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The Do-Over
Just before her fortieth birthday, Mara Jane Mulligan, devoted wife and mother, runs out of bubble bath, and the ensuing panic attack drives her to Canada for more. She realizes that one foamy soak probably won't cure what ails her, so she takes a 30 day vacation from her life. (What woman doesn't need one of those?) She changes her name from plain Janie to Mara, swaps mom jeans for vintage funk, discovers her inner party girl and outer cleavage, and hopes that by the end of the month, she’ll be ready to return home and happily warehouse shop for jugs of ketchup again. Surely her family will understand. Her son’s visiting Grandma, and maybe her husband won't even miss her. Unfortunately, her husband doesn't miss much and tracks her to Abundance, a Vancouver bubble bath company. She's pretty sure she can explain the strip club and the pack of wild grandmas, and also the lesbians at her slumber party, and possibly the all-over sunburn from the clothing optional beach, but the soapy encounters with the bubble bath mogul?… probably not. As her 30 days sail by, Mara Jane Mulligan discovers she has a decision to make that even Dorothy couldn't avoid… Will she click her heels for home or kick them up for good? About the Kathy Dunnehoff has an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Montana, warehouse shops for ketchup, and at mid-life finally possesses the ability to bring writing and life together with insight and humor. She teaches writing and creativity courses at Flathead Valley Community College, her screenplays have placed in numerous competitions, and she was a recipient of a Zola Award for fiction from the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2011
150 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Dunnehoff
7 books42 followers About the Author
Kathy Dunnehoff is the Amazon bestselling author of the romantic comedies The Do-Over, Plan On It, Back To U, and Hollywood Beginnings (A Quick Read).
Despite her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Montana, she finds herself warehouse shopping for ketchup way too often, blogging and tweeting about the mixed joys of mid-life, and guarding writing time from family invasion!
She teaches writing and creativity courses at Flathead Valley Community College, her screenplays have placed in numerous competitions, and she was a recipient of a Zola Award for fiction from the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association.
Kathy Dunnehoff is the Amazon bestselling author of the romantic comedies The Do-Over, Plan On It, Back To U, and Hollywood Beginnings (A Quick Read).
Despite her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Montana, she finds herself warehouse shopping for ketchup way too often, blogging and tweeting about the mixed joys of mid-life, and guarding writing time from family invasion!
She teaches writing and creativity courses at Flathead Valley Community College, her screenplays have placed in numerous competitions, and she was a recipient of a Zola Award for fiction from the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
December 14, 2015
Published: 28/08/2011
Author: Kathy Dunnehoff
Recommended for: fiction
Edition: Kindle
I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a try.
This book is quite a fun book to read, and I found that the characters are easy to relate to, and I am sure alot of readers will be able to relate better to them than I did. To me isn't wasn't the greatest book ever written however I did think it was a good book.
I would say that women who have been married for 10 years or more, have children and find that life is suddenly become mundane and not what you expected, would definitely be able to relate too the main character, Mara Jane Mulligan. Her sudden road trip makes her realise that her life is missing the abundance that she thought her life would always have.
Author: Kathy Dunnehoff
Recommended for: fiction
Edition: Kindle
I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a try.
This book is quite a fun book to read, and I found that the characters are easy to relate to, and I am sure alot of readers will be able to relate better to them than I did. To me isn't wasn't the greatest book ever written however I did think it was a good book.
I would say that women who have been married for 10 years or more, have children and find that life is suddenly become mundane and not what you expected, would definitely be able to relate too the main character, Mara Jane Mulligan. Her sudden road trip makes her realise that her life is missing the abundance that she thought her life would always have.
March 12, 2012
Wow, this book really does hit home for women who've been married for more than 10 years, have children and all the expectations that come as life within a family becomes more complicated and sometimes, mundane. The expectations of mother, wife and work can be overwhelming at times. I savoured the idea of running away and becoming someone else, but knew the consequences might be too great even though the moments were often, quite sweet! It's easy to stop thinking of yourself as a woman and to think of yourself more of a task manager and giver to others--forgetting to care about ourselves, put our needs on the back burner or altogether, forgetting we have needs. This is a bit of a mid-crisis, but also a look at how our partners really are people who evolve and change too, even if change is way too difficult and habits way too comfortable. I loved how they both physically and sexually changed and was disappointed when that didn't meld into the life they shared back at home. A good read, something that drives thinking when you are at this stage of the game. Loved the friends she found and how they instantly loved her--if only I had friends like that!!
