TheRomantiCate @janeycanuck @Suelizbeth @Currey @britt_brooke 7y

The_Heeler_Booklife I really loved this book and read it a few months ago. I don‘t have children, but I found the book refreshing with the day to day interactions, the comedy from children, and the neighbors. My favorite part was when the child was running around saying that their dad said they could be a toilet when they grow up. 7y

Valeka Such a quick read!!! I did fall behind because of LIFE but I did enjoy it very much. Most of the characters felt real to me. I think Abbi Waxman did a great job in capturing the way people interact and communicate with each other. 7y

TracyReadsBooks Everything @Jess7 said—ending was a little abrupt & definitely neat and tidy. It definitely felt as if we skimmed the surface of these characters, their lives, & their problems. I would have enjoyed more depth & complexity. Interaction between Frances & Ava remained the most interesting & Frances the most likable. Not a fan of either Charlie & Anne or how that whole situation was resolved BUT it was a quick, fun read with some witty dialog. 7y

Jennifer3 @TracyReadsBooks and @Jess7 You‘re summaries were so eloquent and it summed up how I felt about the book. And sometimes you need a light, easy read so that is why I enjoyed this selection. 7y

theokiereader I liked the book more by the end than I did at the beginning. However, I did not like the ending. Like everyone has said, it was too wrapped up in a neat-and-tidy bow. When Richard was revealed to be the one outside Anne‘s apartment, I thought, “Here we go.... he‘s going to try to kill her or kidnap her or something.” Then, nothing. And I‘m sorry, but if my Husband called me the things that Charlie called me IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD, 👇 (edited) 7y

theokiereader I would NOT have gotten back together with him. I also agree with @SandyW . Anne‘s affair seemed trivialized, and Charlie seemed unnecessarily demonized. You could have showed Charlie‘s hurt without making him call Frances fat and making him the villain in the story (because, let‘s be honest— he was the villain by the end). I did love Frances‘ character and Julie‘s storyline. I think Julie‘s diagnosis and subsequent story was a beautiful addition. (edited) 7y

KateFulfordAuthor If you need a recommendation to follow this, may I point you to my People‘s Book Prize nominated debut? Sassy female narrative, laugh out dialogue and a pacy plot. Check the link in the bio for 2 free chapters, reviews and more. 6y

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LitsyBuddyRead

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

Happy Sunday! The final discussion for Other People's Houses is about to start. Please look for the post marked spoiler to join the discussion! We hope you all enjoyed the buddy read for this book and look forward to discussing with everyone!

#OPH #LitsyBuddyRead @Jess7 @MinDea

LitsyBuddyRead @Deidre-Dee-OfficialBookworm @BlameJennyJane @susanbones @kspenmoll @mrozzz @christine11 @JamieArc @suelizabeth @Deidre-Dee-OfficialBookworm @Jennifer3 @tracyreadsbooks @carolyn11215 @TheRomantiCate @Austen_Nerd @samplergal @mcipher @cajunsyd @Bookishgal71 @austink1 @marywag08 @JaclynW @lazydays @dgingo @ephemeralwaltz @SALeahey @rjnellie @Booknerd9906 @VirginiaRevel @Jaayimee @sresendez12 @JenaJenkins @CherylSwafforsWriter @everfree7 7y

LitsyBuddyRead @kstadt929 @Q84 @valeka @TheRomanticCate @kdgorgon88 @alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @SandyW @mdargusch @pamwurtzer @MissAimz_55 @suelizabeth @bookishme @christine11 @Britt_Brooke @Mrozzz @Laughterhp @mcctrish @tif @janeycanuck @darklydreaming @Purrfectpages @MrsTammyBrown @SandyW @Rachel.Rencher @ofbooksandme @cinfhen @allthingskayla @Lissa00 7y

Suelizbeth @LitsyBuddyRead I appreciate being included in the list, but I‘m not getting the notifications because it‘s actually “suelizbeth” not “suelizabeth”. Thanks. 7y

rjnellie I finished so late but I really really loved this book! I loved Frances & her whole family the most but found almost all of the characters intriguing. Loved this one much more than I thought I would. 7y

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Jess7

The Animators: A Novel | Kayla Rae Whitaker

I‘m excited for our final discussion of #OPH and beginning #TheAnimators 🎥🎞 for #LitsyBuddyRead 📚

