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Composing Myself
Whitney Monroe’s not ashamed of the way her mother can work a brass pole, not really. It’s just that some things are better left unsaid; especially when your mother’s a stripper and you’re trying to get a job at a prestigious private school that definitely won’t appreciate her talents.
Raised by her grandma, Whitney’s always managed to keep her two worlds separate, even if it meant lying to everyone. And when Reid Phillips—a charming, sexy songwriter—becomes her not-entirely-welcome roommate, Whitney has no intention of telling him the truth either. But she wasn’t excepting Reid to see right through her and challenge her compartmentalized life. With Grams seriously ill, her mother’s life in turmoil and her dream job on the line, it’s more important than ever for Whitney to keep everything together. But that will mean being honest with everyone, starting with herself.(less)
Raised by her grandma, Whitney’s always managed to keep her two worlds separate, even if it meant lying to everyone. And when Reid Phillips—a charming, sexy songwriter—becomes her not-entirely-welcome roommate, Whitney has no intention of telling him the truth either. But she wasn’t excepting Reid to see right through her and challenge her compartmentalized life. With Grams seriously ill, her mother’s life in turmoil and her dream job on the line, it’s more important than ever for Whitney to keep everything together. But that will mean being honest with everyone, starting with herself.(less)
346 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2013
7 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Elena Aitken
237 books1,005 followersElena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.
Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 5, 2013
I've really enjoyed all of Elena Aitken's books, but I think this one is her best yet. It's not only a quick read, but one that makes you think too about how "composed" we all are (or aren't).
April 14, 2013
Review Copy Provided By the Author
This is my first time reading Elena Aitken’s stuff, but honestly, based on Composing Myself, it won’t be the last. I was immediately drawn to the description, I mean, brass pole, aka stripper pole, in the first sentence of the blurb – who wouldn’t be intrigued. I started reading this at about 8pm on a Friday night, with every intention of only reading a “few chapters” as is my nightly routine. Unfortunately, that didn’t exactly pan out…an hour and a half later, I will still reading…I had to force myself to stop reading and go to sleep (otherwise my run the next morning was going to suck!)
I did find it interesting that the author used a flash-back method of telling part of the story – I’ve found that sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t. For me, it worked in past – but not completely – it just needed something else as a wow factor (I hope that makes sense…). I did find it interesting how similar in character Whitney’s mother and grandmother were (although, i’m sure that they would hate to admit it) – it was their stubborn-ness and need to be right that led to so many of the trials/tribulations in the story.
I loved Whitney as a character, she was just so young and careful, but oh man, was her boyfriend a douche-bag…sorry, no other words describe him. I wanted to boink him over the head. I was so glad when Reid came into the picture. Anyways, i’m not going to be belabor the point, but the say, I really enjoyed this book, will be reading more of Elena Aitken in the future. Overall, I gave this story 3.5 but still debating on the rounding up/down for Goodreads.
This is my first time reading Elena Aitken’s stuff, but honestly, based on Composing Myself, it won’t be the last. I was immediately drawn to the description, I mean, brass pole, aka stripper pole, in the first sentence of the blurb – who wouldn’t be intrigued. I started reading this at about 8pm on a Friday night, with every intention of only reading a “few chapters” as is my nightly routine. Unfortunately, that didn’t exactly pan out…an hour and a half later, I will still reading…I had to force myself to stop reading and go to sleep (otherwise my run the next morning was going to suck!)
I did find it interesting that the author used a flash-back method of telling part of the story – I’ve found that sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t. For me, it worked in past – but not completely – it just needed something else as a wow factor (I hope that makes sense…). I did find it interesting how similar in character Whitney’s mother and grandmother were (although, i’m sure that they would hate to admit it) – it was their stubborn-ness and need to be right that led to so many of the trials/tribulations in the story.
I loved Whitney as a character, she was just so young and careful, but oh man, was her boyfriend a douche-bag…sorry, no other words describe him. I wanted to boink him over the head. I was so glad when Reid came into the picture. Anyways, i’m not going to be belabor the point, but the say, I really enjoyed this book, will be reading more of Elena Aitken in the future. Overall, I gave this story 3.5 but still debating on the rounding up/down for Goodreads.