February 10, 2012
I randomly bought this book and ended up really enjoying it. It's a fun read with parts that made me laugh out loud. While the actions of the main character are pretty far fetched, I can imagine she is a very relatable character to many women. I'm sure woman everywhere could use a break from it all at some point and this book gives one woman's very interesting story of her break.
March 12, 2013
It's interesting that when men write about relationship struggles, it's literary fiction; when women do the same, it's called "Chick Lit." Whatever you call it, this is a phenomenal novel and I wish I could give it more than five stars.
The concept couldn't be simpler. A woman is in Seattle for an educators' conference, and decides to take a vacation from her competent, dependable existence. She drives to Vancouver BC to buys her favorite brand of bath soap, and it turns into a 30-day holiday. Or so she imagines until her husband shows up, full of earnest responsibility. And she meets the handsome but irresponsible man whose mother started the bubble bath business. Then one evening at a night club, she is introduced to an exotic songstress, who may or may not have designs on her.
I like books with lots of quirky people doing lots of interesting things. The trouble is, this becomes a mish-mash of cardboard cut-out characters in the hands of an ordinary writer. Ms. Dunnehoff is no ordinary writer. There is a pantheon of fascinating men and women. None of them are perfect, and none of them are evil.
The protagonist is a wife and mother having a mid-life crisis; she doesn't know who she is or what she stands for. Her husband sometimes acts like a jerk, sometimes like a tender lover, and sometimes like a CEO wondering how to get the family business back in the black. Mainly, he's confused because the woman he's loved, lived with, and helped raise a teenaged son with - well, she's acting like she was taken over by a space alien. In an era when women of all ages and classes are often stereotyped in literature, this novel has a kaleidoscope of shop owners, assembly workers, jazz singer, lesbians and socialites. Young, old and middle-aged. And all of them are delightful.
I found unexpected thoughts and word pictures on nearly every page. This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel, and will be a delight to anyone who's ever had a mother, wife or daughter. Or a husband, father or son.
The concept couldn't be simpler. A woman is in Seattle for an educators' conference, and decides to take a vacation from her competent, dependable existence. She drives to Vancouver BC to buys her favorite brand of bath soap, and it turns into a 30-day holiday. Or so she imagines until her husband shows up, full of earnest responsibility. And she meets the handsome but irresponsible man whose mother started the bubble bath business. Then one evening at a night club, she is introduced to an exotic songstress, who may or may not have designs on her.
I like books with lots of quirky people doing lots of interesting things. The trouble is, this becomes a mish-mash of cardboard cut-out characters in the hands of an ordinary writer. Ms. Dunnehoff is no ordinary writer. There is a pantheon of fascinating men and women. None of them are perfect, and none of them are evil.
The protagonist is a wife and mother having a mid-life crisis; she doesn't know who she is or what she stands for. Her husband sometimes acts like a jerk, sometimes like a tender lover, and sometimes like a CEO wondering how to get the family business back in the black. Mainly, he's confused because the woman he's loved, lived with, and helped raise a teenaged son with - well, she's acting like she was taken over by a space alien. In an era when women of all ages and classes are often stereotyped in literature, this novel has a kaleidoscope of shop owners, assembly workers, jazz singer, lesbians and socialites. Young, old and middle-aged. And all of them are delightful.
I found unexpected thoughts and word pictures on nearly every page. This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel, and will be a delight to anyone who's ever had a mother, wife or daughter. Or a husband, father or son.
February 26, 2012
“An uncomplicated woman gets complicated when she finally says what she means.” Yep. Mara Jane Mulligan isn’t asking for much - just a nice, relaxing soak in the tub. But she’s out of Abundance . . . bubble bath that is. Oh well, she’ll just drive to the nearest supermarket that stocks it, even if it is in Canada. Her impromptu road trip gets very complicated when she realizes her life is missing not only Abundance bath products but abundance in general. She’s tired of her routine of wife, mother and middle school teacher trainer; frustrated with her sweats, sensible shoes and warehouse, super-saver shopping. So why not take a month away from it all? It only takes a day to make new friends, rent a loft and acquire some novel clothes, but little does she know that in crossing the border she may eventually be crossing some lines. Or will she be drawing new ones?
