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Finding Out
Getting dumped on the sidewalk by her live-in boyfriend of seven years and finding he nearly emptied their savings account is the first of Sheila Davenport's problems. At thirty-six, Sheila had thought her life was on track.
Now she's saddled with a mortgage that is about to skyrocket, a psychotic boss, and she has to train someone who is unqualified and just doesn't care about the rules. Life no longer makes sense.
Her friends advise her to date immediately, preferably someone rich and successful, or risk being old and alone. But Sheila's trying to figure out what went wrong and how she got to this place. Since Prince Charming has ruined Sheila's life, who can save her now?
Help comes unexpectedly from her elderly neighbor, Ruth Grey, who has had her own share of life's ups and downs. As their friendship grows, Ruth reveals a mesmerizing story of life in WWII Germany mixed with a tale of powerful love and revenge. Ruth's story provides the perspective that Sheila needs to put the pieces of her own life together.
Will Sheila succeed at work or walk away? Can she save her home? And why do her friends think their lives are any better?
A story of love found and lost, true friendship, and how the human spirit endures, FINDING OUT is a gripping page-turner that pays homage to the greatest generation of our time.
Now she's saddled with a mortgage that is about to skyrocket, a psychotic boss, and she has to train someone who is unqualified and just doesn't care about the rules. Life no longer makes sense.
Her friends advise her to date immediately, preferably someone rich and successful, or risk being old and alone. But Sheila's trying to figure out what went wrong and how she got to this place. Since Prince Charming has ruined Sheila's life, who can save her now?
Help comes unexpectedly from her elderly neighbor, Ruth Grey, who has had her own share of life's ups and downs. As their friendship grows, Ruth reveals a mesmerizing story of life in WWII Germany mixed with a tale of powerful love and revenge. Ruth's story provides the perspective that Sheila needs to put the pieces of her own life together.
Will Sheila succeed at work or walk away? Can she save her home? And why do her friends think their lives are any better?
A story of love found and lost, true friendship, and how the human spirit endures, FINDING OUT is a gripping page-turner that pays homage to the greatest generation of our time.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2012
142 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Sheryn MacMunn
1 book31 followersI always wanted to write a novel. When I was dating my husband, I told him of my dream. He gave me a notebook and a pen and said "Start now." Then we got married and had children - the book seemed a long way off. I was a working Mom and just didn't have time but the book stayed with me.
I want my children to live their dreams, so I really felt like I needed to lead by example. After many, many long days and nights, starts and restarts, help from dear friends, and Amazon's self-publishing services, my dream has come true.
FINDING OUT is my debut novel about love, friendship, and how the human spirit endures. I'm happy to say that I am writing a second novel to be released in fall 2013.
I want my children to live their dreams, so I really felt like I needed to lead by example. After many, many long days and nights, starts and restarts, help from dear friends, and Amazon's self-publishing services, my dream has come true.
FINDING OUT is my debut novel about love, friendship, and how the human spirit endures. I'm happy to say that I am writing a second novel to be released in fall 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 20, 2015
Where to begin with this stupid book? OK. Well, first this book doesn't really know what it is supposed to be. Is it chicklit? Is it a Holocaust story? Is it a tale of workplace woe? Is it an ironic tale of the absurd? I don't know and neither does this book. Second, the characters are two dimensional at best. I'd say maybe a dimension and a half. They are like something someone from junior high school would make in their creative writing class if they were assigned a story about what it's like to be grown up. There is no depth. Third, in my opinion this book was written by a person who thinks she's a good writer and nobody in her life wanted to tell her the truth: that she's not. The story is all over the place and absurd. Spelling and grammar and punctuation are inconsistent. Was there no editor? Was there no spellcheck? Even the kid in junior high would spellcheck! There are multiple points of view and the narration meanders between them without warning. The dialogue is stilted. As I said, the characters are two dimensional. I found myself flipping past several pages of the book many times and never once felt like I'd missed anything. The best part of this story was the sections about the main character's (Sheila) place of work and the antics that went on there. Apparently all antics and no work is what workplaces are about, which I guess is what the author thinks goes on in the workplace because she's watched a few episodes of "The Office" maybe? The workplace characters are cliched and exaggerated and yet because of that there are occasional glimpses of humor because who among us has does not have an office psycho? I mean, really. (Note: if you can't think of anyone, it's probably you.) The worst part of this book is the pathetic attempt of a Holocaust narative which is again filled with cliches and an attempt to make the reader feel sorry for Germans and how bad they were persecuted during World War II. Oh boo hoo. Your regular average (non Jewish) German person pretty much lived the high life compared to the millions of Jewish people carted off to concentration camps to be gassed to death, worked to death, and tortured for no other reason but being Jewish. Yes, I feel bad for the German people's hardship. Let me get out my violin and play cry those Germans a river while they lived in the confiscated homes they were given. The point of the Holocaust narative, if you can actually believe it, is so that Sheila, who many times the reader is reminded is 36 years old (oh the horror! What an old maid! She's not married and doesn't havea boyfriend any more!), who had been dumped by her live in boyfriend of 7 years, would learn that other people have suffered more than she has. (WHAT?!) But Sheila is obviously an ignoramous who lives in a sheltered bubble filled with shallow friends and a shallow lifestyle, couldn't observe the world around her to absorb any sort of suffering any where (she lives in NYC--are there no homeless people?! Did 9/11 not happen?!) and that without someone having to relay her own personal life story (as offensive as that was) about the war. Duh. Anyone who gets to age 36 and never heard the phrase "A high tide rises all boats" nor understand it when she hears it, deserves what she gets. Finally, the end of the story just wraps everything up in a nice little bow and Sheila gets to live happily ever after. Because that's what happens in real life. All the time. Typically I do not write reviews this long because either someone wants to read the book or doesn't and probably won't be pursuaded by my thoughts, but I am pleading: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. And the pathetic pleas to "follow" and "like" the author on FB, twitter, her webpage, and all the other media that she listed at the end of the book, I have to say: get a life. A high tide rises all boats and this boat will find a better dock. Good riddance! PS: what does Sheila find out any way? That she's not the fucking center of the universe? Jeezus. Seriously.
