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Recalculating
On the surface, Maureen’s life appears no different from any other stereotypical 54-year-old housewife' a suburban home in a small Pennsylvania town, two loving kids, grandchildren, and a husband to dote on at the end of the day with a home-cooked meal and a crisp martini. Fat bitch, dumb bunny, slut, these are just a few of the cruel words that echo in Maureen’s ears every day and define the harsh reality she actually lives in. For years, Maureen has harbored a dark secret known by only one other her husband, Tommy.After Tommy dies, Maureen imagines that the years of physical and mental abuse are over. But just six months later, while looking for the Halloween decorations in the attic, Maureen finds a gift-wrapped GPS with her name on the an early birthday present from her late husband. When the voice from the machine starts giving her sinister directions, she learns that sometimes the dead are restless... and she's locked in a battle not just for her life, but for her soul.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2011
167 people are currently reading
3080 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Weiner
71 books24.8k followersJennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eighteen books, including Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, and, most recently, That Summer. A graduate of Princeton University, she lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
February 11, 2014
This was just...weird, and not a good weird- in my humble opinion. I found myself laughing in places I shouldn't be laughing, and there was a lot of rolling my eyes...where there probably shouldn't have been eye rolling...
Maureen is a 54-year-old housewife- she lives in a suburban home in a tiny Pennsylvania town with a crappy abusive husband- Tommy- who expects a home-cooked meal and a dry martini when he walks through the door. He also expects Maureen to take the emotional abuse he dishes out, and the physical abuse- which comes in the form of pinching- Yes, I said it- Pinching...there is a whole lot of pinching going on in these 100 pages!
As luck would have it, Tommy gets sick and eventually dies, and Maureen starts settling in to life on her own- enjoying her new found freedom...but not for long...
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Six months after Tommy's death Maureen is looking for the Halloween decorations in the attic, and comes across a gift-wrapped GPS- an early birthday present from her late husband...but after she installs it and starts driving- she realizes she might never be free from Tommy.
Maybe fans of Jennifer Weiner will enjoy RECALCULATING- but it definitely wasn't for me.
Maureen is a 54-year-old housewife- she lives in a suburban home in a tiny Pennsylvania town with a crappy abusive husband- Tommy- who expects a home-cooked meal and a dry martini when he walks through the door. He also expects Maureen to take the emotional abuse he dishes out, and the physical abuse- which comes in the form of pinching- Yes, I said it- Pinching...there is a whole lot of pinching going on in these 100 pages!
As luck would have it, Tommy gets sick and eventually dies, and Maureen starts settling in to life on her own- enjoying her new found freedom...but not for long...
Six months after Tommy's death Maureen is looking for the Halloween decorations in the attic, and comes across a gift-wrapped GPS- an early birthday present from her late husband...but after she installs it and starts driving- she realizes she might never be free from Tommy.
Maybe fans of Jennifer Weiner will enjoy RECALCULATING- but it definitely wasn't for me.
September 24, 2015
Gotta say my favorite part of this short book was GPS machine. Yup, still have one that I've never updated. Oh my, recalculating, recalculating, recalculating! The story here involves a GPS, but not a very nice one! The actual story was just okay. I actually think there was a lot of potential here, but not enough story to become invested in the characters. Also, a twist or two could have made a good thriller out of this. A fun fast read though.
March 2, 2012
I am a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner and have read all of her books. I find her characters funny, endearing and very easy to relate to. This being said, I was really excited to see she had a short story ebook out. After reading it, however, I have trouble comparing this story to her other work at all.
When Maureen goes searching for Halloween decorations in her attic she finds a wrapped gift from her husband, Tommy, who had died of cancer six months before. Tommy had been an abusive husband, both physically and emotionally, and the idea that he had left her a gift was unusual yet intriguing. When she opens the gift she finds a GPS machine by a company called Quija. The GPS at first makes her contemplate traveling wherever she feels like going, something she never would have thought of doing when her husband kept her painfully tethered to their house, isolated from everything and everyone, other than her kids, that made her happy. But when the GPS begins speaking in a male voice and cursing her as her husband used to do, she knows something is very wrong.
As she tries to convince herself she is imagining the abusive directions from the GPS it begins to reveal a secret that only Maureen and Tommy would know, one centering around her husband's death. Is the ghost of her husband coming through the GPS to continue to wreak havoc on Maureen's life? And will she be able to survive the directions the GPS is sending her in?