This book is a celebration of all things woman - our insecurities, triumphs, secrets, hopes and fantasies. It’s a mid-life crisis, a wild night out with the girls, a silly pajama party, a self-discovery, a creative awakening, a shoulder to cry on, an affair with a handsome stranger. There were a few spots where the sisterhood mantra began to wear a bit thin for me, but on the whole the writing is both witty and insightful, the storyline engaging and the characters real and likable. It could have easily been a predictable book but surprisingly wasn’t. I was guessing about the ultimate outcome until the very end. I was satisfied enough to purchase Ms. Dunnehoff’s next endeavor. I guess that’s as good a recommendation as I could give!
This book is a celebration of all things woman - our insecurities, triumphs, secrets, hopes and fantasies. It’s a mid-life crisis, a wild night out with the girls, a silly pajama party, a self-discovery, a creative awakening, a shoulder to cry on, an affair with a handsome stranger. There were a few spots where the sisterhood mantra began to wear a bit thin for me, but on the whole the writing is both witty and insightful, the storyline engaging and the characters real and likable. It could have easily been a predictable book but surprisingly wasn’t. I was guessing about the ultimate outcome until the very end. I was satisfied enough to purchase Ms. Dunnehoff’s next endeavor. I guess that’s as good a recommendation as I could give!
March 6, 2012
Just before her fortieth birthday, Mara Jane Mulligan, devoted wife and mother, runs out of bubble bath, and the ensuing panic attack drives her to Canada for more. She realizes that one foamy soak probably won't cure what ails her, so she takes a 30 day vacation from her life. (What woman doesn't need one of those?)
Surely her family will understand. Her son's visiting Grandma, and maybe her husband won't even miss her. Unfortunately, her husband doesn't miss much and tracks her to Abundance, a Vancouver bubble bath company.
As her 30 days sail by, Mara Jane Mulligan discovers she has a decision to make that even Dorothy couldn't avoid... Will she click her heels for home or kick them up for good?
This book was okay for me, got a little long.
Surely her family will understand. Her son's visiting Grandma, and maybe her husband won't even miss her. Unfortunately, her husband doesn't miss much and tracks her to Abundance, a Vancouver bubble bath company.
As her 30 days sail by, Mara Jane Mulligan discovers she has a decision to make that even Dorothy couldn't avoid... Will she click her heels for home or kick them up for good?
This book was okay for me, got a little long.
October 27, 2012
The premise of the book sounded good. The main character wants to take a break from her normal life for a month. Sounds intriguing, right? Who of us hasn't wanted a break from our life at one time or another. Well, the main story was good, but it would stray off and I would lose interest, and then something new would happen and I'd decide to keep going. I did finish it, but not because it was a page turner or anything. I can't decide how to rate it. If I was to tell a friend about the book, I could make it sound really good. But I had to endure the boring parts. Hence, trouble with the rating.
August 1, 2013
If you like romance stories but like me find them too formulaic, then you'll probably enjoy this book. The concept is interesting- finding your self just before you turn 40- taking a break from your marriage- even happily married people can relate to this idea. Why did I give it only a like and not a love? Because there were some continuity errors, where the characters were in one place/ situation then suddenly in a different one. And the story started to drag a bit in the middle. Bravo for the effort to break out of they romance formula and write something with a protagonist who's not a single 26-29 year old.
February 5, 2012
This book really struck a chord with me. The main character is incredibly well portrayed and very realistic. More than a few times I sat back and said, "That's exactly it. That's how I feel." I empathized with the wanting to run away, even for just a little while and figure out who she is as a person instead of as a mom, a wife, a career woman. There are bits of whimsy, but a lot of depth to this one. I definitely recommend it and will probably re-read it again at some point.
December 30, 2011
I read this because I got a new Kindle for Christmas and it was a free book. I actually enjoyed it. It wasn't a literary masterpiece, but it was still an enjoyable, quick read.
March 4, 2012
Not bad for a free download. It made me want to take lots of bubble baths!
February 29, 2012
That damn ketchup/catsup. Most women my age who have been married over 20 years can relate. Nice ending!
April 3, 2012
An intoxicating premise, frothily told. I wish the bath products existed, because I want to buy them.
June 2, 2018
More than meets the eye..
