Story for the Week
This past Friday, Corinne’s school unexpectedly released all of the students early, and her friend Lanisa needed a ride. Instead of going home, Lanisa asked her parents if she could spend the afternoon with Corinne. While they were hanging out, Corinne told Lanisa about the letterman sweater that my dad had given to her. He was a graduate of the same high school in 1958, so Corinne is understandably thrilled at receiving this gift, especially knowing that my dad had given it to my mom and they had kept it all these years.
Lanisa had never heard of a letterman’s sweater, so I thought the best way to describe it was to say, “It’s the type of sweater Danny Zuko earned running track in Grease to impress Sandy.” Lanisa’s response was that she had never seen Grease. WHAAAAAAAAA…?!?!?!
That reminded Corinne and me that Lanisa had previously told us about how much she liked Fry the Coop, an Illinois-based fried chicken place, and Andy’s Frozen Custard, a U.S.-based frozen custard chain. I have tried both of those chains exactly once. I thought Andy’s was pretty flavorless and overpriced, and I thought Fry the Coop was over-seasoned and tasted awful. Even my brother-in-law, who hates to waste food, threw away the food from Fry the Coop without finishing.
Corinne’s response to Lanisa’s Grease comment was, “Well you also love Fry the Coop and Andy’s.” For the rest of the afternoon, when an opinion about anything was expressed, Lanisa responded with, “I love Grease!”
So what is it exactly that makes one person love something (or someone) and another person dislike the same? Why do I love dill pickles to the point of eating them as a snack but I really can’t stand mushrooms? How can Corinne like ketchup but hate tomatoes, which I could eat like apples? Why do I love Stephen King novels, and other people think he’s over-rated?
I recently talked with a few companies about converting my bathtub into a walk-in shower. When the first sales rep left, I told my sister-in-law that I was looking at the negative reviews. She laughed and asked why, and I explained that the positive reviews aren’t going to convince me to hire a company, but the negative reviews will definitely convince me not to.
But tastes are subjective. When I write a book review, I know that some people will agree and some will disagree because it really does depend on the kind of stories you like, the kind of writing that appeals to you. I have written some one-star reviews for books that other people gave five stars, and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why. It’s all a matter of taste.
About three years ago (and I honestly can’t believe it’s been three years), I saw a tweet from someone who was really excited to see a new Amanda Prowse novel. I had shockingly never heard of Amanda Prowse, but once I finished this book, I was so happy to have discovered her. I have loved some of her novels more than others, but I have not found one that I haven’t enjoyed. She has fast become one of my all-time favorites.
If you haven’t read Ms. Prowse before, I recommend you start. If you haven’t read this particular novel, I recommend that you add it to your list.
Book Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 Stars for The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse
351 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: December 11, 2018
I originally received an advance copy of this title from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher’s Description
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared 25 peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to make: keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.
************
The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse was my first by this author, but it definitely wasn’t my last. I requested this book based on a Twitter post by someone who was so excited to see it on NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did. This is the story of Rae-Valentine, who is married to Howard—her first boyfriend, her best friend Dolly’s brother, and the love of her life. On the evening of their 25th anniversary, Howard reveals a secret to Rae that makes her question her marriage and her place in the Latimer family. She begins to wonder if she has spent her whole life doing everything for everyone else instead of doing what would truly make her happy. How do you define happiness anyway?
Rae takes Dolly on the anniversary trip Howard planned, and in light of the new information Rae has, she begins to see the cracks in all of her relationships. She wonders whose side Dolly will be on and has to decide whether she wants to rebuild her relationship with Howard or finally pursue what she has come to realize was HER life’s desire that she put on the back burner because her family made her happy. When Howard shows up at the resort, Rae feels forced into making a decision about their relationship that she hasn’t necessarily had enough time to make.
This book is an emotional roller coaster. There is plenty to laugh about. Rae’s friendship with Dolly is heartwarming at times and tense and embarrassing at others. Even I wondered where Dolly’s loyalties would end up. And there is plenty here to make you think about your own family dynamics and tear up. The ending took me by surprise and I loved it!
This title should be on your must-read list!
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