March 15, 2013
Did I enjoy this book: I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't that into it at the beginning, but man, I could not put this book down once I got about half way through. I read every free chance I had.
At first, I wasn't sure about this book. I was expecting a light-hearted chick lit book. This was not that and I am so glad that is wasn't. There was a lot of emotion in this book. I wasn't sure how all of the characters fit together in this story. By the end, it made sense. (And, yes, I know, most books do make sense at the end. I'm just saying that really stood out to me.)
Sheila wasn't your "normal" leading lady. She had some issues of her own. There were quite a few times that I wanted to yell at Sheila to grow up, move on, and take charge. There were other times I did feel bad for her. I was impressed that she befriended her elderly neighbor...not to get anything from it but to make a connection. That connection was just what she needed.
I was amazed at Ruth's story. So often, we read about the Jews during World War II and all the horrific things they went through. We do not hear that often about what the Germans who didn't necessarily agree with the Reich went through. It was amazing. I could feel, see, hear, experience it all through Ruth's story. I was captivated.
Then, the stuff going down at the office where Sheila worked. Kind of figured, but still surprised at the extent. I wanted more about Alessandra. I wanted more about some of the other workers. I wanted a bit more about how all of these things were connected.
I agree with Ms. MacMunn when I asked her about why we should read her book in the interview below. She responded: "Because in a time of seemingly endless change and turmoil, we need to remember that previous generations have endured must worse and triumphed."
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book. In fact, I will be recommending this book to my book group!
Will I read it again: I just may.
Check out my interview with the author: http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
At first, I wasn't sure about this book. I was expecting a light-hearted chick lit book. This was not that and I am so glad that is wasn't. There was a lot of emotion in this book. I wasn't sure how all of the characters fit together in this story. By the end, it made sense. (And, yes, I know, most books do make sense at the end. I'm just saying that really stood out to me.)
Sheila wasn't your "normal" leading lady. She had some issues of her own. There were quite a few times that I wanted to yell at Sheila to grow up, move on, and take charge. There were other times I did feel bad for her. I was impressed that she befriended her elderly neighbor...not to get anything from it but to make a connection. That connection was just what she needed.
I was amazed at Ruth's story. So often, we read about the Jews during World War II and all the horrific things they went through. We do not hear that often about what the Germans who didn't necessarily agree with the Reich went through. It was amazing. I could feel, see, hear, experience it all through Ruth's story. I was captivated.
Then, the stuff going down at the office where Sheila worked. Kind of figured, but still surprised at the extent. I wanted more about Alessandra. I wanted more about some of the other workers. I wanted a bit more about how all of these things were connected.
I agree with Ms. MacMunn when I asked her about why we should read her book in the interview below. She responded: "Because in a time of seemingly endless change and turmoil, we need to remember that previous generations have endured must worse and triumphed."
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book. In fact, I will be recommending this book to my book group!
Will I read it again: I just may.
Check out my interview with the author: http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
October 17, 2012
I got this book for free on my Kindle a while back and just got around to reading it. Once I started, I couldn't stop, and found myself thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading - definitely the mark of a good book.
Sheila is just returning home from a business trip when she is dumped by her live-in boyfriend of 7 years while standing on the sidewalk outside of her building. Things seem to go downhill for Sheila from there, as things get hard at work too. Sheila is responsible for training a new employee who is young, dumb, and has no sense of right and wrong. Sheila's neighbor, Ruth takes Sheila under her wing. Ruth recoginizes that while Sheila thinks it's the end of the world, it really isn't. Ruth tells Sheila of her own youth in Germany during World War II. Ruth and her family went to visit relatives before the outbreak of war, and get stuck in Germany and have to go into hiding. As Sheila is learning of Ruth's life story, she is trying to figure her own life out, stand up for herself, and figure out what brings true happiness.
I really enjoyed this book! Ruth's part of the story was mesmerizing and very inspiring. I liked Sheila too and could understand how she got where she was, and was happy when she began to figure herself out. Sheila's co-workers were something else, and not really good. The reason I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 is that the co-workers, one especially have potty mouths. I don't like bad language in books, however, I can see why the author used it as it painted some of these characters very well. Having said that though, when you are an author, you are an artist with words, and if you need to use profanity to paint a character, then maybe you need to expand your vocabulary. Anyway, that's just my soap box...
I was so happy to have one of the kindle freebies turn out to be a good book. That's my idea of a true treat!
Sheila is just returning home from a business trip when she is dumped by her live-in boyfriend of 7 years while standing on the sidewalk outside of her building. Things seem to go downhill for Sheila from there, as things get hard at work too. Sheila is responsible for training a new employee who is young, dumb, and has no sense of right and wrong. Sheila's neighbor, Ruth takes Sheila under her wing. Ruth recoginizes that while Sheila thinks it's the end of the world, it really isn't. Ruth tells Sheila of her own youth in Germany during World War II. Ruth and her family went to visit relatives before the outbreak of war, and get stuck in Germany and have to go into hiding. As Sheila is learning of Ruth's life story, she is trying to figure her own life out, stand up for herself, and figure out what brings true happiness.