I really enjoyed this book more than I thought! It seemed at first that it was going to be one of those quick cheap chick reads but the plot expanded and developed more than expected, which I loved...I loved the events and camraderie and the twisty quirky characters that we're encountered!
My favorite part was that I totally identified with Mara...Janie... whomever. Mostly silly coincidences in her preferences but also in the way Dan acted and how she reacted. Great read, and it was longer than expected too, which I liked...
Although the ending came out of nowhere! I was ready for more but maybe we will hear more from Mara again someday *fingers crossed!*
I really enjoyed this book more than I thought! It seemed at first that it was going to be one of those quick cheap chick reads but the plot expanded and developed more than expected, which I loved...I loved the events and camraderie and the twisty quirky characters that we're encountered!
My favorite part was that I totally identified with Mara...Janie... whomever. Mostly silly coincidences in her preferences but also in the way Dan acted and how she reacted. Great read, and it was longer than expected too, which I liked...
Although the ending came out of nowhere! I was ready for more but maybe we will hear more from Mara again someday *fingers crossed!*
July 28, 2019
I found this book incredibly humorous, but frustrating all the same. The storyline was understandable and yet frustratingly long. Also, the transition between actions was confusing. You would be reading along and the main character would be walking down the street conversing with someone, and without any sort of transition, you’d find that the entire scene had moved indoors with another character. I went back several times to see what I’d missed only to realize that it was just written that way. I can’t recommend a book so poorly edited.
January 28, 2017
Hard to follow
I know there were chapters, but scenes changed from one paragraph to the next with no warning. Took a moment to catch up. Can't decide if I liked it or not. At least I didn't hate it.
I know there were chapters, but scenes changed from one paragraph to the next with no warning. Took a moment to catch up. Can't decide if I liked it or not. At least I didn't hate it.
November 28, 2017
What a fun diversion from the 'heavy' books I've been reading. Just what I needed. Lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. Oh, my! My mental pictures were SOOO vivid! Now to read more of Kathy Dunnehoff.
June 4, 2020
Refreshing
This is such an amazing story. One that reminds us about life, with all of its up and downs. Of getting stuck in a rut and not knowing how to change it. Of not being sure of anything and somehow we lost ourselves in the middle. How absolutely refreshing.
This is such an amazing story. One that reminds us about life, with all of its up and downs. Of getting stuck in a rut and not knowing how to change it. Of not being sure of anything and somehow we lost ourselves in the middle. How absolutely refreshing.
September 8, 2020
What woman DOESN'T need a break from life?
Absolutely loved this book. So many areas where I highlighted the text. This book totally resonates with me. We should all be so lucky to get 30 days vacation from our lives.
Absolutely loved this book. So many areas where I highlighted the text. This book totally resonates with me. We should all be so lucky to get 30 days vacation from our lives.
August 5, 2017
Thought provoking
A good book about change and that sometimes it's a good thing that's need to keep you sane. Change can happen in all sorts of ways
A good book about change and that sometimes it's a good thing that's need to keep you sane. Change can happen in all sorts of ways
January 18, 2018
Do-over?
The story is pretty pat. While there were a few laughs, for the most part there was no mystery or surprise.
The story is pretty pat. While there were a few laughs, for the most part there was no mystery or surprise.
October 20, 2018
I really liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Most women married over 10 years can relate. I found myself wanting a “Do Over”!
February 8, 2021
DNF@3%
Downloaded this from KU because it sounded interesting.
Kept putting off starting it and eventually got around to it. Was seriously putt off by the writing style.
Downloaded this from KU because it sounded interesting.
Kept putting off starting it and eventually got around to it. Was seriously putt off by the writing style.
November 1, 2022
super funny book
September 2, 2019
Very married woman 40+ should read this
Something changes when you’re 40+ and have been married over half of your lifetime. A woman can feel trapped. Our children grow, leave and we are left with trying to figure who we are because all of our time goes to them - husband, children, marriage, dogs, warehouse stores. This story didn’t have the ending I wanted but it was the correct ending. An ending giving hope. I blasted through this in just 2 days. Great tale, funny, witty, and SO TRUE TO LIFE.
Something changes when you’re 40+ and have been married over half of your lifetime. A woman can feel trapped. Our children grow, leave and we are left with trying to figure who we are because all of our time goes to them - husband, children, marriage, dogs, warehouse stores. This story didn’t have the ending I wanted but it was the correct ending. An ending giving hope. I blasted through this in just 2 days. Great tale, funny, witty, and SO TRUE TO LIFE.
