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On Maggie's Watch
Maggie Finley has returned with her husband from the big city to her Wisconsin hometown, where she reunites with her best friend and awaits the any-minute-now birth of her baby. She's determined to create a safe haven on Hemlock Road, a neighborhood that has always meant security, community, and love. One way to do resurrect the defunct Neighborhood Watch program. The Watch folks are mostly concerned with dog poop and litterbugs. But Maggie's done some digging and discovered a potential threat living just around the corner-a threat that must be eradicated. And the more Maggie tries to take control, the more out of control she gets...Watch a Video
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2010
About the author
Ann Wertz Garvin
1 book523 followersAnn Garvin, Ph.D. is the USA Today Bestselling author of I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around, The Dog Year, and On Maggie’s Watch. She teaches writing at the University of Wisconsin Continuing Education and Drexel University Masters of Fine Arts program and has held positions at Miami University and Southern New Hampshire in their Masters of Fine Arts program.
Ann is the founder of the Tall Poppy Writers where she is committed to helping women writers succeed. She is a sought-after speaker on writing, leadership and health and has taught extensively in NY, San Francisco, LA, Boston, and at festivals across the country.
Ann is the founder of the Tall Poppy Writers where she is committed to helping women writers succeed. She is a sought-after speaker on writing, leadership and health and has taught extensively in NY, San Francisco, LA, Boston, and at festivals across the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
I couldn't put it down.
I couldn't put it down.
May 21, 2021
What a waste of time this dull book was. The main character was aimless, spineless, lacking in self awareness, had severe mental issues, and was seriously in need of therapy. She committed crimes which were passed over by both the characters and the author as pranks, and for which she never took responsibility. Suddenly, all her problems miraculously disappeared with the arrival of a baby! The happily-ever-after message of the book seemed to be that all turmoil could be erased if you only had babies. There was an incidence of fat shaming towards the end that was disgusting and showed a lack of sensitivity on the part of the author. I would recommend this book to no one.
November 20, 2010
This book will strike a chord with women everywhere. Especially those who have been pregnant and understand the bizarre thought process that occurs during this special time. From my own experience, pregnant women are not always rational and the hormonal tidal wave that happens to your body seems to enhance thoughts that would normally be dismissed. And there you have Maggie in a nutshell. Maggie is pregnant again after losing her first child and the obsession over keeping this new baby safe overcomes her rationality. Maggie restarts the local neighborhood watch and finds a predator among them. Of course, Maggie, not knowing all the details, jumps head first into wacky attempts at trying to remove the offending person.
Garvin does a splendid job of portraying Maggie's issues without making us pity her or wanting to kill her off. There is such a fine line that between those two and I loved how the author develops Maggie into someone we understand and cheer. This plot line is unique and filled with believable characters. Julia, Maggie's best friend, tries her best to keep Maggie somewhat on a rational track and her wisecracking is just pure fun. Maggie's mother lets her daughter learn from her mistakes instead of trying to fix everything. which probably would have been the easiest route. There are two major men in Maggie's life as well, but I am going to make you go buy a copy to find out about the details.
If you like Cathy Lamb, you will love this one!
Garvin does a splendid job of portraying Maggie's issues without making us pity her or wanting to kill her off. There is such a fine line that between those two and I loved how the author develops Maggie into someone we understand and cheer. This plot line is unique and filled with believable characters. Julia, Maggie's best friend, tries her best to keep Maggie somewhat on a rational track and her wisecracking is just pure fun. Maggie's mother lets her daughter learn from her mistakes instead of trying to fix everything. which probably would have been the easiest route. There are two major men in Maggie's life as well, but I am going to make you go buy a copy to find out about the details.
If you like Cathy Lamb, you will love this one!
August 28, 2013
On Maggie's Watch is far beyond "chick lit". This book is both funny and poignant. It is incredibly well written and addresses its conflicts in an engaging and relatable style. The relationships are so dynamic and the protagonist's perspective on each of her cohorts and even herself is honest and beautiful although not always positive. On Maggie's Watch manages to be an easy, exciting, tension-filled read that I would recommend to anyone looking to for something realistic, resonating and entertaining.