It could be that I am not a big fan of the paranormal or it could be that this story is just so far from the very real sorts of stories that Ms. Weiner usually writes, but I just could not enjoy this short story. It was dark and sad and, with the exception of Maureen showing some defiance against her husband after decades of abuse, just didn't have any positive points. Ms. Weiner's writing is good as always, so I can't hate it, but I would say this is the least enjoyable books of hers I have read. If you haven't read anything else by Ms. Weiner, definitely do not start with this story as you probably won't continue.
When Maureen goes searching for Halloween decorations in her attic she finds a wrapped gift from her husband, Tommy, who had died of cancer six months before. Tommy had been an abusive husband, both physically and emotionally, and the idea that he had left her a gift was unusual yet intriguing. When she opens the gift she finds a GPS machine by a company called Quija. The GPS at first makes her contemplate traveling wherever she feels like going, something she never would have thought of doing when her husband kept her painfully tethered to their house, isolated from everything and everyone, other than her kids, that made her happy. But when the GPS begins speaking in a male voice and cursing her as her husband used to do, she knows something is very wrong.
As she tries to convince herself she is imagining the abusive directions from the GPS it begins to reveal a secret that only Maureen and Tommy would know, one centering around her husband's death. Is the ghost of her husband coming through the GPS to continue to wreak havoc on Maureen's life? And will she be able to survive the directions the GPS is sending her in?
It could be that I am not a big fan of the paranormal or it could be that this story is just so far from the very real sorts of stories that Ms. Weiner usually writes, but I just could not enjoy this short story. It was dark and sad and, with the exception of Maureen showing some defiance against her husband after decades of abuse, just didn't have any positive points. Ms. Weiner's writing is good as always, so I can't hate it, but I would say this is the least enjoyable books of hers I have read. If you haven't read anything else by Ms. Weiner, definitely do not start with this story as you probably won't continue.
November 1, 2011
On Friday, I saw a tweet from one of my favorite authors, Jennifer Weiner. "Check out the cover for Recalculating. On sale Monday! Links to come." So like the nosy Twitter addict I am, I clicked the link and saw the cover. Consider my interest piqued. So I replied to her tweet saying that I didn't know a new release was coming so soon. She immediately replied with an answer. Amazingly, she got an idea about a possessed GPS. Wrote it on Wednesday. The publisher, Atria Books, had it edited then created the above cover. And voila! A new short story eBook for our Halloween reading pleasure. Now that is awesome teamwork! I downloaded and read my copy already. You should too for only 99 cents. It was worth it.
November 22, 2011
I love Jennifer Weiner and think it's great that she wrote a short story in a new genre. I also love that it's called "recalculating," because my sister and I always laugh when my GPS says "recalculating." We're just SURE she says it with an attitude.
The story centers around a woman who suffered abuse at the hands of her husband for years. I thought that piece of the story was very well developed, especially considering that it was done so quickly (it being a short story). Maureen's feelings about her abuser rang true, as did her relationship with her sister and other loved ones.
It IS a fun read, but it's somehow incomplete. The end was too predictable and one-dimensional for the well-developed set-up.
For $.99, and at the right time of year, it's fun. But not her masterpiece.
The story centers around a woman who suffered abuse at the hands of her husband for years. I thought that piece of the story was very well developed, especially considering that it was done so quickly (it being a short story). Maureen's feelings about her abuser rang true, as did her relationship with her sister and other loved ones.
It IS a fun read, but it's somehow incomplete. The end was too predictable and one-dimensional for the well-developed set-up.
For $.99, and at the right time of year, it's fun. But not her masterpiece.
September 14, 2019
Short story I listened to on audio. The premise sounds amazing but the execution fell short and flat. I had hoped for so much more. It could have been a lot better.
June 4, 2023
This was basically a Goosebumps story for grownups. I loved it!
April 29, 2024
I love all of Jenifer Weiner books but really struggled with this short story…. Very very odd
October 24, 2021
Another short from Jennifer Weiner--totally unlike anything I've read from her before! Good but creepy so perfect for the week leading up to Halloween!
January 22, 2012
(Review originally appeared at Red Adept Reviews)
Overall: 3 ½ stars
Plot/Storyline: 3 ¼ stars
I'm very ambivalent about this one. I enjoyed aspects of it, perhaps even most of it, but a few moments felt false. If someone asked be about it I'd say, "yeah, it wasn't bad, you might like it." I just find myself without enthusiasm this time around.
