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mbenzz's review against another edition
2.0
Based on all the glowing reviews of this book (which I'm now wondering if a number of them aren't shills by friends of the author), I was expecting to love this book. I absolutely did NOT. I didn't hate it, but I was tempted to quit about half-way through. I stuck with it though...I kept telling myself 'All those people raved about it, maybe it gets better'. Nope.
Right off the bat, I didn't like Tilly. She's not offensive, or rude in any way, but her nickname 'Silly Tilly' is definitely the best way to describe her. I could not relate AT ALL to someone so desperate to relieve her high-school days, that she would become the school guidance counselor just to be able to be there every day. Her pathetic excitement at planning the prom year after year...she's 32!! Get over it! No WONDER her husband had one foot out the door!
I did like the flashes of her seeing the future. I thought it was the only thing that made the book somewhat interesting and worth finishing. The whole dynamic between Tilly and her husband Tyler began to wear on me though...as did her relationship with her sister Darcy. I could absolutely understand Tyler wanting to leave little Westlake, to see what else life had to offer him. It infuriated me that Tilly, while not wanting to leave the only place she's ever lived (which I can understand), was so close-minded that she couldn't grasp how someone else would want to. She wanted everything to stay just it is was...always. And even though her outlook on life changes through the novel, I never really got over my initial dislike for her.
The 'surprise' at the end, the big secret her father's been keeping for years, felt totally out of place. It's almost like it was thrown in as an afterthought just to give the story a bit of shock value. Well, it wasn't shocking, it was sad and unnecessary. Overall, I do NOT recommend this book. It's certainly not the worst book I've ever read, but I definitely wouldn't categorize this as a 'Must Read'. I have Ms. Scotch's two other novels on my wishlist, but I think I'm gonna hold off for a while before attempting another of her books. I'm not ready to write her off completely, but I won't be expecting so much next time around.
Right off the bat, I didn't like Tilly. She's not offensive, or rude in any way, but her nickname 'Silly Tilly' is definitely the best way to describe her. I could not relate AT ALL to someone so desperate to relieve her high-school days, that she would become the school guidance counselor just to be able to be there every day. Her pathetic excitement at planning the prom year after year...she's 32!! Get over it! No WONDER her husband had one foot out the door!
I did like the flashes of her seeing the future. I thought it was the only thing that made the book somewhat interesting and worth finishing. The whole dynamic between Tilly and her husband Tyler began to wear on me though...as did her relationship with her sister Darcy. I could absolutely understand Tyler wanting to leave little Westlake, to see what else life had to offer him. It infuriated me that Tilly, while not wanting to leave the only place she's ever lived (which I can understand), was so close-minded that she couldn't grasp how someone else would want to. She wanted everything to stay just it is was...always. And even though her outlook on life changes through the novel, I never really got over my initial dislike for her.
The 'surprise' at the end, the big secret her father's been keeping for years, felt totally out of place. It's almost like it was thrown in as an afterthought just to give the story a bit of shock value. Well, it wasn't shocking, it was sad and unnecessary. Overall, I do NOT recommend this book. It's certainly not the worst book I've ever read, but I definitely wouldn't categorize this as a 'Must Read'. I have Ms. Scotch's two other novels on my wishlist, but I think I'm gonna hold off for a while before attempting another of her books. I'm not ready to write her off completely, but I won't be expecting so much next time around.
katireads321's review against another edition
2.0
I was not a fan of this book. It was about an optimistic woman living in her high school glory days, oblivious to the less happy realities around her. Then given 'clarity', she begins to see visions of some of the less delightful things in her 'perfect life'. I disliked the book throughout the majority of it, but stuck it out for the end, which was the only part I enjoyed, so I suppose there is that. I did not like the woman's voice/attitude throughout the book and her lack of awareness or ability to work through her issues without being a raging b**** or a complete mess, especially because she was supposed to be a guidance counselor/therapist. glad I checked this out at the library, I would have been seriously irritated if I spent $24+ for the hardcover. not worth it
ptothelo's review against another edition
4.0
I picked it up this morning and couldn't stop reading it. There is a quiet wistfulness to the narrative but also a building strength. It's not a happy book but I think ultimately it's a hopeful book.
somanybookstoread's review against another edition
2.0
I forget how this one found its way into my to-read pile. It was a quick read and the premise of clarity around psychic visions is definitely what got it published. That's a cool concept! But the writer needs to keep practicing before she sends anything else to press. The characters were flat, really nothing more than cliches. The story was predictable and the tension was over-wrought. Not one I recommend!
mbrandmaier's review against another edition
2.0
It was all right. The thing I will most remember about this book as that "two tears, like errant sperm, escaped from his eyes." LOL
k_cavacini's review against another edition
3.0
While I enjoy Allison Winn Scotch's writing, I did not really enjoy the characters or the story as much in this book. I found it difficult to really connect with (or even like) most of the characters in the book. I also find Scotch's novels to end rather abruptly; I don't feel any sense of resolution when I'm finished reading the book. Not a bad book but not my favorite.
camcam007's review against another edition
3.0
Tilly would have seen her life much more clearer and less bitterly if she prayed to God as much as she used his name in vein
sandi67's review against another edition
3.0
A story about getting to know yourself and finding your true place in life.