December 19, 2017
Insipid. Simplistic and predictable plot. Extremely unlikable main character. Her behaviors are supposed to be funny, but I found her vigilante acts of vandalism to be mean, misdirected, illegal, and unfunny. The author tries to depict her as a quirkily funny person--I find her to be heartless, judgmental, unrepenting, hypocritical, and unlikeable. Sorry to be repetitious, but this book feels like it was written by a high school student.
January 20, 2020
This book was just kinda ok. Garvin is easy to read but the plot didn't really grab me. The characters were not very likable and the plot wasn't that surprising for me. Pregnant woman goes kind of over the top stalking a registered sex offender only to find he is her new friend/crush and that what he did was not such a horrible awful crime. So yea, I wasn't that wowed by this book but I'll read more by this author because she's easy to read. Easy plane book.
May 20, 2018
Why did I wait so long to read this book? Its heart and humor make it a compulsive read about characters I couldn’t stop thinking about. Maggie’s maternal, protective nature reminds me of the narrator in Joanne Menchsery’s Home and Away, one of my all-time favorite stories. Moving onto Garvin’s The Dog Year’s next.
June 14, 2021
I recently read Ann Garvin's I Thought You Said This Would Work and LOVED it, so immediately downloaded some of her other books. I was extremely disappointed in On Maggie's Watch. Maggie is incredibly unlikeable and mean. The plot is implausible and ridiculous. I'm going to try The Dog Year and hope for the best.
July 4, 2017
What a wonderful book!
I've been struggling lately to read and I think this book may have been the spark to get me back on task to finish my to read list (if such a thing is even possible).
I read this book shortly after watching a TV show in which a main character lose their child to a stillbirth so reading a book where the main character has dealt with the same loss seemed almost perfect. Garvin perfectly navigates the anxiety and anxiety that must go through a mother's head as she prepares to give birth to her rainbow baby.
Maggie has moved back to her hometown with her husband to start afresh after losing her first child. Pregnant again, her nerves are on high, fearing it could all happen again. After talking with a friend, Maggie soon learns her neighbor is on the sex offender registry. This news sends her down a path that could've had dangerous consequences. While things ended up fine, it just easily could've ended differently.
The book was well written and I found myself easily flying through the pages. The characters were well thought out and believable. I felt like I could see them and that could easily live in my neighborhood. I look forward to more of Garvin's work!
I've been struggling lately to read and I think this book may have been the spark to get me back on task to finish my to read list (if such a thing is even possible).
I read this book shortly after watching a TV show in which a main character lose their child to a stillbirth so reading a book where the main character has dealt with the same loss seemed almost perfect. Garvin perfectly navigates the anxiety and anxiety that must go through a mother's head as she prepares to give birth to her rainbow baby.
Maggie has moved back to her hometown with her husband to start afresh after losing her first child. Pregnant again, her nerves are on high, fearing it could all happen again. After talking with a friend, Maggie soon learns her neighbor is on the sex offender registry. This news sends her down a path that could've had dangerous consequences. While things ended up fine, it just easily could've ended differently.
The book was well written and I found myself easily flying through the pages. The characters were well thought out and believable. I felt like I could see them and that could easily live in my neighborhood. I look forward to more of Garvin's work!
July 31, 2017
As you can clearly read from the synopsis, Maggie is a grieving mother now carrying her second child. She is obsessed with the fear that she is not going to be a good mother and that somehow something or someone is going to do something to her as yet unborn baby.
Taking on the leadership of the neighborhood watch, Maggie finds herself attempting to singlehandedly push a member of the neighborhood out. There is a lot Maggie doesn't yet understand, and she often doesn't take time to try.
As much as I wanted to like Maggie, I couldn't. I found it hard to believe that this character could still be grieving her first child, planning her second, and her husband had no sensibility to what was going on and the need in Maggie to work through her grief. The husband's character wasn't developed to the point I could tell whether he was still in grief himself.
Perhaps you know someone in Maggie's shoes and perhaps you are better suited to deal with characters like Maggie. I picked this up to read during a surgical recovery and perhaps my mental state was colored by narcotics. Ann Wertz Garvin is a good writer, and I recommend you read this first novel by Garvin and decided yourself what kind of review it warrants.
Taking on the leadership of the neighborhood watch, Maggie finds herself attempting to singlehandedly push a member of the neighborhood out. There is a lot Maggie doesn't yet understand, and she often doesn't take time to try.