Maureen is a woman who secretly lived with spousal abuse for years and now finds herself a widow. While getting down the Halloween ornaments from the attic, she finds a package left for her by her husband. A Ouija GPS. Yes, really. Her husband still thinks he can tell her where to get off.
I felt compassion for her during the moments recounting her abusive marriage. Those moments felt real, right down to how he manipulated her and isolated her from others, and how she learned to accept it as her lot in life. I just don't think the horror element, at least the execution of it, quite meshed. I get why it's there thematically, but I felt that the author didn't quite know how to execute it. There was an issue that was wrapped up vaguely and in a couple sentences, because I think Ms. Weiner knew the point couldn't stand up to any real scrutiny. It felt like she didn't know what to do with it and hoped no one noticed; in truth, the whole horror element felt that way. I don't know and can't know if this was the case, but this is how it felt.
I did find it to be a little bit scary, and I think that's largely due to the built up empathy for the main character, and wanted her to have a better life. I didn't know where the story was going and had a twinge of anxiety at the slight chance that it wouldn't end well. Plus, most GPS systems are very Uncanny Valley - the point at which tech stuff like computers and robots become so human that, instead of being endearing, it's just creepy.
Characters: 3 ¾ stars
I obviously cared about Maureen, and I found her believable in many ways, but I can't say any of the characterization blew me away, and I'm someone who is a fan of this writer's characters, like the sisters in In Her Shoes, and Cannie in Good in Bed.
What I do appreciate here, and in her previous efforts, is her respect for characters and heroines over the age of forty.
Writing Style: 3 ½ stars
I know Jennifer Weiner can write, but I just don't think all the elements were written cohesively. While there were moments when the language was lovely and evocative, so much of the time I was just a bit underwhelmed.
Overall: 3 ½ stars
Plot/Storyline: 3 ¼ stars
I'm very ambivalent about this one. I enjoyed aspects of it, perhaps even most of it, but a few moments felt false. If someone asked be about it I'd say, "yeah, it wasn't bad, you might like it." I just find myself without enthusiasm this time around.
Maureen is a woman who secretly lived with spousal abuse for years and now finds herself a widow. While getting down the Halloween ornaments from the attic, she finds a package left for her by her husband. A Ouija GPS. Yes, really. Her husband still thinks he can tell her where to get off.
I felt compassion for her during the moments recounting her abusive marriage. Those moments felt real, right down to how he manipulated her and isolated her from others, and how she learned to accept it as her lot in life. I just don't think the horror element, at least the execution of it, quite meshed. I get why it's there thematically, but I felt that the author didn't quite know how to execute it. There was an issue that was wrapped up vaguely and in a couple sentences, because I think Ms. Weiner knew the point couldn't stand up to any real scrutiny. It felt like she didn't know what to do with it and hoped no one noticed; in truth, the whole horror element felt that way. I don't know and can't know if this was the case, but this is how it felt.
I did find it to be a little bit scary, and I think that's largely due to the built up empathy for the main character, and wanted her to have a better life. I didn't know where the story was going and had a twinge of anxiety at the slight chance that it wouldn't end well. Plus, most GPS systems are very Uncanny Valley - the point at which tech stuff like computers and robots become so human that, instead of being endearing, it's just creepy.
Characters: 3 ¾ stars
I obviously cared about Maureen, and I found her believable in many ways, but I can't say any of the characterization blew me away, and I'm someone who is a fan of this writer's characters, like the sisters in In Her Shoes, and Cannie in Good in Bed.
What I do appreciate here, and in her previous efforts, is her respect for characters and heroines over the age of forty.
Writing Style: 3 ½ stars
I know Jennifer Weiner can write, but I just don't think all the elements were written cohesively. While there were moments when the language was lovely and evocative, so much of the time I was just a bit underwhelmed.
January 2, 2012
Ehhh.
I was a bit hesitant to read anymore Jennifer weiner, I haven't enjoyed her more recent writings as much as her old stuff, so I went into this with low expectation. I mean, it was a novelette so I didn't expect to get sucked in, but you know what I mean.
Anyways, it was read in about twenty minutes, so it wasnt time consuming, which was nice.
I didn't love Maureen, then again I'm never a fan of a woman that lets herself get abused. And yes, I said lets herself, maureen could have easily walked out or stood up for herself the very first time it happened. There was no excuse.
