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You Take It From Here
From the author of Why Girls Are Weird comes a poignant, funny tale about two very different best friends—one terminally ill with cancer, and the other determined to do absolutely everything she can to help…
Just because you’d give your best friend everything doesn’t mean she has to take it.
On the heels of a divorce, all Danielle Meyers wants is her annual vacation with sassy, life-long best friend, Smidge—complete with umbrella cocktails by an infinity pool—but instead she’s hit with the curveball of a lifetime. Smidge takes Danielle to the middle of nowhere to reveal a diagnosis of terminal cancer, followed by an unusual “After I’m gone, I want you to finish the job. Marry my husband. Raise my daughter. I’m gonna teach you to how to be Smidge 2.0.”
As Danielle wrestles with this major life decision, she finds herself torn between being true to her best friend’s wishes and being honest with herself. Parenting issues aside, Smidge’s small-town Louisiana world is exactly the one Danielle made sure to escape. Danielle isn’t one for playing the social butterfly, or being the center of attention. And when your best friend tries to set you up on a date night with her husband, it might be time to become the bossy one for a change.
In the spirit of Beaches and Steel Magnolias, You Take It from Here is an honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking novel that ultimately How much should we sacrifice for the ones we love the most?
Just because you’d give your best friend everything doesn’t mean she has to take it.
On the heels of a divorce, all Danielle Meyers wants is her annual vacation with sassy, life-long best friend, Smidge—complete with umbrella cocktails by an infinity pool—but instead she’s hit with the curveball of a lifetime. Smidge takes Danielle to the middle of nowhere to reveal a diagnosis of terminal cancer, followed by an unusual “After I’m gone, I want you to finish the job. Marry my husband. Raise my daughter. I’m gonna teach you to how to be Smidge 2.0.”
As Danielle wrestles with this major life decision, she finds herself torn between being true to her best friend’s wishes and being honest with herself. Parenting issues aside, Smidge’s small-town Louisiana world is exactly the one Danielle made sure to escape. Danielle isn’t one for playing the social butterfly, or being the center of attention. And when your best friend tries to set you up on a date night with her husband, it might be time to become the bossy one for a change.
In the spirit of Beaches and Steel Magnolias, You Take It from Here is an honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking novel that ultimately How much should we sacrifice for the ones we love the most?
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
22 people are currently reading
2084 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Ribon
44 books446 followersPamela Ribon is a screenwriter (Moana, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Bears), performer, TV writer, comic book writer, best-selling novelist, and a Film Independent Directing Lab Fellow.
She is currently adapting her original comic book series SLAM! — co-created with Veronica Fish — as an animated half-hour with Rooster Teeth and Minnow Mountain for HBO Max. She is attached to direct (with Paul Franklin) her live-action feature adaptation of her critically-acclaimed graphic novel My Boyfriend is a Bear (co-created with Cat Farris). She is also adapting her comedic memoir NOTES TO BOYS (AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULDN’T SHARE IN PUBLIC) as an animated series for FX’s CAKE.
Pamela was a flagship contributor to Television Without Pity, and is known as a pioneer in the blogging world with pamie.com, where she launched such viral essays as “How I Might Have Just Become the Newest Urban Legend” and “Barbie Fucks it Up Again,” the latter of which led to #FeministHackerBarbie, a revamp of Mattel’s products and marketing for Barbie, and the creation of Game Developer Barbie as “Career of the Year.” Pamela’s stage work has been showcased at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival and she created the accidental international scandal known as Call Us Crazy: The Anne Heche Monologues.
A former Austinite with a BFA in Acting from the University of Texas, Pamela has been entered into the Oxford English Dictionary under “muffin top.” That is not a joke. @pamelaribon | she/her
She is currently adapting her original comic book series SLAM! — co-created with Veronica Fish — as an animated half-hour with Rooster Teeth and Minnow Mountain for HBO Max. She is attached to direct (with Paul Franklin) her live-action feature adaptation of her critically-acclaimed graphic novel My Boyfriend is a Bear (co-created with Cat Farris). She is also adapting her comedic memoir NOTES TO BOYS (AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULDN’T SHARE IN PUBLIC) as an animated series for FX’s CAKE.
