Mile Long TBR

Review: Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

May 24, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things is the second memoir by Jenny Lawson. She is a successful blogger at The Bloggess, a best-selling author, a mother, an artist, and a small business owner.

She tackles quite a lot, and by standard measures does it all very well, though if you asked her, she may not feel like a success.

That’s because she’s also someone who struggles with depression, anxiety, and a number of other mental disorders, which she candidly discusses in this book.

Keep reading my full review of Furiously Happy to hear more about what the movement is all about, and why this is one of the most insightful and entertaining books in print.

Synopsis:

Jenny Lawson lives in Texas with her husband Victor, their daughter, and their pets Dorothy Barker, Ferris Mewler, and Hunter S. Tomcat. She has an affinity for taxidermy, dressing in costume, and finding humor in every situation.

While Lawson’s first book Let’s Pretend This Never Happened focuses on her upbringing and early life, Furiously Happy is primarily centered around Lawson’s experience with mental illness and the various ways it has impacted her life.

The title comes from an idea that came to Lawson as a way to combat the dark days and reclaim some of the good things in life that depression and anxiety often take from people.

“I am furiously happy. It’s not a cure for mental illness … it’s a weapon, designed to counter it. It’s a way to take back some of the joy that’s robbed from you when you’re crazy.”
― Jenny Lawson, Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Despite this radical approach, Lawson still struggles through the hard days, but with it she is able to keep in the back of her mind that better times are ahead, which is so important.

In chapters titled things like “How Many Carbs Are in a Foot?” “Cat Lamination” and “Well at Least Your Nipples Are Covered” Lawson explores some of the different ways her mental illnesses has colored her life.

Lawson is completely unfiltered and is as open with her struggles as she is with the various adventures she’s found herself on. In this book she shares how on the hard days how difficult it can be to manage her mental illness and the things she does to manage them. This includes therapy, medication, and a number of self-care and self-preservation tactics she’s fine-tuned over the years .

She talks about her experiences and how difficult it can be to even get out of bed while in the depths of a depressive episode. She doesn’t make any claims to be an expert in the field of mental health and fully recognizes how unique mental illness is.

“My mental illness is not your mental illness. Even if we have the exact same diagnosis we will likely experience it in profoundly different ways. This book is my unique perspective on my personal path so far. It is not a textbook. If it were it would probably cost a lot more money and have significantly less profanity or stories about strangers sending you unexpected vaginas in the mail. As it is with all stories, fast cars, wild bears, mental illness, and even life, only one truth remains: your mileage may vary.”
― Jenny Lawson, Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Still, at her lowest Lawson was able to find support and encouragement from her blog readers, which

Analysis:

Furiously Happy is hands-down the funniest book I’ve ever read. I’ve never laughed so hard while reading a book in my life, and still do even though I’ve read and listened to the book a handful of times. Jenny’s sense of humor is amazing, though not for the easily offended reader.

As irreverent as she can be with her jokes, she uses an equal amount of care to discuss the heavier topics discussed in the book. I love her way of talking about difficult things in a light and approachable manner. While hilarious, the yet never pokes fun at anyone’s struggles and there are parts that make me tear up without it being dark and depressing.

She narrates the audiobook herself and does an amazing job, so check out the audio version if you want a great listen. You’d never guess it didn’t come naturally to her if she hadn’t literally written a chapter about it in the book.

For a sneak peek of her narration skills, I’ve included a video of her reading her book when it accidentally got published with pages of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones mixed in with it. She took the printing error in stride and shared the hilarious results for her readers to enjoy.

View this post on Instagram

Video #2

A post shared by Jenny Lawson (@thebloggess) on Jan 10, 2019 at 2:07pm PST

Overall, Furiously Happy is a fantastic book to help eradicate the stigmas associated with mental illness and give insight into what it can be like to live with these conditions. Jenny’s heartfelt and hilarious honesty honestly changed the way I see mental health, both in myself and in general with Jenny’s heartfelt honesty.

Takeaway:

Furiously Happy is one of my all-time favorite titles and my absolute favorite nonfiction book. It’s definitely an all the stars rated read and listen for me.

