Tom Perrotta’s thirty-ish parents of young children are a varied and surprising bunch. There’s Todd, the handsome stay-at-home dad dubbed “The Prom King” by the moms at the playground, and his wife Kathy, a documentary filmmaker envious of the connection Todd has forged with their toddler son. And there’s Sarah, a lapsed feminist surprised to find she’s become a typical wife in a traditional marriage, and her husband Richard, who is more and more involved with an internet fantasy life than with his own wife and child. And then there’s Mary Ann, who has life all figured out, down to a scheduled roll in the hay with her husband every Tuesday at 9PM. Â They all raise their kids in the kind of quiet suburb where nothing ever seems to happen—until one eventful summer, when a convicted child molester moves back to town, and two parents begin an affair that goes further than either of them could ever have imagined.
It was a good read; slow at first but got really good towards the end.
Robin M. (robin57) from SALINAS, CA wrote on 3/24/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Read the book before you see the movie. They're both good, but the book, as usual, is better. A satirical look at suburbia.
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Patricia C. (misspat) from GALLOWAY, NJ wrote on 8/17/2008...
The book was pretty good the movie sucks. So if you saw the movie get the book it is much better. Not to ruin it but even the ending is different the movie...I liked the book, didn't LOVE it but I enjoyed the book and it was a fast read for me. Some moments were a little slow but over all i would suggest it.
Shawn Y. (joyfish01) from COMMERCE CITY, CO wrote on 2/9/2007...
I loved this book! It's interesting, intelligent, sexy and fun.
Charmaine C. from DALLAS, TX wrote on 2/3/2007...
A wonderful setup with a really frustrating and not-quite believable ending.
Pamela T. (taylorsmom) from VILLA HILLS, KY wrote on 2/3/2007...
Now a major motion picture starring Kate Winslet. A story of thirty-ish parents of young children who all raise their kids in the kind of quiet suburb where nothing ever seems to happen until one eventful summer when a convicted child molester moves back to town, and two parents begin an affair that goes further than either of them could ever have imagined.
Allison D. (laineybird) from NEWNAN, GA wrote on 1/20/2007...
Very good read - can't wait to see the movie.
Jenny M. from LYNN, MA wrote on 12/10/2006...
i enjoyed the book very much!! great read but i wish it had a better ending!
Jennie B. (MyLikeIt) from LOS ANGELES, CA wrote on 11/27/2006...
Perhaps I relate too well to these characters. Perrotta's treatise on suburban angst is almost painful. Some characters are a bit two-dimensional for my taste, but most are well drawn and the story rings true. The author's use of Madame Bovary didn't strike me as nearly as effective as Cathleen Schine's in She Is Me, but I guess that makes me a bit petty. Humor, some satirical, throughout makes this an enjoyable read.
Tara G. from CLAYTON, NJ wrote on 11/3/2006...
I found this to be a quick read as I managed to get through this book in less then 2 days. I found it to be an intriguing read.
Lena M. (chickie) from PEABODY, MA wrote on 10/26/2006...