April 30, 2013
This is a really good book. It was an easy, fast read. I really liked the story and the characters. I thought the background story of Patty was woven into Whitney’s story very skillfully. It was such an important part of the story and I am glad she chose to include it the way she did. I also enjoyed the way Whitney and Reid’s relationship developed. The characters in this book were complex and very well developed. They all had issues and flaws but were basically likable. The conclusion was very satisfying.
I have read one other book by Elena and was won over by her emotional writing style. When I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of Composing Myself in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance. I am so glad I did. This book is due to be published May 1. It is a worthy read and I recommend it highly.
I have read one other book by Elena and was won over by her emotional writing style. When I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of Composing Myself in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance. I am so glad I did. This book is due to be published May 1. It is a worthy read and I recommend it highly.
May 7, 2013
I am a huge fan of Elena Aitken's and this is by far her best novel yet. There was a different style to her writing this time and I loved it. It's a very easy read & was hard to put down. All of the characters fit so well together. I laughed, cried & cheered. It wasn't rushed & when it ended I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. So many great moments that I can't share as I don't want to spoil it for anyone! Highly recommended!!
May 27, 2013
3.5 star read
There are three women in the Monroe family. The youngest is Whitney, a recent college graduate and working teacher; her mother, Patti, is a hard-working professional exotic dancer or stripper; and, the oldest is Patti's mother, Hazel. Hazel, or Grams, raised Whitney in a loving environment. Patti struggled to be a good mother, but was forced to give up her daughter. Whitney struggles to be the person she thinks others expect her to be. In addition, she struggles to have a real relationship with her mom without being judgmental about her job. The Monroe women love one another but can they learn to accept one another with judgment and scorn before it's too late.
Composing Myself begins with Whitney's grandmother, Grams, moving into a retirement community. At the time, she's working as a substitute teacher at a very prestigious local private school and wants more than anything to be offered a full-time permanent job at this institution. She's in a tepid-relationship with a fellow teacher, William. She only sees her mother once every few weeks. And to add insult to injury, she's just been told that her Grams has end-stage cancer and Grams refuses any terminal care to prolong the inevitable. The only bright light in her world is actually from her new roommate, Reid Phillips, an aspiring songwriter, a sometime jingle-writer, and an excellent cook. Needless to say, Whitney and Reid wind up in a push-pull relationship that adds to the overall drama and angst.
This was actually the first book I've ever read by Ms. Aitken and I was a little surprised by how much the story pulled me in. My initial reaction after reading a few chapters, was "oh no, not another romantic coming-of-age story." And yes, Composing Myself can be classified as a romantic coming-of-age story, but it is much more. It is a family drama, it is about self-discovery, it is about self-acceptance, and on one small level, it is about preconceived expectations and prejudice. I found Composing Myself to start off a little slow, but my reading pace picked up after only a few chapters and I kept reading simply because I wanted to know how it all ends. There are a few surprises as Whitney and Patti's stories are revealed, but the inclusion of such flawed characters made the story much more realistic and believable. I've got to add that I needed a few tissues toward the end (be prepared -- no, I'm not going to reveal what happens; read it for yourself!). Composing Myself spotlights the notion that we all need to be true to ourselves and be willing to accept others as they are without expecting any conformity, a great message and a wonderful read.
There are three women in the Monroe family. The youngest is Whitney, a recent college graduate and working teacher; her mother, Patti, is a hard-working professional exotic dancer or stripper; and, the oldest is Patti's mother, Hazel. Hazel, or Grams, raised Whitney in a loving environment. Patti struggled to be a good mother, but was forced to give up her daughter. Whitney struggles to be the person she thinks others expect her to be. In addition, she struggles to have a real relationship with her mom without being judgmental about her job. The Monroe women love one another but can they learn to accept one another with judgment and scorn before it's too late.