Day 20: #colorfulcover 🌈 #ReadingResolutions #coverlover #bookphotography #botm #bookofthemonth #bookclub #coverlove #covercrush 😍

MinDea, Jess7, LitsyBuddyRead

Cinfhen Pretty pic 💗 7y

Jess7 Thanks! I‘m trying out flowers in my book photos. Once I get a bit better at it there will be more to come :-) @Cinfhen 7y

Cinfhen It‘s already working 😍 7y

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BooknerdsLife Gorgeous photo 🌸💖 7y

erzascarletbookgasm This pic 👌👍🌸🌼🌻🌷🌹 7y

britt_brooke Pretty!! 7y

TheFunkyBookworm Gorgeous!!! 7y

ladym30 Stunning photo! 7y

Jess7 Thank you @Cinfhen @BooknerdsLife @erzascarletbookgasm @britt_brooke @TheFunkyBookworm @ladym30 7y

140 likes9 comments

Jess7

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

pick

3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ It is more of a so-so than a pick, but I‘m giving it a pick because it‘s at the top of the so-so category. It was a quick, easy read. I enjoyed Francis‘s witty commentary, but the characters were not very deep, the plot was lacking, and the ending was just meh. BUT if you‘re looking for a light-happy read this is a good book for you, because despite the serious topics, it just brushed the surface. #litsybuddyread #jpbookreview

MinDea, Jess7, LitsyBuddyRead

britt_brooke I was torn between so-so and pick, too. I ended up going with (3-star) pick just for Frances‘s humor. It was entertaining. 7y

Jess7 Same!! @britt_brooke with out her humor this would probably be solidly in the low so-so for me. 7y

Jess7 @JillR here is my review of #oph 6y

Jess7 #thegreeneyedreader 6y

JillR @jess7 thank you 👍 6y

100 likes5 comments

LitsyBuddyRead

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

This post contains spoilers

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Week 2 discussion for Other People's Houses starts now!!! Don't forget to tag people in your comments so they can discuss more with you!

#OPH #LitsyBuddyRead @Jess7 @MinDea #OpenDiscussion

Jess7 I am enjoying the book so far. I am liking Francis‘s personality more since Anne was caught. She doesn‘t seem as judgmental as she came off in the first section. Her one liners still make me laugh 7y

Jess7 I like that Francis came to Anne‘s defense when the judgmental woman they barely knew started gossiping about Anne at the soccer game. I thought the observations made about how people (including Francis) can be quick to judge someone and gossip about a situation when it doesn‘t hit close to home probably reign true for many people (edited) 7y

Jess7 I personally hated Charlie‘s response to finding out his wife cheated. I absolutely get being upset, but how he acted with her around the kids really bothered me. It‘s hard to say how I would act having not been in that situation around kids, but I really don‘t think I would ever tell them that their parent cheated on me. I thought that was uncalled for 7y

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MinDea @Jess7 I completely agree. Francis came off as very judgemental and opinionated about Anne's situation in the first section but seems to have at least understood that although Anne made a mistake and shouldn't have done what she did she still doesn't need to be gossipped about and rumor mongered about. I really like that she stuck up for her. She definitely tried to do the right thing. And sometimes that is all you can hope for in someone. 7y

MinDea For someone to try to do the right thing. 7y

MinDea I find Richard to be a tad pathetic. I don't really feel and for him. Does anyone else feel that way? Or am I sounding heartless? 😆😆 7y

Jess7 Very true @MinDea I was also impressed that she walked to meet Anne and show her kindness, and I liked her response to Charlie when he was being a bit immature in my opinion (at the soccer game) 7y

Jess7 I also think Richard is a bit unstable. Not saying it isn‘t realistic, but he is not doing himself in favors in terms of having any kind of relationship with Anne. His immaturity about the entire situation is showing. @MinDea 7y