It’s a great exploration of a number of health topics, and, I’d recommend this book to anyone with mental health… which is to say everyone. And definitely anyone who struggles with theirs.

11 Books to Read for Mental Health Awareness Month

Content Warning:

mental illness, suicide, adult language and humor, self-harm

Review: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

May 22, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

Reese’s Book Club pick from May, The Henna Artist, is a beautiful work of historical fiction that transports readers to 1950s India, when the nation was still coming into its own after Independence. This book was one of my favorites reads of the month, and I adored everything from the setting to the recipes included in the book.

Keep reading my review of The Henna Artist to see why this amazing book is one you should add to your TBR.

Synopsis:

“Independence changed everything. Independence changed nothing.”

― Alka Joshi, The Henna Artist

The Henna Artist takes place in Jaipur, a colorful city in northern India where the nation as a whole and the story’s protagonist Lakshmi are struggling to come into their own after gaining independence. Lakshmi has come to Jaipur after running away from an abusive arranged marriage, in a time and place where women were not socially allowed to leave and be on their own.

Still, Lakshmi leaves and tried to reinvent herself. She learns the art of henna and uses what her mother-in-law taught her about herbal remedies to offer additional services to the women she meets. After years of hard work, Lakshmi has built a thriving business for herself, painting henna on Jaipur’s most elite women.

She’s building a house with the money she’s earned, in hopes that when it is completed her parents will be proud enough of her success to come live with her and forgive her for not being a dutiful wife and daughter.

But before the house is complete, Lakshmi’s husband appears in Jaipur. He arrives with Lakshmi’s sister, who she never knew exsisted, and the news that their parents were both dead.

If this news isn’t enough to disrupt the life Lakshmi has worked so hard to build, the difficulties of caring for her sister Radha, a free-spirited 13-year-old are sure to complicate things.

Eventually the lives of Lakshmi and Radha become too entwined with the upper-caste families for whom they work. Can she save the business she’s worked so hard to build in Jaipur?

Or will her life be uprooted to the point she’s forced to start over yet again?

Analysis:

With vivid, captivating writing, Alka Joshi brings us into the world of post-independence India from the very beginning. There’s so much imagery that it’s hard to not be drawn in by all the smells, sights, and tastes of Jaipur. The city comes to life in The Henna Artist in a beautiful way, as readers are transported to another time and place.

As beautiful as the setting is, the unfortunate truth is that women were not treated well in 1950’s society. Joshi discusses these issues with care, acknowledging how difficult it was to go against what was culturally accepted in this era.

In interviews, Alka Joshi says that her inspiration for the story and Lakshmi’s character came from her own mother. It’ as beautiful tribute as a reimagination of the life Joshi’s mother could have had if she’d had the freedom to choose her own path and embrace her passions and creativity.

And Lakshmi’s character is truly endearing. She is strong and willful, and you can’t help cheering her on as she makes her own way in a world that does not support going against the grain. I adore her artistic nature and desire to help people, and as someone into holistic wellness I appreciate her use of traditional herbal remedies.

All of the characters had nuance and depth to them, which was lovely to explore. I especially loved Lakshmi’s sister Rhada and Amir, a boy who helps Lakshmi with her henna business.

Alka Joishi delivers a beautiful and inspiring narrative, with the history and culture of her native India beautifully woven into the story. It’s beautifully done on all levels, and shows her skill at storytelling in a way that’s both informative and engaging. The element of social commentary around women’s issues really takes this book a step above typical historical fiction and makes it an important feminist read.

Takeaway:

If you can’t tell from my review of The Henna Artist, Alka Joshi’s debut novel is my favorite of Reese’s picks in quite a while, and I have nothing but good things to say about this five-star read.

Whether you’re looking for an empowering story, want to travel through the pages of a novel, or want to learn more about a different culture, it will be hard to find a title that hits all these notes more beautifully than The Henna Artist.

Content Warning:

physical abuse, loss of pregnancy, abortion, underage nonconsensual marriage, suicide, sexual abuse

11 Books to Read for Mental Health Awareness Month

May 21, 2020 milelongtbr 3 Comments

Reading provides an amazing opportunity to put ourselves in another person’s point of view and May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to start a conversation about this important topic and read some books by and about people who have dealt with mental health troubles.