Composing Myself begins with Whitney's grandmother, Grams, moving into a retirement community. At the time, she's working as a substitute teacher at a very prestigious local private school and wants more than anything to be offered a full-time permanent job at this institution. She's in a tepid-relationship with a fellow teacher, William. She only sees her mother once every few weeks. And to add insult to injury, she's just been told that her Grams has end-stage cancer and Grams refuses any terminal care to prolong the inevitable. The only bright light in her world is actually from her new roommate, Reid Phillips, an aspiring songwriter, a sometime jingle-writer, and an excellent cook. Needless to say, Whitney and Reid wind up in a push-pull relationship that adds to the overall drama and angst.
This was actually the first book I've ever read by Ms. Aitken and I was a little surprised by how much the story pulled me in. My initial reaction after reading a few chapters, was "oh no, not another romantic coming-of-age story." And yes, Composing Myself can be classified as a romantic coming-of-age story, but it is much more. It is a family drama, it is about self-discovery, it is about self-acceptance, and on one small level, it is about preconceived expectations and prejudice. I found Composing Myself to start off a little slow, but my reading pace picked up after only a few chapters and I kept reading simply because I wanted to know how it all ends. There are a few surprises as Whitney and Patti's stories are revealed, but the inclusion of such flawed characters made the story much more realistic and believable. I've got to add that I needed a few tissues toward the end (be prepared -- no, I'm not going to reveal what happens; read it for yourself!). Composing Myself spotlights the notion that we all need to be true to ourselves and be willing to accept others as they are without expecting any conformity, a great message and a wonderful read.
May 8, 2013
Composing Myself literally begins with a pole dance………..And it had me from that point on. Aitken has written a book that grabs hold from the beginning and doesn’t really let go until the very end. Whitney is such a believable character that you find yourself so engrossed in what’s going through her head, that at times you have a hard time letting go. To say she has a lot on her plate is an understatement. Her Grams, who has raised her, has moved into an assisted living home. She is seeking full time employment at a prestigious private school while subbing there. She has a boyfriend, who is also a teacher at the school where she is working, to whom she has not shared her secrets about her family with. In fact, she’s told him that her parents are dead. Whitney has found it easier over the years to act like her mom doesn’t exist rather than let people know what she does for a living. She found out long ago that sometimes the child does pay for the parent’s choices.
While visiting Grams at the home, Whitney encounters a sexy young man who leads the residents in sing alongs and can charm the socks off of all of them. Then she finds out that Grams has arranged for Reid to be Whitney’s roommate. Whitney has been struggling to pay the bills, and seems Grams has just the right fix. Once Reid moves in, they are drawn to each other and immediately comfortable with each other. Reid’s a wonderful cook……Whitney? Not so much, which leads to some bonding over nightly dinners and they quickly develop a comfy rapport. She wonders what Reid would think of her mom’s profession? Which leaves Whitney confused as to why she feels so comfortable with this virtual stranger and not her long time boyfriend. But, as we all know, the brain thinks what it thinks and the heart feels what it feels. Looks like there is a choice to be made……………
Aitken has written a story that is so believable that I caught myself likening the characters to people that I actually know. The supporting characters are great as well. When I first saw that part of the story was told from someone other than Whitney’s POV, I cringed. As a rule, I do not like when an author does that, but the way Aitken wrote it, it worked and added to the story in a way that could not have been done any other way. I cried, I laughed and I even shook my head, but in the end, it made my heart smile. Such a sweet story and I definitely look forward to reading more by this author.
While visiting Grams at the home, Whitney encounters a sexy young man who leads the residents in sing alongs and can charm the socks off of all of them. Then she finds out that Grams has arranged for Reid to be Whitney’s roommate. Whitney has been struggling to pay the bills, and seems Grams has just the right fix. Once Reid moves in, they are drawn to each other and immediately comfortable with each other. Reid’s a wonderful cook……Whitney? Not so much, which leads to some bonding over nightly dinners and they quickly develop a comfy rapport. She wonders what Reid would think of her mom’s profession? Which leaves Whitney confused as to why she feels so comfortable with this virtual stranger and not her long time boyfriend. But, as we all know, the brain thinks what it thinks and the heart feels what it feels. Looks like there is a choice to be made……………
Aitken has written a story that is so believable that I caught myself likening the characters to people that I actually know. The supporting characters are great as well. When I first saw that part of the story was told from someone other than Whitney’s POV, I cringed. As a rule, I do not like when an author does that, but the way Aitken wrote it, it worked and added to the story in a way that could not have been done any other way. I cried, I laughed and I even shook my head, but in the end, it made my heart smile. Such a sweet story and I definitely look forward to reading more by this author.