Jess7 @britt_brooke what were your thoughts about Richard when we pined over Anne and told Francis he loved Anne at the ice cream parlor ? 7y

theokiereader I‘m starting to not like this book for several reason. First of all, why do all of the SAHMs have to be overweight and described as not caring about their appearance? Second, why is Anne the victim? Should she be gossiped about ruthlessly? No. The way the news traveled around the community was wrong. But, how come people are talking about poor Anne but not poor Charlie? Charlie was nothing but sweet to her, and she cheated on him with....👇 7y

britt_brooke @MinDea @Jess7 Richard is completely pathetic and selfish. So is Anne, IMO. Thankfully, I‘ve never been in this situation so I have trouble empathizing with either of them. They both suck. Charlie is also a hot mess, but I‘m not saying I‘d be less angry given the circumstances. 7y

theokiereader The whiniest college professor in the history of college professors. This wasn‘t a little mistake— it was a big mistake. Charlie has every right to be as upset as he was. Now, throwing her out without letting her get clothes was wrong, but he let her back in the house as soon as he cooled off. That sounds pretty darn human to me. I‘m interested to see where the story line goes in regards to Francis‘ marriage. Something is obviously building there. 7y

britt_brooke @marywag08 The incessant talk about Frances being overweight really started wearing on me. She‘s had 3 kids for Pete‘s sake. 7y

theokiereader @britt_brooke And if they talk about Ava‘s hormones one more time.... 😂😂 7y

britt_brooke @marywag08 😆 Yes! Poor thing. 😬 7y

MinDea @marywag08 @britt_brooke I would agree there is a lot of stereoryping going on. Francis being overweight, Eva and her hormones, etc. I think what I got out of this was "this is life". If you can look past some of the frustrating stereotypes you can see that everyone has their own problems, struggles, ways they deal with things, hopes, fears, goals, etc. I think that makes this book relatable on that level. 7y

MinDea Yes, Anne made a horrible mistake and really messed up. However does she deserve to be kept from her kids, humiliated and gossiped about? I don't think so. If I were Charlie would I be mad, hurt, upset, angry? Oh God yes! I don't know if I am a public sort of person about my feelings so I probabaly wouldn't have done what he did (locking her out, yelling at her at the soccer game, etc) but he has every right to feel the way he does. 7y

Jess7 I‘m not on Anne‘s side. I don‘t think what she did was right or ok. I just think Charlie needs to get it together in front of the kids. Personally if I were ever in that situation I don‘t think I would fell the kids my husband cheated on me unless or until they were much older. I just wouldn‘t want there to be a chance of them hating their dad (or in this case hating the mom). I just didn‘t like how he acted in that particular situation. @marywag08 7y

Jess7 So I think that‘s why I mentioned it. I get being upset, wanting her to move out of the house, yelling, being upset etc... I dont even really fault him for the big fight he had at the house (although I wish he had not of done that). I think my dislike of Charlie really comes down to the moment when he told the one kid about what happened. @marywag08 that felt very selfish and didn‘t feel like he was thinking about the repercussion of that 7y

Jess7 As for the portrayal of the SAHM - I felt like that was mainly aimed at Francis in particular, but I‘m not sure that‘s how the book is conveying all SAHMs, but maybe I just didn‘t catch those parts. @marywag08 @britt_brooke - I love Francis‘s quick wit and sarcastic comments. I‘ve laughed a lot. @MinDea (edited) 7y

theokiereader @MinDea I personally wouldn‘t call Charlie‘s actions “keeping her away from her kids.” He actually seems to be giving her quite a bit of access this early on in the process. Most couples going through a divorce would not openly invite the cheating spouse to a soccer game, for example. I‘ve seen some friends go through family court, and it‘s very rarely pleasant. Charlie seems willing to work with Anne, IMO. It‘s kinda a classy move on his part. 7y

MinDea @Jess7 @marywag08 yeah, maybe I missed that but I thought Anne and Iris were both described as skinny, happy, easy going stay at home moms. Each with their own problems but I guess I don't picture them as overweight or disheveled like I did Francis. 7y

Jess7 I agree @marywag08 @britt_brooke @MinDea Richard is a bit hopeless and thoroughly naive 7y

MinDea Have you finished the book @marywag08 ? 7y

theokiereader @Jess7 @MinDea I actually support telling the kids what happened more than the fight in the neighborhood. 😂😂 The fight in the neighborhood was public shaming. However, telling the kids was necessary. If he didn‘t explain what happened, the kids might think that Anne left because she didn‘t want to be their mommy anymore. The fact that he invited her over for that conversation was again kind of a classy move, IMO. 7y

