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Strong Enough
Starting over is hard.
And sometimes, you have to burn a few bridges to do it.
Whitney Brown is average--average height, weight, and personality--but she wants to be someone new. To kick-start her rebirth, she wears formal mourning, a black veil and vintage dress, to a wedding in her hometown, Woods Cross, a community that treasures family values. Is it an attack on marriage or has she just gone bonkers?
Emboldened but lacking a plan, she forces her foot in the door of a radio station in Sundown. A small metropolis of nearly 150,000, Sundown is a notch of urban flair along the Midwest's Bible Belt.
Getting in proves to be the easy part and the anonymity of being a DJ suits her well. But off air (and in person), Whitney must stand up to Sadi, an angry feminist and the bane of her college years while an old friendship with her former roommate, Leah, devolves around a guy.
It's 2002 and the Midwest radio scene is changing. Just as Whitney hits her groove, the radio station undergoes its own identity crisis. But what rocks Whitney to her core is the moment the condom breaks. Her abstinence only background leaves her embarrassed and facing a difficult choice.
And sometimes, you have to burn a few bridges to do it.
Whitney Brown is average--average height, weight, and personality--but she wants to be someone new. To kick-start her rebirth, she wears formal mourning, a black veil and vintage dress, to a wedding in her hometown, Woods Cross, a community that treasures family values. Is it an attack on marriage or has she just gone bonkers?
Emboldened but lacking a plan, she forces her foot in the door of a radio station in Sundown. A small metropolis of nearly 150,000, Sundown is a notch of urban flair along the Midwest's Bible Belt.
Getting in proves to be the easy part and the anonymity of being a DJ suits her well. But off air (and in person), Whitney must stand up to Sadi, an angry feminist and the bane of her college years while an old friendship with her former roommate, Leah, devolves around a guy.
It's 2002 and the Midwest radio scene is changing. Just as Whitney hits her groove, the radio station undergoes its own identity crisis. But what rocks Whitney to her core is the moment the condom breaks. Her abstinence only background leaves her embarrassed and facing a difficult choice.
- GenresRomance
ebook
First published February 25, 2013
116 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Harger
2 books29 followersI’m Ellen. I’m a word gypsy and emotion sifter, writing about broken condoms, unhappy marriages and women’s issues. Filled with sass and snark, my novels live at the chick-lit end of women’s fiction and women’s fiction end of chick-lit.
Why? Because to me, chick-lit is the niche between sultry romance and a comedienne who gets the last laugh. Women’s fiction, on the other hand, borrows heavily from life, delving into all sorts of relationships (romance being but one part of the mix) and is happy to do it over a shot of bourbon or a cup of tea.
My characters and I like to challenge the norm. We inhabit feminine genres by gutting and remodeling them to our specifications. We are mainstream fiction, slice-of-life literature and signature sass. Do we need our own shelf? Darling, we deserve monogrammed spotlights, if we like because great storytelling asks readers to confront what they've stuffed deep down.
Dogs are my babies. Right now I only have two, Peanut Butter and Roxy, but I’m wearing my husband down for a kennel.
I’m also obsessed with elephants. Oh, and the process. Screw results. Show me how you got there. For instance, in June 2005, I woke up to a wall of fire. Watching the flames eat away my life was my biggest turning point in life.
Not long after, I realized I wanted a divorce, left California and went home to Missouri, where I finished my first novel – and learned to invest in myself and my writing.
Before the fire, I lived in Boston, quit life, survived depression and was hired by corporate America because I looked like my predecessor (no joke). I also watched my father die of bladder cancer.
For my thirty-sixth birthday, I got a tattoo. Every year I get stronger.
You, me - we are who we are, so come on over and read. My first novel Strong Enough was released February 2013. My sophomore work, The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones, debuts this July.
Find us at ellenharger.com
Why? Because to me, chick-lit is the niche between sultry romance and a comedienne who gets the last laugh. Women’s fiction, on the other hand, borrows heavily from life, delving into all sorts of relationships (romance being but one part of the mix) and is happy to do it over a shot of bourbon or a cup of tea.
My characters and I like to challenge the norm. We inhabit feminine genres by gutting and remodeling them to our specifications. We are mainstream fiction, slice-of-life literature and signature sass. Do we need our own shelf? Darling, we deserve monogrammed spotlights, if we like because great storytelling asks readers to confront what they've stuffed deep down.
Dogs are my babies. Right now I only have two, Peanut Butter and Roxy, but I’m wearing my husband down for a kennel.
I’m also obsessed with elephants. Oh, and the process. Screw results. Show me how you got there. For instance, in June 2005, I woke up to a wall of fire. Watching the flames eat away my life was my biggest turning point in life.
Not long after, I realized I wanted a divorce, left California and went home to Missouri, where I finished my first novel – and learned to invest in myself and my writing.
Before the fire, I lived in Boston, quit life, survived depression and was hired by corporate America because I looked like my predecessor (no joke). I also watched my father die of bladder cancer.
For my thirty-sixth birthday, I got a tattoo. Every year I get stronger.
You, me - we are who we are, so come on over and read. My first novel Strong Enough was released February 2013. My sophomore work, The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones, debuts this July.
Find us at ellenharger.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 23, 2013
A well-written, intricate story of a woman’s struggle to find her niche in the world and be accepted for who she is. In the meantime struggling with difficult decisions, big changes and friends and enemies swapping places. Being a DJ with a new identity has given Whitney freedom and something to hide behind, but soon enough she is forced to step into the ‘real world’ and begin living again. There is pain and confusion waiting, but also the realization that there are friends to be found in the most unexpected places and a new life. This book was skilfully written with careful detail and faultless dialogue. I felt as if I could connect with the characters and enjoy the quaint setting of the small Midwest town. Descriptions of emotional experiences, the ups and downs of relationships and general everyday life was done in an unflawed manner. I would recommend this book and enjoyed it myself.
February 4, 2015
Review cross posted at Amazon.com and Vicariously!
***I gave this book a 4.5 on my blog. I refuse to knock it down to 4 stars just because goodreads doesn't have half stars.***
I'm going to breathe for a minute. I just finished reading this beautiful baby and the nostalgia that's waxing poetic in my head is completely overwhelming.
Can I just say that I'm hella thankful for the beautiful people in my life? The many Sadi-like creatures that make my days lovely and beautiful?
On to the review.
