What do you think?
Rate this book
Secondhand Shoes
The shoes didn’t fit. It was an omen.Eighteen year old, psychic-medium-germ-a-phobe Lila should have listened to her ghostly Gram’s advice the morning of her wedding, “Take off that dress and those shoes. And run.” En route to the honeymoon destination, she decides to listen after two too many disagreements with her groom. It doesn’t always pay to go along to make everyone else happy. Still in her wedding dress and shoes, she escapes out a diner’s bathroom window into the Florida woods with her dead Gram’s direction. So she begins a journey of finding her inner strength, putting her on deadly run for her life from her groom and his creepy friends. Will she ever get past her fear of germs and snakes? Will she survive the honeymoon?
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2012
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 21, 2013
If you enjoy action-packed paranormal romances this is the book for you. The action never stops as the heroine tries to escape her ill-advised marriage to a first-class jerk and not-so bright drug dealer. Gram is dead, but is the one who guides her and appears time after time to extract her from the quagmire she's created. Gram manages to earn your cheers. There's a paranormal lover who isn't quite dead, a demon that still has to be reckoned with once the action is resolved. Ms. Arkon is witty, writes with verve, and leaves you wondering if there will be another book to resolve her lover that is in a coma and the demon that wants him. Good job.
April 21, 2013
Loved this book from beginning to end. There's a chase going on and some of it is in her heart and most of it is in her mind! The writer will drag you into the story and through the window out into the forest full of danger. She'll take you on a fun but feisty road trip complete with trucks, booze, guns, illegal narcotics and a paranormal friend or two. Funny thing is--it wasn't suppose to be a chase--it's suppose to be a wedding!Thank goodness for Cynthia her real friend!Read this book and give thanks that you're name isn't Lila and count your lucky stars you don't know a guy called Max Butz!
April 21, 2013
Secondhand Shoes opens in an uneasy place, with the main character, Lila, an eighteen year old woman on her wedding day. Her bridal nerves are more than what might be expected; she's marrying a man she barely knows and doesn't particularly like, thanks to the pressure of her overbearing mother Babs. Lila has little say in the direction of her life, no respect at all from a mother who thinks that she's crazy, a father living far away in exile, and a step-father who bows to his wife's every demand and seems to have lost his spine. The only living person who seems to be on her side is her best friend Cynthia, and we can see this in her advice to run while she can.
Then there are the ghosts. Just like a long out of work former child actor who shall remain unnamed, Lila sees dead people. One of the ghosts in her life happens to be her paternal grandmother, who has little patience for her former daughter-in-law's overbearing ways, and is at Lila's side through much of the story. Gram is a force to be reckoned with, a mixture of common sense and great wariness about the threats that exist in the world, particularly where her granddaughter is concerned.
Lila's ability isn't appreciated by most people around her, let alone her mother, who won't abide such nonsense. Instead Babs, who we learn has coerced her daughter into breaking off with a young man she did like, simply because of her own prejudice, has orchestrated a relationship with Max Butz (yes, that's his name), a dirtbag of the first order who thinks that turning up in a orange polyester suit for his own wedding is perfectly acceptable. Max runs with a similar pack of criminal degenerates, has a father with anger management issues, and a religious zealot for a mother (with a few hidden secrets of her own). It doesn't take long before the reader confirms that first impression: Max is a vicious bully with no respect at all for Lila, and nothing at all resembling scruples.
The story hinges on a decision Lila makes to take her life into her own hands, and it leads her into danger, both physical and supernatural. She has to confront her own fears and anxieties (fear of germs, insects, and other creepy crawlies plays big for this protagonist). She gets help along the way, from the living, the dead, and those who are, well, in between.
Shelly Arkon has done well with her first novel. She has a strong style, giving characters a voice that are distinctly their own, even minor characters who might only appear for a scene or two. And she pays attention to detail: scenes in a Southern swamp make the reader feel like they're right there; the same applies to sequences in a truck, a roadside dive, or even in an afterlife of sorts. The style draws the reader right in, and gives the narrative a touch of authenticity. The same applies for when the story is set. This is firmly set in the Eighties, and cultural references of the time abound, small touches that firmly ground the story.
As mentioned, there's a liberal dose of humour spread throughout the book. Some of it comes from the living characters, such as Lila herself (especially her paranoid germ phobias), Cynthia, or B.J., a trucker who turns up along the way. Much of it comes from the ghosts, particularly Gram, who is a wise sage capable of interacting with the world in a number of different ways; she can wreck havoc with electricity or make use of nature, and does so with regularity.
