BOOK REVIEW AND AUTHORS BY THE ALPHABET BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
Published 2007
It's About Emily, a woman conflicted about marriage and, more specifically, her marriage. Married nine years, her husband is ready for the 'burbs and babies. Emily is not and may never be. She starts to wonder whether she's ever loved Kevin. Enter David, the mysterious man in the coffee shop. An instant attraction, a bit of flirting and decisions are made.
I thought I would not like this book from the opening scene onward. I was pleasantly surprised that I truly began to appreciate Emily's insight into love and marriage. I did not agree with all of her choices. However, is there a woman anywhere who has not had a moment of fright or panic just before or after a major life event or questioned her own decisions on at least one occasion?
Reading Recommendation This book will get a "love it" or "hate it" vote. Depending on where the reader is in their own life, will probably determine whether they will appreciate the message. I thought Lauren Fox had a fresh and humorous writing style (She reminded me a bit of Jen Lancaster). I loved the friendship between Emily and Meg and the sister relationship between Emily and Heather. They were well written.
Favorite Excerpt But lately I see them around, fat babies flailing about, imperious toddlers riding around in plush strollers, and they look abnormal, like sinister, shrunken aliens; I imagine them secretly communicating with each other in a language we can't understand plotting - succeeding in! - global domination.
My Rating
It's About Emily, a woman conflicted about marriage and, more specifically, her marriage. Married nine years, her husband is ready for the 'burbs and babies. Emily is not and may never be. She starts to wonder whether she's ever loved Kevin. Enter David, the mysterious man in the coffee shop. An instant attraction, a bit of flirting and decisions are made.
I thought I would not like this book from the opening scene onward. I was pleasantly surprised that I truly began to appreciate Emily's insight into love and marriage. I did not agree with all of her choices. However, is there a woman anywhere who has not had a moment of fright or panic just before or after a major life event or questioned her own decisions on at least one occasion?
Reading Recommendation This book will get a "love it" or "hate it" vote. Depending on where the reader is in their own life, will probably determine whether they will appreciate the message. I thought Lauren Fox had a fresh and humorous writing style (She reminded me a bit of Jen Lancaster). I loved the friendship between Emily and Meg and the sister relationship between Emily and Heather. They were well written.
Favorite Excerpt But lately I see them around, fat babies flailing about, imperious toddlers riding around in plush strollers, and they look abnormal, like sinister, shrunken aliens; I imagine them secretly communicating with each other in a language we can't understand plotting - succeeding in! - global domination.
My Rating
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
**SPOILER WARNING**
1. Team Kevin or Team David?
Team Kevin.
2. What scene do you feel was the fatal, no turning back scene for Emily?
I think when she met with David at the park and did not tell him she was married, that there was no turning back for Emily.
3. If Emily asked for your advice about her marriage what would you tell her?
I would tell her to wait until the dark, dank days of autumn and winter were over before making life decisions. I think she suffers from seasonal depression. Seriously. The setting is in my neck of the woods. All good decision are made in the Spring and Summer.
4. Do you think Emily would have made a different decision if she would have confided in Meg or Heather?
Yes. I think Emily was experiencing a flight or fight moment in her life that may have passed if she would have given it a chance. I think Meg may have been able to help her through this. I think Heather would have given her that brutal, honest truth that sisters are so good at sharing with us.
5. Will Kevin and Emily reconcile once the baby is born?
Yes. As soon as that blonde, light eyelashed boy is born they will reconcile.
6. Will David re-enter their lives?
No. I think David has already found a new girlfriend.
7. Do you think Barbara, Emily's mother, gave her good advice when she told her that sometimes our lives don't turn out the way we envision but we need to make the best of what we have?
I think it was good advice given at the wrong time.
8. Who is your favorite character?
Meg or Dick.
9. Did you like this book? Why or why not?
I thought the writing was refreshing and humorous. It did have a bit of an agenda and I so don't like agendas in my books so I'm torn.
I am looking forward to discussing with everyone. Please attach a link or your answers in the comment section.
I've never read but it sounds interesting. I'm not sure if I will give it a try but I'm definitely curious. I think where I am in my own life might make me judgmental. Hmmm...still thinking about it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOMG What a quote! I don't think it's for me but you presented it reallly reallly well. Great review.