As much as I wanted to like Maggie, I couldn't. I found it hard to believe that this character could still be grieving her first child, planning her second, and her husband had no sensibility to what was going on and the need in Maggie to work through her grief. The husband's character wasn't developed to the point I could tell whether he was still in grief himself.
Perhaps you know someone in Maggie's shoes and perhaps you are better suited to deal with characters like Maggie. I picked this up to read during a surgical recovery and perhaps my mental state was colored by narcotics. Ann Wertz Garvin is a good writer, and I recommend you read this first novel by Garvin and decided yourself what kind of review it warrants.
August 7, 2023
This was Anne Garvin's first book... and it shows. I'm super grateful she kept writing, because I have loved her other books, but this one was kind of a mess.
The characters are all quite unlikable, which is fine, except they don't really seem to like each other either and there were a lot of points in the book where it felt like everyone should just go their separate ways if they all couldn't stand each other. You don't really see the love between any of them until the last couple chapters.
Spoiler alert.
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The ending made no sense. The epilogue happens two years later and has them all talking about the events of the story like they were yesterday. It was weird. Like dude your life is completely different two years after having a baby conversations change. Then I got to the last two pages and realized why the time jump was necessary... and gag. The ending sucked.
The characters are all quite unlikable, which is fine, except they don't really seem to like each other either and there were a lot of points in the book where it felt like everyone should just go their separate ways if they all couldn't stand each other. You don't really see the love between any of them until the last couple chapters.
Spoiler alert.
.
.
.
.
The ending made no sense. The epilogue happens two years later and has them all talking about the events of the story like they were yesterday. It was weird. Like dude your life is completely different two years after having a baby conversations change. Then I got to the last two pages and realized why the time jump was necessary... and gag. The ending sucked.
July 22, 2018
I loved the way the title of the book tied in at the end.
I felt the main character (Maggie) was presented so well that I didn't hate her, but found her to be an awful person...mean, fearful, vengeful, deceitful, sneaky, obsessed. Nothing kind there.
I finished the book reminded that there are probably a lot of women like Maggie all around us. Those who are cruel to others, but get away with it because they justify their cruelty by blaming hormones, a tough childhood, or any other thing in life that happened to them they deem unfair. They are surrounded by people who cover up for them.
In this particular story, the person she hated, feared, harassed, was far more likeable and redeeming than she was.
Often, that is the way it is.
I felt the main character (Maggie) was presented so well that I didn't hate her, but found her to be an awful person...mean, fearful, vengeful, deceitful, sneaky, obsessed. Nothing kind there.
I finished the book reminded that there are probably a lot of women like Maggie all around us. Those who are cruel to others, but get away with it because they justify their cruelty by blaming hormones, a tough childhood, or any other thing in life that happened to them they deem unfair. They are surrounded by people who cover up for them.
In this particular story, the person she hated, feared, harassed, was far more likeable and redeeming than she was.
Often, that is the way it is.
September 2, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading On Maggie's Watch. I thought it was funny and poignant. I loved how the neighborly handyman wrote a book with the same title. I don't want to give too much away. Read it! You won't regret it.
November 19, 2022
Touching story that made me rethink some of my own preconceptions. It was eye opening. The story was beautifully told and, like all her books, the ending was not predictable. Thoughtful, funny, and insightful read for me.
July 14, 2017
I really wanted to like this one more but it was so predictable...
March 18, 2018
Delightful read. Maggie goes a little off kilter after losing her first baby and pregnant for her second. I loved the characters.
May 12, 2021
Great read!
October 15, 2021
Loved it!
August 28, 2023
I liked her other books better. This was a miss for me. Maggie was kooky, but p
December 31, 2023
A nice book of growth and grief and second chances. Not earth-shaking, and I saw the “twist” coming a mile away, but it was still a good read.
March 14, 2026
Just a captivating read about navigating pregnancy loss, fear, and control. I was absolutely obsessed the whole time.
May 30, 2021
Recovering from the stillbirth of their daughter, once-again-pregnant Maggie wants to make sure this child will be protected and safe. She decides to revive a neighborhood watch, and is concerned when she finds that there is a predator living in their neighborhood. She takes matters into her own hands, but things don’t turn out quite the way she expects.