I’ve compiled a list of eleven titles across many genres to appeal to readers with a range of tastes. You’re sure to find something that will be an interesting and eye-opening read, no matter what books usually fill your TBR.

Books to Read for Mental Health Awareness

Nonfiction

First let’s talk about some nonfiction titles. What better perspective on mental health than from someone who has struggled personally with their own?

1. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Furiously Happy is my absolute favorite nonfiction book and one of my all-time favorite titles. Jenny Lawson is a successful blogger at The Bloggess, an author, and an artist. She’s also someone who struggles with depression, anxiety, and a number of other mental disorders. In this book she gets real about the struggles she has and the things she does to better herself every day. This book changed the way I see mental illness, and I can’t recommend it enough.

It’s not for the easily offended reader, but Jenny’s humor is amazing. I’ve never laughed so hard while reading a book in my life, and still do even though I’ve read and listened to the book a handful of times. She narrates the audiobook herself and does an amazing job, so check out the audio version if you want a great listen. Check out my full review of Furiously Happy here.

2. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gotlieb

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone was my nonfiction pick for January, and I absolutely love Gotlieb’s account of therapy… from both sides of the couch. The book not only gives us insight to the lives and struggles of her patients, but also her account of seeking therapy herself after a breakup leaves her questioning her life and identity.

Lori’s honesty and insight is invaluable, and the memoir is heartfelt and emotional. I’d never even considered a therapist having a therapist, and love what Gotlieb has done to help normalize talking to someone, specifically a professional, about our lives.

3. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen (TBR)

I’ll be reading Girl, Interrupted in the coming days for my monthly Nonfiction selection for May. Thismemoir inspired the Angelina Jolie movie of the same name and gave cutting insight into life in a mental institution in the 1970s. Eighteen-year-old Kaysen was sent to high profile McLean Hospital after twenty minute session with a new psychiatrist and stayed there for nearly two years. Her personal reflections and observations on the hospital and other insight are sure to provide insight on the history of mental healthcare and the experience of those who are struggling.

Classic Literature

If fiction is more your style, here are some selections that have characters facing mental health issues.

4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

I will not say it’s an easy or ‘fun’ read. It is, however, an important read. Evocative and immersive , with lyrical prose rich imagery. The book follows Esther Greenwood, a character author Sylvia Plath more or less based on herself, as she struggles to find herself as a writer and as a woman in the 1950s. Esther seemingly has a fabulous life, but still finds herself dissatisfied and uninterested. Eventually, Esther finds herself trapped by her life and the bell jar that is her depression, containing and suffocating her at once. She loses hope, and after failed suicide attempts finds herself in a hospital, undergoing some of the treatments of the time.

Though the book ends on a hopeful note for Esther’s future, Plath herself lost her battle with depression and committed suicide shortly after it’s publication. Even with its difficult subject matter The Bell Jar is worth the read and its status as a modern classic.

5. Tender is the Night by F Scott Fitzgerald

Tender is the Night is a novel heavily based on the Fitzgerald’s lives and explores the strain that his alcoholism and depression and her alleged schizophrenia put on their relationship and wellbeing. Scott Fitzgerald considered this his best work, and though the tone and themes explored are dark, the writing is luminous and it’s a very introspective and captivating exploration of what can happen when facing mental health struggles.

6. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey (TBR)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest is a novel set in a psychiatric hospital. It’s such a powerful read that it was instrumental in changing the mental healthcare system, which was dehumanizing, still practicing lobotomies at the time it was written in 1959.

For that reason alone it’s incredibly important, albeit not an easy read.

The book has some unique and symbolic characters in McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, who are not only iconic characters, but also symbols of the thematic struggles between good and evil; the individual and the institution.

Contemporary Fiction

If you prefer your fiction a bit more modern than the above selections, check out these books.

7. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant is another of my all-time favorite books, and Eleanor’s character holds a very special place in my heart. She’s damaged and has suffered a number of traumatic events in her life that have molded her into the woman she is today; awkward, reclusive, and very damaged. Eleanor works through her past and her depression and though she has very bad days, undergoes amazing character growth. The book is packed with quotes pertaining to mental health struggles, so it’s a perfect read for mental health awareness.