February 23, 2014
I liked this story - I was scared to really like this story.
I'm pushing 50, half my life is over. (Because I fully intend to live until I'm 100, with mind and body intact, thank you very much). So this story really resonated with me. It's human nature to sit back and wonder .. what if? What if I had made different choices? What if I make a change now? What if I choose door B instead of stepping through door A. And what lies behind door C? I think we can all relate to the age-old question - is there more??
I confess, I almost stopped reading a few times. The character's thoughts were all over the place and it was hard to stay in this character's head, let alone try and empathize with her, for very long - there were times she wouldn't finish a thought before another, even less rational thought, would pop into her head.
But that's what happens when we're confused. Nothing makes sense. When our normal day-to-day life changes, whether with, or without, our conscience consent, it's hard to find a firm hold on an alternate reality. So ... the character's messy thoughts somehow ... seemed appropriate, given what she was going through.
But here's what I really liked about this story - the character didn't just give up and walk away from her responsibilities or her life. She didn't simply focus on her selfish motivations - she bathed in the sweet-smelling fragrance of "what if", liked it, didn't want to give up her new-found happiness, but then made the responsible decision to go back anyway. She gave her husband a chance to change WITH HER. She didn't just write him off and decide she didn't love him anymore, she made her wishes for change known, granted, she went about it in an overly drastic fashion (one would have to be completely dense to miss the furniture out on the lawn and the entire house painted yellow not to GET THE HINT), but she was not only brave enough to take the first step for change, she was even more brave to ask her husband if he would make the journey with her.
How many women would have simply written off the old in favor of the new?
Exactly.
It was refreshing to follow a character who made a responsible choice for a change. I get so sick of selfish characters, whether fictional or real, who think of nothing but, "I want a change and screw everyone else" mentality. (This of course, does not apply to women who decide to leave an abusive, or unhealthy, relationship - then one MUST be selfish in those instances to maintain one's health, or even life).
I've been married for almost 24 years. Life DOES get stale after a while and change can be good. If there is one thing everyone can count one in life, its change. The beautiful part about this philosophy is when you have a partner who is willing to change right alongside with you.
I'm pushing 50, half my life is over. (Because I fully intend to live until I'm 100, with mind and body intact, thank you very much). So this story really resonated with me. It's human nature to sit back and wonder .. what if? What if I had made different choices? What if I make a change now? What if I choose door B instead of stepping through door A. And what lies behind door C? I think we can all relate to the age-old question - is there more??
I confess, I almost stopped reading a few times. The character's thoughts were all over the place and it was hard to stay in this character's head, let alone try and empathize with her, for very long - there were times she wouldn't finish a thought before another, even less rational thought, would pop into her head.
But that's what happens when we're confused. Nothing makes sense. When our normal day-to-day life changes, whether with, or without, our conscience consent, it's hard to find a firm hold on an alternate reality. So ... the character's messy thoughts somehow ... seemed appropriate, given what she was going through.
But here's what I really liked about this story - the character didn't just give up and walk away from her responsibilities or her life. She didn't simply focus on her selfish motivations - she bathed in the sweet-smelling fragrance of "what if", liked it, didn't want to give up her new-found happiness, but then made the responsible decision to go back anyway. She gave her husband a chance to change WITH HER. She didn't just write him off and decide she didn't love him anymore, she made her wishes for change known, granted, she went about it in an overly drastic fashion (one would have to be completely dense to miss the furniture out on the lawn and the entire house painted yellow not to GET THE HINT), but she was not only brave enough to take the first step for change, she was even more brave to ask her husband if he would make the journey with her.
How many women would have simply written off the old in favor of the new?
Exactly.
It was refreshing to follow a character who made a responsible choice for a change. I get so sick of selfish characters, whether fictional or real, who think of nothing but, "I want a change and screw everyone else" mentality. (This of course, does not apply to women who decide to leave an abusive, or unhealthy, relationship - then one MUST be selfish in those instances to maintain one's health, or even life).
I've been married for almost 24 years. Life DOES get stale after a while and change can be good. If there is one thing everyone can count one in life, its change. The beautiful part about this philosophy is when you have a partner who is willing to change right alongside with you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2024
A lighthearted romance that I ought to have read over the summer, it would have been perfect! Funny and refreshing, it’s a page-turner.