Only Ann Garvin can write a book with such fun characters, in the midst of relevant social subject matter, taking it seriously, but with dialogue that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. Maybe Maggie reminds me of myself, always trying to do the “right thing,” but with unexpected results. Thank you, Ann Garvin!
Only Ann Garvin can write a book with such fun characters, in the midst of relevant social subject matter, taking it seriously, but with dialogue that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. Maybe Maggie reminds me of myself, always trying to do the “right thing,” but with unexpected results. Thank you, Ann Garvin!
December 15, 2010
On Maggie's Watch is author Ann Wertz Garvin's debut novel about a dark subject but handled with lightness and humor. I was interested in the book because I normally find books that revolve around a small community and cast of characters fun to read. On Maggie's Watch did not disappoint mainly because of main character Maggie's over the top actions and reactions.
As someone who herself has gone online to see what sexual predators are residing in and around my neighborhood, I related with Maggie's quest to keep her child and her neighborhood safe. I chuckled out loud picturing Maggie in her purple pajamas, on her bike, stalking the stalker and her handful of pranks. Her attempts at vigilante justice are humorous and yet also have a strong, serious undertone. In less capable hands, Maggie could have been a brash, borderline annoying character but Ms. Wertz Garvin keeps her from falling in that precipice while also allowing her to remain very relatable, a commendable task.
I enjoyed the supporting characters, from best friend Julia whose no-nonsense personality allows her to tell it like it is to husband Martin who oftentimes seems oblivious to Maggie's obsessive nature to the overzealous Beverly Finker and helpful handyman David. Personally I would have loved to read more about some of the neighbors - - who knows what delicious secrets and dirt Maggie, heading up the Neighborhood Watch, could have learned - - but the neighborhood cross between Melrose Place and a Fannie Flagg novel is simply too tasty to resist.
The best part of On Maggie's Watch is Ms. Wertz Garvin's writing style and overall story. She has taken a relevant and timely issue and managed to pen a thoughtful, funny and inspiring book. Maggie's journey, as told through Ms. Wertz Garvin's eyes, is worth the read - - from her marriage teetering on the brink of disaster to the domino effect her Neighborhood Watch sets off to the deep affection she shares with her best friend. All ring true and will leave you, the reader, anxious to share in Maggie's tale and desperate to know how it all ends.
For a debut novel On Maggie's Watch is surprisingly poignant and sinfully rich with plotline and personality. It will strike a powerful chord in every parent out there and every female will relate to the joy and fear pregnancy brings and the inate maternal instinct to protect your child at all costs. On Maggie's Watch is worth the read and I encourage you to pick it up.
As someone who herself has gone online to see what sexual predators are residing in and around my neighborhood, I related with Maggie's quest to keep her child and her neighborhood safe. I chuckled out loud picturing Maggie in her purple pajamas, on her bike, stalking the stalker and her handful of pranks. Her attempts at vigilante justice are humorous and yet also have a strong, serious undertone. In less capable hands, Maggie could have been a brash, borderline annoying character but Ms. Wertz Garvin keeps her from falling in that precipice while also allowing her to remain very relatable, a commendable task.
I enjoyed the supporting characters, from best friend Julia whose no-nonsense personality allows her to tell it like it is to husband Martin who oftentimes seems oblivious to Maggie's obsessive nature to the overzealous Beverly Finker and helpful handyman David. Personally I would have loved to read more about some of the neighbors - - who knows what delicious secrets and dirt Maggie, heading up the Neighborhood Watch, could have learned - - but the neighborhood cross between Melrose Place and a Fannie Flagg novel is simply too tasty to resist.
The best part of On Maggie's Watch is Ms. Wertz Garvin's writing style and overall story. She has taken a relevant and timely issue and managed to pen a thoughtful, funny and inspiring book. Maggie's journey, as told through Ms. Wertz Garvin's eyes, is worth the read - - from her marriage teetering on the brink of disaster to the domino effect her Neighborhood Watch sets off to the deep affection she shares with her best friend. All ring true and will leave you, the reader, anxious to share in Maggie's tale and desperate to know how it all ends.
For a debut novel On Maggie's Watch is surprisingly poignant and sinfully rich with plotline and personality. It will strike a powerful chord in every parent out there and every female will relate to the joy and fear pregnancy brings and the inate maternal instinct to protect your child at all costs. On Maggie's Watch is worth the read and I encourage you to pick it up.