Check out my full review if you’re interested in hearing more about Eleanor Oliphant.

8. Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison

Part gripping medical thriller, part family drama, Tear Me Apart tells a captivating story that weaves an important discussion on mental health and suicide into the plot. I can’t think of another book in the genre that does this so sensitively. Elison’s acknowledgments are especially heartwarming, and I appreciate her using the book to explore deeper and meaningful themes. If you like thrillers and want to try something with a mental health angle this is the book for you.

9. Where’d You Go, Bernadette By Maria Semple

Bernadette has some mental health struggles, but her character still made it to my list of the 8 Greatest Literary Moms I put together earlier this month. Despite her reclusivity and anxiety, Bernadette manages to break out of her comfort zone and reignite her passion for life through admittedly unorthodox methods. Bernadette’s struggles aren’t necessarily understood by those close to her, but she makes no apologies and that attitude of self-acceptance is a great force to destigmatize the types of things she’s facing.

Poetry

Finally, if you’re looking for poetry collections dealing with mental health themes, here’s a good place to start.

10. Anything by Amanda Lovelace

Amanda Lovelace is a powerful wordsmith, crafting beautiful poems about often difficult topics. Her books probably contain most of the trigger warnings, so go in with that in mind and expect to be amazed by the force of her words.

Each of the books in her “women are some kind of magic” trilogy are uniquely interesting explorations of love, trauma, loss, grief, and healing. I own all three titles in the series, which all use different elements of classic fairy tales and myth to help tell the tales of women overcoming and finding strength within themselves. Find a title that speaks to you. You’ll feel understood and empowered reading her poems.

11. Love Poems for Anxious People by John Kenney

Love Poems for Anxious People is a great collection that explores topics the anxious and socially awkward among us are sure to relate to. It muses on everything from forgetting someone’s name, fighting “monkey mind” during meditation practice, and self-diagnosing on WebMD, as well as complications of working and parenting in the modern age.

Kenney’s words show that he intimately understands the struggles of an anxious person; the things that keep you up at night and the intricacies of who you are at your core. If you suffer from anxiety in today’s day and age, you’re sure to relate.

We all know that we can read for mental health benefits, but what we read can be important too. Especially when it gives us the opportunity to better understand other perspectives and

This list of eleven titles perfect to read for Mental Health Awareness Month is a great starting point to consider other’s struggles and keep the conversation going so we can beat the stigma that surrounds mental health.

Review: Beach Read by Emily Henry

May 19, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Beach Read was one of my Book of the Month picks for April and I am so glad I got to be an early reader of this book because it came at just the right time for me!

I’ve been finding myself drawn to lighter reads like contemporary romance lately, despite myself, and thanks to Emily Henry I finally understand why.

“I wasn’t writing romance yet– I didn’t even realize how much I loved reading romance until Mom’s second diagnosis two years later, when I needed a good distraction– but I was definitely writing romantically, about a good world, where things happened for a reason, where love and human connection were all that really mattered.”
-Emily Henry, Beach Read

I love this quote from the book– and how it put into words the longing I’ve had for this type of story. No, we can’t always expect happy endings– but sometimes we need to read them. And now, with all the uncertainty in the world, is one of those times for many readers.

Yes, the name and cover of this book are slightly misleading. There’s not much beach happening in the book. But, it’s a lovely contemporary romance that provides a welcome escape.

Here’s what you need to know about Beach Read.

Synopsis:

January Andrews is a bestselling romance novelist who stops believing in happy endings after the death of her father leads to the discovery that he had a secret house and lover. Then her longtime partner leaves her for being too sad.

Unsurprisingly, this makes it hard for her to do her job- write books where everyone lives happily ever after.

January is running out of options- and money- so she moves to the love nest her father left to her in the small lake town of North Bear, Michigan to get it ready to sell and to write her next book.

She doesn’t have high expectations of North Bear, but what she didn’t expect was for her next-door neighbor to be Agustus Everett- her college nemesis who has his own successful career writing literary fiction.