I really enjoyed this book! Ruth's part of the story was mesmerizing and very inspiring. I liked Sheila too and could understand how she got where she was, and was happy when she began to figure herself out. Sheila's co-workers were something else, and not really good. The reason I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 is that the co-workers, one especially have potty mouths. I don't like bad language in books, however, I can see why the author used it as it painted some of these characters very well. Having said that though, when you are an author, you are an artist with words, and if you need to use profanity to paint a character, then maybe you need to expand your vocabulary. Anyway, that's just my soap box...
I was so happy to have one of the kindle freebies turn out to be a good book. That's my idea of a true treat!
September 6, 2012
Finding Out by Sheryn MacMunn follows Sheila Davenport who in the beginning of the book, believes that her life is on track. Then … she gets dumped by her boyfriend of seven years and shortly afterward, realizes that he nearly emptied their joint savings account. Weighed down by reality, the financial woes of the bills that she can no longer afford to pay, and a psychotic boss, Sheila loses grip and realizes that life is no longer what she once imagined it to be. Stuck with no immediate solutions to her problems, her friends urge her to date but she realizes that dating only causes more woes but wonders what to do next. An unexpected twist brings in an elderly neighbor who shares some insight on love, loss, and most importantly, a solid perspective on living life. What will happen to Sheila? Will she be able to move on and forward with her life? Or will she continue to dwell on all that has gone wrong? You must turn the pages to find out.
Finding Out is a true eye opener and I loved every second of it. Early on in the novel, Sheila loses everything and is so lost that she doesn’t know which way is up and which is down. But, that all changes once she meets Ruth and gets a fresh perspective on life. This is a story of second chances, love found and lost, and the strength of redemption. A page-turner until the very last second, I enjoyed this debut from Sheryn immensely. Overall, a fantastic read.
Finding Out is a true eye opener and I loved every second of it. Early on in the novel, Sheila loses everything and is so lost that she doesn’t know which way is up and which is down. But, that all changes once she meets Ruth and gets a fresh perspective on life. This is a story of second chances, love found and lost, and the strength of redemption. A page-turner until the very last second, I enjoyed this debut from Sheryn immensely. Overall, a fantastic read.
September 11, 2012
Wow. I can't believe that at one point in time, this book was free on Amazon. I had downloaded it quite a long while ago and only this week, got around to reading it. What a fantastic read.
The book starts off with an introduction to Sheila, one of the fortunate former young millionaires that had previously gained wealth with the Internet boom. She lives in a condo that she owns in a high-end area of Manhattan. She's in her mid-thirties, has a great job, but has just been dumped by her live-in boyfriend of seven years...for a much younger woman. Did I mention that he takes a good chunk of her life savings despite her having funded his graduate education?
While dealing with this tremendous blow, she has to face separate tribulations at work as she has to deal with a new and arrogant co-worker brought in my nepotism whose ineptitude only serves to make Sheila, tasked in training her, look bad.
Down in luck and surrounded by friends who are busy with their own lives, she makes an unlikely friend in her eighty-six year old neighbor, Ruth. As they grow closer, Ruth begins to share stories of her childhood marred by a dangerous existence of hiding in Nazi Germany. As each story is told and life's hard lessons are shared, Sheila begins to find her own inner strength as she develops the tools to move forward in her personal life and also remove the obstacles plaguing her work life.
Truly wonderful read.
The book starts off with an introduction to Sheila, one of the fortunate former young millionaires that had previously gained wealth with the Internet boom. She lives in a condo that she owns in a high-end area of Manhattan. She's in her mid-thirties, has a great job, but has just been dumped by her live-in boyfriend of seven years...for a much younger woman. Did I mention that he takes a good chunk of her life savings despite her having funded his graduate education?
While dealing with this tremendous blow, she has to face separate tribulations at work as she has to deal with a new and arrogant co-worker brought in my nepotism whose ineptitude only serves to make Sheila, tasked in training her, look bad.
Down in luck and surrounded by friends who are busy with their own lives, she makes an unlikely friend in her eighty-six year old neighbor, Ruth. As they grow closer, Ruth begins to share stories of her childhood marred by a dangerous existence of hiding in Nazi Germany. As each story is told and life's hard lessons are shared, Sheila begins to find her own inner strength as she develops the tools to move forward in her personal life and also remove the obstacles plaguing her work life.
Truly wonderful read.
September 4, 2012
I recently read Finding Out by Sheryn MacMunn.
This story follows Sheila after she was dumped by her boyfriend on the street, leaving her severely in debt. She starts to spend time with her neighbor Ruth who tells her about her struggles during the Holocaust.
To be honest the book was not at all what I expected it to be. For a full review please visit my blog http://queenofreading.blogspot.com/20...
This story follows Sheila after she was dumped by her boyfriend on the street, leaving her severely in debt. She starts to spend time with her neighbor Ruth who tells her about her struggles during the Holocaust.
To be honest the book was not at all what I expected it to be. For a full review please visit my blog http://queenofreading.blogspot.com/20...