Characterization itself is the bedrock of the book, and this is the strength of the novel. I felt a particular dislike- and this shows the strength of the writing- for Babs, who comes across as a bully (including at times even physically) and a terrible mother. She's overbearing, difficult, temperamental, and bigoted. She might be Lila's mother, but at the same time, there's a toxic quality to her that was close to home for me. I've known a couple of Babs, and these are the unpleasant sort of people you wish you'd never known
Max and his cronies and relatives are memorable, if unlikeable. In different ways, their personalities come across as real, and sleazy. At least in some ways, I expect real people have inspired them.
Cynthia is a strongly written character. She's absolutely supportive of her friend, fierce and courageous when she needs to be, and willing to prod Lila along when she needs it.
Gram is the scene stealer of the book, a wise woman with heart. For a ghost, she's more than lively, won't take nonsense from people she doesn't care for, and is protective of her granddaughter. She's aware of the world in a way that those who are living can't be aware of, including a lingering threat that might well be left for another novel.
The book is really about Lila's journey. It takes her from being meek and submissive to making choices for herself, to finding her own strength and resolve. It's understandable, given the way her mother is, that the character starts out as not wanting to rock the boat and refuse her mother's wishes. Over time she's gotten used to surviving what basically amounts to emotional abuse by just going along with everything her mother says. During the events of the book, Lila comes to terms with what it means to be an adult, to have to be responsible for her own decisions. It's character growth, and it helps that we're sympathetic towards her from the start.
Secondhand Shoes tells a story that is at times tense, at other times wry and mischevious. It wraps up the natural arc of the characters while leaving room for more, and provides its own good spin on the world of the paranormal. The pacing of the story keeps things moving along, and the characterization and attention to detail combine to make the book succeed.
Then there are the ghosts. Just like a long out of work former child actor who shall remain unnamed, Lila sees dead people. One of the ghosts in her life happens to be her paternal grandmother, who has little patience for her former daughter-in-law's overbearing ways, and is at Lila's side through much of the story. Gram is a force to be reckoned with, a mixture of common sense and great wariness about the threats that exist in the world, particularly where her granddaughter is concerned.
Lila's ability isn't appreciated by most people around her, let alone her mother, who won't abide such nonsense. Instead Babs, who we learn has coerced her daughter into breaking off with a young man she did like, simply because of her own prejudice, has orchestrated a relationship with Max Butz (yes, that's his name), a dirtbag of the first order who thinks that turning up in a orange polyester suit for his own wedding is perfectly acceptable. Max runs with a similar pack of criminal degenerates, has a father with anger management issues, and a religious zealot for a mother (with a few hidden secrets of her own). It doesn't take long before the reader confirms that first impression: Max is a vicious bully with no respect at all for Lila, and nothing at all resembling scruples.
The story hinges on a decision Lila makes to take her life into her own hands, and it leads her into danger, both physical and supernatural. She has to confront her own fears and anxieties (fear of germs, insects, and other creepy crawlies plays big for this protagonist). She gets help along the way, from the living, the dead, and those who are, well, in between.
Shelly Arkon has done well with her first novel. She has a strong style, giving characters a voice that are distinctly their own, even minor characters who might only appear for a scene or two. And she pays attention to detail: scenes in a Southern swamp make the reader feel like they're right there; the same applies to sequences in a truck, a roadside dive, or even in an afterlife of sorts. The style draws the reader right in, and gives the narrative a touch of authenticity. The same applies for when the story is set. This is firmly set in the Eighties, and cultural references of the time abound, small touches that firmly ground the story.
As mentioned, there's a liberal dose of humour spread throughout the book. Some of it comes from the living characters, such as Lila herself (especially her paranoid germ phobias), Cynthia, or B.J., a trucker who turns up along the way. Much of it comes from the ghosts, particularly Gram, who is a wise sage capable of interacting with the world in a number of different ways; she can wreck havoc with electricity or make use of nature, and does so with regularity.
Characterization itself is the bedrock of the book, and this is the strength of the novel. I felt a particular dislike- and this shows the strength of the writing- for Babs, who comes across as a bully (including at times even physically) and a terrible mother. She's overbearing, difficult, temperamental, and bigoted. She might be Lila's mother, but at the same time, there's a toxic quality to her that was close to home for me. I've known a couple of Babs, and these are the unpleasant sort of people you wish you'd never known
Max and his cronies and relatives are memorable, if unlikeable. In different ways, their personalities come across as real, and sleazy. At least in some ways, I expect real people have inspired them.
Cynthia is a strongly written character. She's absolutely supportive of her friend, fierce and courageous when she needs to be, and willing to prod Lila along when she needs it.
Gram is the scene stealer of the book, a wise woman with heart. For a ghost, she's more than lively, won't take nonsense from people she doesn't care for, and is protective of her granddaughter. She's aware of the world in a way that those who are living can't be aware of, including a lingering threat that might well be left for another novel.