ReplyDeleteHA! I like that quote.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, it doesn't normally sound like my cup of tea... there seems to be a hint of infidelity and I usually hate to read about it. You make it sound really good though, so maybe I'll try it :)
Great review. I like that you answered the book club discussion questions. I might try that sometime. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the ?'s Belle! Maybe some of the commenters would like to join the club?
ReplyDeleteI'll get this linked up by Friday. I haven't finished yet so I don't wanna look at your answers :)
No biggie on missing E, I'll just post an E choice.
Paula
Tomes Devotee
I just finished reading the book this afternoon and have to say I'm surprised at how compelling this book was for me, especially given the subject matter. I think the author's writing style made pushed this book to above average for me.
ReplyDeleteI'll come back and post my answers to the questions asap. I want to write and post my review first. So much to discuss! :)
Christine: Very excited to discuss with you! I also thought the writing style made the book much more interesting than the subject matter could have been. It was very insightful. Hurry back! I love to discuss.
ReplyDeleteI haven't started yet! Ugh! I will probably get it done next week though and just post my answers late, okay?
ReplyDeleteHello! I wrote the book. Thanks so much for reading it and discussing it. I love your comments and insights and I'm honored you chose my book.
ReplyDeleteLauren: Thanks for stopping by! I think your writing is fresh and humorous. Will you be writing something again soon?
ReplyDeleteJulie: Stop by whenever you can. I'll discuss the book with you whenever you're done. No rush. Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteHmm, weirdly, my last attempt at posting didn't work (at least, I don't think it did). I tried to say: thank you! And yes. I recently completed my second novel. It's called Friends Like Us, and it will be published in February, 2012, by Knopf.
ReplyDeleteLauren: Count me in. I worry about my memory all the way until February, though. If you want to pop back over some time near in time and remind me, I'll definitely read and review it. We should have some book club members posting here shortly so feel free to check back for more discussion of your book.
ReplyDeletePart two... (so sorry!!!)
ReplyDelete4. Do you think Emily would have made a different decision if she would have confided in Meg or Heather?
Actually, Emily sort of got advice from Meg at the beginning before Emily met David at the park. Meg basically advised against pursuing David and cited her regretful experience of cheating on her college boyfriend, warning Meg that cheating never turns out well for any of the parties involved. After that, I don't think Emily sought anyone's advice because she didn't want to be dissuaded. She knew anyone would discourage her and she already wanted to experience a relationship with David too badly.
5. Will Kevin and Emily reconcile once the baby is born?
I think no. Kevin was destroyed and don't think he'll forgive Emily and I don't know how they could find passion and deep love if they didn't really have it before. I suppose if the baby is Kevin's, I could see them reconciling. It would take a lot time, effort and compromise on both their parts to make it work, but I think they're both capable of giving each other a second chance.
6. Will David re-enter their lives?
Again, no! I suppose if the baby is David's, I could see him doing the responsible thing and be a part of the baby's life, but he didn't seem eager to have kids of his own, so I don't know if he'd want to have a relationship with Emily just because they had a child together. It felt like Emily's decision and enthusiasm to put herself and David into "morally compromised" position of having their affair kind of tainted their chemistry for him. I think that would always come between them and dull the spark that was between them.
7. Do you think Barbara, Emily's mother, gave her good advice when she told her that sometimes our lives don't turn out the way we envision but we need to make the best of what we have?
Yes and no. I think Barbara's timing and delivery with this advice was off. Of course, no one can really deny that our lives don't always turn out the way we envision, and making the best of life is always good advice. However, I sensed that Barbara's idea of "making the best of what we have" was more along the lines of saying we have to just accept the disappointments in our career or our love life or whatever, in an "Oh well, that's life" kind of way. It was as if Barbara was saying, "Your marriage is blah? Just deal with it, you have a good life." I'm more along the philosophy of "Your marriage is blah? Try your best to figure out why and bring it to life."
8. Who is your favorite character?
I really liked Emily, despite my disappointment and disapproval of her affair with David, but the character whom I really admired was Meg. She was always so honest with herself and with her loved ones, and she's a loyal friend. She (and Steve) handled Emily's pregnancy and the Thanksgiving mess at the end so admirably... just how best friends should.