This book. I felt like I was growing up all over again. Whitney is achingly familiar. She overthinks everything, doesn't feel good enough, and is just so damn willing to please. As Sadi says many times: Where's your spine girl? She finds it.
Whitney is an aspiring radio DJ running from her past, or rather decisions she doesn't want to overthink. She has a friend Leah and, don't we all have a Leah? She's that beautiful girl all the guys want and (seemingly) all the girl's want to be friends with. And Leah has a cousin named Sadi. Sadi's the girl that made Whitney feel about ten inches tall in college. She's all sharp wit and carefully conceived armour. So naturally all three of these girls meet guys.
I think we all can relate to Gabe, whose the guy that Leah runs to everytime her relationships fizzle out or even Marc, whose irritability with his business partner Todd is palpable in almost every scene they're in together.
The thing about Sadi and Whitney, even Gabe and Marc? They come off really human. They're very much so people you know, people you even see yourself in. Even Todd and Leah, more Leah than anything, come off as vaguely dimensional. Leah may be ridiculous and cardboardish as a human being, but as a character? I can name five women just like her that I've met or been friends with.
But guess what? This book was not about the romance! And guess what? It wasn't til the end of this book, where I realized everything seemed to have turned topsy turvy that I noticed that I hadn't noticed. I was far too busy watching Sadi and Whitney grow. I was far too busy watching their lives happen. Annnd maybe I was despising Leah twelve ways from Sunday.
The relationships that entertwine through the book are rich and satisfactory. Seeing not only the romantic and familial relationships, but the friendships come to fruition was like watching a tree grow. Seeds had been planted, nurtured, and they either flourished or died. You become invested in them. I became invested as if it WERE my life and not some book that I could put down. I cried with Whitney, I cried with Sadi, and I just felt.
It was exhilarating. I will never do this book justice in a review.
I cannot tell you enough about this book. I just think you should read it and sink into it like that hot bath you've been meaning to allow yourself. It's not a happy go lucky book. It's not a easy book. It's going to make you think, hurt, but above all hope. If you also happen to learn to see your reality a little better? I think the book's made the appropriate impact. PLUS it has an awesome soundtrack, which I'll be posting tomorrow.
No one likes growing up and I don't think it's ever an entirely pleasant experience. Finding people that are worth taking the journey with and finding who YOU really are? That's what makes it worth it. Well done Ellen. Well done.
***I gave this book a 4.5 on my blog. I refuse to knock it down to 4 stars just because goodreads doesn't have half stars.***
I'm going to breathe for a minute. I just finished reading this beautiful baby and the nostalgia that's waxing poetic in my head is completely overwhelming.
Can I just say that I'm hella thankful for the beautiful people in my life? The many Sadi-like creatures that make my days lovely and beautiful?
On to the review.
This book. I felt like I was growing up all over again. Whitney is achingly familiar. She overthinks everything, doesn't feel good enough, and is just so damn willing to please. As Sadi says many times: Where's your spine girl? She finds it.
Whitney is an aspiring radio DJ running from her past, or rather decisions she doesn't want to overthink. She has a friend Leah and, don't we all have a Leah? She's that beautiful girl all the guys want and (seemingly) all the girl's want to be friends with. And Leah has a cousin named Sadi. Sadi's the girl that made Whitney feel about ten inches tall in college. She's all sharp wit and carefully conceived armour. So naturally all three of these girls meet guys.
I think we all can relate to Gabe, whose the guy that Leah runs to everytime her relationships fizzle out or even Marc, whose irritability with his business partner Todd is palpable in almost every scene they're in together.
The thing about Sadi and Whitney, even Gabe and Marc? They come off really human. They're very much so people you know, people you even see yourself in. Even Todd and Leah, more Leah than anything, come off as vaguely dimensional. Leah may be ridiculous and cardboardish as a human being, but as a character? I can name five women just like her that I've met or been friends with.
But guess what? This book was not about the romance! And guess what? It wasn't til the end of this book, where I realized everything seemed to have turned topsy turvy that I noticed that I hadn't noticed. I was far too busy watching Sadi and Whitney grow. I was far too busy watching their lives happen. Annnd maybe I was despising Leah twelve ways from Sunday.
The relationships that entertwine through the book are rich and satisfactory. Seeing not only the romantic and familial relationships, but the friendships come to fruition was like watching a tree grow. Seeds had been planted, nurtured, and they either flourished or died. You become invested in them. I became invested as if it WERE my life and not some book that I could put down. I cried with Whitney, I cried with Sadi, and I just felt.
It was exhilarating. I will never do this book justice in a review.
I cannot tell you enough about this book. I just think you should read it and sink into it like that hot bath you've been meaning to allow yourself. It's not a happy go lucky book. It's not a easy book. It's going to make you think, hurt, but above all hope. If you also happen to learn to see your reality a little better? I think the book's made the appropriate impact. PLUS it has an awesome soundtrack, which I'll be posting tomorrow.
No one likes growing up and I don't think it's ever an entirely pleasant experience. Finding people that are worth taking the journey with and finding who YOU really are? That's what makes it worth it. Well done Ellen. Well done.
June 15, 2013
Strong Enough is a powerful novel. It's a story of self-discovery, of growing up, of changing perceptions and expectations. And it's poignantly told. It was amazing!
I feel Strong Enough is actually the story of three women. These women knew each other in college and now find themselves, once again, living in the same town. Whitney, the main focus, left her small home town, after a rather defiant act, in an attempt to be adventurous in building a new life of her choosing. She's now a DJ at a local radio station and is steadily moving toward building the life she's dreamed of.
Sadi, the second of the primary characters, is the cousin to Whitney's college roommate. She is fiercely independent, sarcastic, witty, and I adored her character. She hasn't always been nice to Whitney based on perceived flaws. But now she realizes that perhaps people can change.
Leah, the last of the central characters, is wealthy, successful, beautiful, and a selfish bitch. Needless to say, I didn't care for her character but she is an integral part of the story.
What I loved about Strong Enough -- well, I relished being able to watch these characters fight through their issues. There are trust issues, body image issues, self-doubt issues, etc., and these issues are so relatable. They're something we all experience. And their journeys are traveled through music. Each chapter title is a song - either real or fictional - including artist and album. The titles are very apt to the characters situations and, in my opinion, music and life are so intertwined. I think this was cleverly done. I also enjoyed that the fictional town in Strong Enough is based on Springfield, Missouri. I'm familiar with Springfield, as my brother attended college there. I'm also quite fond of the supporting cast of characters. Meredith is incredible, as is Marc. And Whitney's boss, Jerry is so real. All the side characters were extremely well developed.