April 15, 2013
Excuse me while I blow my nose again! But, I promise the sobs have subsided. This book isn't all about happily ever after. It's about the real struggle to self awareness and realizing what mama always meant when she said, "You're only lying to yourself." In life, as in writing or composing, sometimes we wish we could scratch out entire sections that just don't make the cut. But, in the end, we all just have to learn to love ourselves as rough drafts. And that even in our rough state, we deserve the love of others as well.
It was a well crafted read. Few authors can seamlessly switch perspectives and flash back throughout a novel and maintain good continuity. Reading was easy and empathy for the characters was developed immediately. The only drawback was an unexplained side story line with Reid's sister. But, maybe that's another story altogether. :)
It was a well crafted read. Few authors can seamlessly switch perspectives and flash back throughout a novel and maintain good continuity. Reading was easy and empathy for the characters was developed immediately. The only drawback was an unexplained side story line with Reid's sister. But, maybe that's another story altogether. :)
July 19, 2013
Oh. My. Goodness!!! I LOVED this book soo much! First, thank you to the author for offering this book for free in her newsletter! Pretty sure I signed up for her emails for a blogs giveaway because I am not familiar with her name or the book. Boy oh boy I am sooo happy I did whatever it was to get her newsletters! No idea what I was getting myself into, I dove right into COMPOSING MYSELF and hated to have to put it down (a girl has to sleep right?) Anyways, I was highly impressed with not only the authors story telling abilities but also that the book was clean, you know, not full of misspelled words, typos etc. I would soo enjoy another book with Whitney and Reid *swoon* I mean shouldn't we get an update on Lizzy? Or what about a book as Kat being the main character? Ohhh good idea!
Go ahead and get you your VERY OWN copy of COMPOSING MYSELF! Did I mention I LOVED this book?
Go ahead and get you your VERY OWN copy of COMPOSING MYSELF! Did I mention I LOVED this book?
May 1, 2013
Dear Reader,
I'm so excited to share my latest book with you. The process of writing a book is never just about crafting a story, making up characters and putting them through drama. For me, the process always becomes a journey and when I started writing Composing Myself, I had no idea where it would take me. I was totally unprepared for the flood of emotions that came out when I immersed myself in this story.
The relationship between the main character, Whitney and Grams, is a close one, and while it is fictional, it was inspired by my own relationship with my grandma. I lost her almost a year ago to breast cancer and I miss her every day.
It is my hope that this book takes you on your own journey, of acceptance, forgiveness and strength. Thank you, and enjoy.
I'm so excited to share my latest book with you. The process of writing a book is never just about crafting a story, making up characters and putting them through drama. For me, the process always becomes a journey and when I started writing Composing Myself, I had no idea where it would take me. I was totally unprepared for the flood of emotions that came out when I immersed myself in this story.
The relationship between the main character, Whitney and Grams, is a close one, and while it is fictional, it was inspired by my own relationship with my grandma. I lost her almost a year ago to breast cancer and I miss her every day.
It is my hope that this book takes you on your own journey, of acceptance, forgiveness and strength. Thank you, and enjoy.
October 7, 2013
Oh my gosh...best book I have read in a long time. It picked me right up out of my slump of mediocre reads and threw me into book bliss. The story is unique, Whitney Monroe, was raised by her grandmother while her mom pursued the life of a stripper. Now Whitney is dating the super serious, William, and rather than tell him what her mom does for a living, she tells him that her parents are dead. Meanwhile, Whit's grandmother introduces her to musician, Reid, and volunteers him to be Whit's new roommate. She must now figure out what she wants out of life, and come to terms with her past.