The book is really about Lila's journey. It takes her from being meek and submissive to making choices for herself, to finding her own strength and resolve. It's understandable, given the way her mother is, that the character starts out as not wanting to rock the boat and refuse her mother's wishes. Over time she's gotten used to surviving what basically amounts to emotional abuse by just going along with everything her mother says. During the events of the book, Lila comes to terms with what it means to be an adult, to have to be responsible for her own decisions. It's character growth, and it helps that we're sympathetic towards her from the start.
Secondhand Shoes tells a story that is at times tense, at other times wry and mischevious. It wraps up the natural arc of the characters while leaving room for more, and provides its own good spin on the world of the paranormal. The pacing of the story keeps things moving along, and the characterization and attention to detail combine to make the book succeed.
July 11, 2013
I'm glad that Author Shelly Arkon didn't listen to her mother at age 9, telling her not to write a novel because no one would publish it, because her mother would be wrong and in so many ways.Secondhand Shoes is a tragically splendid story unlike most novels among the shelves. Despite Lila being able to talk to her dead grandma and appearing crazy, the story itself is fresh, engaging, mind boggling, and filled with action page after page.
Full review can be read here at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/3...
Full review can be read here at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/3...
August 2, 2013
A thrilling ride. Thing go from pretty bad to the absolute worst thing you can imagine for the naïve main character. Lila allows her mother to marry her off to a dead-beat who turns out to be downright dangerous. Disasters never stop happening in chapter after chapter. Lucky for Lila, the spirit of her dead grandmother keeps offering help and advice. Lila generally ignores all suggestions--just like a typical over-protected teenager. Love her or yell at her stupidity, the novel keeps you reading to the end.
July 16, 2013
Some parts are really good, but editing needed (esp re: lie and its various forms) and the ending wasn't satisfying. More hints at a sequel than resolution.
February 11, 2015
First, I think this book would be better titled "Second Chances". I think I understand the double entendre the author was using with "Secondhand Shoes" but this book was largely about Lila taking a second chance at life--her OWN life. I have to say, I'm looking forward to what will happen to Lila in the future, as Ms. Arkon left the ending with some unfinished business (rumor has it, this is the first in an upcoming series).
I found many of the characters quite realistic as I have no doubt in my mind that they are based off real people. Cynthia, especially was very relateable for me. I frequently envisioned Lila and Cynthia as my best friend, and me. The Butz family and Babs are more than accurate depictions of the kind of people that end up in central FL, where the book takes place. They're loathsome people, right where they belong in a toxic swamp filled with deadly pestilence and beasts. They are metaphorically reflective of their environment.
As far as the dead people go, that was a lot of fun for me! I like how the author only mentioned this Oshun demon maybe three or four times for very brief moments in the book, yet somehow made her the most memorable. I can't wait to see more of her in the upcoming installments! She was so creepy and had such a sneaky presence...but it's like once you knew she was there, you couldn't keep your mind off her. She's a like a growth or maybe a sickness.
Gram was quite a firecracker! She had an almost Mother-Nature-like quality about her, always looking out for Lila and using birds to communicate with her. I also found it interesting that Ms. Arkon implied that Gram (and I suppose all the other ghosts) needed electricity to make herself known. I like the scene involving the dead inmates in the prison. I hope the author considers writing spin-offs of some of those ghosts' own stories. Also, I got a sense of sisterhood when they helped Lila and Cynthia escape thanks to Gram. Sounds like there's a ghost network!
An issue I had with the book was how long it was! It was a very quick read, but I think it could have been shortened, particularly if all those near-misses with Lila and Cynthia being re-captured by the Butz gang and somehow escaping were cut down to maybe 1 instance instead of like 4. If this were a movie, which it very much read like one, it would have felt drawn out and repetitive with a semi-predictable pattern. In spite of that, I think it was cool how the author took the time to make you as a reader know complex characters with deep but rich back-stories. Nothing was thrust upon us without some kind of warning first. This is a benefit of writing a book vs. a movie. You don't leave consumers confused with large, gaping holes in plots to save time.
So...I wonder what's next for Lila.
I found many of the characters quite realistic as I have no doubt in my mind that they are based off real people. Cynthia, especially was very relateable for me. I frequently envisioned Lila and Cynthia as my best friend, and me. The Butz family and Babs are more than accurate depictions of the kind of people that end up in central FL, where the book takes place. They're loathsome people, right where they belong in a toxic swamp filled with deadly pestilence and beasts. They are metaphorically reflective of their environment.
As far as the dead people go, that was a lot of fun for me! I like how the author only mentioned this Oshun demon maybe three or four times for very brief moments in the book, yet somehow made her the most memorable. I can't wait to see more of her in the upcoming installments! She was so creepy and had such a sneaky presence...but it's like once you knew she was there, you couldn't keep your mind off her. She's a like a growth or maybe a sickness.