March 22, 2013
Thirty-six year old New York sales executive Sheila Davenport gets dumped by Joe, her boyfriend of seven years, for another woman in a very public and humiliating way, on the sidewalk in front of their Manhattan co-op. To add insult to injury, Joe has taken more than half of their assets, leaving her severely in debt and with a hefty mortgage payment. Just when she thinks her life was on track, Sheila's world has crashed down around her, and to make matters even worse, her boss from hell has put her in charge of training an obnoxious, privileged, and unqualified snot named Crystal. Unsure of what to do with her life, an unexpected friend in the form of her elderly eighty-six year old neighbor Ruth Grey reaches out to her, and as their close friendship develops, Ruth provides Sheila wisdom, guidance, and a new perspective on how to pick up the pieces and rebuild her life.
Finding Out is a poignant story of two women who form an unlikely and heartwarming intergenerational friendship based on wisdom, inspiration, strength and courage to learn how to survive and overcome life's challenges, and gain a new perspective on what matters most in life.
In her debut novel, author Sheryn MacMunn weaves a captivating tale written in the third person narrative, with alternating timelines between the present day New York City and flashbacks to 1938 WWII Germany. The seamless intertwining of Sheila and Ruth's lives is a compelling and emotional tale of love, loss, hope, survival and redemption.
The author effortlessly moves the story from the present day struggles that Sheila and Ruth have in their lives, to Ruth's stories sharing her past history and her family's life and death struggle living in Germany during WWII, and back to the present. You can't help but get drawn into these two women's lives, but for me it is Ruth that simply captured my heart with her inspirational telling of her life story. Ruth's survival during WWII and her ability to follow her dreams inspires Sheila and empowers her to rebuild her life. As Ruth says, "miracles are waiting but you have to find them and make them your own." That my friends is simply the most inspirational and empowering message that can lift a person up from despair, give them hope and new perspective on life, and what matters the most.
Finding Out is an inspirational and heartwarming story of two women from different generations in life, who through self-discovery learn what true happiness in life is really all about. This story is a must read, it is an amazing story that is thought provoking, and will resonate with you long after the last words have been read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Finding Out is a poignant story of two women who form an unlikely and heartwarming intergenerational friendship based on wisdom, inspiration, strength and courage to learn how to survive and overcome life's challenges, and gain a new perspective on what matters most in life.
In her debut novel, author Sheryn MacMunn weaves a captivating tale written in the third person narrative, with alternating timelines between the present day New York City and flashbacks to 1938 WWII Germany. The seamless intertwining of Sheila and Ruth's lives is a compelling and emotional tale of love, loss, hope, survival and redemption.
The author effortlessly moves the story from the present day struggles that Sheila and Ruth have in their lives, to Ruth's stories sharing her past history and her family's life and death struggle living in Germany during WWII, and back to the present. You can't help but get drawn into these two women's lives, but for me it is Ruth that simply captured my heart with her inspirational telling of her life story. Ruth's survival during WWII and her ability to follow her dreams inspires Sheila and empowers her to rebuild her life. As Ruth says, "miracles are waiting but you have to find them and make them your own." That my friends is simply the most inspirational and empowering message that can lift a person up from despair, give them hope and new perspective on life, and what matters the most.
Finding Out is an inspirational and heartwarming story of two women from different generations in life, who through self-discovery learn what true happiness in life is really all about. This story is a must read, it is an amazing story that is thought provoking, and will resonate with you long after the last words have been read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 27, 2012
picked up Finding out on Saturday afternoon thinking I would read a couple chapters to see what this novel was all about. Many chapters later I forced myself to stop and take a break. I was hooked!
Sheila Davenport came home from a stressful weekend of work and finds Joe, Her live-in boyfriend of seven years, standing on the sidewalk in front of their home waiting to break up with her. Joe not only breaks up with her but has already moved out of their apartment taking only his personal pictures and bedroom set with.
While Sheila is trying to figure out her personal life, at work one of the “Big Bosses” hires a friend’s egotistical privileged daughter, Crystal. Crystal is not an easy person to work with and Sheila, a five year employee, has been put in charge of training her and helping her adjust.
Ruth, Sheila’s older widow neighbor, has been keeping Sheila company and distracting her with stories of her childhood visit to Germany during Hitlers rein. The stories are told by a young Ruth as her and her siblings are hidden from the soldiers. These stories help Sheila unravel the wreck that her life has turned into.
I loved how this novel mixed history and life stories. The novel moves so easily between the present time and Ruth’s Stories of her past. I’m not sure which I enjoyed more, both were page turning, stay up late, I can’t put the novel down.
Everyone has people like Crystal in their work place. It was fun watching Sheila learn to work with her. By learning how to deal with her, I saw Sheila grow a stronger back bone and stand up for herself and get more respect from the people around her. It is something a lot of people need to learn how to do, but not always an easy thing to do.
Finding Out is Sheryn MacManns first novel. June of 2014 cannot come soon enough for the realease of the next novel. Everyone should read this novel. My mom, sister, neighbors, and co-worker all are going to.
Sheila Davenport came home from a stressful weekend of work and finds Joe, Her live-in boyfriend of seven years, standing on the sidewalk in front of their home waiting to break up with her. Joe not only breaks up with her but has already moved out of their apartment taking only his personal pictures and bedroom set with.
While Sheila is trying to figure out her personal life, at work one of the “Big Bosses” hires a friend’s egotistical privileged daughter, Crystal. Crystal is not an easy person to work with and Sheila, a five year employee, has been put in charge of training her and helping her adjust.
Ruth, Sheila’s older widow neighbor, has been keeping Sheila company and distracting her with stories of her childhood visit to Germany during Hitlers rein. The stories are told by a young Ruth as her and her siblings are hidden from the soldiers. These stories help Sheila unravel the wreck that her life has turned into.
I loved how this novel mixed history and life stories. The novel moves so easily between the present time and Ruth’s Stories of her past. I’m not sure which I enjoyed more, both were page turning, stay up late, I can’t put the novel down.