January 16, 2016
This is truly a story of a woman who has suffered a tragedy and her efforts to get her life back on course. Maggie Finley first child was still-born and while the grief was overwhelming for both her and her husband, it has turned Maggie into a entirely different person. When she finds out she is pregnant again, they pull up stakes and move back to her hometown in Wisconsin, where she reconnects with her best friend.
But Maggie becomes obsessed with protecting herself and her family. She restarts the Neighborhood Watch and even becomes the president. Then she learns from the internet that there is a sex offender in the neighborhood. This seems to push her over the edge and causes some very unusual actions.
Her friends and family are very worried about her and work hard to bring the old Maggie back. It may take the birth of this new child to set things right.
This was a very compelling book and the local connection made it even better. Yes, the Wisconsin town was fictional, as was the county, but this book could of took place practically in my backyard.
The topics taken on in this story are very relevant in today's world. The author handles these hot topics with care and makes it so easy to read and feel Maggie's pain and fall totally in love with her and want to be her friend.
I am amazed that this the author's first novel. I hope she is working on her next novel as I write this because I definitely want to read more by Ann Wertz Garvin soon. This is a perfect book for my blog because it will give you an "escape" for a few hours of pure pleasure with a peek into Maggie's life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from THE AUTHOR. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
But Maggie becomes obsessed with protecting herself and her family. She restarts the Neighborhood Watch and even becomes the president. Then she learns from the internet that there is a sex offender in the neighborhood. This seems to push her over the edge and causes some very unusual actions.
Her friends and family are very worried about her and work hard to bring the old Maggie back. It may take the birth of this new child to set things right.
This was a very compelling book and the local connection made it even better. Yes, the Wisconsin town was fictional, as was the county, but this book could of took place practically in my backyard.
The topics taken on in this story are very relevant in today's world. The author handles these hot topics with care and makes it so easy to read and feel Maggie's pain and fall totally in love with her and want to be her friend.
I am amazed that this the author's first novel. I hope she is working on her next novel as I write this because I definitely want to read more by Ann Wertz Garvin soon. This is a perfect book for my blog because it will give you an "escape" for a few hours of pure pleasure with a peek into Maggie's life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from THE AUTHOR. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 19, 2011
Maggie is eight months pregnant when she and her husband Martin move back to her hometown. She reconnects with her former friend Julia. Maggie is a bit different now that she's back. She suffered a great loss that has changed her views on the world and as a result she becomes obsessed with protecting her unborn child.
She decides to organize her neighborhood watch program which leads to her discovery of a sex offender living in the neighborhood. Sicken by this, Maggie decides to take matters into her own hands to let him know he is not welcomed.
On Maggie's Watch is a portrayal of how unresolved grief can influence one's behavior. At first glance, Maggie appears to be unstable and it's easy to want to judge her, but when the reader learns of her past history and the loss she endured, it's understandable why she does what she does. Don't get me wrong, though. Some of her actions I found to be a bit over the top, but when I've reacted to a situation based entirely on my emotions, my behavior was irrational, but at the same time made sense to me.
I do have to admit, I didn't like On Maggie's Watch as much as I thought I would. I never warmed up to Maggie and at times found her to be exhausting. I did, however, want her to let go of the past so she could fully enjoy the birth of her child. Despite my frustration with Maggie, I still recommend On Maggie's Watch. The story was an emotional roller coaster for me: frustration to pity to sadness to happiness. My suggestion is to read On Maggie's Watch and decide for yourself.
She decides to organize her neighborhood watch program which leads to her discovery of a sex offender living in the neighborhood. Sicken by this, Maggie decides to take matters into her own hands to let him know he is not welcomed.
On Maggie's Watch is a portrayal of how unresolved grief can influence one's behavior. At first glance, Maggie appears to be unstable and it's easy to want to judge her, but when the reader learns of her past history and the loss she endured, it's understandable why she does what she does. Don't get me wrong, though. Some of her actions I found to be a bit over the top, but when I've reacted to a situation based entirely on my emotions, my behavior was irrational, but at the same time made sense to me.