Pamela was a flagship contributor to Television Without Pity, and is known as a pioneer in the blogging world with pamie.com, where she launched such viral essays as “How I Might Have Just Become the Newest Urban Legend” and “Barbie Fucks it Up Again,” the latter of which led to #FeministHackerBarbie, a revamp of Mattel’s products and marketing for Barbie, and the creation of Game Developer Barbie as “Career of the Year.” Pamela’s stage work has been showcased at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival and she created the accidental international scandal known as Call Us Crazy: The Anne Heche Monologues.
A former Austinite with a BFA in Acting from the University of Texas, Pamela has been entered into the Oxford English Dictionary under “muffin top.” That is not a joke. @pamelaribon | she/her
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 12, 2012
It'd be like not voting for yourself. People vote for themselves, right?
July 11, 2012
I don't care if the book's summary tells me that someone is going to die at the end of the book, I'm still going to be a giant puddle of sobbing that's going to take me 10 minutes to get under control.
I've adored Pamela Ribon's writing since her first book "Why Girls Are Weird", which I've read many times over the years and I love it at 31 as much as I did when I was 23. I still read her blog and get excited when she comes out with new pieces, whether it be a novel or a new blog post that pops up on my Google Reader. From reading the summary of this book, I knew I was going to like it. But instead I loved it. Her writing, as always, keeps me reading until I finish, because I just have to know how it's all going to turn out.
To anyone else who reads Pamie's blog, did you see AB Chao as Smidge? Because I totally did, she was the only person I could see whenever Smidge got sassy. (As evidence, see this video, which I've watched a hundred times and it still makes me laugh): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxOca_...)
I've adored Pamela Ribon's writing since her first book "Why Girls Are Weird", which I've read many times over the years and I love it at 31 as much as I did when I was 23. I still read her blog and get excited when she comes out with new pieces, whether it be a novel or a new blog post that pops up on my Google Reader. From reading the summary of this book, I knew I was going to like it. But instead I loved it. Her writing, as always, keeps me reading until I finish, because I just have to know how it's all going to turn out.
To anyone else who reads Pamie's blog, did you see AB Chao as Smidge? Because I totally did, she was the only person I could see whenever Smidge got sassy. (As evidence, see this video, which I've watched a hundred times and it still makes me laugh): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxOca_...)
August 14, 2012
It took me a while to get used to the strange narrative style, a mixture of personal letter, journal entry, and episodes. But the story resonates and is such a beautiful expression of friendship that it won me over once I got the knack of reading the different style. The characters had a ton of depth, so much that you can practically hold conversations with them. Just a beautiful piece of work overall and it is much recommended for any gal who has a best friend.
May 14, 2012
Prepare to laugh, cry and throw things. In all the best ways.
July 23, 2012
Review to come when I can stop ugly crying.
Ok. I think I'm ready to review. Pamela Ribon has been my favorite author since day one. If she rewrote the phone book, I would read it. This book took me on such a wonderful journey that I can't even describe it. It made me wish, not for the first time, that I would have been able to say good-bye to my own mother the way Jenny was able to. It made me wish I had a BFF like Smidge even though she was tough as nails and told everyone what to do. This book made me snort with laughter and choke back tears all on the same page. The fact that Pamela was able to do that so smoothly is amazing and I bow down to her talents. I couldn't believe just how much I connected with this story. I know for a fact that if my mother would have went through this when I was a sullen 13 year old instead of in my 30's, she would have absolutely smacked me on the head with a wooden spoon and called me an asshole.
Even though this book brought my sorrow and loss back to the forefront of my mind, I would absolutely read it again and again and again. It was beautiful and sweet and funny and so absolutely wonderful that it will never be far from my mind. I wish I could give this book 100 stars.
Ok. I think I'm ready to review. Pamela Ribon has been my favorite author since day one. If she rewrote the phone book, I would read it. This book took me on such a wonderful journey that I can't even describe it. It made me wish, not for the first time, that I would have been able to say good-bye to my own mother the way Jenny was able to. It made me wish I had a BFF like Smidge even though she was tough as nails and told everyone what to do. This book made me snort with laughter and choke back tears all on the same page. The fact that Pamela was able to do that so smoothly is amazing and I bow down to her talents. I couldn't believe just how much I connected with this story. I know for a fact that if my mother would have went through this when I was a sullen 13 year old instead of in my 30's, she would have absolutely smacked me on the head with a wooden spoon and called me an asshole.