Ms. Harger really has a way with words. And y'all know I love words. Her use of language to describe everything from the weather to the emotional roller-coaster one would endure while making a life changing decision is exceptional. I could feel as though I was walking down the street with Sadi, sitting in the DJ booth with Whitney, feeling the icy cold of the wind. I fell in love with these characters and the downtown they inhabit. I was completely invested in them and how their choices would affect their lives. I adore Strong Enough and highly recommend it.
I feel Strong Enough is actually the story of three women. These women knew each other in college and now find themselves, once again, living in the same town. Whitney, the main focus, left her small home town, after a rather defiant act, in an attempt to be adventurous in building a new life of her choosing. She's now a DJ at a local radio station and is steadily moving toward building the life she's dreamed of.
Sadi, the second of the primary characters, is the cousin to Whitney's college roommate. She is fiercely independent, sarcastic, witty, and I adored her character. She hasn't always been nice to Whitney based on perceived flaws. But now she realizes that perhaps people can change.
Leah, the last of the central characters, is wealthy, successful, beautiful, and a selfish bitch. Needless to say, I didn't care for her character but she is an integral part of the story.
What I loved about Strong Enough -- well, I relished being able to watch these characters fight through their issues. There are trust issues, body image issues, self-doubt issues, etc., and these issues are so relatable. They're something we all experience. And their journeys are traveled through music. Each chapter title is a song - either real or fictional - including artist and album. The titles are very apt to the characters situations and, in my opinion, music and life are so intertwined. I think this was cleverly done. I also enjoyed that the fictional town in Strong Enough is based on Springfield, Missouri. I'm familiar with Springfield, as my brother attended college there. I'm also quite fond of the supporting cast of characters. Meredith is incredible, as is Marc. And Whitney's boss, Jerry is so real. All the side characters were extremely well developed.
Ms. Harger really has a way with words. And y'all know I love words. Her use of language to describe everything from the weather to the emotional roller-coaster one would endure while making a life changing decision is exceptional. I could feel as though I was walking down the street with Sadi, sitting in the DJ booth with Whitney, feeling the icy cold of the wind. I fell in love with these characters and the downtown they inhabit. I was completely invested in them and how their choices would affect their lives. I adore Strong Enough and highly recommend it.
June 18, 2013
My Review
This book is a story of several woman and how they move through life, love and relationships.
The book is slow to start and moves rather sluggishly through the entire book. I had a difficult time relating to the story line and the characters. They seemed to be chasing their tails and moving in circles throughout the book.
I kept waiting for something to happen that would draw me to them and never really found it. In fact by the end of the book I actually disliked the characters more.
Liked:
Despite not being able to relate to most of the characters the writing is very well done. My favorite character in the book was Jerry, Whitney's boss for the fact that he actually felt like a real person and someone who really wanted to see Whitney succeed.
Disliked:
I didn't feel any connection with the love interests. They seemed written as a means to an end for the female characters and therefor fell far from the mark for me.
The ending was abrupt, I sat and starred at it after going back several times to make sure that I didn't miss anything. No resolution to the issue's at all.
Overall
Okay I hate doing bad reviews, as a writer myself I take bad reviews to heart. However, I struggled to get through this read. I didn't relate to the characters or the story line. I kept waiting for something to happen that would make all the struggles worth while, and as soon as I thought something was going to happen the book ended. I was like wha....?!?!
So not my favorite read but not the worst thing I have read this year.
??Recommend??
I know I have trashed the book, but the writing was really good and if someone is looking to read a more true to life story I would like this book.
And because I like the writing style I would actually try reading something else from this author.
Rating:
This book just wasn't my cup of tea, however the writing style is really well done. Therefor I am giving Strong Enough by: Ellen Harger 2 out of 5 stars.
This book is a story of several woman and how they move through life, love and relationships.
The book is slow to start and moves rather sluggishly through the entire book. I had a difficult time relating to the story line and the characters. They seemed to be chasing their tails and moving in circles throughout the book.
I kept waiting for something to happen that would draw me to them and never really found it. In fact by the end of the book I actually disliked the characters more.
Liked:
Despite not being able to relate to most of the characters the writing is very well done. My favorite character in the book was Jerry, Whitney's boss for the fact that he actually felt like a real person and someone who really wanted to see Whitney succeed.
Disliked:
I didn't feel any connection with the love interests. They seemed written as a means to an end for the female characters and therefor fell far from the mark for me.
The ending was abrupt, I sat and starred at it after going back several times to make sure that I didn't miss anything. No resolution to the issue's at all.
Overall
Okay I hate doing bad reviews, as a writer myself I take bad reviews to heart. However, I struggled to get through this read. I didn't relate to the characters or the story line. I kept waiting for something to happen that would make all the struggles worth while, and as soon as I thought something was going to happen the book ended. I was like wha....?!?!
So not my favorite read but not the worst thing I have read this year.
??Recommend??
I know I have trashed the book, but the writing was really good and if someone is looking to read a more true to life story I would like this book.
And because I like the writing style I would actually try reading something else from this author.
Rating:
This book just wasn't my cup of tea, however the writing style is really well done. Therefor I am giving Strong Enough by: Ellen Harger 2 out of 5 stars.
May 30, 2013
I make no bones about the fact that I am a Midwestern gal, born and raised in Joplin, MO and then I transplanted myself here in Springfield, which is the inspiration for Harger’s fictional town of Sundown, MO. But even if you’ve never been to Missouri, there is quite a lot about this novel that is enjoyable.
Right away, we are introduced to the book’s main character, Whitney, in a very memorable way. Harger has this skillful way of making the reader connect with the characters she has created. Whitney journeys from her small hometown, in hopes of a fresh start, to the small burg that is Sundown where she reconnects with her two college friends. But if you think that this is just another story of gal pals hoofing it through life with shopping bags and men in tow, you’re sorely mistaken. The book does focus on fresh starts, even if that means “burning a few bridges to get there.” Love, life, and the choices we make (and how tough they are to make) is a reoccurring theme.