9. Did you like this book? Why or why not?
Yes, I enjoyed the book very much and had a difficult time putting it down. The author's writing and story telling voice was definitely captivating. I just had to know what Emily was going to think or do next as she spiraled towards disaster in her love life. The ending left me wanting for a bit more resolution, but I think that's just the romance reader in me. I get the metaphor of Emily's visit into Jupiter's Palace of Cheese, but I desperately wanted to know where Emily was three years from then, despite accepting that that wasn't the point of the story. Hey, you can take the girl out of a romance book, but you can't take the romance out of the girl. ;)
I gave Still Life with Husband 4 out of 5 stars on goodreads and a B+ on my blog.
Christine: Your part one didn't make it on here. I'm glad you liked the book even if it may have been slightly outside your normal genre. I did too. You're right. Meg did try to warn Emily. I'm just wondering if Meg could have straightened her out had she confided in Meg after the affair started. You're probably right about Kevin. He was really so over Emily. Thanks for discussing with me!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that my Part one still didn't show up on your blog. Which is so strange because I got email notifications for both of my two attempts. I'll try again... my apologies to everyone who is getting my monstrous comments in their email inbox!
ReplyDeleteLet's hope third time's a charm.
Part 1 A ...
1. Team Kevin or Team David?
Neither! This is unbelievably difficult for me to even suggest as I am such a sucker for romance and happily ever after endings. Thankfully, I did not delude myself as I was reading to think Still Life With Husband would be anything other than non-romance.
Why do I say neither Kevin or David? First of all, I feel that years ago, Emily settled for Kevin because marrying him was the practical and expected thing to do at the time, when truthfully, he wasn't exactly right for her. Yes, they love each other in a companionable way but it seems their relationship has always lacked passion--emotionally and sexually. Is that something that a couple can ignite without a base physical and or emotional connection? I don't know. I also think that Kevin was selfish and narrow-minded for essentially insisting they start a family and move to the suburbs without seriously considering Emily's feelings about their future and never showed inclination to compromise. Until it was too little, too late, perhaps. Although on that note, I think the house and baby issues could have been successfully addressed in marriage counseling. The overall still-life marriage, I don't honestly know.
As for David, I don't think he's right for Emily either. It was obvious how well suited they were for each other--they had that strong connection to and passion for each other on emotional and physical levels that Emily and Kevin clearly lacked, but the timing is all wrong. Perhaps he could have been "the one" if she had met him before she married Kevin, but she didn't, so the point is moot. Although, I do wonder if a healthy relationship between them could develop in the future. That is, if and when she and Kevin divorced and Emily had time on her own to grow into herself, so to speak.
Sorry for making this so complicated! Sheesh!
ReplyDelete2. What scene do you feel was the fatal, no turning back scene for Emily?
I knew once Emily met David at the park and they held hands, she was going to have a difficult time turning back, but she still could have avoided the train wreck that her love life was to become had she not met him. However, the end all, be all fatal, no turning back scene would be when she kissed David at the museum.
3. If Emily asked for your advice about her marriage what would you tell her?
I would have definitely encouraged Emily to see a marriage counselor with Kevin. Not only were they on such odds over having a baby and moving out of the city, but their relationship seemed so stale--which it seems Kevin was okay with, while it was totally irritating and stifling Emily. I don't know if it would have succeeded in curing Emily's doubts and blues about her marriage to Kevin, but I would have liked to see her at least try to make changes within her marriage before seeking fulfillment and excitement elsewhere. She didn't even communicate her marriage blahs with Kevin, which I think was extremely unfair to Kevin.
Christine: Excellent responses. I feel like I should have put more challenging questions up for you! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI was sort of entering this story from the point of view of a person who has been married for 17 years and has stuck through it, thick and thin, and is ever so happy to have made it to the other side. There comes a time in every marriage, where that flight instinct sort of goes away (different times for everyone). I was thinking that Emily just hadn't got there yet. I'm still kind of hoping that her and Kevin bond over that baby and come together again. I don't think I can give up on that notion.
Oh I think your questions were challenging! They made me reflect on the characters a lot as I tried to project what they may or may not do with their lives and relationships with each other after the book ended.
ReplyDeleteAnd trust me when I say it was incredibly difficult for me to speculate that neither Kevin nor David were right for Emily. I'm a romantic at heart who clings to notions of happily ever afters in books and in real life. [My husband and I have been married 17 years, too!]. I would love to believe that Emily and Kevin could have stuck it out for the long haul--which is why I would have advised Emily to see a marriage counselor or to have at least talked more to Kevin about what wasn't working and what she needed. But I also couldn't shake the feeling that they just didn't have what would have been necessary for Emily to be happy. Remember the the part in the beginning when Emily talks about meeting their "twin" couple on that train? Both Kevin and the other woman's husband were asleep and Emily and the other woman chatted about their marriages? Emily noticed right then that she and Kevin didn't have that deep connection, that soulmate chemistry for each other compared to the other couple. Could something ignite between them after 10 years of being together without it and with the affair forever between them? I don't know....