Even though this book brought my sorrow and loss back to the forefront of my mind, I would absolutely read it again and again and again. It was beautiful and sweet and funny and so absolutely wonderful that it will never be far from my mind. I wish I could give this book 100 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2012
Oh, I loved this book. It even surpasses “Going in Circles” as my fave Ribon book, and I really loved that book, too.
In a nutshell, the plot revolves around Danny/Danielle and Smidge. They’re lifelong, “I’d do anything for you” best friends. That friendship is tested when Smidge, suffering from terminal cancer, asks Danny to take over her life when she dies. That is, take over everything – marry her husband, raise her daughter, and basically fill the Smidge-filled void when she goes.
Reading that plot point, it sounds ridiculous, over the top and not remotely likely. But Ribon manages to make the request utterly typical of a character like Smidge, a bossy Southern gal who knows what’s best for everyone, always.
The book is written as a long letter to Smidge’s daughter Jenny. Sometimes I was so involved with the narrative, I’d forget that the “you” Danny mentions is Jenny, and it would take me a minute to get my bearings. But overall, this adds a compelling layer to the story – it’s explaining why things happened the way they did to a very, very integral person in the story. I loved this conceit, and really think it worked.
Definite thumbs up from me. As always, I can’t wait to see what Ribon comes up with next!
In a nutshell, the plot revolves around Danny/Danielle and Smidge. They’re lifelong, “I’d do anything for you” best friends. That friendship is tested when Smidge, suffering from terminal cancer, asks Danny to take over her life when she dies. That is, take over everything – marry her husband, raise her daughter, and basically fill the Smidge-filled void when she goes.
Reading that plot point, it sounds ridiculous, over the top and not remotely likely. But Ribon manages to make the request utterly typical of a character like Smidge, a bossy Southern gal who knows what’s best for everyone, always.
The book is written as a long letter to Smidge’s daughter Jenny. Sometimes I was so involved with the narrative, I’d forget that the “you” Danny mentions is Jenny, and it would take me a minute to get my bearings. But overall, this adds a compelling layer to the story – it’s explaining why things happened the way they did to a very, very integral person in the story. I loved this conceit, and really think it worked.
Definite thumbs up from me. As always, I can’t wait to see what Ribon comes up with next!
June 12, 2012
When I woke up this morning I had a to do list, and I had determination to get it done. That was before I got my hands on this book. I started reading and immediately began to feel readers remorse, that feeling you get when you are reading a book so good, you know you are going to be sad when you finish it. I told myself to read slowly, I could drag this book out for weeks, keep it around like a visiting friend. Now it's midnight. I read every page, the laundry is still sitting in a pile and I am missing Danielle & Smidge, wondering where you have to go to meet a man like Tucker (apparently a small town air port), and seriously considering calling my best friend, just to tell her I love her, because goodness knows we don't say it enough. Pamela Ribon has really captured the intensity of friendship facing the uncertainty of illness, as well as the laughter and tears, and occasional fits of insanity that go along with it.
I won't call my best friend, because I know she loves me enough to answer, but in the morning I am going to call her and tell her about the new book she has to buy. I would loan her my copy, but I have a feeling I am going to want to read it again soon.
I won't call my best friend, because I know she loves me enough to answer, but in the morning I am going to call her and tell her about the new book she has to buy. I would loan her my copy, but I have a feeling I am going to want to read it again soon.
June 26, 2012
I was lucky enough to win this book on Goodreads before it was available for sale. I'm not going to go into the plot because it has already been done on other reviews. So I'm basically going to write about how I liked it or not. It took me a little while to get over the narrative in the book. It was like reading a huge 300+ page letter. I had a hard time getting into it, and then at some point I had a hard time putting it down. The only thing that really bothered me was how the main character Smidge treated her best friend Danielle. Rude, condescending and at times just plain mean! Then when you get past all that you realize just how scared Smidge really is with her battle on cancer. Getting past all of who Smidge is, you can't help but just love her and her strength. No, I didn't cry. But it was a good ending for what does happen. Would I reccommend this book? Yes!
July 9, 2012
Much like "Going In Circles" this was another un-put-down-able book from Pamie. I've been a fan of her blog for many years, and this is the 2nd book of hers that I have read that I have enjoyed immensely. She manages to write characters that, even though you don't know anyone quite like them because they are so unique, you can completely identify with them because as unique as they are, they are recognizable. We may dislike Smidge from the get-go, but we all wind up wishing we had one in the end. I can't wait to recommend this book to all of my friends.
July 5, 2012
I really liked this book, although having read pamie's blog for many years, it also made me want to run to the internet and make sure that AB does not have cancer. I liked all the meditations on friendship and what you would do for a friend. Obviously, due to the subject matter, it's pretty much a tearjerker.
July 19, 2012
There are certain moments you don’t want to relive. They’re filed away in your memory under “DO NOT OPEN” but ofcourse who can resist those letters time and again, needing in fact to go back there once again. You’d think in time the pain would have faded, it hasn’t, it’s just a different type of pain. For me that memory is hearing “we put a frozen section under a microscope and you have cancer.” But the pain was never about me. I had known. I wasn’t under any illusions about what I was sick with it was having to tell my parents who were staring at my expectedly, as if there was a miracle and everything could be explained away by something other than cancer. It was having to sit there with them each holding my hand as my doctor told me how very sick I was. It was knowing that my father was in the waiting room collapsing in on himself hearing that his baby girl, his only daughter, his first born, may die before she turns 24.
Why am I telling you this in a book review? Because that’s the part of cancer that Pamela Ribon got so painfully right that I’m sitting here my eyes swimming in tears and remembering. Being sick sucks, I’m not lying about that. But it’s so much harder for the people around you, because even though you are sick with this disease that seems to come out of nowhere like a ninja, everyone gets to see you sick. It’s hard for them to remember you NOT sick, sort of like how when you’re nauseous you can’t remember what it’s like to NOT be nauseous . Which is why I empathized with Smidge. Forces of nature do not want to be remembered in any other way. They’d rather go out in a blaze of glory on their own terms, than by this disease that was not invited to the party.
Smidge will annoy you. She will frustrate you, make you bang your head against a wall and be like "what in the hell is this woman doing?" Dani will do the same but for different reasons. But eventually you'll get it. You'll get them. You'll get their friendship in its function, dysfunction and how they ultimately are each other's soulmates. You'll understand Smidge's request-not logically ofcourse. But nothing about this type of deep friendship is LOGICAL because if it was it wouldn't be what it is. Beautiful, wrenching and sure co dependent. But sometimes you're lucky enough to find a friend who is really so much a part of you that when they're hurting you're hurting and most of their joys are yours simply because you want nothing but happiness for them. This book was far less about cancer and far less about some odd request to fulfill a best friend's dying wish and more about how who we are are shaped by our choices and the people who we place stock in. That person who you view yourself through and the only person that really matters.
It'll break your heart this book. Don't let anyone tell you it's not going to. Be prepared to find yourself ugly crying. But don't shy away from it because of the pain that it may open in you. Hiding from that pain does no one any good. That pain is how we remember. How we honor. How we find ways to connect back to the world. Hug your best friend if you're close enough to do so. Call her. RIGHT NOW. Plan an unexpected trip to nowhere and watch The Notebook and cry and eat cheese fries.
Why am I telling you this in a book review? Because that’s the part of cancer that Pamela Ribon got so painfully right that I’m sitting here my eyes swimming in tears and remembering. Being sick sucks, I’m not lying about that. But it’s so much harder for the people around you, because even though you are sick with this disease that seems to come out of nowhere like a ninja, everyone gets to see you sick. It’s hard for them to remember you NOT sick, sort of like how when you’re nauseous you can’t remember what it’s like to NOT be nauseous . Which is why I empathized with Smidge. Forces of nature do not want to be remembered in any other way. They’d rather go out in a blaze of glory on their own terms, than by this disease that was not invited to the party.
Smidge will annoy you. She will frustrate you, make you bang your head against a wall and be like "what in the hell is this woman doing?" Dani will do the same but for different reasons. But eventually you'll get it. You'll get them. You'll get their friendship in its function, dysfunction and how they ultimately are each other's soulmates. You'll understand Smidge's request-not logically ofcourse. But nothing about this type of deep friendship is LOGICAL because if it was it wouldn't be what it is. Beautiful, wrenching and sure co dependent. But sometimes you're lucky enough to find a friend who is really so much a part of you that when they're hurting you're hurting and most of their joys are yours simply because you want nothing but happiness for them. This book was far less about cancer and far less about some odd request to fulfill a best friend's dying wish and more about how who we are are shaped by our choices and the people who we place stock in. That person who you view yourself through and the only person that really matters.
