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pagesforwings's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
threegoodrats's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Agatha's character never seemed completely real to me. She's such a collection of quirks and snark that the first time she was shown interacting with her sons in a loving and motherly way it was quite jarring. Her references to political correctness were kind of annoying, as the only people who use that term anymore are usually right-wing people complaining about having to be respectful to people. Referring to her therapist only as Shrinky-Dink was irritating and juvenile. There were also more typos than I'd like and the word "menstrual" appeared in the book as "mensural" at least three times. The way Agatha criticized the other suburban moms, and the general tone of the book, seemed like the author was trying too hard to be like Where'd You Go, Bernadette.
On the other hand, it was a funny and entertaining story and I did enjoy seeing it through and staying for Agatha to finally get out of her funk and act like a real person with feelings and empathy. This is a woman who had a lot of fear and when something truly terrible happened, she kind of broke down. It would have been helpful to get at least a glimpse of her *before* she caught her husband bonking the dog walker in the shed, just for comparison, because I really don't know how much this event changed her. But it was rather heartwarming to see her finally form friendships and care about other people enough to face her fears. The underlying story was really good, I just think her character could have been polished up a bit.
On the other hand, it was a funny and entertaining story and I did enjoy seeing it through and staying for Agatha to finally get out of her funk and act like a real person with feelings and empathy. This is a woman who had a lot of fear and when something truly terrible happened, she kind of broke down. It would have been helpful to get at least a glimpse of her *before* she caught her husband bonking the dog walker in the shed, just for comparison, because I really don't know how much this event changed her. But it was rather heartwarming to see her finally form friendships and care about other people enough to face her fears. The underlying story was really good, I just think her character could have been polished up a bit.
lisakerd's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the quirky writing style, and found Agatha’s annoyance at everything entertaining (much like watching Larry David). But once the foundation of the story was set the book didn’t really move.
ifollowedthatrabbit's review against another edition
4.0
"Fear sharpens us." This is Agatha's mantra. She's a big fan of Bear Grylls, so that's why she has made this phrase her own motto. In fact, Bear Grylls has said this: "You're not human if you don't feel fear. But I've learned to treat fear as an emotion that sharpens me."
Agatha is really afraid of, well, almost everything. And now her life has been put upside down because of her husband's love affair with the dog walker. She's always felt protected by her husband, and now he has betrayed her. Moreover, he moves right away to live with his new partner and he takes their children with him. They spent time with both of their parents, but Agatha feels even worst by this. She can't bear living only some days of the week with her boys.
She's suppossed to start writing her new book, a thriller, but she can't even go up the stairs and enter her office. Everything reminds her of his husband and what he's done. Therefore, another fear to add to the long list. Eventhough she repeats constantly her mantra and goes with her Bear Grylls bobblehead, it doesn't work. Days are passing by, and it seems she's stuck.
Furthermore, there's a mysterious young woman asking for money in one of the busiest streets in town. Agatha is afraid of her, because she's certain the interloper, as she calls her, is dangerous.
Agatha spends a lot of time reading the comments on the facebook group of Moms. She likes to laugh at them, so she's constantly writing ironic comments in response to anything they say.
Agatha has no friends, and she wishes she had some, but how could she make friends if she can't trust anyone? Anyway, life has its mysterious ways to show us the right path. Sometimes we just need someone who can make us realise we're wrong. Agatha must learn that she's not the only one in pain, and she's defenitely, not the only one with fears. And a little bit of kindness makes things better.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Agatha is really afraid of, well, almost everything. And now her life has been put upside down because of her husband's love affair with the dog walker. She's always felt protected by her husband, and now he has betrayed her. Moreover, he moves right away to live with his new partner and he takes their children with him. They spent time with both of their parents, but Agatha feels even worst by this. She can't bear living only some days of the week with her boys.
She's suppossed to start writing her new book, a thriller, but she can't even go up the stairs and enter her office. Everything reminds her of his husband and what he's done. Therefore, another fear to add to the long list. Eventhough she repeats constantly her mantra and goes with her Bear Grylls bobblehead, it doesn't work. Days are passing by, and it seems she's stuck.
Furthermore, there's a mysterious young woman asking for money in one of the busiest streets in town. Agatha is afraid of her, because she's certain the interloper, as she calls her, is dangerous.
Agatha spends a lot of time reading the comments on the facebook group of Moms. She likes to laugh at them, so she's constantly writing ironic comments in response to anything they say.
Agatha has no friends, and she wishes she had some, but how could she make friends if she can't trust anyone? Anyway, life has its mysterious ways to show us the right path. Sometimes we just need someone who can make us realise we're wrong. Agatha must learn that she's not the only one in pain, and she's defenitely, not the only one with fears. And a little bit of kindness makes things better.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
squintyfarmer's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Sexual content, Stalking, and Bullying
lastpaige111's review against another edition
5.0
I want Agatha Arch as my next door neighbor. I love her.
lmkramer507's review against another edition
4.0
A few annoyances, like some of the lists that went on for 15 things when we could have gotten the idea in six, but overall I really liked this one. Reminded me a bit of Where'd You Go, Bernadette.