MinDea I agree. Some people definitely have ugly awful knock out custody battles. I personally went through that with my parents when they got divorced. I also know quite a few people who have amicably split and have been very good about how they handle the kids. I think everyone handles divorce differently. It isn't easy to fun for anyone. 7y

britt_brooke @MinDea I agree, I think the only one described as overweight and unkempt is Frances, but it‘s repeated many times. I think the others are described as thin and stylish. @marywag08 @Jess7 (edited) 7y

theokiereader @MinDea Nope. I‘m purposely not reading ahead so I don‘t accidentally spill the beans. 😂😂 #thestruggleisreal 7y

theokiereader @britt_brooke @MinDea @Jess7 Isn‘t Iris described as overweight, too? I might have gotten the wrong picture in my mind after the ice cream scene. I know the author was describing her grandma jammies. 7y

britt_brooke @marywag08 I think it was just the weird pjs, but I‘m not 100% sure now that you mention it. 7y

theokiereader @britt_brooke Now I‘m curious. I‘ll have to check after I finish picking my kids up from school (no carpool involved 😉) (edited) 7y

Jess7 I see what you mean, but I guess I think despite the infidelity, I think Charlie owed it to the kids to have a conversation with Anne before telling the kids anything. I think they should have decided together. I dunno im a person who separates things. So like if I‘m upset with my husband, I dont let it get in the way of our obligations. @marywag08 7y

MinDea Gotcha. @marywag08 I finished it. Definitely interested in your thoughts once you finish it! I love the discussion!! I feel bad for everyone in this situation. The kids, Charlie and Anne. Sometimes people do things not really fully understanding the repercussions or the fall out of said actions. I think that makes you human. Both Anne and Charlie are being very human in this book. 7y

MinDea I think it was just the weird PJs she liked but not her as being frumpy or overweight. I thought she was described as skinny and lovely. 7y

britt_brooke @marywag08 Ha! I‘m in the pick up line now. No car pool here either. 😆 I‘m not that nice! 7y

theokiereader @MinDea I completely agree. These situations happen in real life, and it‘s hard for people not to get hurt. 7y

Jess7 I thought Iris‘s Wife was described as the better looking one, but I never thought she was overweight. I honestly don‘t even picture Francis as overweight - just maybe not gym toned. Basically, just average and like most everyone, she is a little insecure about it, but her love of tasty food and being really busy has prevented her from toning up. Haha story of my life half the time lol @marywag08 7y

britt_brooke @Jess7 I agree. I think with such sensitive situations, you have to have some prep time and not just blurt stuff out. My brother and his wife have separated twice over the last 2 years (eerily similar situation), but remain together now. They have 2 small kids and I often wonder how they have explained it to a 7 and 5 year old. None of my business, but I‘m genuinely curious. 7y

MinDea No car pick up for me when I was a kid. It was walking to the school or a bus for me! 😆😆😆 7y

MinDea I know someone who was cheated on by both her husband's and her plan was to tell her kids on their respective 18th birthdays that their father cheated on her and that men are evil scumbags and never trust them. 🤔🤔 I hope in the 14-17 years she has to wait she rethinks this plan. 😆😆 @Jess7 @britt_brooke @marywag08 7y

britt_brooke @Jess7 That‘s the problem. Frances is not exactly enormous, just a bit soft maybe after popping out 3 kids. Honestly, she‘s probably thinner than the average American. 7y

britt_brooke @MinDea Oh no! 😬😆 7y

britt_brooke @MinDea Bus for me, too, lol! 7y

Jess7 Did the book call her enormous or something? I think I missed that. I think I just assumed it was her own insecurities about it. I never pictured her really overweight. @britt_brooke 7y

MinDea @Jess7 there is like a comment about Francis's weight in every chapter! It is a tad ridiculous. Ok. We get it. Move along. Nothing to see. Lets dive deeper into the characters if we need me words per chapter. 😆😆😆 7y

Jess7 I must have just ignored it. It‘s hard to tell when it‘s in third person narration whether you‘re supposed to take the comments as someone‘s inner monologue or the author‘s subjective view that she wants to impart on the reader. I probably just chalked it up to being Francis‘s inner monologue or something and was laughing at her other witty thoughts @MinDea @britt_brooke 7y

britt_brooke @Jess7 @MinDea It‘s like her weight becomes its own character. It‘s ridiculous. 7y

