Reviews

When It Happens to You by Molly Ringwald

yeagleyreads's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lynnbettencourt's review against another edition

4.0

A Book Club selection (both Sony & our Savannah one). It was an interesting novel that, at first, appeared to be more of a community novel like JK Rowling's Casual Vacancy. And while it is, it is really about a family struggling with life and separation after infidelity, and the people that interact with them. As a whole, I enjoyed it. I think that it will make for really interesting discussions, both with the author through Sony and with the local club.

philippakmoore's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn't sure what to expect, but this "novel in stories" had me intrigued from the first page, always a good sign. Ringwald is as compelling a storyteller with the written word as she is on screen and stage - over the course of the book, through these stories where the lives of various characters (convincingly) intersect, Ringwald creates a world where these flawed but ultimately good people find their lives punctured by betrayal, in its various forms. It's realistic and compelling reading, and her writing has a lovey lyrical quality in places. The characters are brought to life beautifully, I particularly enjoyed Betty the neighbour, and how the philandering Phillip was welcomed back into his estranged family. It's a book that makes you think, not just about life and family and relationships, but how might you feel, as the title suggests, when it happens to you.

rebareads27's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

pizzamyheart's review against another edition

4.0

I was surprised by this. I didn't expect an actress to have such a real, personable look on life.

When it Happens To You is a story made up of smaller stories. It's like He's Just Not That into You, New Years Eve, etc. You're introduced to various characters and stories, then they're slowly woven together. I personally thought the stories were stronger separately, but enjoyed the final combination. It's a good reminder that everyone has problems and is dealing with something, AND that our actions can greatly impact others.

I found the stories moving and the writing wonderful. I could connect to each character and visualize each setting. I also enjoyed Molly Ringwald's narration of her book. It was simplistic and enjoyable. One of the better author narrations I've listened to.

lisawhelpley's review against another edition

4.0

This was really good! I had low expectations, but it's good writing.

johnnymacaroni's review against another edition

4.0

I really liked the format of this... I thought it was short stories from what i had heard about the book before but each chapter was linked by common characters just told from different perspectives and at different times. It was unique and enjoyable. Generally, I like quick reads but this one could have gone on a little longer.

juliardye's review against another edition

4.0

Picked this one up at random from the library and am glad I did. It was a quick page-turner. It was called "a novel in short stories" which I don't think I would have ever sought out, but it was neat how the different stories tied together. I really enjoyed the writing style. And though this wasn't exactly an uplifting read (common thread story is about a failing marriage), it was a good diversion for a few hours.

mikewa14's review against another edition

5.0

loved it - full review here

http://0651frombrighton.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/when-it-happens-to-you-molly-ringwald.html

cdale8's review against another edition

2.0

Wavered between 2 and 3, because the writing style is pleasant and the intertwined nature of each chapter was engaging. A few characters were reasonably developed, but side plots were fairly distracting and not well-tied-in to what I thought was the main theme of the book. I liked how the child was portrayed as being rude and oppositional, but friendly and engaging and loved. Ultimately, the abrupt ending pushed it back to the two mark - I guess I was expecting a wrap up of either the family-comes-through-after-mistakes theme or the make-choices-that-are-less-shallow theme. Ringwald worked very hard to help her two main characters mature, but ultimately it's unclear that they did. It's a quick, chick-lit-style read, so for reader that favors that genre, it will go over better than my 2 may indicate.