It'll break your heart this book. Don't let anyone tell you it's not going to. Be prepared to find yourself ugly crying. But don't shy away from it because of the pain that it may open in you. Hiding from that pain does no one any good. That pain is how we remember. How we honor. How we find ways to connect back to the world. Hug your best friend if you're close enough to do so. Call her. RIGHT NOW. Plan an unexpected trip to nowhere and watch The Notebook and cry and eat cheese fries.
August 7, 2012
For 14 years I have been reading Ribon's words wherever they were made available to me: blogs, reviews, books, tweets. I've looked at her flickr photos, watched her vlog, watched her episodes come to life. When I found out she had a new book coming out, I pre-ordered it without even reading the synopsis because I knew I'd love it
Well. I was wrong. I hated every second of it. And, yet, You Take It From Here is probably the best book I've ever read. Hands down.
The week I started reading, two of my friends were tested for cancer. I had to put the book down for awhile. I just couldn't handle it. And then, even when we got the good news that so far all tests results have been cancer-free, I still didn't want to start reading again. I was dreading it. It hurt already, how could I make it to the inevitable conclusion?. But I eventually had to because I try to always finish a book I started and I really wanted to read something else. So, yesterday, I hesitantly opened YTIFH once more.
If you've ever read any of Ribon's work you know how real her characters are, how you can still hate them at times, but always love them anyway because they are so rich with humor and vibrant with life. As much as I was dreading it, it was so easy to fall back into, so easy to finish. Even if the entire journey was excruciating.
Read this book. Ribon doesn't pull any punches here. She tells you like it is, every gut-wrenching, breathless second of it. It's going to be painful and it's okay if you need to step away as many times as it takes, just make sure you pick it back up. Because it's totally, 100% worth it.
Pamela Ribon, I hatechoo.
Well. I was wrong. I hated every second of it. And, yet, You Take It From Here is probably the best book I've ever read. Hands down.
The week I started reading, two of my friends were tested for cancer. I had to put the book down for awhile. I just couldn't handle it. And then, even when we got the good news that so far all tests results have been cancer-free, I still didn't want to start reading again. I was dreading it. It hurt already, how could I make it to the inevitable conclusion?. But I eventually had to because I try to always finish a book I started and I really wanted to read something else. So, yesterday, I hesitantly opened YTIFH once more.
If you've ever read any of Ribon's work you know how real her characters are, how you can still hate them at times, but always love them anyway because they are so rich with humor and vibrant with life. As much as I was dreading it, it was so easy to fall back into, so easy to finish. Even if the entire journey was excruciating.
Read this book. Ribon doesn't pull any punches here. She tells you like it is, every gut-wrenching, breathless second of it. It's going to be painful and it's okay if you need to step away as many times as it takes, just make sure you pick it back up. Because it's totally, 100% worth it.
Pamela Ribon, I hatechoo.
September 15, 2012
I loved this so much. I loved it. I loved it. I loved everything about it. Everything. I LOVED this. It was moving and funny and brilliant and I just . . . I loved this. It was incredible and smart and packed with funny little details that made it a tremendously (hold me for saying this) RICH reading experience.
I loved this so much, I'm not even sure how to articulate it. I just did. It was predictable -- I mean, you know what happens, right from the get-go -- but the experience of getting there was unforgettable.
I loved this book, and you guys KNOW how cranky I am.
I loved this so much, I'm not even sure how to articulate it. I just did. It was predictable -- I mean, you know what happens, right from the get-go -- but the experience of getting there was unforgettable.
I loved this book, and you guys KNOW how cranky I am.
July 4, 2012
This book is sweet and funny and sad all at once. What would you be willing to ask of your best friend and what she be willing to do for you? How much is too much involvement in someone else's life? What about those secrets that are too big to keep? I devoured this book in 5 hours and was left wanting more. I'd love a sequel from Jenny's perspective, telling us what happened in the years between.
June 7, 2012
I started this before bed, thinking I'd read a couple of chapters. Now it's 1:37am and I'm still awake because I couldn't stop reading until I finished. The characters here are the kind I love because they feel so authentic in their frustrating, lovely, familiar behavior. If possible, this is even better than Pamie's three previous novels.
July 13, 2012
I was utterly absorbed in this novel and the lives of its characters, not wanting it to end, yet eager to read more. It's a tribute to female friendship, a reminder to make the most of what we have, and a witty, well-paced, ultimately heart-wrenching read that will stay with me for a long time. Recommended, y'all.
July 9, 2012
I was determined not to cry. That lasted until about 30 pages from the end and I was a blubbering mess.
Wonderful story- great characters that will stick with me for a very long time.
Another home run for Pamie (sorry, you'll always be Pamie to me)!!! Way to go, girl!!
July 8, 2012
Pam Ribon is a rockstar.
July 1, 2012
Won a copy from goodreads giveaway! Can't wait to read!
Now half way through and can't put it down. Great read!
Just finished reading. Great book. Super funny and sad.
Now half way through and can't put it down. Great read!
Just finished reading. Great book. Super funny and sad.
November 23, 2015
I laughed out loud while choking back tears. Exactly what you'd expect from a Pamie book. This is probably her best so far.
December 27, 2022
3.5 stars
Danielle and Smidge are in their mid-30s and have been best friends for a long time. Smidge stayed in Louisiana, got married, and had a daughter. Danielle went away to California; she also got married, but that ended in divorce. When Danielle comes home to visit, Smidge has an unhappy surprise and (odd) request for her. Possible spoiler (it is mentioned in the blurb, but it comes a bit of the way into the book):
Wow, I really really didn’t like Smidge and wondered why anyone would be friends with her (or why anyone would marry her). So selfish (and this includes before the ). I felt badly for Danielle. I did like Tucker. Despite my intense dislike for Smidge, I still liked the book, as a whole. And no, I didn’t cry at the end – because I didn’t care .
Danielle and Smidge are in their mid-30s and have been best friends for a long time. Smidge stayed in Louisiana, got married, and had a daughter. Danielle went away to California; she also got married, but that ended in divorce. When Danielle comes home to visit, Smidge has an unhappy surprise and (odd) request for her. Possible spoiler (it is mentioned in the blurb, but it comes a bit of the way into the book):
Wow, I really really didn’t like Smidge and wondered why anyone would be friends with her (or why anyone would marry her). So selfish (and this includes before the ). I felt badly for Danielle. I did like Tucker. Despite my intense dislike for Smidge, I still liked the book, as a whole. And no, I didn’t cry at the end – because I didn’t care .
July 12, 2012
I loved this book so much that I have anxiously been awaiting the chance to even sit down and write a review of it. I've enjoyed Ribon's previous three books, but I definitely think this one is my favorite.
Before I get into the review indulge me in a metaphorical tangent about why I liked this book. This book can be classified as women's fiction, which is generally an indication to me that I should avoid it as far too often I find that it means I'm getting a romance novel or so-called "chick lit". I've never cared about romance novels in which the whole story revolves around a girl getting a guy. It's just not my thing. The only romance novels I read are the ones written by my mother. Filial obligation and all that. "Chick lit" books seem to either be about girls mooning ridiculously over guys and shopping like in Bridget Jones or spineless girls who can't stand up to horrible bosses/friends like in The Nanny Diaries or The Devil Wears Prada. Either way they make me feel stabby. None of this is to condone people who enjoy these books, they're just not my bag. I do however enjoy a good romantic comedy movie. I only bring this up because my mother doesn't understand how I can hate romance novels and chick lit but like romantic comedies. I'm not sure I have a good explanation, but I can tell you that You Take It from Here, despite not actually being a romantic comedy, pushes all the same buttons for me.
You Take It from Here is not a high work of literature, but it is completely satisfying. I liken it to the Dairy Queen ice cream cone I insisted on getting for dessert following the fancy pants meal at the restaurant where I got engaged. The meal was reading a Pulitzer Prize winning novel while You Take It from Here is the equally as satisfying but for completely different reasons DQ dessert.
The story (hey look at that I'm finally actually going to talk about the book for real) revolves around long time best friends Danielle (whose name I have a surprisingly hard time remembering given that it's my own) and Smidge. When Danielle returns home to Louisiana from LA for the annual trip she and Smidge take together she finds out that Smidge has terminal lung cancer and would like Danielle to take over her life, raising her teenage daughter and marrying her husband after she dies. The book is written as a letter to Smidge's daughter Jenny detailing the decisions Danielle made to try and honor what might be her best friend's final wish, which I thought was a lovely detail.
It's a wonderful story about friendship and family. There were some scenes that were so realistic that they almost took my breath away. The characters in this book felt so real that even a week and half after reading it I can't stop thinking about what is happening to them. I definitely didn't always agree with the things they did or the way they acted to the point that I wanted to slap both of them at various points, but the characters are so well written that even when their behavior bordered on outlandish I was still able to find it believable. I initially wasn't entirely happy with the ending because I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters, but I got over that very quickly and decided it was in fact the perfect ending to the story.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Go read it now. You won't regret it.
Before I get into the review indulge me in a metaphorical tangent about why I liked this book. This book can be classified as women's fiction, which is generally an indication to me that I should avoid it as far too often I find that it means I'm getting a romance novel or so-called "chick lit". I've never cared about romance novels in which the whole story revolves around a girl getting a guy. It's just not my thing. The only romance novels I read are the ones written by my mother. Filial obligation and all that. "Chick lit" books seem to either be about girls mooning ridiculously over guys and shopping like in Bridget Jones or spineless girls who can't stand up to horrible bosses/friends like in The Nanny Diaries or The Devil Wears Prada. Either way they make me feel stabby. None of this is to condone people who enjoy these books, they're just not my bag. I do however enjoy a good romantic comedy movie. I only bring this up because my mother doesn't understand how I can hate romance novels and chick lit but like romantic comedies. I'm not sure I have a good explanation, but I can tell you that You Take It from Here, despite not actually being a romantic comedy, pushes all the same buttons for me.
You Take It from Here is not a high work of literature, but it is completely satisfying. I liken it to the Dairy Queen ice cream cone I insisted on getting for dessert following the fancy pants meal at the restaurant where I got engaged. The meal was reading a Pulitzer Prize winning novel while You Take It from Here is the equally as satisfying but for completely different reasons DQ dessert.
The story (hey look at that I'm finally actually going to talk about the book for real) revolves around long time best friends Danielle (whose name I have a surprisingly hard time remembering given that it's my own) and Smidge. When Danielle returns home to Louisiana from LA for the annual trip she and Smidge take together she finds out that Smidge has terminal lung cancer and would like Danielle to take over her life, raising her teenage daughter and marrying her husband after she dies. The book is written as a letter to Smidge's daughter Jenny detailing the decisions Danielle made to try and honor what might be her best friend's final wish, which I thought was a lovely detail.
It's a wonderful story about friendship and family. There were some scenes that were so realistic that they almost took my breath away. The characters in this book felt so real that even a week and half after reading it I can't stop thinking about what is happening to them. I definitely didn't always agree with the things they did or the way they acted to the point that I wanted to slap both of them at various points, but the characters are so well written that even when their behavior bordered on outlandish I was still able to find it believable. I initially wasn't entirely happy with the ending because I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters, but I got over that very quickly and decided it was in fact the perfect ending to the story.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Go read it now. You won't regret it.
July 8, 2012
I didn't know what to expect with this book. I read other reviews and thought it would be a great chick lit. I found it had pros and cons and liked it enough but fell short of loving it.
Smidge, Dani's best friend has lung cancer again and she is going to die. Here is my first issue. It is contrived to elicit tears when Smidge will die. In the meantime, Smidge wants to teach Dani how to be Smidge so she can continue raising her daughter and be a companion to Henry, Smidge's husband.
The second issue I had was that I did not like Smidge. She was mean and manipulating. She had the personality of Michael Vick's pit bulls and did not let up. People in town feared her much more than loved her.
Danielle was a weak protagonist. Tucker, Henry's business partner compared Danielle to a good little doggy who came running when her master came running. The analogy is fitting. Danielle came running over every real or perceived emergency Smidge screamed about even after Tucker pointed out that Smidge needed to turn to her real family and Danielle was in the way.
No matter how the circumstances played out, the story was still about an incredibly unhealthy friendship and unbalanced terminally ill woman with major control issues.
On the bright side, Smidge's character is well fleshed out. I simply found little merit in having her as a friend and being manipulated.