I do have to admit, I didn't like On Maggie's Watch as much as I thought I would. I never warmed up to Maggie and at times found her to be exhausting. I did, however, want her to let go of the past so she could fully enjoy the birth of her child. Despite my frustration with Maggie, I still recommend On Maggie's Watch. The story was an emotional roller coaster for me: frustration to pity to sadness to happiness. My suggestion is to read On Maggie's Watch and decide for yourself.
August 6, 2016
drey’s thoughts:
What do you do when you’re eight-and-a-half months pregnant and find out there’s a sex offender living on your street? If you’re Maggie Finley, you start up the Neighborhood Watch and take midnight strolls past his house. Just to make sure he’s not out there hurting anyone, that’s all…
But it’s not all for Maggie. She’s a natural worrier–worrying about the baby, the neighbors, the husband working late… Then she makes a new friend and starts worrying if she maybe likes him just a little itsy bit too much? In between all the worrying and cuticle-chewing Maggie finds time to distract her best friend from her daily grind, and starts compulsively leaving “presents” for the offender.
As off-the-wall as Maggie seems, she could be someone you know–if you know people who’re neurotic and just a tad too anal-retentive to let things slide, who get a bit obsessive about their latest “passion”… And I liked her, and wished I knew somebody on my street who cared that much. Never mind that she didn’t do more research before going all gangbusters, and never mind that what she’s doing isn’t quite legal. Ann Wertz Garvin’s portrayal of Maggie makes her somehow endearing, which makes On Maggie’s Watch a cozy read. (Yes, even with the troubles…) And I thought that the present Maggie gets at the end, is a nice little reminder that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.
drey’s rating: Pick it up! Summer’s not over yet, there’s still room for at least one more read! *grin*
What do you do when you’re eight-and-a-half months pregnant and find out there’s a sex offender living on your street? If you’re Maggie Finley, you start up the Neighborhood Watch and take midnight strolls past his house. Just to make sure he’s not out there hurting anyone, that’s all…
But it’s not all for Maggie. She’s a natural worrier–worrying about the baby, the neighbors, the husband working late… Then she makes a new friend and starts worrying if she maybe likes him just a little itsy bit too much? In between all the worrying and cuticle-chewing Maggie finds time to distract her best friend from her daily grind, and starts compulsively leaving “presents” for the offender.
As off-the-wall as Maggie seems, she could be someone you know–if you know people who’re neurotic and just a tad too anal-retentive to let things slide, who get a bit obsessive about their latest “passion”… And I liked her, and wished I knew somebody on my street who cared that much. Never mind that she didn’t do more research before going all gangbusters, and never mind that what she’s doing isn’t quite legal. Ann Wertz Garvin’s portrayal of Maggie makes her somehow endearing, which makes On Maggie’s Watch a cozy read. (Yes, even with the troubles…) And I thought that the present Maggie gets at the end, is a nice little reminder that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.
drey’s rating: Pick it up! Summer’s not over yet, there’s still room for at least one more read! *grin*
June 2, 2014
Maggie Finley takes over the neighborhood watch, eight months pregnant and discovers someone more dangerous than irresponsible dog walkers. She frantically tries to protect her family and swings wildly out of control. Not her mother, her husband or her best friend can calm her down.
I really liked this book. Maggie is a flawed, trying character. She's a bit of a nut. She has an idea in her head and no one, not her husband or her best friend, can tell her otherwise. On Maggie's Watch is both hilarious and poignant. Her antics had me laughing, but the driving force behind them teared me up. She longs, above all else, to protect her unborn baby, both in-utero and in the real world. Her husband is semi-absent and a bit lost about what to do with his wife, who seems to be spinning out of his control.
I think the fear experienced during pregnancy is common and real, especially your first. And particularly for Maggie, who has been traumatized by a past pregnancy. Garvin did an excellent job of capturing Maggie's "descent into madness" as the book progressed. She has a real flair with the English language, somehow managing to be both biting and optimistic, sometimes at the same time (for example, her reference to "The American Median" had me laughing.) I know I'll be reading more of Garvin's books!
I really liked this book. Maggie is a flawed, trying character. She's a bit of a nut. She has an idea in her head and no one, not her husband or her best friend, can tell her otherwise. On Maggie's Watch is both hilarious and poignant. Her antics had me laughing, but the driving force behind them teared me up. She longs, above all else, to protect her unborn baby, both in-utero and in the real world. Her husband is semi-absent and a bit lost about what to do with his wife, who seems to be spinning out of his control.