Everyone has people like Crystal in their work place. It was fun watching Sheila learn to work with her. By learning how to deal with her, I saw Sheila grow a stronger back bone and stand up for herself and get more respect from the people around her. It is something a lot of people need to learn how to do, but not always an easy thing to do.
Finding Out is Sheryn MacManns first novel. June of 2014 cannot come soon enough for the realease of the next novel. Everyone should read this novel. My mom, sister, neighbors, and co-worker all are going to.
September 10, 2012
A thirty-something woman's life is thrown into personal and financial upheaval when her prince charming turns out to be a toad in Sheryn MacMunn's Finding Out.
After seven years together, Sheila Davenport comes home from a business trip to find her boyfriend, Joe, has moved out, left her for another woman and cleared the bulk of their joint account. While her friends encourage her to move on and find someone else, Sheila is left to deal with the aftermath, which includes the need to find new bedroom furniture and pay months of unpaid bills left by her ex-creep. Throw in job drama and her life looks pretty bleak.
Then, Sheila befriends her next door neighbor, and 86-year-old woman with a full past. Through their friendship, Sheila develops the perspective and backbone necessary to tackle her issues.
Finding Out is a fast-paced, emotional read. The book starts quickly with Sheila standing in front of her apartment, begging her boyfriend not to leave, and does not stop moving from there. Where it could have focused on her moving on to date other men or embracing her life as a single woman, instead it shows a young woman coping with the loss of a long relationship and coming to understand how and why it deteriorated.
At the same time, the connections Sheila has to her friends are strong and supportive, but the relationship she builds with Ruth is wonderful. At times heartwarming and others heartbreaking, Ruth's rich past was a pleasure to read.
Though Sheila's story is filled with turmoil that had me turning the pages quickly to find out how it resolves, their is underlying hope and desire.
MacMunn's writing style is enjoyable to read, and I look forward to seeing future stories from her in the future.
Rating: 4 of 5
Originally appeared at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com
After seven years together, Sheila Davenport comes home from a business trip to find her boyfriend, Joe, has moved out, left her for another woman and cleared the bulk of their joint account. While her friends encourage her to move on and find someone else, Sheila is left to deal with the aftermath, which includes the need to find new bedroom furniture and pay months of unpaid bills left by her ex-creep. Throw in job drama and her life looks pretty bleak.
Then, Sheila befriends her next door neighbor, and 86-year-old woman with a full past. Through their friendship, Sheila develops the perspective and backbone necessary to tackle her issues.
Finding Out is a fast-paced, emotional read. The book starts quickly with Sheila standing in front of her apartment, begging her boyfriend not to leave, and does not stop moving from there. Where it could have focused on her moving on to date other men or embracing her life as a single woman, instead it shows a young woman coping with the loss of a long relationship and coming to understand how and why it deteriorated.
At the same time, the connections Sheila has to her friends are strong and supportive, but the relationship she builds with Ruth is wonderful. At times heartwarming and others heartbreaking, Ruth's rich past was a pleasure to read.
Though Sheila's story is filled with turmoil that had me turning the pages quickly to find out how it resolves, their is underlying hope and desire.
MacMunn's writing style is enjoyable to read, and I look forward to seeing future stories from her in the future.
Rating: 4 of 5
Originally appeared at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com
April 22, 2012
Sheila Davenport’s life just fell apart. Joe, her live-in boyfriend of seven years, unceremoniously dumped her on the sidewalk. The new girl at work is an unbearable egoist, but she’s untouchable and now she’s Sheila’s problem. Sheila’s boss is out of control and headed for rehab. And Joe drained the joint savings account on his way out the door, leaving Sheila looking down the barrel of foreclosure. Where can a girl turn for guidance in the great, uncaring city?
At this critical time in her life, Sheila is invited to dinner by her elderly neighbor, Ruth Gray. As the friendship between the two women grows, Ruth reveals her own breathtaking story of courage and triumph to her younger friend, gifting Sheila with an entirely new perspective. This novel vantage point is just what Sheila needs to unravel the train wreck that her life has become, reassess what matters, and find her way out of the rut she had uncomplainingly occupied–until now.
Everyone who has ever worked in an office can relate to Sheila’s frustrations and fears. How am I going to work with this horrible person? What mood will my schizophrenic boss be in today? What if I lose my job and my home? What if I never find anyone? Am I the only one who still plays by the rules?
Turns out, the answer to all these worries is, “So what?” I vicariously savored every win Sheila racks up as she finds her feet and stands up tall. With Ruth’s wisdom to guide her, she becomes fearless. Finding Out is the deeply satisfying chronicle of a woman opening her eyes, finding her power, and succeeding on her own terms.
At this critical time in her life, Sheila is invited to dinner by her elderly neighbor, Ruth Gray. As the friendship between the two women grows, Ruth reveals her own breathtaking story of courage and triumph to her younger friend, gifting Sheila with an entirely new perspective. This novel vantage point is just what Sheila needs to unravel the train wreck that her life has become, reassess what matters, and find her way out of the rut she had uncomplainingly occupied–until now.
Everyone who has ever worked in an office can relate to Sheila’s frustrations and fears. How am I going to work with this horrible person? What mood will my schizophrenic boss be in today? What if I lose my job and my home? What if I never find anyone? Am I the only one who still plays by the rules?
Turns out, the answer to all these worries is, “So what?” I vicariously savored every win Sheila racks up as she finds her feet and stands up tall. With Ruth’s wisdom to guide her, she becomes fearless. Finding Out is the deeply satisfying chronicle of a woman opening her eyes, finding her power, and succeeding on her own terms.