Gram was quite a firecracker! She had an almost Mother-Nature-like quality about her, always looking out for Lila and using birds to communicate with her. I also found it interesting that Ms. Arkon implied that Gram (and I suppose all the other ghosts) needed electricity to make herself known. I like the scene involving the dead inmates in the prison. I hope the author considers writing spin-offs of some of those ghosts' own stories. Also, I got a sense of sisterhood when they helped Lila and Cynthia escape thanks to Gram. Sounds like there's a ghost network!
An issue I had with the book was how long it was! It was a very quick read, but I think it could have been shortened, particularly if all those near-misses with Lila and Cynthia being re-captured by the Butz gang and somehow escaping were cut down to maybe 1 instance instead of like 4. If this were a movie, which it very much read like one, it would have felt drawn out and repetitive with a semi-predictable pattern. In spite of that, I think it was cool how the author took the time to make you as a reader know complex characters with deep but rich back-stories. Nothing was thrust upon us without some kind of warning first. This is a benefit of writing a book vs. a movie. You don't leave consumers confused with large, gaping holes in plots to save time.
So...I wonder what's next for Lila.
August 13, 2014
Poor Lila has a problem: Her shoes don’t fit. As if that wasn’t bad enough, they’re her wedding shoes … and her husband-to-be doesn’t fit, either.
When Lila finally—finally!—takes her grandmother’s advice and makes a run for it, she’s already married to the jerk, and soon lost in the backwoods of Florida with everyone after her, from the wedding party to the police to a mysterious, and probably supernatural woman.
I suppose you can excuse Lila for not listening sooner, considering her grandmother is dead.
The grandmother is the smartest, if not the liveliest, of the characters in Secondhand Shoes, a story by Shelly Arkon about an 18 year old medium who hears both the living and the dead, but doesn’t heed their words. That’s actually my biggest problem with the book: I kept wanting to slap some sense into Lila, metaphorically. Long after she should have figured things out, she keeps making the often almost deadly mistake of hesitating and second guessing herself (and her grandma).
It made me crazy, but that’s not the fault of the breezy, easy, fun writing. Similarly, the sheer amount of nasty characters left a bad taste in my mouth, although it also explains Lila’s personality flaws: She’s someone who’s been dismissed and humiliated, until she lacks the self-worth that would allow her to fight for herself. Too bad her grandma isn’t solid enough to slap those selfish, uncaring, and often nasty people around some—following them was like watching Congress on C-Span.
So, would I recommend Secondhand Shoes? Yes. Reading it bothered me, I suspect because I also had self-esteem problems thanks to verbal abuse in my younger days. But otherwise it’s a fun ride with some unexpected twists and turns, unpredictable, and certainly action packed. I upped my rating from 3 to 4 stars when I realized I kept yelling at Lila to “listen to your grandma!”—which means I cared about her enough to yell.
When Lila finally—finally!—takes her grandmother’s advice and makes a run for it, she’s already married to the jerk, and soon lost in the backwoods of Florida with everyone after her, from the wedding party to the police to a mysterious, and probably supernatural woman.
I suppose you can excuse Lila for not listening sooner, considering her grandmother is dead.
The grandmother is the smartest, if not the liveliest, of the characters in Secondhand Shoes, a story by Shelly Arkon about an 18 year old medium who hears both the living and the dead, but doesn’t heed their words. That’s actually my biggest problem with the book: I kept wanting to slap some sense into Lila, metaphorically. Long after she should have figured things out, she keeps making the often almost deadly mistake of hesitating and second guessing herself (and her grandma).
It made me crazy, but that’s not the fault of the breezy, easy, fun writing. Similarly, the sheer amount of nasty characters left a bad taste in my mouth, although it also explains Lila’s personality flaws: She’s someone who’s been dismissed and humiliated, until she lacks the self-worth that would allow her to fight for herself. Too bad her grandma isn’t solid enough to slap those selfish, uncaring, and often nasty people around some—following them was like watching Congress on C-Span.
So, would I recommend Secondhand Shoes? Yes. Reading it bothered me, I suspect because I also had self-esteem problems thanks to verbal abuse in my younger days. But otherwise it’s a fun ride with some unexpected twists and turns, unpredictable, and certainly action packed. I upped my rating from 3 to 4 stars when I realized I kept yelling at Lila to “listen to your grandma!”—which means I cared about her enough to yell.
December 9, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book. It's one of those stories you can totally sink into and enjoy - where the characters become your friends and you hate for the story to end! The author did an amazing job and I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE!
September 4, 2014
Review to follow...
February 26, 2014
Fun, quick-paced and entertaining! Difficult to put down! Definitely will be on the lookout for more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews