The Wrong Life

by Judy Wood

On the outside, Samantha has it money, looks, opportunity, love. But on the inside, Samantha is different. She can’t stop making bad choices. She’s restless and often reckless. In The Wrong Life, we meet Samantha’s family, friends, doctors, lovers, spouse, and her children, all of whom she enlists for help in her constant search for that one elusive thing—happiness.

When Samantha meets Alice, both their lives have fallen into disarray. They develop strong ties as they help each other through dark times. They are soulmates.

Kelly Anne Johnson loves red lipstick, perfectly manicured nails, and strong men. She and Samantha get along so well as college roommates that after school they move together to NYC. Kelly has a lot to say about relationships.

Jay Anthony Russo meets Samantha in high school. He’s been attracted to Samantha forever and regularly shows up wherever she settles—no matter her relationship status.

When Samantha meets Dennis McKenzie, she believes she has found her true love, her protector, and the right life, the one she’s been searching for all this time. Dennis is a celebrated surgeon who adores Samantha, and although he’s aware of her problems, he’s certain he can fix whatever’s wrong and that they’ll be the perfect couple.

And Samantha feels that way too—for a time—until the fear, doubt, and questions creep back Did I choose the wrong life? Is there a right life?

Genres: Literary Fiction, Womens Fiction

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2023

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. The Wrong Life is about Samantha a wife and mother who has battled with anxiety and feelings of being "less" for almost her entire life. She is beautiful, married to a wealthy man who loves her and has healthy children. She is drawn to her past with Jay, a former friend she has admired and secretly loved since high school. At one point in her college career, she is hospitalized in a behavioral health facility because of her anxiety. The book is a good reflection for anyone who has suffered with feelings of feeling inferior or feeling that they should have made other choices with their life, even if the life they have is a good one.

[David Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Wrong Life to be an intimate examination of the creeping dissatisfaction and disillusionment we all feel with our lives at one point or another. The prose is sparse (think Sally Rooney) and the protagonist is melancholy (which I like when it's done in a way that rings true and complex, as Wood accomplishes here).

Overall, an impressive debut novel, and one for fans of introspective literary fiction with a flawed protagonist.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It brings about Samantha's "perfect" life isn't really perfect. This book is a good example of how people may be "perfect" on the outside, but they are battling so much more on the inside. Definitely recommend this book. I had a little trouble keeping up with the timeline as each chapter jumped between several different times, past and present.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Proving Press for the Kindle ARC.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own unique qualities and challenges that make them relatable and endearing.

The writing style is engaging and flows effortlessly, making it a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

[Robertjruttenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

terrific

Wow what an interesting book with so many twists. Really well written. More people have to read this book. Loved

[Megan McCallister · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Life by Judy Wood is women's fiction that I could see being a hot book club pick in 2024 (already reviewed by Barbara Bush!). The story centers around a protagonist who has all the trappings of the stereotypical "perfect" American life: wealth, good looks, a family, education, etc. But she's plagued by unhappiness that leads her to stray from the traditional mold as she seeks to fill an existential emptiness that a love affair and a hospital stay can't fix.

Melancholy overtones make for a quick read when coupled with strong writing in this first novel from author Judy Wood. Reccomend.

[Jennifer Holloway Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt that this book just couldn't decide what it wanted to be. Samantha has greatly struggled with mental health, but she has such an army of support for her issues. She even marries a surgeon. It all becomes a bit repetitive and like watching the same car wreck over and over. I wish there would have been some work to really redeem Samantha. There are never any real repercussions for her choices. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley. This one just did not work for me.

[Christine Figured · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid read! The Wrong Life takes you through the ups and downs of Samantha’s life. She is loved by all, and yet that love does not seem to give her the security and contentment that she needs in her life. She wants it, gets it and seems to push it all back.
Great read for those who have anxiety, insecurities; seeing this through Samantha’s eyes can be very relatable. Very heartfelt.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Wrong Life" offers a compelling reflection on the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow. Judy Wood's writing style effortlessly transports readers into a world of "Wrong Life' & "Right Life with her main character Samantha. I highly recommend 'The Wrong Life"

[Haymanlillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the best I have ever read. Amazing imagination the author has to create such a good book I highly recommend to everyone!

[Katya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book it’s amazing!!!

[Win · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely one of the better books of read. The description and detail really nails what i was looking for. Judy Wood definitely one of the up and coming authors in the reading community!

[Diane Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept for a novel, Samantha appears to have the “perfect” life, financially stable, friends and family that love her, but is constantly searching for more…. She meets Alice who also feels misunderstood by the world, at a dark and vulnerable time in her life. Her past love Jay Russo who appears to care for her is continually turning up in her life and shattering any stability she has. Despite meeting her ideal man Dennis Mckenzie she can’t help reflecting on her life and past decisions, is she living her best life? Highlighted the fact that you never know what’s going on under the surface of those “instagrammable” lives.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.