I think the fear experienced during pregnancy is common and real, especially your first. And particularly for Maggie, who has been traumatized by a past pregnancy. Garvin did an excellent job of capturing Maggie's "descent into madness" as the book progressed. She has a real flair with the English language, somehow managing to be both biting and optimistic, sometimes at the same time (for example, her reference to "The American Median" had me laughing.) I know I'll be reading more of Garvin's books!
June 29, 2011
Maggie and Martin Finley have returned to Maggie’s Wisconsin hometown, leaving behind a fast-paced, high-profile life. The purpose is to create a safe environment for their child. With the birth impending, safety is increasingly important to Maggie, still recovering from a tragedy that is still fresh.
Maggie decides that the best way to create a safe environment for her baby is to resurrect the inactive neighborhood watch. In doing this, she gets more than she bargained for, including becoming the leader. Then, while organizing the group, Maggie discovers online that a predator is living in the neighborhood! The more Maggie tries to take control of the situation, the more she loses it!
Before she even realizes it, Maggie is making predawn cruises through the neighborhood streets, doing things she knows are not safe, including becoming too involved with the handyman. Her lifelong friend, Julia, tries to be a voice of reason, but has her own set of issues.
Nothing is what it seems for anyone. There are lessons to be learned by everyone. This suspenseful book is very unique and quirky. There are amusing moments and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing, and leave you thinking.
Maggie decides that the best way to create a safe environment for her baby is to resurrect the inactive neighborhood watch. In doing this, she gets more than she bargained for, including becoming the leader. Then, while organizing the group, Maggie discovers online that a predator is living in the neighborhood! The more Maggie tries to take control of the situation, the more she loses it!
Before she even realizes it, Maggie is making predawn cruises through the neighborhood streets, doing things she knows are not safe, including becoming too involved with the handyman. Her lifelong friend, Julia, tries to be a voice of reason, but has her own set of issues.
Nothing is what it seems for anyone. There are lessons to be learned by everyone. This suspenseful book is very unique and quirky. There are amusing moments and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing, and leave you thinking.
September 24, 2016
Ann Garvin Shines with On Maggie's Watch
By Mary E. Latela on September 22, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
On Maggie’s Watch, Ann Garvin’s new novel, explores how a young woman who has lost her first baby tries to move on. She moves back to her home town, re-connects with her best friend, quits her stressful work to stay at home and slow down At first I wondered how Maggie could run along so many detours, dangerous encounters, and not realize or want to admit that she has developed full-blown anxiety as a way of coping. Then I realized that she is a contemporary young woman, who doesn’t want to appear needy, even to her mother. Maggie becomes immersed in the newly resurrected Neighborhood Watch, and becomes obsessed with safety and security, which translates into ever more dangerous risk-taking. I understand a little about uncertainty, and I wanted to tell Maggie to STOP. but she must find her own way. Ann Garvin weaves a masterfully crafted journey in which we hope Maggie will be transformed. This is a must read for all women and it is warm, genuine, and a little dangerous. Perfect!
December 17, 2010
I can't even pretend that I understand Maggie's brain functions in this book. I am not a mother (well besides my furry babies) and I have never been pregnant so I have no idea about the so called "baby brain" but I have seen some of my pregnant friends try to rationalize completely irrational things, so I can understand this book from that perspective. I think mothers or pregnant women would find this book excellent and validating.
I enjoyed reading this book as a whole though. Ms. Garvin has a writing style that sweeps you along the pages quickly and efficiently. I found I had finished the book long before I wanted it to end. I enjoyed Maggie's character and I enjoyed the light and fun way that Ms. Garvin wrote her story. I think that Maggie is a character that can appeal to many women, not just the pregnant ones or the mothers, she carried many characteristics of a strong women and I can totally get behind that. I look forward to more of Ms. Garvin's work.
I enjoyed reading this book as a whole though. Ms. Garvin has a writing style that sweeps you along the pages quickly and efficiently. I found I had finished the book long before I wanted it to end. I enjoyed Maggie's character and I enjoyed the light and fun way that Ms. Garvin wrote her story. I think that Maggie is a character that can appeal to many women, not just the pregnant ones or the mothers, she carried many characteristics of a strong women and I can totally get behind that. I look forward to more of Ms. Garvin's work.
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