Having said that, though, I am right there with you in the fantasy that they could get back together in the future especially if the baby turned out to be his. You're right that it's a nice notion. I like it, too. :)
Oh, good point about that mirror couple. The book was probably full of foreshadowing that I did not even pick up on because I was so busy turning the pages to see what Emily would do.
ReplyDeleteLauren: If you're still reading our discussion, can you tell us if you think Emily and Kevin may get back together after the baby is born?
Here is my q-n-a
ReplyDelete1. Team Kevin or Team David?
Well I didn’t look at it that way. Kevin was her husband, and what she did was dead wrong. It just so happens that David was a real upstanding man who couldn’t deal with this at all and if she wouldn’t have been married would have made a great boyfriend.
2. What scene do you feel was the fatal, no turning back scene for Emily?
To be honest, I think from the moment she saw him with Meg, Emily had decided that she would cross the line with this man.
3. If Emily asked for your advice about her marriage what would you tell her?
That she needs to take a step back and think over if hurting her husband and fatally wounding her marriage is worth this.
4. Do you think Emily would have made a different decision if she would have confided in Meg or Heather?
Yes I do, and with Meg. Meg would have talked her down off of this. I think her relationship with her sister was no way near that deep. The rivalry and bickering was still so heavy for their ages.
5. Will Kevin and Emily reconcile once the baby is born?
I don’t know this is a very hard thing to recover from, a lot harder for men than for women imho.
6. Will David re-enter their lives?
No, I think seeing Kevin that day was too much for that man to deal with.
7. Do you think Barbara, Emily's mother, gave her good advice when she told her that sometimes our lives don't turn out the way we envision but we need to make the best of what we have?
No, I think her mother was stuck in her own life rut. She didn’t seem very insightful.
8. Who is your favorite character?
To be honest, I didn’t feel any special attachment to any of the characters. I really didn’t like Emily, Meg could’ve been a good character, but the relationship really was just superficially touched on.
9. Did you like this book? Why or why not?
Fox is a good writer, she was able to take a dreadful subject and make it lighter on the heart. I don’t like stories of betrayal; I hate Camelot and King Arthur for this reason. It was an ok book, with some very sad subjects thrown in but not delved into very deeply. Meg’s pain of loss with her pregnancies was glossed over, and the hurt Kevin felt was as well. I guess that’s how she kept it light.
Christine, I'm with you on the neither part! Yes, in a subtle way Meg did try and warn Emily about David. Personally I didn't like Emily, I really would have liked to get to know Meg more. Again, I think the author's writning style was able to keep a hurtful subject less intense. I too tend to love the happy ending.
ReplyDeleteBelle, your ?'s were great! How awesome that Lauren commented here too :)
Paula
Tomes Devotee
Duh, I forgot to link to my review!
ReplyDeleteStill Life Review
I sure am still reading your discussion with fascination (but have been having a lot of trouble posting). I feel like I'm learning more about my own book from your amazing and thoughtful comments.
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to repeat something my husband, an English professor, says: never trust the author. (He doesn't mean he doesn’t trust me!) I think that authors are so much less objective about their own work, and what we say about our characters is informed by our own imaginations much more than a reasonable, reasoned analysis of the book itself. So... when I tell you that, in my mind, there is no way on earth Emily and Kevin would ever get back together, no matter who the father of the baby is, you can just take that with a grain of salt, because what matters is the evidence you see in the book, and where that takes you. Right? But seriously: no way!
Way back when I started thinking about this novel, I had in mind a book that had just come out called The Starter Marriage, a sociological read of the phenomenon of men and women getting married young and then, after a few years, divorcing and moving on to the next phase of their lives, a lasting and successful marriage. That was something I was thinking about in terms of Kevin and Emily, for what it's worth.
Thank you all again, so much, for reading Still Life and for giving me so much food for thought. I will definitely check in again when my next book is scheduled to come out -- and before then, too.