It’s soon apparent that in a town this small there isn’t much chance of not running into the other woman who she’s always trying to avoid, let alone Agustus.

He’s struggling with writer’s block too, so to motivate themselves into writing they make a bet. Each writer agrees to write a book in the other’s genre.

But, since Gus doesn’t have much experience with happily ever afters and January needs research for her work, they agree on regular outings to educate each other on the necessary elements of each genre.

The thing is, these “research outings” start to look a lot like dates.

And January and Augustus find it increasingly harder to pretend that they don’t enjoy each other’s company.

But, will they be able to put their differences aside and be real enough with each other–and themselves to turn it into something lasting? Or is January better off finishing her book and getting the house sold as quickly as possible so she can get far away?

Analysis:

Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, and Beach Read is a fun example of just how entertaining it is when done well.

I would say that Augustus and January’s coming together was less due to character development and more to them dropping the pretenses and being vulnerable to each other. While I love to see some transformation in the main characters, the book still had them come together in a satisfying way.

This book had lots of gems for bibliophiles, some literary jokes had me nearly spitting out the margarita I was sipping while reading this by the pool. There were a number of cheesy moments, but Henry embraces them and they work to make this a fun romantic comedy.

What the book was not?

Sappy. With a character that’s a self-professed romantic at heart, albeit a temporarily disillusioned one, it could have easily gone the other direction. I’m glad Henry keeps it in check and makes things believable between the two characters.

A few minor characters really stood out as well. Pete and Maggie are full of all the small-town charm you’d expect from the endearing locale in the book. January’s best friend Shadi is fun and quirky, and though most of her appearances in the book are virtual, it’s evident that the two have a strong bond. It’s refreshing to see healthy female friendships so supportive and genuine.

The pacing of this book worked well. The plot moved along at a pace to keep you reading and engaged, while still giving the feel of long summer days.

My main criticisms of the book are that I’d have liked to see more character growth and exploration of some of the deeper themes the book discusses. A bit more balance between the romance and literary fiction that the characters write, if you will. But for escapism, this book is hard to beat.

Takeaway:

Henry’s Beach Read is the perfect Summer escape and my favorite Contemporary Romance of 2020 so far. I’m giving this fun summer romance four stars – and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author when I’m looking for a fun read.

Content Warning:

loss of family member, cancer, infidelity, adult language, sexual content

How I Assign Starred Ratings to Book Reviews

May 14, 2020 milelongtbr 19 Comments

I’m not a betting person, but I’d wager a guess that if you’ve found your way to my site you love books.

That’s almost a given. But, what’s also a given is that while we both love books, we won’t necessarily love the same books.

A book I absolutely adored and can’t stop raving about may be one that you struggled to get through and left you unimpressed. And a title that didn’t make a lasting impression on me may have stood out to you for entirely different reasons.

That’s why I think it’s important to talk about how I give starred ratings to the books I read and review here.

I’ve seen so much variation across the world of book blogging. The criteria for a five-star rating from me may be completely different for a five-star read from a different reviewer.

It’s understandable, but it’s important to know what a five-star rating means from the reviewer that bestowed it.

So, if you’re reading my reviews on books, please take a minute to check out what different starred ratings mean.

There’s a reason you’ll almost never see a one or two-star book on my blog, and why three-star books are rarely seen as well. The obvious reason for this is that for a girl with a mile long TBR, it’s important for me to prioritize books that I believe I will love. There are simply too many books in the world to read ones that don’t excite me.

You’ve also probably noticed that I give out five-star ratings rather liberally. Part of the reason for this is that I usually do my due diligence before starting a book. I’ll read reviews of book bloggers whose opinions I trust and hear their thoughts on a title before deciding it’s one I need to read.

The other reasons I’ll discuss more in-depth later, but it’s safe to say that I want to be a reviewer that can help get the right book into the hand of the right reader. Of course, just because I give a book five stars doesn’t mean it will be a five-star read for you as well. But, I’m confident that with taking my rating system into account and reading the analysis section of my reviews, you’ll be able to tell which books to send to the top of your own TBR for a great read, and which you’re less likely to enjoy.