With that said, it left me annoyed through the entire book. I probably was a good story otherwise, but given that I have no sympathy I didn't really like it.
And I want to say on one particular part, the binder part, umm, if your husband was so weak that he couldnt pinch you if he tried to put a binder on me I'd punch him in the freaking teeth! It's one thing if he's significantly stronger than you, but when he's weak from chemo and you let him take binders to pinch you, you're messed up in the head.
I was a bit hesitant to read anymore Jennifer weiner, I haven't enjoyed her more recent writings as much as her old stuff, so I went into this with low expectation. I mean, it was a novelette so I didn't expect to get sucked in, but you know what I mean.
Anyways, it was read in about twenty minutes, so it wasnt time consuming, which was nice.
I didn't love Maureen, then again I'm never a fan of a woman that lets herself get abused. And yes, I said lets herself, maureen could have easily walked out or stood up for herself the very first time it happened. There was no excuse.
With that said, it left me annoyed through the entire book. I probably was a good story otherwise, but given that I have no sympathy I didn't really like it.
And I want to say on one particular part, the binder part, umm, if your husband was so weak that he couldnt pinch you if he tried to put a binder on me I'd punch him in the freaking teeth! It's one thing if he's significantly stronger than you, but when he's weak from chemo and you let him take binders to pinch you, you're messed up in the head.
October 15, 2018
To those of you who didn't care for "Recalculating" because it was such a departure from Weiner's typical works, that's the whole point! I thought it was a pretty brilliant short story and it definitely gave me chills.
Weiner is known for writing her chick-lit stories and for the most part, those stories are pretty fantastic. "Recalculating" was a big step away from her normal writing and that's what drew me in. I have a love for horror writing but it's a rare author that can pen a tale that will truly give me chills. This one just works! It's a fast read and only cost a few sheckles so give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose except for about 30 minutes of your time and 99 cents.
Weiner is known for writing her chick-lit stories and for the most part, those stories are pretty fantastic. "Recalculating" was a big step away from her normal writing and that's what drew me in. I have a love for horror writing but it's a rare author that can pen a tale that will truly give me chills. This one just works! It's a fast read and only cost a few sheckles so give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose except for about 30 minutes of your time and 99 cents.
June 21, 2022
Great read. Short novel about how a woman finally frees herself from her husband's abuse, physical and emotional.
Maureen married Tommy knowing that he was abusive. Not raising a hand on her still justifies abuse when he delivers bruising pinches and verbal assault on her daily.
When Tommy is diagnosed with cancer 30 years later, Maureen finally has enough. Drugging him and letting him fall in the shower kills him, but when she finds a gift from him in the attic before her birthday, things change drastically.
It's a GPS system from an unknown company with her dead husbands voice on it. Not only does it not allow her to finally do what she wants, he's talking to her from the grave.
A must read!
Maureen married Tommy knowing that he was abusive. Not raising a hand on her still justifies abuse when he delivers bruising pinches and verbal assault on her daily.
When Tommy is diagnosed with cancer 30 years later, Maureen finally has enough. Drugging him and letting him fall in the shower kills him, but when she finds a gift from him in the attic before her birthday, things change drastically.
It's a GPS system from an unknown company with her dead husbands voice on it. Not only does it not allow her to finally do what she wants, he's talking to her from the grave.
A must read!
November 3, 2011
I was excited to see Jennifer Weiner wrote this creepy short story just in time for Halloween, but it was a little disappointing. The way the husband abused her was so strange - by pinching?? How cruel and twisted. The GPS being possessed by the husband was creepy, but a little far fetched for my taste. I definitely prefer the chick-lit Jennifer Weiner over this type of story. One thing I did like though, was the Cougar Town reference!
September 18, 2013
I was kind of intrigued by this marriage of Wiener and Stephen King short story. Great character development, sadly believable insight into why women stay in abusive relationships. Proud of her in the end, even if 30 years of abuse make.it unlikely. Unlikely? Yes. Satisfying? Absolutely.
July 21, 2016
Way different book than what I am used to expecting from Jennifer Weiner. The creepiness of this book had me wanting it to go on for a bit longer.
October 31, 2014
I'm not a big fan of Kindle singles or short stories but this one wasn't too bad. A perfect little read for Halloween day.