MinDea 😆😆😆😆 @britt_brooke So true! It is so unnecessary! 7y

theokiereader @MinDea And don‘t forget the talk of Ava‘s hormones! At one point, Ava even attributed her own attitudes to her hormones. I was like, “Come on!” No teenager would EVER admit their behavior was due to their hormones! 7y

MinDea 😆😆😆😆 @marywag08 !!! So true!!! 7y

TracyReadsBooks What I‘m enjoying most about the book is how the author describes some of the more mundane aspects of daily life—situations that many of us have encountered & can relate to. Also, it‘s totally quotable! The relationship between Frances & Ava remains the most interesting (though I doubt that was the author‘s intent). As for the center of all the neighborhood drama, Anne & Charlie, I don‘t find either one, as written, to be particularly sympathetic. 7y

Jess7 I agree @TracyReadsBooks - I think Francis‘s observations are extremely relatable and very quotable! 🤗 7y

DanaManiac I finally caught up to this week‘s reading, and I find the storyline to be very interesting. First of all, I cannot believe the way that Ava speaks to her mom. It‘s incredibly nasty. I also struggle with the plentiful descriptions of Frances‘ body- seems so irrelevant. 7y

DanaManiac @TracyReadsBooks I agree with you in that I find it hard to feel for Ann and Charlie. I feel like we were introduced to their problems so quickly, and there wasn‘t enough of a history with them for me to feel fully invested in them as characters. 7y

TheRomantiCate So I finally caught up and I agree with @Dana1084 and @TracyReadsBooks. It‘s almost like Anne and Charlie‘s issue which should be a catalyst event are a side note because there‘s so little background given to the two of them other than Anne was unhappy. And I‘m getting very suspicious of Michael.. and Sara to a degree. And what‘s going on with Bill and Julie?? And yeah, Ava reminds me a lot of my younger sister with the way she talks to Frances. 7y

TracyReadsBooks @Dana1084 and @TheRomantiCate Yes! Everything you both said. We don‘t know enough about Anne and Charlie to really care or be invested and because we don‘t have much in the way of backstory, they simply aren‘t that interesting. Perhaps the author wants us to view them only through these brief glimpses, show us how people react without really knowing the people or events involved?!? I don‘t really think that‘s her intention, however. Not really. 7y

TheRomantiCate @TracyReadsBooks It could be in keeping with that theme of glass houses. We‘re “based” in Frances and Michael‘s house so we only get those glimpses of the “Other Peoples‘ Houses” and are then left to make our own judgements... kinda like the exchange between Frances and Shelly in chapter 24... (edited) 7y

TracyReadsBooks @TheRomantiCate Yes, could be. 7y

Jennifer3 I like this book a lot. Her writing style has drawn me in. I don‘t have anything earth shattering to say about it, I am just enjoying the characters and storylines. (edited) 7y

Bookishgal71 I love the paragraph in chapter 16 that says that other parents get to see a more perfect version of our kids than we do. So true! 7y

Suelizbeth @MinDea That‘s it exactly. Everyone is being human in this book. No one escapes that characterization, and no one is perfectly likable at all times. 7y

SandyW @Jess7 @MinDea While I don't like the idea of parents badmouthing each other to their children, I think it is a very human reaction to an unanticipated and devastating wound. IMO, one of the most difficult things about going through a divorce with kids would be attempting to maintain a level of civility with the cheating spouse before you've even had time to digest what's happened yourself. 7y

mrozzz @TracyReadsBooks 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 7y

SandyW @marywag08 I agree 100% that Anne should not be catin the role of victim. IMO what she did cannot be classified as a mistake. She had an ongoing affair. That cannot be classified as a mistake. 7y

SandyW ... a one night stand, or a drunken encounter, maybe. But conducting an affair over a period of time involves active calculation and scheming, and an awareness of what you are doing to your partner/marriage... no matter how you justify it to yourself 7y

SandyW @Dana1084 I'm not sure that Ava's nastiness towards her mom is unrealistic based on things other people have told me. I had a boss once who came in to work and blurted out, "Amanda is such a bitch." Amanda was her 16yo daughter. (I was horrified.) I have more trouble with how Ava is then so sweet to her mom, or acknowledges how awful she's been. I don't find that at all convincing 7y