July 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this novel by Sheryn MacMunn. Sheila is a hard-working sales executive in New York who, until the book starts, is living with her longterm boyfriend, Joe. But then Joe breaks up with her in front of their Manhattan co-op and has taken more than half their assets. To make matters worse, Sheila has the boss from hell and is being set up at work for massive failure. Enter Ruth, her 86 year old neighbor. Ruth and Sheila develop a close friendship. Ruth is a widow and lives alone; Sheila is not into the party scene that her married friends want to drag her into to find a new guy. As Ruth and Sheila get to know each other better, Ruth shares her family's history in Germany during the war and how Ruth learned to let go of the past.
Both Sheila's and Ruth's stories are fascinating and heart-wrenching. MacMunn's characters are all vibrant, yet each is different. She totally gets psycho workplaces and abusive work relationships. I also enjoyed how she wove Ruth's and Sheila's stories together. I expected a closing moment to Ruth's WWII story, and MacMunn delivers it with a solid punch! Good work!
Both Sheila's and Ruth's stories are fascinating and heart-wrenching. MacMunn's characters are all vibrant, yet each is different. She totally gets psycho workplaces and abusive work relationships. I also enjoyed how she wove Ruth's and Sheila's stories together. I expected a closing moment to Ruth's WWII story, and MacMunn delivers it with a solid punch! Good work!
March 22, 2013
I received a copy of Finding Out by Sheryn MacMunn for an honest review.
I loved this book!
I think this book is about friendship, strength and courage. The character Sheila struggles with her relationship that comes to an abrupt end and her inability to move on was something we could all relate to in some form. I fell in love with Ruth, her elderly neighbour. Oh, what can we learn from listening to the voice of experience is astounding. The characters are so rich it was so easy to be drawn into the emotions that this book evokes.
This book was so heartwrenching at some points, but the ultimate message was no matter how things may seem in your own life – it could always be so much worse. There were parts of this book that I actually sobbed and some parts that totally brought a smile to my face.
Courage, friendship and life and hope. How friendships can enrich a life.
I loved this book!
I think this book is about friendship, strength and courage. The character Sheila struggles with her relationship that comes to an abrupt end and her inability to move on was something we could all relate to in some form. I fell in love with Ruth, her elderly neighbour. Oh, what can we learn from listening to the voice of experience is astounding. The characters are so rich it was so easy to be drawn into the emotions that this book evokes.
This book was so heartwrenching at some points, but the ultimate message was no matter how things may seem in your own life – it could always be so much worse. There were parts of this book that I actually sobbed and some parts that totally brought a smile to my face.
Courage, friendship and life and hope. How friendships can enrich a life.
June 6, 2015
Such a nice mix of contemporary and historical. Sheila becomes reacquainted with Ruth, her 80+ yr old neighbor, after Sheila's live in boyfriend of 7 years abruptly leaves her for a younger woman. Sheila visits Ruth weekly as she learns to live once again without her boyfriend, loss of savings, and juggle the pressing demands of her job. Sheila sees this time in her life as the end; whereas, Ruth sees this time as Sheila's beginning. After all, she has her whole life ahead of her.
Ruth shares stories of her life that she has divulged to no one except for her son, Nicolas. These stories are of her life during WWII. While listening to Ruth's stories, Sheila realizes that her own life is not so bad. She can handle this!
I really enjoyed this book! Although it was WWII and Ruth spent several years in Europe during that time period, the story was prisoner of war but not Holocaust survivor. It was interesting to read and think about this different aspect of that time period.
Ruth shares stories of her life that she has divulged to no one except for her son, Nicolas. These stories are of her life during WWII. While listening to Ruth's stories, Sheila realizes that her own life is not so bad. She can handle this!
I really enjoyed this book! Although it was WWII and Ruth spent several years in Europe during that time period, the story was prisoner of war but not Holocaust survivor. It was interesting to read and think about this different aspect of that time period.
October 11, 2012
This story starts out with a bad break-up and follows the main character through her recovery. She begins to be aware of problems in the relationship that she never acknowledged. To top off her misery - she has a terrible situation at work.
She finds friendship and comfort in an elderly neighbor, who shares stories of her family's survival through Nazi Germany. She begins to see that her problems are minor compared to what her neighbor has endured.
I thought it was very well written and the story was interesting. I will look for other books from Sheryn MacMunn in the future.
She finds friendship and comfort in an elderly neighbor, who shares stories of her family's survival through Nazi Germany. She begins to see that her problems are minor compared to what her neighbor has endured.
I thought it was very well written and the story was interesting. I will look for other books from Sheryn MacMunn in the future.
June 12, 2012
This novel grabbed from the beginning. I intended to read a few chapters, but I could not put it down. Ruth's guidance is just what Sheila needed for finding out how to put her life back on track. This author has a bright future. I can hardly wait for her next book.
June 25, 2012
I finished this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I would say the story was good but transitioning was a bit odd in some spots. I wasn't particularly interested in Ruth's flashbacks but I wanted to see Sheila be a little more aggressive sooner than later. Overall it was a great read!
June 14, 2012
Terrific chick lit read with memorable characters!
August 31, 2012
Absolutely loved this book. Ruth's story was so real that I cried several times. I am hoping for a sequel!
March 3, 2013
good book 2 stories in 1 and they mesh together great at the end.
June 12, 2012
This was an amazing book. I could not put it down!!!!
