Suze Hall is at a crossroads. Her nemesis at work, Wanda, has been promoted and is now her boss. Her husband, Bob, is leaving her and their three kids for a six-month sabbatical down under. Meanwhile, Suze has to reunite with an old boyfriend in order to save her job and her best friend, Marcia, is missing in action--playing footsie with some new boyfriend instead of lending a sympathetic ear!
Walking with Elephants, is a light-hearted slice-of-life story that explres the modern dichotomy of a workplace that is filled with homemakers who still must cook, clean, carpool, and still make time to "create" the holidays. But it is also filled with women who have the same drive as men, have no family responsibilities, and will do what ever it takes to get ahead." --Blurb from the coverLet's just address the elephant in the room (pun intended). The cover is awful. If I were browsing through the bookstore, there is no way I would pick this book up. Even the title doesn't seem to go with the book, I understand where it came from but I spent the first 9 chapters wondering why it was given that title.
I have two other nitpicks about this book (sorry for being such a negative Nancy tonight). First of all, I felt it was unnecessary to describe every outfit that Wanda wore. It really distracted me from the story being told and was kind of pointless after the first time. Also, I really did not like the parts of the book when Suze GAVE US HER FEELINGS IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. That annoys me.
Shall I get to the positive now? This book was actually quite enjoyable. It was easy to read and get immersed in Suze's life. She had typical complaints of a working mother and I enjoyed reading about all of her different hats. I have to say that I didn't like her husband Bob, even though he was gone for most of the book. I think Ms. Bell did a great job of making Suze a character that women can relate to, and that is what made me like her. I found myself rooting for Suze and wanted her to keep her job. I was so upset in the end when it seemed that Wanda had won.
My favorite scene of the book was an impromptu girls night in, complete with wine, yummy food, and plenty of gossip. Also, I loved Elliott - Suze's fabulous co-worker. Ms. Bell did a great job in fleshing the characters out and they seemed like real people to me. Overall, I think this is a delightful debut novel from Karen Bell.Thanks to TLC Book Tours for including me in this tour. Go here to see the other stops for the Walking With Elephants TLC Book Tour.
*TLC Book Tours provided me a copy of this book for review on this blog as part of their book tours program.
5 comments:
It's hard to get over a cover that you don't like, isn't it? It sort of colors the whole book experience, for me at least. I'm glad that you did find things you liked though! Seems like, in the end, you really did enjoy this one.
Thanks for being on the tour.
I always judge covers - it's not something I'm proud of! But I would say that I definitely did enjoy this book :)
Oh, thank goodness ... It wasn't just me. I kind of was okay with the cover initially, but it did not go with the book at all! And I love love loved Elliott! I want an Elliott spinoff! ;)
I loved Elliott too and I would totally read an Elliott spin-off!
The "pane of glass" image also helps your backswing. If you swing the club too much Asics Onitsuka Tiger Shoes to the outside during the initial part of your back swing, you will break the pane of glass. By keeping Hogan's image in your mind as you start your < align="left">Belstaff backswing your arms will stay connected to your body - you are almost forced to swing the club on plane!
Hogan Scarpe The wrists will cock by themselves without you giving them any thought.
Post a Comment