WARNING: GUSHY BOOK REVIEW ALERT
I did not want to put this book down. In fact, it took me months to read it because I was so busy with school. But when I did finish it, I found myself missing the characters. Harger really made them come to life with her gift of description. I felt like they were people I knew, old friends that I might see out and about. That is the sign of a good read. I laughed, I am sure if I was capable of crying I would have, and I even at one point, found myself yelling at one of the characters in the book.
Harger also does an excellent job with tackling a touchy social issue and how it is handled here in the Bible Belt. But she makes no apologies for it. And why should she? Answer: she shouldn’t.
Right away, we are introduced to the book’s main character, Whitney, in a very memorable way. Harger has this skillful way of making the reader connect with the characters she has created. Whitney journeys from her small hometown, in hopes of a fresh start, to the small burg that is Sundown where she reconnects with her two college friends. But if you think that this is just another story of gal pals hoofing it through life with shopping bags and men in tow, you’re sorely mistaken. The book does focus on fresh starts, even if that means “burning a few bridges to get there.” Love, life, and the choices we make (and how tough they are to make) is a reoccurring theme.
WARNING: GUSHY BOOK REVIEW ALERT
I did not want to put this book down. In fact, it took me months to read it because I was so busy with school. But when I did finish it, I found myself missing the characters. Harger really made them come to life with her gift of description. I felt like they were people I knew, old friends that I might see out and about. That is the sign of a good read. I laughed, I am sure if I was capable of crying I would have, and I even at one point, found myself yelling at one of the characters in the book.
Harger also does an excellent job with tackling a touchy social issue and how it is handled here in the Bible Belt. But she makes no apologies for it. And why should she? Answer: she shouldn’t.
June 16, 2013
If you like music and like to read this is the book for you. Strong Enough incorporates music and reading the two things I love to do. This is a story about love, friendships, and finding one's true self and where you belong. Have you ever just had enough and said F%^& it! Have you ever just wanted something but never gone after it? Well that is what happened to Whitney our main character in Strong Enough. She has decided she needs to find herself. But where to start? She dresses different and she is DJ'ing at a small record station. But what Whitney really needs is to find herself. See without knowing who you are or what you want you can't move on and do the things you want. You have to find the strength to be who you want to be and Whitney does it. She has her journey and life's bumps on the way but she never gives up.
Whitney's choices in life lead her to the cross road of where she will choice friends, lovers, and what she will do with life. I really loved this story and I loved the fact that every chapter had a name of a song that described everything that was going on in that chapter. Remember when I said I love music and reading well I love love love it when an author uses songs as chapter headings because I get a sense of what is coming in the chapter and I get to see the feelings the main character is going through at that moment. It is like short glimpses into their lives and I don't know about you but I love it when I get the glimpse and it is something totally different from what I thought it was going to be.
This is a summer must read on the beach with your ipod so you can get the full effect of the book!
Whitney's choices in life lead her to the cross road of where she will choice friends, lovers, and what she will do with life. I really loved this story and I loved the fact that every chapter had a name of a song that described everything that was going on in that chapter. Remember when I said I love music and reading well I love love love it when an author uses songs as chapter headings because I get a sense of what is coming in the chapter and I get to see the feelings the main character is going through at that moment. It is like short glimpses into their lives and I don't know about you but I love it when I get the glimpse and it is something totally different from what I thought it was going to be.
This is a summer must read on the beach with your ipod so you can get the full effect of the book!
April 22, 2013
Review can also be found @ Jackie's Book World
*A copy of the book was provided by the author for an honest review*
"We are free to make our own choices but we are never free from the choices we make"
Strong Enough is a book about finding new beginnings and finding your true self. One of the things that I loved about the novel was that it was very well written, the titles of each chapter were named after songs (which it made the novel unique and much more interesting). Although it took me some time to really get into the book, as soon as the plot started to get more interesting, I couldn't put it down. Later in the book, I became intrigued with Whitney's life, after going through rough events she was still able to make things better in her life. There were strong topics that definitely stood out to me from the start and I think the author did a good job incorporating all kinds of topics in the plot. Her descriptions were very well written that I felt connected with the characters in the book. Not only is this novel about finding a new beginning, but it's also about friendships, romance, and learning to overcome the past in order to create a new one. Overall, this was a very interesting reading, it was refreshing to read something new. I would recommend this book to everyone, you won't be disappointed.
*A copy of the book was provided by the author for an honest review*
"We are free to make our own choices but we are never free from the choices we make"
Strong Enough is a book about finding new beginnings and finding your true self. One of the things that I loved about the novel was that it was very well written, the titles of each chapter were named after songs (which it made the novel unique and much more interesting). Although it took me some time to really get into the book, as soon as the plot started to get more interesting, I couldn't put it down. Later in the book, I became intrigued with Whitney's life, after going through rough events she was still able to make things better in her life. There were strong topics that definitely stood out to me from the start and I think the author did a good job incorporating all kinds of topics in the plot. Her descriptions were very well written that I felt connected with the characters in the book. Not only is this novel about finding a new beginning, but it's also about friendships, romance, and learning to overcome the past in order to create a new one. Overall, this was a very interesting reading, it was refreshing to read something new. I would recommend this book to everyone, you won't be disappointed.
May 27, 2013
I initially picked this book because it sounded like something I could relate to. A midwest gal who has burned some bridges along the way? Sounds familiar.
The book itself has a good plot. An average, everyday girl is trying to make a name for herself after what was a rather rocky exit from her hometown. She is joined by two college "friends," as well as the men in their lives and friends of friends. You follow Whitney through her life and all of the different events that occur in her life.
Ellen Harger is very descriptive. There are many different characters that are introduced early on in the book. I often had a hard time following who we were talking about and who some of the various characters are. I wouldn't say the book is poorly written, I just didn't connect with it very well. There are a lot of words, but I didn't really feel like I knew what was going on in the character's heads. It took me until about half way through to really feel like I wanted to continue and find out where the story was going to take me.
Strong Enough is definitely a good story about an average, everyday girl finding her way. I just didn't ever feel there was a climactic point or something that made me want to continue on. I kept waiting to be sucked in and never really was.
The book itself has a good plot. An average, everyday girl is trying to make a name for herself after what was a rather rocky exit from her hometown. She is joined by two college "friends," as well as the men in their lives and friends of friends. You follow Whitney through her life and all of the different events that occur in her life.
