Synopsis: Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors' seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly's own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.
From page one, Kelly's witty reflections, self-deprecating humor, and clever tactics in executing that plan—she places Post-it notes all over her house and car—will have readers laughing out loud. The next instant, however, they might rant right along with Kelly as her commitment to a sullen, anorexic teenager left on her doorstep tries her patience or as she deflects the boozy advances of a divorced neighbor. Readers will need to keep the tissue box handy, too, as Kelly repairs the damage she inflicted on a high school friend; realizes how deeply her husband, Patrick, understands and loves her; and ultimately grows into a woman empowered by her own blend of home and career.
Type: Fiction (chick-lit)
Quick Take: This is a really quick read, a smart light book. I really enjoyed that the main character's life was happy and healthy. Kelly is about to turn forty, feels a little lost and is watching her friends lives begin to crumble. Just as all of this is going on, an opportunity of a lifetime lands in her lap and her life changes forever.
I adore books like this, light but with a message. The book does cover some tough topics but as a woman in my forties I thought everything was relevant. I loved that the author talked about being an emotional hoarder (love this concept).
Rating: 4/5 stars
Source: Personal Copy