June 5, 2019
My Recap:
Maureen was married to Tommy for thirty years. Married to a man who never forgot a birthday, never forgot an anniversary and would take time to write letters as the tooth fairy for his daughter. From the outside, he appeared to be the perfect man, husband and father, but everyone has their secrets. Was their marriage perfect or a perfect charade?
Sadly when Maureen met Tommy, she believed she had been saved. She didn't view herself as beautiful, but enormous, hideous. He prayed upon that. Showing his real colours days before there wedding by pinching her hips and telling her ”You're getting fat”. But due to a late period, expensive wedding and not believing she’d find anyone else to love her, she went on to marry him.
Controlling everything in her life, Tommy choose were they lived. Complained about the money Maureen spent. Unable to socialise with neighbours. Friendless and isolated. Her life was her house. Keeping everything pristinely clean.
She told herself it wasn't that bad. Just pinching and verbal assaults. Nothing that she couldn't handle. Nothing she did was ever right, she believed.
Like many women who are in an abusive relationship, Maureen never told a soul. Six months after his death Maureen finds the box Tommy left for her. Prompting from her daughter, she opened the gift wrapped box. Finding a GPS.
To begin with, she loved her GPS, adding in all her destinations, including far of places she wished to one day visit. The voice of the GPS never called her fat or stupid. The trips she dreamed of came could be a reality. She didn't have to worry about money for gas or mileage, everything seemed possible, in a world without Tommy.
After scheduling a lunch in New Hope with her sister, the voice of the GPS suddenly changes to a mans. Impatient, harsh. Knowing strongly that the GPS was misleading her, she didn't know what to do. Instead, going home to get a map, she did what she had always done, and followed directions. Then begins the dangerous ride. Uncovering the truths about her husband and of course herself.
*******************************************
Review: Four Stars
Probably the scariest situation to be in if you have been abused. Your dead husband reaching out from beyond to continue to torture you.
As her husband Tommy underwent treatment for cancer, his physical abuse escalated from twice a month to twice a week and finally in the end to every day. His leash tightened around her, exerting more and more control over Maureen.
Everything was going wrong for her. Maureen's credit card was stolen. The dishwasher overflowed damaging the floor, the pare having to replace both. The trash cans where knocked over and her favourite top went missing. Everything in her life was snowballing. Tommy inflicted his punishment upon her for every mistake, every misstep.
I'm not surprised she killed him. He murdered her spirit for years. But in a way I am surprised. Tommy had so much control over Maureen that the twist did surprise me, though in hindsight it was obvious.
This short was incredibly well written, making the reader genuinely care for the protagonist, which isn't easy to do in 40 pages. Having been in unsavoury relationships in my past, I understood Maureen. Cared for her. Hated that her torment wasn't over even in death.
”You did this to me!”
”You asked for it”
Controlling her through the GPS, Tommy tries to kill her. This time, finally Tommy doesn't win and she is free.
Four stars to this great short story. Bringing to light that words often hurt more than physical abuse.
Maureen was married to Tommy for thirty years. Married to a man who never forgot a birthday, never forgot an anniversary and would take time to write letters as the tooth fairy for his daughter. From the outside, he appeared to be the perfect man, husband and father, but everyone has their secrets. Was their marriage perfect or a perfect charade?
Sadly when Maureen met Tommy, she believed she had been saved. She didn't view herself as beautiful, but enormous, hideous. He prayed upon that. Showing his real colours days before there wedding by pinching her hips and telling her ”You're getting fat”. But due to a late period, expensive wedding and not believing she’d find anyone else to love her, she went on to marry him.
Controlling everything in her life, Tommy choose were they lived. Complained about the money Maureen spent. Unable to socialise with neighbours. Friendless and isolated. Her life was her house. Keeping everything pristinely clean.
She told herself it wasn't that bad. Just pinching and verbal assaults. Nothing that she couldn't handle. Nothing she did was ever right, she believed.
Like many women who are in an abusive relationship, Maureen never told a soul. Six months after his death Maureen finds the box Tommy left for her. Prompting from her daughter, she opened the gift wrapped box. Finding a GPS.
To begin with, she loved her GPS, adding in all her destinations, including far of places she wished to one day visit. The voice of the GPS never called her fat or stupid. The trips she dreamed of came could be a reality. She didn't have to worry about money for gas or mileage, everything seemed possible, in a world without Tommy.
