Search - Love and Other Impossible Pursuits

I didn't expect to like this book after having read some bad reviews, but I really liked it. There was a realness to the story, it wasn't sugar coated, which I thought was wonderful! The characters were believable and I cared about them, Emilia especially. I may not be a stepmother myself, but I really felt for her. This is a very good novel and I highly recommend it.

I couldn't put this book down. Well written and believable prose from the narrator. The characters were authentic and lovable- even through their shocking flaws. I am not sure how I feel about the ending- maybe a little too clean. If you'd like to read a book about real life and the trials of love and other impossible pursuits, then read this book!

Ayelet Waldman writes about very human characters, with all of their talents and faults. They are not always likable, but are always interesting. The story will keep you turning the pages. The issues: step-parenting, grief, adultery, love, will keep you thinking. And the Manhattan setting, Upper East and Upper West side, Central Park, is an essential part of the book.

Let me start by saying that I read this book because Daughter's Keeper, one of her others, is one of my very favorite books. I feel that Ayelet Waldman is a good author, one who is very technically proficient in writing, and who is clearly quite intelligent. This book though just really didn't do much for me. I found the main character Emilia to be whiny, annoying and self-indulgent throughout the majority of the book. I felt that nothing really happened, the book didn't seem to progress AT ALL until maybe the last 20 pages. It was an easy read and certainly better than many others out there, I just felt that there was no growth, no progress, until the very very end. All in all, mediocre.

WOW- Have never read her novels but was hooked from page one. the story line is wonderful all mothers (especially stepmoms)

Very good. I love the way Waldman writes. A bit of a tear-jerker but good.