Ellen Harger is very descriptive. There are many different characters that are introduced early on in the book. I often had a hard time following who we were talking about and who some of the various characters are. I wouldn't say the book is poorly written, I just didn't connect with it very well. There are a lot of words, but I didn't really feel like I knew what was going on in the character's heads. It took me until about half way through to really feel like I wanted to continue and find out where the story was going to take me.
Strong Enough is definitely a good story about an average, everyday girl finding her way. I just didn't ever feel there was a climactic point or something that made me want to continue on. I kept waiting to be sucked in and never really was.
March 12, 2013
As a Midwestern girl, Ellen Harger’s Strong Enough is like peering into the lives of my colleagues and classmates. Every woman can identify with Whitney’s struggle for independence, autonomy, and adulthood. Female friendships are the backbone of this debut novel, proving that first impressions can be deceiving, enemies can become friends, and sometimes a pair of socks can break the camel’s back. The romantic relationships are three-dimensional, and the heartbreak is real. I strongly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys the works of Jennifer Weiner, Erin McKean, and Meg Cabot, not to mention anyone who loves radio and knows Earl had to die.
March 28, 2013
Strong Enough is a delightful gem of a debut by Ellen Harger. It is a well-written story about making decisions and starting over, about knowing when to hang on and when to cut your losses. The author did a good job creating relatable, true-to-life characters who face tough situations to which, sometimes, there is no easy answer. Kudos to Ms. Harger for tackling difficult social issues and their unavoidable pain with grace and honesty. This is ultimately a story about friendship, courage, learning who you are and what to do with that knowledge once you've found it.
June 27, 2013
Ellen pens "Strong Enough" a well written story about making decisions, starting over and friendship. Her main characters were realistic and believable, although there were many characters to follow I really didn't have that much trouble keeping up. A great debut novel that will keep you turning the pages.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
August 16, 2013
OK. I don't get it. They sniff each other's armpits? And he says, "Yup." afterwards??
More like... YUCK!! But then again it's not always you have characters who don't have body odor (from all the chaos you put them through). A plus to Whitney.
I loved, loved this book. A shaky start, I must say, but it turned out well through not-far-from-the-start, the middle and the end.
One thing I love about this book: there's no room for predictions. Everything in the blurb ends before the first chapter. And you are left guessing, what now?
This book touches on issues such as friendship, relationship and prejudice- from the beginning. The basic composition of every Chicklit.
The humor is subtle. And the characters are unique, well-developed and entertaining to read about.
Ellen Harger beautifully sets a vivid description of Sundown, that it's hard not to believe there's something as 'mid-west charm'. Wherever you are sitting, you get a great view of Sundown. The scene is as lively as it can get in the west. And Ellen creates a world undertaking rehabilitation with the introduction of a fun facilities for a lively nightlife. New clubs are set up, restaurants increase in number, malls and bookstores. Not the Sundown of years prior to 2002 (as stated in the novel). A county that's undergoing development as much as the characters in the novel.
So first off, we've got Whitney. She's mostly confused, nervous and always in some fierce internal battle. From the beginning, I didn't get this girl. The black ensemble to that wedding amped me up about this character. But it's shocking when you find out this girl isn't as gutsy as the blurb misled you to believing, but... antsy. She's the kind of girl who is so good at her job, but she questions everything that you are screaming: Just do it already!
Leah, I loved, is a friend/roommate of Whitney. This girl is so flirtatious and loose (not loose-loose, classy loose) her relationships don't make it past the moving in stage yet she still goes in for those scoundrels knowing for sure she'd dump them eventually and be single-not for twenty-four hours-again.
And there's Sadi, my favorite. Her fierce independence is striking and appealing. The character, most of you would enjoy reading about and mostly be the subject of your discussions. She isn't the die-hard, will-fight-tooth-to-nail-for-equal-suffrage-rights feminist Whitney made us believe. And hatred towards her in the start is unavoidable, but through the middle you begin to relish her point-of-view and pray it would forever last to the end... until Whitney makes that dream impossible.
Sadi is single. Whitney is single. Leah is screwing Tom, co-owner of Impressions, a restaurant and a regular setting in the novel. Sadi, through a mistake, is introduced to Marc, other owner and chef of Impressions. Whitney meets Gabe, fireman and the guy always around (it's annoying) to get Leah through her breakups. Leah isn't the friend we all thought she would be and right from the start a silent resentment is embedded in Whitney as they argue over ownership of a pair of socks that is Whitney's (At least, that's what Ellen made us believe. Socks were too good to be Whitney's) .
Sadi and Marc have great sex. Gabe and Whitney have drunken sex. Leah screws Todd's brains out and judging from her character, they probably employ whips and cat suits into their routine.
Though the main stress is on relationships, Whitney's career is also a permanent feature. The fact that her job security is unstable, leaves her on tenterhooks. (A feeling most DJs can relate to.)
Marc is charming, even with his heavy cynicism. Todd is far from charming and relies on Leah's dictates. Gabe, I hate so much, is adorable but puts Leah first to Whitney.
Stock characters you will find humorous are Christian, Sadi's assistant and Meredith A.K.A Mer, A.K.A The Amazon because she's completely buffed and has an equally daunting but friendly personality. There's also one Erin who plays the role of the workplace friend until... (spoiler here) she's let off as part of the radio station's budget cuts and Jerry, Whitney's man-of-few-words boss and Rick, Whitney's moronic co-anchor of the morning show who draws out 'laugh here' placards on Whitney's script.
Despite this book being slow-paced it's nice reading about the lives of these different women and their dilemma.
Most of the info if I relay would be spoilers. But it's a really good book and I highly recommend it.
Every section (start, middle, end), puts emphasis on a new theme. But overall, I think this book preaches against too clingy women, false friendship and the effects of fierce independence to some extent. How much should we let go, compromise for love? Is there anything as being without a man to figure out the real you? Surely, no one can live without 'the one'. But with the help of true friendship we can still find our way.
Great book, Ellen Harger.
August 12, 2013
I liked the way the author bounced right into the book with "Starting over is hard. And sometimes, you have to burn a few bridges to do it. Whitney Brown is average - average intelligence, average height, average weight - but she wants something new. To kick-start her rebirth, she wears formal mourning, a black veil and vintage dress, to a wedding in her hometown, Woods Cross, a community that treasures family values. Is it an attack on marriage or has she just gone bonkers?"