After scheduling a lunch in New Hope with her sister, the voice of the GPS suddenly changes to a mans. Impatient, harsh. Knowing strongly that the GPS was misleading her, she didn't know what to do. Instead, going home to get a map, she did what she had always done, and followed directions. Then begins the dangerous ride. Uncovering the truths about her husband and of course herself.
*******************************************
Review: Four Stars
Probably the scariest situation to be in if you have been abused. Your dead husband reaching out from beyond to continue to torture you.
As her husband Tommy underwent treatment for cancer, his physical abuse escalated from twice a month to twice a week and finally in the end to every day. His leash tightened around her, exerting more and more control over Maureen.
Everything was going wrong for her. Maureen's credit card was stolen. The dishwasher overflowed damaging the floor, the pare having to replace both. The trash cans where knocked over and her favourite top went missing. Everything in her life was snowballing. Tommy inflicted his punishment upon her for every mistake, every misstep.
I'm not surprised she killed him. He murdered her spirit for years. But in a way I am surprised. Tommy had so much control over Maureen that the twist did surprise me, though in hindsight it was obvious.
This short was incredibly well written, making the reader genuinely care for the protagonist, which isn't easy to do in 40 pages. Having been in unsavoury relationships in my past, I understood Maureen. Cared for her. Hated that her torment wasn't over even in death.
”You did this to me!”
”You asked for it”
Controlling her through the GPS, Tommy tries to kill her. This time, finally Tommy doesn't win and she is free.
Four stars to this great short story. Bringing to light that words often hurt more than physical abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
If you’re used to Jennifer Weiner’s usual heartfelt chicklit , buckle up, because this one takes a sharp turn into psychological thriller territory
We meet Maureen, a woman who is finally living life on her own terms. Her husband, Tony, has passed away, and she’s beginning to find her footing in her new-found freedom. We’ve all been there, right? That big "garage clean-out" phase where we try to reclaim our space.
While sorting through the clutter of her old life, Maureen discovers a wrapped gift addressed to her from Tony. Inside? A GPS system. It feels a bit vintage for 2026, but she plugs it in anyway. At first, it’s just a helpful gadget. But then, the tech starts to glitch. Or does it?
The GPS begins speaking to her, not in a generic robotic tone, but in Tony’s voice. And he isn't just giving her directions to the grocery store. He’s calling her names ,the same belittling names he used when he was alive.
The story takes a dark, cinematic turn when the GPS stops "recalculating" routes and starts "recalculating" the truth. It begins accusing Maureen of murder. Suddenly, this cozy domestic setting evaporates, replaced by high-tension "I Know What You Did Last Summer" vibes.
As someone who values the "sacred" and peaceful side of life, reading about Maureen’s psychological haunting was a total jolt to the system. It’s a story about the baggage we carry sometimes literally in the form of a dashboard accessory and how the past has a way of screaming at us when we’re just trying to move forward.
It’s a fast-paced, eerie read that you can easily finish in one rainy afternoon with a big pot of tea. It didn't quite hit the 5-star mark for me, but it was exactly the "itch-scratcher" I needed between my heavier non-fiction reads.
"Sometimes the directions we're given aren't meant to lead us home , they're meant to lead us back to the things we tried to bury."
We meet Maureen, a woman who is finally living life on her own terms. Her husband, Tony, has passed away, and she’s beginning to find her footing in her new-found freedom. We’ve all been there, right? That big "garage clean-out" phase where we try to reclaim our space.
While sorting through the clutter of her old life, Maureen discovers a wrapped gift addressed to her from Tony. Inside? A GPS system. It feels a bit vintage for 2026, but she plugs it in anyway. At first, it’s just a helpful gadget. But then, the tech starts to glitch. Or does it?
The GPS begins speaking to her, not in a generic robotic tone, but in Tony’s voice. And he isn't just giving her directions to the grocery store. He’s calling her names ,the same belittling names he used when he was alive.
The story takes a dark, cinematic turn when the GPS stops "recalculating" routes and starts "recalculating" the truth. It begins accusing Maureen of murder. Suddenly, this cozy domestic setting evaporates, replaced by high-tension "I Know What You Did Last Summer" vibes.
As someone who values the "sacred" and peaceful side of life, reading about Maureen’s psychological haunting was a total jolt to the system. It’s a story about the baggage we carry sometimes literally in the form of a dashboard accessory and how the past has a way of screaming at us when we’re just trying to move forward.
