G.P. Putnam's Sons
ISBN: 978-0399157127
Published June 9, 2011
Hardcover, 288 pages
When I closed the last page of this book I wanted to give a whoop of joy because, like its title suggests, this novel brings joy and satisfaction. It is a moving and inspiring book. Right from the beginning as I began to read I knew I was going to like it. The phrase, “There is nothing so seductive as reality,” on the first page caught me somewhere deep within. I had to keep reading.
When Kate recovers from breast cancer,
she has a festive dinner with the six women who stood by her and were
closest to her. When she tells her friends that her daughter Robin
wants to take her white water rafting down the Grand Canyon,
something that she is terrified to do, they encourage her to do it.
The women make a pact that if she does it, they promise to do
something scary or difficult too. And so the adventure begins for
each of the women and the reader.
The author chooses to tell each of the
women's stories separately (dedicating a chapter to each) so that it feels like reading seven short
stories with several of the same characters intermingling in each of
the stories. I didn't know if this was going to work for me at the
beginning, but I actually loved it. I got to know each of the women's
personal stories, and I felt I got to know them more intimately this
way. The character development was well-done. All the women had different circumstances, were of different
ages and with different life situations.
Each woman and her story offered gems
of wisdom and insight on a particular aspect of life. I savoured this
book. It gave me so much food for thought that I couldn't read too
much of it in one day because I needed time to absorb it all. Essentially, this is a book about healing, acceptance, and friendships.
Bauermeister's writing is beautiful, filled with metaphors, never
bogged down with superfluousness, but full of wonderful prose. It's the kind of writing that makes you ponder, reflect, and appreciate life. This book made me laugh.
It made me cry. It made me want to take risks and not fear failing.
If you are looking for an inspirational
read this summer, don't hesitate to pick up this book. I highly
recommend it. If you feel stuck in your life, have just undergone a
difficult time, or you simply want to read something that will make
you smile for a long time, take the time to savour this very
enjoyable read. And one more thing; if you have a best friend, this
would be the perfect gift book.
Note: This book had some mild language and some sexual references, not explicit.
Read an excerpt: http://www.ericabauermeister.com/joy-excerpt
Buy it on Amazon.com
About the Author:
Erica Bauermeister is the author of the national bestseller The School of Essential Ingredients (Jan. 2009). She lives in Seattle with her family. Connect with Erica on her website, www.ericabauermeister.com, and on her Facebook page
And now for the giveaway!
The publisher is offering to give away one copy of this book. Entering is easy:
1) Leave a comment with an email address.
2) Giveaway open to Canada and US.
Extra entries:
Each extra entry must be a separate comment.
1) If you are a follower, new or current, leave a comment telling me so.
2) Like me on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.
3) Follow me on Twitter and leave me a comment telling me you did.
*Buttons for following found on top left-hand corner of blog.
Giveaway ends July 8, 2011.
I will count this book toward the following challenges: Reading the World Challenge