As a reader, I found myself asking, "What do you do with that?" I desperately wanted to find out. The author begins each chapter with the title of a song and I found myself jumping up to find it on iTunes so I could get in the same mood as the chapter I was beginning.
"'White Wedding by Herman's Hermits, When Pigs Fly.' Upon arriving at the church, Whitney Brown achieves a new social status - a scandalous one. Before today, no one in Woods Cross, Missouri could have imagined wallflower Whitney attending a wedding wearing heavy black mourning. Normally unassuming in frumpy jeans and a t-shirt, she's dressed to be noticed-her full figure shown to its curvaceous best in a vintage dress."
Now, the book is not all about weddings, it is just the beginning of Whitney's story. And, as the book continues we follow her through a tumultuous time in her life - as she leaves friends behind, begins a new career, and finds friends where old enemies once existed; all part of growing up and maturing. One pair of missing socks may mean the end of one friendship, and at the same time, the beginning of another. We follow Whitney as she sails in unchartered waters trying to find her place in the world.
"'Get the party started by Pink, M!ssundaztood'. DJ Kelly Carter adjusts her headphones so only one ear is covered. Outside, beyond the radio station's walls, she's Whitney Brown, but she prefers being someone else on the air - someone new and unknown even to her."
Strong Enough is a delightful book with a host of interesting characters. It is a journey through life attempting to find where you are meant to be, and what to do once you find that place. Strong enough is a well written book encompassing humor, life issues, and friendship.
"Returning home, Sadi Chavez crosses the overpass behind a cherry-red truck. There's nothing special about a red Ford pickup, but the white swoosh down the side is distinctive. Rolling to a stop at the light, Sadi glances in the cab. The driver's hair is centimeters short and his profile Adonis-like in its perfection. No flaws reveal themselves as he reaches over to the passenger side of the cab. He twists the plastic cap off of a 20 oz. bottle adorned with the trademarked script. Lifting it high, he gulps down the iconic cola. It's practically a damn commercial in the middle of her drive to work...As he holds his drink high in the air, his right bicep bulges like an ad for protein powder. Does this guy have any lifestyle choices not sold to him?"
"'You haven't even met her! Besides, if you want to meet a witch, come with me at 2:30.' 'That bad, huh?' 'I'd rather get a pap-smear.'"
- See more at: http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com...
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
As a reader, I found myself asking, "What do you do with that?" I desperately wanted to find out. The author begins each chapter with the title of a song and I found myself jumping up to find it on iTunes so I could get in the same mood as the chapter I was beginning.
"'White Wedding by Herman's Hermits, When Pigs Fly.' Upon arriving at the church, Whitney Brown achieves a new social status - a scandalous one. Before today, no one in Woods Cross, Missouri could have imagined wallflower Whitney attending a wedding wearing heavy black mourning. Normally unassuming in frumpy jeans and a t-shirt, she's dressed to be noticed-her full figure shown to its curvaceous best in a vintage dress."
Now, the book is not all about weddings, it is just the beginning of Whitney's story. And, as the book continues we follow her through a tumultuous time in her life - as she leaves friends behind, begins a new career, and finds friends where old enemies once existed; all part of growing up and maturing. One pair of missing socks may mean the end of one friendship, and at the same time, the beginning of another. We follow Whitney as she sails in unchartered waters trying to find her place in the world.
"'Get the party started by Pink, M!ssundaztood'. DJ Kelly Carter adjusts her headphones so only one ear is covered. Outside, beyond the radio station's walls, she's Whitney Brown, but she prefers being someone else on the air - someone new and unknown even to her."
Strong Enough is a delightful book with a host of interesting characters. It is a journey through life attempting to find where you are meant to be, and what to do once you find that place. Strong enough is a well written book encompassing humor, life issues, and friendship.
"Returning home, Sadi Chavez crosses the overpass behind a cherry-red truck. There's nothing special about a red Ford pickup, but the white swoosh down the side is distinctive. Rolling to a stop at the light, Sadi glances in the cab. The driver's hair is centimeters short and his profile Adonis-like in its perfection. No flaws reveal themselves as he reaches over to the passenger side of the cab. He twists the plastic cap off of a 20 oz. bottle adorned with the trademarked script. Lifting it high, he gulps down the iconic cola. It's practically a damn commercial in the middle of her drive to work...As he holds his drink high in the air, his right bicep bulges like an ad for protein powder. Does this guy have any lifestyle choices not sold to him?"
"'You haven't even met her! Besides, if you want to meet a witch, come with me at 2:30.' 'That bad, huh?' 'I'd rather get a pap-smear.'"
- See more at: http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com...
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
October 9, 2013
Disclaimer: Slight spoilers.
For the full, extended review, please go to The Review Board.
I wanted to point out some opportunities before going into the things I liked so much about this work.
Opportunities:
Hook: Through the first part of the book, the interest did not stay at anticipatory level. Although you get drawn back towards the middle of the book, you almost get lost on Whitney being the main character because of the dynamics of the supporting cast.
Spotty development of main character: Although Whitney is the main character of Strong Enough, I felt she didn’t get enough spotlight in terms of her progression into becoming a more self assured person until the very end. I would have liked her emotional and mental development to have been similar to what was done with Sadi in regards to pacing.
Staccato rhythm in pace and style: The concerns I have about the pace and style echo the ones I have about the hook. I like the pacing from the middle to the end but wanted it to be incorporated throughout the book.
The many strengths:
Flawless grammar and punctuation: If there were any grammar or spelling errors, I definitely didn’t see them. In one part of the novel, there was some extra spacing in spots but definitely not enough to detract from enjoyment of the book.
Creative titles: I think using song titles for chapters was a very cute touch and fit the alignment of Whitney being a DJ.
Descriptiveness of locations (really felt like I was there) and relating to the conflicts: I really enjoyed how descriptive the writer was in regards to the places in the novel: Sundown, itself; Well Fed Head (I think the bookstore name is cute); O’Malley’s, just to name a few. In addition, it’s easy to place myself on the emotional roller coasters, particularly Whitney’s internal debate after the incident with the condom breaking or Sadi’s battle concerning her feelings for Marc.
Excellent supporting cast: The writer does an awesome job with developing the supporting characters. Sadi stuck out the most. I found myself liking Sadi. Sadi tells it like it is and is pretty no-nonsense while I had moments when I would look at Whitney with a mixture of hope (“Please take advantage of the opportunity) and exasperation (“Just do the damn thing already”). My disdain for Leah remained throughout the story, and I absolutely loved Marc.
