Elinor Mackey has lived her life in perfect order: college, law school, marriage, successful corporate career. But suddenly her world is falling apart. In her late 30s, she's discovered that she and her podiatrist husband, Ted, can't have children. When Elinor withdraws from Ted into an interior world of heartbreak and anger, Ted begins an affair with Gina, the nutritionist at their gym--a young woman with an oddball son who adores Ted. Meanwhile, Elinor falls in love with the oak tree in her front yard, spreading out her sleeping bag to sleep under the stars. Gina's jealous ex-boyfriend--a charming alcoholic with a mean streak--becomes a dark presence as his passion turns to violence. Ted, who may be the only one who can help Gina and her son, suddenly finds himself in love with two women at the same time. In the tradition of Anne Tyler, John Cheever, and Tom Perotta, Winston's second novel looks beyond the manicured surface of suburbia to a world of loss, longing, lust, and betrayal.
Lianne E. (lianne) from BRANDON, FL wrote on 8/23/2007...
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Overall, a good story about a marriage that is falling apart and the paths each half of the couple choose to take. I wish the ending gave me more closure though.
Danielle B. (Simplyshe) from FALLBROOK, CA wrote on 2/28/2007...
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book. It was a quick read since it was one of those books that you just don't want to put down. It's funny and sad all at the same time and all in all a really good read.
Tammy P. (tammypanter) from MC MINNVILLE, TN wrote on 8/21/2008...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed this book and found the characters interesting. You get to see the story of a marriage falling apart from a number of different points of views. The author does a good job of putting you on the roller coaster of emotions that the characters are going through.
If you enjoyed the author's other novel, "Good Grief", I think you will like this too.
Madge C. (dmconn1) from ANNA, OH wrote on 10/5/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A sequel could definitely be written for this book. The author writes the story from both the husband's perspective and the wife's. It was well written and hard to put down.
Janeen C. (jasmine1931) from WHITE BEAR LK, MN wrote on 3/17/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Enjoyable read. Follow a couples life through their ups and down with marriage and infertility.
Jessie M. wrote on 12/30/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
great! I really enjoy Lolly Winston!
Anny P. (wolfnme) from EASTPORT, NY wrote on 12/21/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The bestselling author of "Good Grief" delivers her eagerly awaited new novel, a darkly funny and messy love story about what happens when people meet the wrong person at the wrong time and have to make it all right.
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Maureen G. (Renie) from STERLING HTS, MI wrote on 11/5/2008...
Over all a good read, perdictable and a little frustrating. Good for a plane or car ride.
I read another book by this author "Good Grief" and thought that one was MUCH better. THis book just dragged on and on and on and on! The couple in this book faces many problems in their marriage and the book describes how each one deals with it.