Lauren
Lauren: What a pleasure to make your acquaintance! I just cannot, cannot give up on the idea that Kevin and Emily will re-unite for this baby. IMO they both do have the heart and soul to do so.
ReplyDeleteI think Christine was having trouble posting too. I wonder if it's something with my blog. I hope not cuz I'm the non-techy girl of the world.
Come back again anytime. I'd love to chat more.
Paula:
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping over. I know the topic may have been a little hard to read. It's not for everyone. I know from just a little on your blog that I've read about you, that you have a beautiful husband and family. All that beauty comes with wisdom. I like your thoughts on the sister relationship between Heather and Emily. They are too old to be fighting still! Looking forward to seeing your E choice! Belle
How absolutely cool that Lauren stopped in, thanks for that Lauren.
ReplyDeleteMy review is here. http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-still-life-with-husband-by.html
Belle, you think the baby is Kevin's?? No way, totally is David's that is how drama unfolds. And both Emily and David really do not want children.
Another interesting part for me was the female they met and Kevin said if he had met her before Emily he would have wanted to date her, lol. So honest which I loved but I couldn't help to be surprised by Emily's reaction. It is all about timing.
Christine, I didn't think about marriage counseling, that would have did them well actually.
Here are my direct Q&A in case you don't come over.
1. Team Kevin or Team David? Neither, I think she should have considered divorce before cheating as they had very different future goals and I do not believe a relationship that starts with cheating has what it takes to last a lifetime.
2. What scene do you feel was the fatal, no turning back scene for Emily? I think the 1st email, having the thoughts are bad enough but once you put it in action, there is usually no going back.
3. If Emily asked for your advice about her marriage what would you tell her? I would tell her forever is a long time and when Kevin and her have completely different ideas of having a child and buying a house, the real decision is to stay together and compromise or decide to divorce and move on.
4. Do you think Emily would have made a different decision if she would have confided in Meg or Heather? No I don't. Even when you confide in friends I don't think you dig to far when there is nothing to really discuss. They met in the cafe and she continued to daydream about him. I think it is like high school to consider telling your sister or best friend that you are daydreaming about a guy. Kind of so what in my mind. BUT I think if she confided in them when she sent the email and went for the walk, they possibly could have talked her out of it before it got out of hand even though the email and walk were completely inappropriate.
5. Will Kevin and Emily reconcile once the baby is born? I hope not, I hope Emily decided abortion is best.
6. Will David re-enter their lives? I think so, this affair may continue but will it last, no.
7. Do you think Barbara, Emily's mother, gave her good advice when she told her that sometimes our lives don't turn out the way we envision but we need to make the best of what we have? I think this is good honest advice but I think it can be interpreted differently. I do not think it means stay with your husband or keep the child and make the best out of it but how else will you take it right?
8. Who is your favorite character? I didn't enjoy 1 character really but I did enjoy Emily and Meg's friendship.
9. Did you like this book? Why or why not? It was an ok book for me. I enjoy this hard topics being emotional and hardcore not sugar coated, which is more chick lit feel.
Marce: Thanks for adding your 2 cents. I love your thoughts on the book. This discussion has made me really re-think many of my own answers.
ReplyDeleteIt was fabulous that Lauren came over to visit. I am honored.
See you next month for the E selection!
Belle
That Lauren has chimed in is just fantastic! I tend to think as she does and that they won't get together. She'll be a single mom.
ReplyDeletePaula
Tomes Devotee
Yes, probably so. I think I may be a hopeless romantic. Who knew?
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this month's book club, Belle. This was a fun one to discuss. I really enjoyed thinking about these characters and their actions... and enjoyed reading all of your answers, too.
ReplyDeleteI, too, think it's great that Lauren stopped by and commented! How lucky of our little book club! :)
Marce, I think that Emily's choice to keep the baby is an integral part of the story and specifically the first step of Emily actually hmm.. how do I say it... "finding" herself or choosing to live true to herself, if that makes sense. So I don't imagine her having an abortion at all. In fact, I'm sure she will keep the baby. If I recall correctly, her mother implied that she should abort and Emily was adamant about keeping the baby and was hurt that her mother even suggested terminating her pregnancy. She also told her father directly she was keeping the baby no matter what.
Great discussions!
This was fun! The book, unknown to me when I chose it, was a great discussion book. I guess it had just the right amount of loose ends to allow for speculation and good discussion. Yay!
ReplyDelete