August 6, 2013
I am a sucker for romantic comedies as far as movies go, so when I saw that this one was categorized as a romantic comedy, I was all for giving it a try. I'm not really glad I did. I had been reading a lot of young adult supernatural stuff and was thinking this would be a good change of pace.
When I first began reading this book, I was a little bored. The story line was far fetched and it seemed to take a long time to get me interested. In fact, I debated about not finishing it, but I didn't quit for two reasons. Number one, I don't think it is fair to review a book that I didn't finish. Number two, I am kind of OCD about quitting a book. lol I'm scared I will miss out on something I guess. I don't really think I would have missed anything had I quit this book before finishing it. However, I would have given it like one star which it doesn't deserve.
There were only a few places in the book where I felt like I didn't want to put it down and that is how I determine how good a book actually is. Once I got to the end I realized I had enjoyed the book, but it did not deliver like I had expected. I did not particularly "like" mara. That could have been part of the reason I didn't like the book as well as I could have. I didn't understand her need for a break from her life. Well, I understand a woman needing a break, but the break she was wanting was too extreme and asking too much of her husband. I don't want to spoil the end of the book so that is all I will say.
Anyway, with all the great books out there today, this isn't a book I would really recommend. But if you do choose to read it, I don't think you will be disappointed.
When I first began reading this book, I was a little bored. The story line was far fetched and it seemed to take a long time to get me interested. In fact, I debated about not finishing it, but I didn't quit for two reasons. Number one, I don't think it is fair to review a book that I didn't finish. Number two, I am kind of OCD about quitting a book. lol I'm scared I will miss out on something I guess. I don't really think I would have missed anything had I quit this book before finishing it. However, I would have given it like one star which it doesn't deserve.
There were only a few places in the book where I felt like I didn't want to put it down and that is how I determine how good a book actually is. Once I got to the end I realized I had enjoyed the book, but it did not deliver like I had expected. I did not particularly "like" mara. That could have been part of the reason I didn't like the book as well as I could have. I didn't understand her need for a break from her life. Well, I understand a woman needing a break, but the break she was wanting was too extreme and asking too much of her husband. I don't want to spoil the end of the book so that is all I will say.
Anyway, with all the great books out there today, this isn't a book I would really recommend. But if you do choose to read it, I don't think you will be disappointed.
February 16, 2013
I can identify with the over-taxed, everyone-expects-mom-to-always-do-everything main character Janie/Mara and the premise of feeling the need to escape. I have these feelings frequently and may occasionally consider continuing to drive down the highway past my exit and doing a me, me, me escape. If it weren't for the escape into the world of whatever book I'm currently reading, I might have done it by now. It can sometimes be the little things that push you over the edge, like it was for Janie/Mara with an empty bubble bath bottle she so desperately needed and the thought of empty tissue boxes at home. The crazy grandma-type characters make you wish you knew some people like that to break up the monotony. The rest of the characters were nothing great, including the flat husband who never seems to get the i-want-sex hints she throws out there all the time. Is there really a man that has ever even needed a hint?? Don't they usually interpret cues of hunger, sleepiness, giddiness and every other feeling as something that would prelude sex? I liked the idea of the book more than I actually liked the story or the characters, but it still kept me relatively entertained and had me thinking about planning a mid-life crisis.
July 12, 2011
The beginning of the book was a little strained for me, but I also started reading this late at night, in my tent, in a wind storm. I thought that Janie was too good and naive, and I really couldn't think of anyone I knew who was like this. I have met many a middle school teacher who isn't like this as well. I had a hard time thinking about running off to Canada to get some bath bubble, but I got the humor in it. By day 2, I read it for a couple of hours straight. I really got into the characters, and the freedom that Mara was beginning to experience. I struggled with Dan, and his constant need to be the same, and couldn't believe it when Mara gave him every opportunity to have crazy monkey sex with her and he turned it down. Huh. By day three I quickly read it to the end. It makes any reader think about where we are in our lives with our careers, kids and spouses. The idea that only we have control over how we act, live, behave is true and a lot of times we blame our unhappiness on our spouses, kids etc. I won't give anything away, and believe this book has will give any book club a lot to talk about.
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