March 5, 2013
As seen on my blog:
Finding Out ended up being so much more than the standard "chick lit" I initially expected it to be. With vivid recounts of Nazi Germany, and characters that could very well exist in the real world, Sheryn created a story that made you want to invest your time in her words.
Following a humiliating public break-up with her boyfriend of the past 7 years (ouch, I know), Sheila Davenport is immediately thrown into a slump. She yearns for closure, but finds out the hard way that the only thing she actually needs is something that her ex-boyfriend, Joe, can't, and hasn't ever given her: a true sense of knowing herself, and solid, independent, happiness.
As with the majority of break-up situations in chick lit, the female character tends to set out on a self-destructing journey of wallowing, self-pity and incessant whining. Sheila dabbled in this phase, but I found that it was with good reason. Her ex refused contact with her, and I found myself getting just as agitated with him, the poor woman only wanted the answers she so rightly deserved. My fondness grew for Sheila the second she started meeting with Ruth, the elderly neighbour who eventually plays a huge role in Sheila's mental makeover. We don't get the chance to read much dialogue between the two, the author simply implies that the pair are together, which was indicated by Ruth's account of her experience in Nazi Germany. The chapters alternate between Sheila's personal life, and Ruth's memories, with a few present day chapters of Ruth's life thrown in. Finding Out didn't focus on the romance, which was SO refreshing. I am at a phase in my own life where I just want to skip the dramatics, and read about something real and meaningful-I got definitely got that with this book.
The alternating chapters really worked for me, we got a chance to not only see Sheila grow and strengthen, but it was as though she was doing it right along with Ruth's younger self, as she made her own discoveries all those years ago. There was a large bunch of side characters in Finding Out, some who played an important role in Sheila's life and her growth, and others I could have probably done without. The author wrote in third-person perspective, and I found myself getting slightly confused at times at who was thinking/doing what. Also, I wish we got to delve a little deeper into some of their personal lives, namely Alessandra, Sheila's boss. I was disturbingly fascinated with Alessandra's character, and I found myself hoping I'd turn a page, and find her entire past written there. Maybe..in the sequel!? =)
Overall, this Finding Out was a book of self-discovery and overcoming obstacles that only seem large on the outside. I got a chance to not only root for Sheila's success, but Ruth's as well, it was a feel good experience. This book is labeled chick-lit, but it did more for me than just pass the time, it was deep, and a little bit dark, and helped open my eyes to moments and issues that will always be so much bigger than my little mundane life and complaints. A very good debut for Sheryn, I am looking forward to the sequel of this book, and her other works in progress!
----------
*DISCLAIMER* I received this book as print copy from the author, in order to participate in the blog tour.
Finding Out ended up being so much more than the standard "chick lit" I initially expected it to be. With vivid recounts of Nazi Germany, and characters that could very well exist in the real world, Sheryn created a story that made you want to invest your time in her words.
Following a humiliating public break-up with her boyfriend of the past 7 years (ouch, I know), Sheila Davenport is immediately thrown into a slump. She yearns for closure, but finds out the hard way that the only thing she actually needs is something that her ex-boyfriend, Joe, can't, and hasn't ever given her: a true sense of knowing herself, and solid, independent, happiness.
As with the majority of break-up situations in chick lit, the female character tends to set out on a self-destructing journey of wallowing, self-pity and incessant whining. Sheila dabbled in this phase, but I found that it was with good reason. Her ex refused contact with her, and I found myself getting just as agitated with him, the poor woman only wanted the answers she so rightly deserved. My fondness grew for Sheila the second she started meeting with Ruth, the elderly neighbour who eventually plays a huge role in Sheila's mental makeover. We don't get the chance to read much dialogue between the two, the author simply implies that the pair are together, which was indicated by Ruth's account of her experience in Nazi Germany. The chapters alternate between Sheila's personal life, and Ruth's memories, with a few present day chapters of Ruth's life thrown in. Finding Out didn't focus on the romance, which was SO refreshing. I am at a phase in my own life where I just want to skip the dramatics, and read about something real and meaningful-I got definitely got that with this book.
The alternating chapters really worked for me, we got a chance to not only see Sheila grow and strengthen, but it was as though she was doing it right along with Ruth's younger self, as she made her own discoveries all those years ago. There was a large bunch of side characters in Finding Out, some who played an important role in Sheila's life and her growth, and others I could have probably done without. The author wrote in third-person perspective, and I found myself getting slightly confused at times at who was thinking/doing what. Also, I wish we got to delve a little deeper into some of their personal lives, namely Alessandra, Sheila's boss. I was disturbingly fascinated with Alessandra's character, and I found myself hoping I'd turn a page, and find her entire past written there. Maybe..in the sequel!? =)
Overall, this Finding Out was a book of self-discovery and overcoming obstacles that only seem large on the outside. I got a chance to not only root for Sheila's success, but Ruth's as well, it was a feel good experience. This book is labeled chick-lit, but it did more for me than just pass the time, it was deep, and a little bit dark, and helped open my eyes to moments and issues that will always be so much bigger than my little mundane life and complaints. A very good debut for Sheryn, I am looking forward to the sequel of this book, and her other works in progress!
----------
*DISCLAIMER* I received this book as print copy from the author, in order to participate in the blog tour.
Want to read
February 15, 2016Getting dumped on the sidewalk by her live-in boyfriend of seven years and finding he nearly emptied their savings account is the first of Sheila Davenport 19s problems. At 36, Sheila had thought her life was on track. Now she 19s saddled with a mortgage that is about to skyrocket, a psychotic boss, and she has to train someone who is unqualified and just doesn 19t care about the rules. Life no longer makes sense. Her friends advise her to date immediately, preferably someone rich and successful, or risk being old and alone. But Sheila 19s trying to figure out what went wrong and how she got to this place. Since Prince Charming has ruined Sheila 19s life, who can save her now? Help comes unexpectedly from her 86-year old neighbor who has had her own share of life 19s ups and downs. After each get together, Sheila begins to find the strength to put the pieces of her life together while fighting not to lose her head. Will Sheila succeed at work or walk away? Can she save her home? And why do her friends think their lives are any better? A story of love found and lost, true friendship, and how the human spirit endures.
July 1, 2014
Patently terrible. Two stories mashed together that had no real connection. Neither story was believable. Most of the characters were so wholly villainous as to be laughable. A couple seemed to change personality partway through, to the point where I scrolled back a ways to make sure I was thinking of the right person and that the name hadn't somehow gotten changed in editing.
Speaking of editing--there were a few dozen instances of misspellings, incorrect word usage, and punctuation errors. And for the love of cheese, it's Pepto BISMOL, not BISMAL.
Speaking of editing--there were a few dozen instances of misspellings, incorrect word usage, and punctuation errors. And for the love of cheese, it's Pepto BISMOL, not BISMAL.
February 18, 2016
Thank you to Goodreads for my First Reads giveaway.
November 9, 2017
I didn't love this read. A story that moved between modern day girl with work and boyfriend issues, to World War II survival told through the eyes of her neighbor. For me, this one would have worked better had it been about one or the other. I hated the "modern girl" and her work cronies. They were all dysfunctional and lacked morals. I didn't feel any of this storyline added much to the other part of the story. The sections about World War II survival seemed weak and contrived. I've read a lot of stories about World War II and none of them have ever been about any family living for years in the woods in tents. There were also some editing issues.
March 14, 2017
Finding Out. A Good Read.
Congratulations Sheryn MacMunn on a great first novel. I was drawn into the story right from the start. Sheila returns from a business trip to find her boyfriend of seven years standing in front of their co-op. Sheila could only stare at Joe with disbelief as he proceeded to tell her they were no longer a couple and he had already moved out. She begged him to come in so they could talk about this. Joe told her there was nothing to talk about and there was nothing that would change his mind.
Sheila felt paralyzed as she looked at the empty spaces that were left in her heart and her home. How could all this happen without her knowing something was wrong?
My thoughts were more along the line of what made Sheila assume the victim role so quickly? She discovered that Joe had taken $125,00 out of their joint account, leaving her with almost nothing to pay the bills that he stopped paying several months ago.
Sheila was fortunate to have female allies that helped her fight for what was rightfully hers. Her elderly neighbor wanted to show her that even the worst circumstances are survivable. Ruth was a Jew in Nazi Germany who hid in the woods along with her family for many months. She shared her story with Sheila to help her see what was possible.
I liked this book enough to give it a 5 star rating. The plot was interesting and the characters had depth. I'm happy to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book.
Congratulations Sheryn MacMunn on a great first novel. I was drawn into the story right from the start. Sheila returns from a business trip to find her boyfriend of seven years standing in front of their co-op. Sheila could only stare at Joe with disbelief as he proceeded to tell her they were no longer a couple and he had already moved out. She begged him to come in so they could talk about this. Joe told her there was nothing to talk about and there was nothing that would change his mind.
Sheila felt paralyzed as she looked at the empty spaces that were left in her heart and her home. How could all this happen without her knowing something was wrong?
My thoughts were more along the line of what made Sheila assume the victim role so quickly? She discovered that Joe had taken $125,00 out of their joint account, leaving her with almost nothing to pay the bills that he stopped paying several months ago.
Sheila was fortunate to have female allies that helped her fight for what was rightfully hers. Her elderly neighbor wanted to show her that even the worst circumstances are survivable. Ruth was a Jew in Nazi Germany who hid in the woods along with her family for many months. She shared her story with Sheila to help her see what was possible.
I liked this book enough to give it a 5 star rating. The plot was interesting and the characters had depth. I'm happy to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book.
August 20, 2017
Finding out: a novel by MacMunn. Another book that I purchased in 2013 and can't find the review. From the first page, I could see it was a chick lit. I kept reading to find out how Sheila and Joe separated. Sheila is heart-broken but is rescued by Ruth who was incarcerated in Germany by the Nazis. Sheila finds out about Ruth's journey to be living near Sheila. So the story is juxtaposed between Joe's dishonesty and the evil of those whom Ruth worked for.
June 21, 2018
Phenomenal Read
This book drew me in, the story outs interwoven with the past and the present. Shelia needed guidance but didn't know it. 86 year old Ruth her neighbor reached out to help Shelia and to teach her lessons on overcoming tragedy and heartache and being victorious and not a victim. This book won't disappoint you. I picked it up and couldn't put it down.
This book drew me in, the story outs interwoven with the past and the present. Shelia needed guidance but didn't know it. 86 year old Ruth her neighbor reached out to help Shelia and to teach her lessons on overcoming tragedy and heartache and being victorious and not a victim. This book won't disappoint you. I picked it up and couldn't put it down.
January 24, 2020
Great read!
Loved this book and was so impressed it was by a first time author! The two stories flowed so well together. Such truth that what the current generations think is hard and painful is nothing like the generations before us. Two wonderful stories of life!
Loved this book and was so impressed it was by a first time author! The two stories flowed so well together. Such truth that what the current generations think is hard and painful is nothing like the generations before us. Two wonderful stories of life!
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