It’s a fast-paced, eerie read that you can easily finish in one rainy afternoon with a big pot of tea. It didn't quite hit the 5-star mark for me, but it was exactly the "itch-scratcher" I needed between my heavier non-fiction reads.
"Sometimes the directions we're given aren't meant to lead us home , they're meant to lead us back to the things we tried to bury."
February 15, 2022
Wow...just wow. First of all, this abuse is beyond anything I could have imagined myself. It is not "traditional" by any sense and yet it seems so much worse. It is calculated and vindictive, cruel and torture like. I wish Maureen would have left him sooner but I am so happy she decided to set herself free. The GPS was a wonderful analogy to how the abusive, manipulative partner can truly affect the way we think and act. It happens slowly, so slowly, that over time she doesn't even realize it but let me tell you...when she takes back her life at the end I was air fiving and jumping for joy in my heart for this character. Go enjoy life Maureen, you deserve it <3
January 21, 2019
I've always enjoyed reading books by Jennifer Weiner. And thought this short story sounded interesting. But I was a bit disappointed.
After years of putting up with an abusive husband who is now dead, he returns in Maureen's GPS. In giving her driving directions, his voice continues to taunt and call her names. Yes, I like creepy kind of stories so maybe it just wasn't what I know the author is capable of writing. This was okay but just wasn't as good as I expected.
After years of putting up with an abusive husband who is now dead, he returns in Maureen's GPS. In giving her driving directions, his voice continues to taunt and call her names. Yes, I like creepy kind of stories so maybe it just wasn't what I know the author is capable of writing. This was okay but just wasn't as good as I expected.
August 24, 2024
Quick Read
Want a little bit of a thriller. This was a different side to Jennifer Weiner and I was surprised by it but it was a good little quick read. I found myself rooting for the leading female. Even when her intentions turned nefarious. The ending made me smile and I have to admit I had mixed feelings for a bit before I found myself really enjoying the story. Prolly one I will read again
Want a little bit of a thriller. This was a different side to Jennifer Weiner and I was surprised by it but it was a good little quick read. I found myself rooting for the leading female. Even when her intentions turned nefarious. The ending made me smile and I have to admit I had mixed feelings for a bit before I found myself really enjoying the story. Prolly one I will read again
November 1, 2025
A great horror story in that the real evil is so everyday, so mundane and believable, that witchcraft is a pleasant relief. It also works on multiple levels as the more supernatural part of the plot could be the machinations of grief after a lifetime spent with an asshat. There is also the grim specter of pain and suffering unseen. If you are in an abusive relationship, this one will be too triggering for you.
September 17, 2017
Weird. But interesting.
Was this really a Jennifer Weiner story? I grew more and more surprised as the story went on. So dark. Not what I'm used to with JW. But just goes to show you that, like actors, authors should not be put into a box and categorized into being a creator of stories in just one genre.
Was this really a Jennifer Weiner story? I grew more and more surprised as the story went on. So dark. Not what I'm used to with JW. But just goes to show you that, like actors, authors should not be put into a box and categorized into being a creator of stories in just one genre.
November 20, 2016
This was just okay. The premise was much more supernatural than I expected from Jennifer Weiner, and (maybe partly because it was a short story), I didn't get very invested in the main character. I just found myself annoyed by her choices! However, it was an interesting concept for a plot.
August 12, 2018
This just didn’t do it for me. At the start I was into it but as the story progressed I lost interest and felt at times it was silly. I just finished and I can’t even remember everything that happened. The story just didn’t stick with me.
January 26, 2019
A very short story about a woman with an abusive husband. Maureen's husband is verbally abusive and he pinches her until she is black and blue. She doesn't tell anyone and is totally under his control He calls her names. When he has cancer, Maureen makes changes.
August 28, 2024
Overall, Recalculating is an okay read—entertaining enough to pass the time but not one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re a fan of Jennifer Weiner, you might enjoy the book for its light and quirky storytelling, but it might not leave a lasting impression.
July 14, 2025
This is a completely different style/genre than what you would expect from Ms Weiner. It is a bit creepy and weird with a bit of supernatural mixed in, with the hard topic of spousal abuse. It’s a quick one being that it’s a short story, but a good read nonetheless.
January 18, 2018
I don't know what I just read, but y'all need to read it-- super creepy, definitely left me with the "WTF" feeling
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