One-Star

This book was not enjoyable for me and is not a book I’d recommend to friends and readers. You likely won’t see any of these because I will DNF a book that’s leaning towards a rating this low.

Criteria

Has all of the following:

The writing style was extremely hard to get through
Characters lacked depth
Unenjoyable reading experience
Predictable and full of cliches

Takeaway:

While everyone has different tastes, I feel it’s safe to say that if you ever see me give a book a one-star rating, it’s one to skip. The book didn’t have enough redeeming qualities for me to find any merit in it.

Two-Star

You likely won’t see any of these because I will DNF a book that’s leaning towards a rating this low.

Criteria:

Has most of the following

The writing style was hard to get through
Characters lacked depth
Unenjoyable reading experience
Predictable and full of cliches
Interesting premise, but disappointing execution

Takeaway:

A different reader may rate it higher, but if we have similar reading tastes and you agree with my other reviews in the genre this is unlikely to be your next favorite book.

Three-Star

While certain readers might enjoy the book for a different reason, it’s definitely one I’d look into further before diving into. Three-Star reads are borderline DNFs for me.

Criteria:

Interesting premise, but disappointing execution
Characters lacked complexity
The writing style didn’t work for me
Surface level plot, or themes not handled well
Alright, but unmemorable

Takeaway:

Your mileage may vary, but this was not the book for me. If you particularly love something about the author or plot, you may find the book more enjoyable than I did.

Four-Star

I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a worthwhile read, but lacks a certain element or two that would make it a top pick for me.

Criteria:

Interesting plot or story, well-executed
Multi-dimensional characters
The writing style was enjoyable
Takes on some deeper themes
I may enjoy rereading this book
Solid ending, but left something to be desired

Takeaway:

These books are solid reads and I’m confident readers who are interested in these titles will enjoy them.

Five-Star

Criteria:

Takeaway:

Interesting plot or story, well-executed
Well-defined and complex characters characters
The writing style was exceptional
I would enjoy rereading this book.
Handles deeper themes in a thought-provoking manner
Satisfying ending

If you’ve been considering this book at all, I can definitely recommend that you give it a read. This book may not be for everyone. A five-star thriller and a five-star romance will both be books I feel are the best of their genres, but they may not appeal to people who don’t have an interest in reading that type of book.

Oh, you thought that since my rating system is out of five stars that this would be it?!

Nope!

For books that especially stand out and are all-time favorites, I have one more category.

All the Stars:

Criteria:

Has all the qualities of a five-star rated book, plus

This book transcends its genre
Evoked emotion- made me laugh out loud or cry, but probably both
The writing was excellent
The book makes you see things in a different light
At least one character stands out as being deeply human and real
The ending was satisfying, yet left me wanting more
I can see myself rereading and recommending frequently

Takeaway:

This is a book I think everyone could benefit from, whether it’s from a genre you gravitate to or not. It’s one of my top recommendations and if you haven’t read it I think you should go order a copy right now!

Alright, there’s your comprehensive guide to how I give starred ratings to the book I review.

I only give full star ratings. With this in mind, I go to whichever category I feel is most fitting. If the book gives me that five-star feel, I will round up when torn between a four and five star rating. If it hits most of the points but still falls a bit short for me, I round down.

Of course, all review opinions are my own and the rating I give a book may not directly correlate to your enjoyment of the same title. Hopefully, with my rating system in mind, you can use my ratings to find the perfect book for your tastes!

Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

May 12, 2020 milelongtbr 5 Comments

This is one that I feel that the majority of people here have read, but it’s one of my absolute favorites and I felt it was timely to post a review of it up here since May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The book talks about a number of mental health issues and does so in a manner that is sensitive, realistic, and destigmatizing.

I first read Eleanor Oliphant in 2017 when Reese Witherspoon picked it as her inaugural book club title, and after I finished it I started rereading immediately. At the time of writing this in 2020, I believe I’ve read the book five times.

That itself should speak volumes about how much I love this book, but check out the full review for more information about why this is one to prioritize on your own TBR. And if you have read it, tell me your take on whether Eleanor is completely fine or not and what that means to you!!