I hope to see more from this author, particularly a sequel to Strong Enough, for it will make the abruptness of the conclusion have meaning:
1. How does Whitney fare as DJ Whit?
2. What happens between Sadi and Marc?
3. What emotional shifts happen with Gabe?
I would definitely tune in to find it out.
For the full, extended review, please go to The Review Board.
I wanted to point out some opportunities before going into the things I liked so much about this work.
Opportunities:
Hook: Through the first part of the book, the interest did not stay at anticipatory level. Although you get drawn back towards the middle of the book, you almost get lost on Whitney being the main character because of the dynamics of the supporting cast.
Spotty development of main character: Although Whitney is the main character of Strong Enough, I felt she didn’t get enough spotlight in terms of her progression into becoming a more self assured person until the very end. I would have liked her emotional and mental development to have been similar to what was done with Sadi in regards to pacing.
Staccato rhythm in pace and style: The concerns I have about the pace and style echo the ones I have about the hook. I like the pacing from the middle to the end but wanted it to be incorporated throughout the book.
The many strengths:
Flawless grammar and punctuation: If there were any grammar or spelling errors, I definitely didn’t see them. In one part of the novel, there was some extra spacing in spots but definitely not enough to detract from enjoyment of the book.
Creative titles: I think using song titles for chapters was a very cute touch and fit the alignment of Whitney being a DJ.
Descriptiveness of locations (really felt like I was there) and relating to the conflicts: I really enjoyed how descriptive the writer was in regards to the places in the novel: Sundown, itself; Well Fed Head (I think the bookstore name is cute); O’Malley’s, just to name a few. In addition, it’s easy to place myself on the emotional roller coasters, particularly Whitney’s internal debate after the incident with the condom breaking or Sadi’s battle concerning her feelings for Marc.
Excellent supporting cast: The writer does an awesome job with developing the supporting characters. Sadi stuck out the most. I found myself liking Sadi. Sadi tells it like it is and is pretty no-nonsense while I had moments when I would look at Whitney with a mixture of hope (“Please take advantage of the opportunity) and exasperation (“Just do the damn thing already”). My disdain for Leah remained throughout the story, and I absolutely loved Marc.
I hope to see more from this author, particularly a sequel to Strong Enough, for it will make the abruptness of the conclusion have meaning:
1. How does Whitney fare as DJ Whit?
2. What happens between Sadi and Marc?
3. What emotional shifts happen with Gabe?
I would definitely tune in to find it out.
November 20, 2013
The cover was plain but in the typical cartoon style of 'chick lit', the title was nice and large as was the author name. I liked the title. It was simple, yet appealed. I was put off by 'a midwest novel' tag on the microphone but only because being from the UK I felt I might feel excluded from urban slang and so forth (I wasn't).
In the blurb I'm introduced to the main character, Whitney, who is average in just about everything. But she wants to change. She's tired of being average. What I liked about the blurb is that there wasn't any mention of 'she wants a man'.
The 'look inside' was disappointing. I like to get to the hub of the book to see if it's something I can read and hopefully download, but first I had to scroll through the three pages of TOC, then the blurb again, then the introduction and prologue (which wasn't very interesting).
The book (finally) opens introducing the alter ego of Whitney - DJ Kelly Carter. Kelly is bright, outgoing and full of energy. Whitney prefers to fade into the background. Already it's different to the normal 'chick lit' novels and I feel this is going to be an interesting read...
The chapter titles were song titles and very apt for Whitney's profession. Clever, I thought. Whitney is a nervy lady but her alter-ego (the DJ) is not. She has a nice set of friends in Sadi, Leah and Marc. There was good characterisation with the characters but Whitney should have been centre-stage for most of the time. She's wasn't, and at times I wondered whose story I was reading.
Strong Enough takes you through the dynamics of friendships, and the humour is subtle but Whitney as a character is someone you'd want to slap. She's so suspicious of everyone's intentions and beyond. I did sometimes wonder how she managed to keep such a strong friendship going with the feisty Sadi.
Over all, the book focuses on the loves and lives of several women: Whitney, Sadi and Leah with a few others not too central to the book, it's a fun read. Not too heavy and with many laughs dotted around. It has some clever shocks where the author lures you into thinking you know a character but then that character turns out to be a nasty piece of work.
I wasn't drawn into the book though, and I couldn't put my finger on the problem. There was no editing issues noticed, and the storyline was all there. The characters didn't always gel together and maybe that was the issue. They seemed, at times, to be unlikely friends.
I awarded it a high three out of five.
In the blurb I'm introduced to the main character, Whitney, who is average in just about everything. But she wants to change. She's tired of being average. What I liked about the blurb is that there wasn't any mention of 'she wants a man'.
The 'look inside' was disappointing. I like to get to the hub of the book to see if it's something I can read and hopefully download, but first I had to scroll through the three pages of TOC, then the blurb again, then the introduction and prologue (which wasn't very interesting).
The book (finally) opens introducing the alter ego of Whitney - DJ Kelly Carter. Kelly is bright, outgoing and full of energy. Whitney prefers to fade into the background. Already it's different to the normal 'chick lit' novels and I feel this is going to be an interesting read...
The chapter titles were song titles and very apt for Whitney's profession. Clever, I thought. Whitney is a nervy lady but her alter-ego (the DJ) is not. She has a nice set of friends in Sadi, Leah and Marc. There was good characterisation with the characters but Whitney should have been centre-stage for most of the time. She's wasn't, and at times I wondered whose story I was reading.
Strong Enough takes you through the dynamics of friendships, and the humour is subtle but Whitney as a character is someone you'd want to slap. She's so suspicious of everyone's intentions and beyond. I did sometimes wonder how she managed to keep such a strong friendship going with the feisty Sadi.
Over all, the book focuses on the loves and lives of several women: Whitney, Sadi and Leah with a few others not too central to the book, it's a fun read. Not too heavy and with many laughs dotted around. It has some clever shocks where the author lures you into thinking you know a character but then that character turns out to be a nasty piece of work.
I wasn't drawn into the book though, and I couldn't put my finger on the problem. There was no editing issues noticed, and the storyline was all there. The characters didn't always gel together and maybe that was the issue. They seemed, at times, to be unlikely friends.
I awarded it a high three out of five.