This is such an incredible journey. It had me laughing and of course, crying (we all know what part I'm talking about). I so enjoyed this book in so many ways!!!
This is such an incredible journey. It had me laughing and of course, crying (we all know what part I'm talking about). I so enjoyed this book in so many ways!!!
May 24, 2013
Elena is a favourite author of mine and since I couldn't get it on my sony ereader I had to order it in paperback from Amazon and wait for it to arrive.
I loved it, it was easy to read and difficult to put down till I finished the whole book. I love how she interweaves the lives of the characters and making three dimensional and believable.
As I always do when I read Elena's books I when thru a range of emotions laughing, crying and grieving for the loss of Grams.
I cannot wait to read her next book.
I loved it, it was easy to read and difficult to put down till I finished the whole book. I love how she interweaves the lives of the characters and making three dimensional and believable.
As I always do when I read Elena's books I when thru a range of emotions laughing, crying and grieving for the loss of Grams.
I cannot wait to read her next book.
April 21, 2013
Once again Elena has done a great job in telling a story from the heart. A very easy read that once it is over you will probably want some more. You can't help but like all of the characters and wish the best for all of them. Thoughts come back to the expression of "you shouldn't worry too much about what other people think....as long as you are happy that is what counts the most." Thank you so much for writing another feel good novel.
August 22, 2013
Elena Aiken has done it again ... Only this one is even better. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved how she developed the relationship between Whitney and Reid.
The theme is self-awareness which is part of the theme for my blog and current work in progress, so this was highly resonant for me, as it likely will be for all readers.
Whitney's journey is poignant and will stay with you long after you close the book.
November 2, 2013
What an enjoyable escape read! It was exactly what I needed. Strippers, addicts & musicians may not be Elena's normal characters, but they're my people and she writes them well. This was authentic and fun!
April 20, 2013
Loved it! This is a "Must-Read", get the tissues ready though. I recommend this book, you don't be disappointed. Once again, another great one by Elena.
May 20, 2013
very well written book. four stars because it was a little too predictable. but I read it quite quickly. good page turner.
May 9, 2018
Loved this book and totally recommend it!
January 28, 2023
This standalone book, like all of this author's standalone books, is something of a tour of force: not just well written, but incredibly sincere and true to life.
These books are not romances in the usual sense - they are not about the struggles of two people trying to get together, but about the struggles of one person to make sense of her life, and of her relationships with the important people in her life. They all have endings that are not necessarily happy in the romantic sense, but hopeful in the life sense.
If you are looking for pure romance, try this author's book series'. If you are looking for a meaningful yet enjoyable read, then go for these standalone books.
These books are not romances in the usual sense - they are not about the struggles of two people trying to get together, but about the struggles of one person to make sense of her life, and of her relationships with the important people in her life. They all have endings that are not necessarily happy in the romantic sense, but hopeful in the life sense.
If you are looking for pure romance, try this author's book series'. If you are looking for a meaningful yet enjoyable read, then go for these standalone books.
March 5, 2014
Oh how much this book could have worked for me. It really could have. I LOVED the premise, loved it. It sounded fresh and fun and at some points, I LOVED the story. Or actually overall I did, the story itself was great.
But something about the telling just didn't work for me.
Maybe it was just that Reid was the male lead just wasn't the kind of guy I go for. He was a little too...sweet and sensitive for my taste. Everything Whitney did for him was amazing or beautiful or incredible and he just seemed...too soft. I don't blame the writer for that. I just like a manly man who's a little stupid when it comes to feelings. So maybe that's why the book didn't work for me more than anything else. I couldn't see Reid as the sexy, irresistible guy he was supposed to be.
And actually, I think that's really what bugged me with this book, all the characters fell a little flat to me. They felt like characters, not people. Reid was a little too perfect. William was a little too boring. The grandmother was too warm and loving and the way she came around too the mom and to everything else was a little too textbook. And Kat was...I didn't even know how to read her. So the story never felt real to me or something. The characters never grabbed me, at all, so I just couldn't make myself care about their story, even though I technically liked the story. It just didn't feel like it was really happening or something.
Also the flashbacks. I'm not a big fan of them in books usually but sometimes they can add a lot to the story. For me here, they just took away from it. They revealed back story, sure, but that could have been done a lot more effectively through dialogue in the actual story. As it was, it just felt disjointed.
Don't even get me started on the grandmother's cancer.
Just...no to this book. No.
But something about the telling just didn't work for me.
Maybe it was just that Reid was the male lead just wasn't the kind of guy I go for. He was a little too...sweet and sensitive for my taste. Everything Whitney did for him was amazing or beautiful or incredible and he just seemed...too soft. I don't blame the writer for that. I just like a manly man who's a little stupid when it comes to feelings. So maybe that's why the book didn't work for me more than anything else. I couldn't see Reid as the sexy, irresistible guy he was supposed to be.
And actually, I think that's really what bugged me with this book, all the characters fell a little flat to me. They felt like characters, not people. Reid was a little too perfect. William was a little too boring. The grandmother was too warm and loving and the way she came around too the mom and to everything else was a little too textbook. And Kat was...I didn't even know how to read her. So the story never felt real to me or something. The characters never grabbed me, at all, so I just couldn't make myself care about their story, even though I technically liked the story. It just didn't feel like it was really happening or something.
Also the flashbacks. I'm not a big fan of them in books usually but sometimes they can add a lot to the story. For me here, they just took away from it. They revealed back story, sure, but that could have been done a lot more effectively through dialogue in the actual story. As it was, it just felt disjointed.
Don't even get me started on the grandmother's cancer.
Just...no to this book. No.
April 13, 2016
Such a lovely story. The growing attraction between Whitney and Reid is almost secondary to the family dynamics. Both of them come from fractured families, but where Reid was left to bring up his young sister Lizzy, Whitney at least had a happy childhood, brought up by her grandmother, with her mother on the fringes of her life.
I enjoyed the viewpoint through Whitney's eyes in the present, and through her mother Patty's view of their past. It shows how families make mistakes, albeit for what seem at the time to be for the right reasons, and the repercussions echo through the years. I felt great sympathy for Patty, whose life is in some ways wrecked by her mothers' anger at her choice of job; she finds a man who loves her deeply, Stan, but will never commit to him because her mother disapproves of his job. She adores her daughter, but is persuaded by her mother that she should stay out of her life, and it breaks her heart. Whitney does keep in contact with Patty, but rarely tells people about her because they disapprove; she has told her uptight boyfriend William that her mother is dead! Then, when all the angst is sorted out and everyone has made their peace with everyone else - more sadness. But by the end you know that everyone will be alright. It is a satisfying end, but several tissues are required en route! It is a good read!
I enjoyed the viewpoint through Whitney's eyes in the present, and through her mother Patty's view of their past. It shows how families make mistakes, albeit for what seem at the time to be for the right reasons, and the repercussions echo through the years. I felt great sympathy for Patty, whose life is in some ways wrecked by her mothers' anger at her choice of job; she finds a man who loves her deeply, Stan, but will never commit to him because her mother disapproves of his job. She adores her daughter, but is persuaded by her mother that she should stay out of her life, and it breaks her heart. Whitney does keep in contact with Patty, but rarely tells people about her because they disapprove; she has told her uptight boyfriend William that her mother is dead! Then, when all the angst is sorted out and everyone has made their peace with everyone else - more sadness. But by the end you know that everyone will be alright. It is a satisfying end, but several tissues are required en route! It is a good read!
October 29, 2014
Elena Aitken does it again. What a great book! Elena has turned out to be one of my favorite if not my very favorite authors. Every book she writes, I LOVE and Composing Myself is a great one.
This is a wonderful story about Whitney who is brought up by her grandmother because her natural mother gave her up at birth while she made money being a dancer at a strip club. During her years growing up, Whitney pretty much denies the existence of her mother and tells boyfriends she is dead after making the mistake of past boyfriends getting too much enjoyment of watching her dance. So we catch up with Whitey while she is substituting at school, dating a boring guy and her grandmother is living in a nursing home. There she meets a nice piano playing guy who her grandmother arranges to be her roommate and the sparks fly. The story goes from there with her grandmother getting sick, Whitney and William having issues, the piano guy being fabulous (love him!) the mother’s past life and a great ending. A must read and I don’t want to give away the ending but you might want to have some tissues ready.
Elena Aitken knows how to write great books and I can’t wait to read another. If you haven’t read one, you will love it and be a fan!!
This is a wonderful story about Whitney who is brought up by her grandmother because her natural mother gave her up at birth while she made money being a dancer at a strip club. During her years growing up, Whitney pretty much denies the existence of her mother and tells boyfriends she is dead after making the mistake of past boyfriends getting too much enjoyment of watching her dance. So we catch up with Whitey while she is substituting at school, dating a boring guy and her grandmother is living in a nursing home. There she meets a nice piano playing guy who her grandmother arranges to be her roommate and the sparks fly. The story goes from there with her grandmother getting sick, Whitney and William having issues, the piano guy being fabulous (love him!) the mother’s past life and a great ending. A must read and I don’t want to give away the ending but you might want to have some tissues ready.
Elena Aitken knows how to write great books and I can’t wait to read another. If you haven’t read one, you will love it and be a fan!!
February 10, 2017
Composing Myself by Elena Aitken is a tragic, amazingly difficult, love story. The little lies are the worst, but everything turns around for a wonderful HEA. I will issue a tissue warning but it was well worth it. This book has wonderful characters. The plot was well done, but it didn't even matter. I just loved the characters so much. I wish there was more, spin-offs, maybe. I want to see where these side characters went in their journeys.
August 8, 2015
I didn't realize it until after, but this was the second book I'd read by this author. I'd really enjoyed her 'Vegas' book, so it's no surprise this one was well written, too.
But I couldn't give it five stars. It was just so... every-book-out-there. I don't know how else to explain it.
Whitney's mom is a strip-tease dancer. She wants a job in an elite school, has a boyfriend who's by-the-book straight-laced, and has been raised by her grandma to be an upright person. So naturally who she is and what she is are going to collide. It's just lucky for her that her new (unwanted, male) roommate is there to help her.
I probably would've liked the book better if it hadn't been so wrapped up in trauma, too. Cancer, drug use, age... it weighed it down heavily. I'm not sorry I spent the hour reading it, but I came away with a shrug, not a smile.
But I couldn't give it five stars. It was just so... every-book-out-there. I don't know how else to explain it.
Whitney's mom is a strip-tease dancer. She wants a job in an elite school, has a boyfriend who's by-the-book straight-laced, and has been raised by her grandma to be an upright person. So naturally who she is and what she is are going to collide. It's just lucky for her that her new (unwanted, male) roommate is there to help her.
I probably would've liked the book better if it hadn't been so wrapped up in trauma, too. Cancer, drug use, age... it weighed it down heavily. I'm not sorry I spent the hour reading it, but I came away with a shrug, not a smile.
October 18, 2014
Composing Myself is a story about family, friendship and love. Whitney is living a life she composed for herself. A life she felt she should live while holding on to a secret until she meets Reid. Now she is wondering is this life I've created really what I want. This story is another great read from Elena Aitken!
November 22, 2016
This was such an interesting book club experience as we had the privilege of having the author, Elena attend our meeting. Also the restaurant choice contributed to the lovely time we all had at this meeting. The book is a romance novel - a genre I do not typically read. However, the story was entertaining, an easy read and a good choice for a positive experience.
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February 2, 2015story about 3 generations of women-a daughter, her mother and her grandmother. The daughter is raised by her grandmother as her mother is a stripper. It is also about the men in the daughterand mother's lives and the choices each women makes.
An interesting and compelling story.
An interesting and compelling story.
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May 1, 2013Some People Succeed Because They are Destined But Most Because They are Determined.
May 20, 2014
wow. half thru the book and I got emotionally involve and this book is very very good.
June 1, 2014
Wow very touching story cried and relates to true like very inspiring to follow your dream and heart and always stay strong with family no matter the issues
July 23, 2016
3 1/2 Stars
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