Synopsis:

Meet Eleanor.

She’s a 29-year-old office worker in Glasgow who loves routine and loathes small talk.

She doesn’t have many friends, but that doesn’t bother her in the least. She’s perfectly fine with her predictable schedule; weekend pizza and wine night, weekly calls with Mummy, and daily lunches doing the crossword by herself.

“But, by careful observation from the sidelines, I’d worked out that social success is often built on pretending just a little. Popular people sometimes have to laugh at things they don’t find very funny, do things they don’t particularly want to, with people whose company they don’t particularly enjoy. Not me. I had decided, years ago, that if the choice was between that or flying solo, then I’d fly solo. It was safer that way.”
— Gail Honeyman (Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine)

Eleanor is not especially interested in expanding her social circle until she sees a musician and instantly knows: This is the man she’s meant to spend her life with.

Her attempts at turning herself into the type of woman the musician would date provide good comedy, but if you’re expecting a love story don’t hold your breath.

While Eleanor struggles to get the attention of the musician, her coworker Raymond decides to insert himself into her life.

He’s the embodiment of all the qualities she can’t stand. He smokes, his appearance is always somewhat disheveled, he uses “text speak” abbreviations in email.

But, he’s a good person. He’s an optimist and he has decided that Eleanor is worth getting to know.

Her life expands as she starts to spend time with him, and the reclusive and awkward Eleanor learns that coming out of her shell a little might bring bigger, better things than she’d realized into her life.

And, when the bad days come, like they always do, Raymond is a supportive and encouraging friend, helping see her through the dark times and come out better on the other side.

Analysis:

Eleanor Oliphant instantly became one of my all-time favorite books, and largely because of the characters; quirky yet relatable Eleanor, Raymond the impossibly kind IT guy from her office, and Eleanor’s sinister Mummy.

The characters are all very well developed, but witnessing the scarred and reclusive Eleanor step outside of her comfort zone to become the kind of person who goes to weddings, visits friends in the hospital, and helps care for people who need it is inspiring.

I love that she retains her quirks even as she leaves behind the unhealthy coping mechanisms she’s used to deal with things for so long.

Also, I think Raymond is one the most ‘good’ characters in all of literature. He’s such a kind and caring person and brings so much heart to the novel.

He also brings humor. There are many laugh-out-loud moments in the book, from Eleanor’s observations to Raymond’s goofy demeanor and the rapport between the two of them. The humor may be sardonic at times, but it works well. You’ll likely relate to Elenor’s commentary even if you’d never say those thoughts aloud and in public.

The comedy is needed to balance the difficult themes and topics that are discussed in the book. It discusses things such as isolation, depression, abuse, and suicide, but is handled in a respectful manner and does not stay too dark for too long thanks to that balance.

Two things particularly stand out to me about this book; that Gail Honeyman avoids cliche by not following the formula of Eleanor’s physical transformation from awkward and unfashionable to beautiful, and that Eleanor’s relationship with Raymond stayed a friendship.

Yes, she does go through a number of physical changes but they are without a doubt secondary to the changes that are taking place within her. Eleanor’s attempts at changing her appearance are misguided, but the deeper changes are not suggested to be a result of introspection, brutal self-honesty, and hard work.

Another thing that I appreciate is that Eleanor and Raymond are friends. He is loyal and accepting while encouraging her to be honest with herself, which are invaluable qualities in a friend. But, even when Eleanor is shiny, he doesn’t make any advances on her or take advantage of her in any way. Having him become a love interest to her would have cheapened the story and I’m so glad Honeyman didn’t take it in that direction.

Considering this is Gail Honeyman’s debut novel, it’s especially impressive. She’s set the bar high for future works, but I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.

Takeaway:

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a book I will never stop recommending or rereading.

This book is one that makes you think, laugh, cry, question things… It’s hard to find a book that achieves this, especially with such grace. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a truly touching work of contemporary fiction that I see being regarded as a modern classic in the years to come. It’s one of the two books I feel should be required reading for practically everyone which is why this five-star read also earned my “all the stars” rating.

If you’ve not already read it take my word for it and give this book a chance.