Smidge, Dani's best friend has lung cancer again and she is going to die. Here is my first issue. It is contrived to elicit tears when Smidge will die. In the meantime, Smidge wants to teach Dani how to be Smidge so she can continue raising her daughter and be a companion to Henry, Smidge's husband.
The second issue I had was that I did not like Smidge. She was mean and manipulating. She had the personality of Michael Vick's pit bulls and did not let up. People in town feared her much more than loved her.
Danielle was a weak protagonist. Tucker, Henry's business partner compared Danielle to a good little doggy who came running when her master came running. The analogy is fitting. Danielle came running over every real or perceived emergency Smidge screamed about even after Tucker pointed out that Smidge needed to turn to her real family and Danielle was in the way.
No matter how the circumstances played out, the story was still about an incredibly unhealthy friendship and unbalanced terminally ill woman with major control issues.
On the bright side, Smidge's character is well fleshed out. I simply found little merit in having her as a friend and being manipulated.
July 12, 2012
When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued by the premise. Would Danielle want to or be able to step into Smidge's shoes? I had to find out. (Don't worry, I won't spoil it for you.)
Smidge turned out to be a pretty unlikeable woman. She was bossy, rude, and presumptuous. I had a hard time understanding why Danielle was friends with her at all. Their relationship was definitely codependent. I found it to be authentic though; I know women who have friendships very similar to Danielle and Smidge.
Even though I didn't like Smidge, I still enjoyed the book. The characters were well-developed and layered. I especially loved Smidge's husband's best friend Tucker. He was comic relief and the voice of reason at the same time.
Because I am a cold-hearted snake (see my review of Skipping a Beat), this book was not a sob fest for me, although it certainly was sad. However, if you are the type who bawls at movies like Beaches, then this book will give you a good cry. I thought it was a great summer read.
Smidge turned out to be a pretty unlikeable woman. She was bossy, rude, and presumptuous. I had a hard time understanding why Danielle was friends with her at all. Their relationship was definitely codependent. I found it to be authentic though; I know women who have friendships very similar to Danielle and Smidge.
Even though I didn't like Smidge, I still enjoyed the book. The characters were well-developed and layered. I especially loved Smidge's husband's best friend Tucker. He was comic relief and the voice of reason at the same time.
Because I am a cold-hearted snake (see my review of Skipping a Beat), this book was not a sob fest for me, although it certainly was sad. However, if you are the type who bawls at movies like Beaches, then this book will give you a good cry. I thought it was a great summer read.
August 22, 2012
Just as I started reading this I read a comment by AB Chao that said this was Pamie's best work. At the time I thought, "It's good but I don't know yet."
I'm with AB, this is surely Pamie's best work so far. It has the same lightness and humor a reader expects but this one digs a little deeper, winds itself a little more complexly around your brain.
I won this signed copy in a giveaway on Pamie's blog and I'm really looking forward to sending it to my best friend.
I'm with AB, this is surely Pamie's best work so far. It has the same lightness and humor a reader expects but this one digs a little deeper, winds itself a little more complexly around your brain.
I won this signed copy in a giveaway on Pamie's blog and I'm really looking forward to sending it to my best friend.
July 20, 2012
This is probably the best single piece of contemporary fiction I've read in ten years. Though there are a lot of things that resonate personally for me, Ms. Ribon's writing is technically brilliant. It's the kind of book that, when you're supposed to stop reading, you skip right over annoyance to outright frustration. Outrageously funny and terribly tragic, she tells the story in superlative prose.
June 13, 2012
This story of incredibly powerful friendship between two women is heartbreaking and inspiring. It made me realize what's really important in life, and look at things a little differently. To see my full review, check out http://noellewittkop.wordpress.com
July 3, 2012
So good. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones or the anniversary of my mom's death coming up, but be prepared to sob, ladies. Like, no joke you don't want to read this in public. People will worry for you.
July 5, 2012
Really enjoyed it. I can't stop thinking about the line (paraphrased) "It was like being friends with a lion. It's really fun and exciting until the lion is unhappy." Just such an outstandingly descriptive and funny moment.
July 31, 2012
I am a friend of Pam's so I am biased, but of all the things I enjoyed about this book, I loved the dialogue best. Pam writes like people really talk. Plus all the other stuff in the other reviews about tears, crying, friendship, etc.
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