SandyW @TheRomantiCate I totally agree re Anne and Charlie. It's hard to care that much about them being so un-invested in them. And yes @TracyReadsBooks I think the author is trying to show is how idle gossip is "wrong." It's human nature though, and they are lucky these fights haven't wound up on YouTube, which would be a more realistic scenario today. 7y

ReaderthenBlogger This far in the story and we see a bit of everyone‘s issues. I think the one that threw me the most is Michael‘s drinking and smoking. He‘s a functioning alcoholic. I wonder when Frances is going to surprise him with her purchases. My heart broke for Kate and Theo when Kate had her breakdown. It definitely shows how what you tell and expect of your children can backfire at anytime. @Jess7 (edited) 7y

15 likes68 comments

LitsyBuddyRead

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

Week 2 discussion is about to start for Other People's Houses. Please look for the post marked as spoiler to join the discussion!

@Jess7 @MinDea #LitsyBuddyRead #OPH

LitsyBuddyRead @sresendez12 @JenaJenkins @CherylSwafforsWriter @everfree7 @kstadt929 @Q84 @valeka @TheRomanticCate @kdgorgon88 @alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @SandyW @mdargusch @pamwurtzer @MissAimz_55 @suelizabeth @bookishme @christine11 @Britt_Brooke @Mrozzz @Laughterhp @mcctrish @tif @janeycanuck @darklydreaming @Purrfectpages @MrsTammyBrown @SandyW @Rachel.Rencher @ofbooksandme @ Rachel.Rencher @cinfhen 7y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘m so behind!!! 😩😫😩 7y

See All 11 Comments

Laughterhp I‘m so behind on this!! I think I‘ve only read 3 or 4 chapters so far! 7y

Jennifer3 I am only a little behind and I love it!!!! 7y

Valeka I‘m behind! It‘s been a rough week for me and my reading has fallen by the wayside. 7y

BookNerd9906 So behind! My copy just came in from the library. Hoping to get caught up this weekend. 7y

MrsTammyBrown I've finished it but i won't spoil it! So much going on! 7y

Susanbones I‘m so behind as well!!! I‘ll try to catch up for next week!!! Aaaaaaaaahhhh!!! 7y

rjnellie I‘m so behind. I just started but very intrigued so far! 7y

Bookishgal71 My favorite part so far is in chapter 16 where she talks about how other people get to see the perfect version of our kids, and vice versa. So true! 7y

63 likes11 comments

Jess7

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

Finished reading this week‘s suggested reading of #OPH for #litsybuddyread! Now I am torn between finishing #SometimesILie or starting #OurKindofCruelty. Which one would suggest? #booknerdproblems #currentlyreading

LitsyBuddyRead

Lovesbooks87 Sometimes I Lie! 7y

FantasyChick Oh Sometimes I Lie!!!! You won't regret it 😉 7y

candc320 LOVED Sometimes I Lie!! 7y

everfree7 Just finished Other People‘s Houses last night and starting Sometimes I Lie tonight! 7y

mrozzz Sometimes I Lie!!!! 7y

136 likes5 comments

Jess7

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

There is something very compelling about this book that keeps me wanting to read more. There isn‘t a lot going on with the plot so far, but the characters are interesting. #OPH #MondayNightReading #LateNightReading #LitsyBuddyRead

MinDea, Jess7, LitsyBuddyRead

Cinfhen Agreed! Very weak plot but still compelling to keep u reading! 7y

gregspuches I know nothing about this novel but often think characters are far more significant than plot. Could be personal taste, but so much happens inside and outside of us and through the relations/relationships we have with others and ourselves that it‘s far more compelling for me to read a story that focuses less on action than motivation. I‘d rather read how a character transforms than a plot itself. 7y

Gaylagal2 I so agree! It's just enjoyable to read 🤙 7y

britt_brooke @gregspuches Agree! 7y

140 likes4 comments

MinDea

Other People's Houses | Abbi Waxman

This definitely made me laugh but only because I have been gossiped about, a few times that were very upsetting, that wasn't true and I so wished someone would have told someone else to knock it off. Gossip (whether true or not) is hurtful and damaging!

#BookQuote #LitsyBuddyRead #OPH @Jess7

AmyG Haven‘t we all been gossiped about? People gossip to make themselves feel better. :( 7y

MinDea @AmyG so true. 💙🤗 I wish more people treated people how they would like to be treated. 7y

81 likes2 comments

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