July 2, 2014
Originally posted on The Canon! {http://canireadeverything.blogspot.co...}
I feel like Strong Enough is one of those books I will read again and again, mostly because the characters are so extraordinarily vibrant. From the first page, each and every one of them stuck in my mind due to the personalities and traits described through Whitney's eyes. Leah is the bitchy friend that pretends to be nice, Sadi is defensive, and Whitney is on the journey from pushover to being "strong enough" <- =]
Sorry. I'll stop the corny puns. In all honesty, I found this book engaging and emotional. I easily sank into the setting on Sundown, MI and fitting into Whitney's shoes is something anyone can imagine, not only Midwest girls. I found myself constantly cheering for her to succeed, especially as she began her journey in the radio world.
The narration in this novel is a little unusual, but it grew on me as I read. Strong Enough uses a third person limited view (which means we know what Whitney is thinking, but the narrator is outside of her - no "I") and is usually in the present tense, something I'm not quite used to. In the beginning, I kept noticing the tense, but as I read, I slipped so easily into Whitney's world because she was constantly doing instead of showing us what she wanted to do.
I loved how Harger slowly presents each plot point in the novel; unlike other works I've read recently, she doesn't lay the entire novel plan out on the table right away. We know Whitney has a history, has something she is running from. I loved the tension Harger creates as she tempts her readers with Whitney's past.
Final Thoughts: This book is a new favorite of mine because I truly admire the protagonist. She is in a crossroads in her life, something we all can relate to. Whitney, despite what she sometimes thinks of herself, is a strong, vibrant character that engaged me into her story.
I feel like Strong Enough is one of those books I will read again and again, mostly because the characters are so extraordinarily vibrant. From the first page, each and every one of them stuck in my mind due to the personalities and traits described through Whitney's eyes. Leah is the bitchy friend that pretends to be nice, Sadi is defensive, and Whitney is on the journey from pushover to being "strong enough" <- =]
Sorry. I'll stop the corny puns. In all honesty, I found this book engaging and emotional. I easily sank into the setting on Sundown, MI and fitting into Whitney's shoes is something anyone can imagine, not only Midwest girls. I found myself constantly cheering for her to succeed, especially as she began her journey in the radio world.
The narration in this novel is a little unusual, but it grew on me as I read. Strong Enough uses a third person limited view (which means we know what Whitney is thinking, but the narrator is outside of her - no "I") and is usually in the present tense, something I'm not quite used to. In the beginning, I kept noticing the tense, but as I read, I slipped so easily into Whitney's world because she was constantly doing instead of showing us what she wanted to do.
I loved how Harger slowly presents each plot point in the novel; unlike other works I've read recently, she doesn't lay the entire novel plan out on the table right away. We know Whitney has a history, has something she is running from. I loved the tension Harger creates as she tempts her readers with Whitney's past.
Final Thoughts: This book is a new favorite of mine because I truly admire the protagonist. She is in a crossroads in her life, something we all can relate to. Whitney, despite what she sometimes thinks of herself, is a strong, vibrant character that engaged me into her story.
September 3, 2013
While there was some excellent writing in this book, I really struggled to finish it as the characters simply did not draw me into the story. Even the central character, Whitney, did not become likeable until I was several chapters in, and there were times even then that I found her poor choices and wishy-washy behavior off-putting. Some of the supporting cast were people who did not like each other, and I couldn't help but wonder why they didn't just all go in separate directions.
But of course, then there would not have been a story.
Other readers have obviously been able to connect with the characters as there have been some good reviews on Amazon, so I am sure that my problem with the book was my problem, and not the fault of the author. When we are introduced to new characters in a book it is much like being introduced to new people at a party. Some we like and some we don't. That doesn't take anything away from the person, or the host of the party. (smile)
In many ways the story celebrates strong women as Whitney becomes stronger herself. Then there is the theme of friendships and how we are all affected by our attachments. There were some truisms in the book that were revealed as Whitney made her way through the minefield of her relationships. One of those truisms is that things can change if we just learn how to take a stand. Whitney learns that when she doesn't back down from a verbal attack by Sadi, cousin to Whitney's friend, Leah. Whitney also learns that enemies aren't always enemies and friends aren't always friends.
One of the many things I liked about the book was the use of music and music references to enhance the story. When the story opens Whitney has just taken a job as a radio DJ, and the scenes with her assuming her on-air personality, Kelly Carter, are some of the best in the book. The dialogue was also very well done, and each character did have a distinctive voice.
But of course, then there would not have been a story.
Other readers have obviously been able to connect with the characters as there have been some good reviews on Amazon, so I am sure that my problem with the book was my problem, and not the fault of the author. When we are introduced to new characters in a book it is much like being introduced to new people at a party. Some we like and some we don't. That doesn't take anything away from the person, or the host of the party. (smile)
In many ways the story celebrates strong women as Whitney becomes stronger herself. Then there is the theme of friendships and how we are all affected by our attachments. There were some truisms in the book that were revealed as Whitney made her way through the minefield of her relationships. One of those truisms is that things can change if we just learn how to take a stand. Whitney learns that when she doesn't back down from a verbal attack by Sadi, cousin to Whitney's friend, Leah. Whitney also learns that enemies aren't always enemies and friends aren't always friends.
One of the many things I liked about the book was the use of music and music references to enhance the story. When the story opens Whitney has just taken a job as a radio DJ, and the scenes with her assuming her on-air personality, Kelly Carter, are some of the best in the book. The dialogue was also very well done, and each character did have a distinctive voice.
April 15, 2014
I love the title....Strong Enough. The main character, Whitney, is in a very fragile state when we first meet her.At a turning point in her life, she doubts everything about herself. But she comes to find out that she is indeed, 'STRONG ENOUGH'. Sometimes we find our strength only when we learn to lean on others. The story takes its times and allows you to get to know the characters at a leisurely pace. Which is how it is in real life. Sometimes it's takes a bit to warm up to people. That's what happened to me and I soon found that I CARED what happened to Whitney and Sadi. Not so much, for Leah.
The author allows us to meet the characters in their messy, behind the scenes, realness. We get to step behind the curtain (so to speak) and see people when their masks have been removed. Great stuff.
One of the main characters is the location. The Midwestern City in which the story takes place is full of charm and its easy to see that the author has a love for the Midwestern town that served as a muse for her story. It hovered in the background, a friend who never intrudes, but always there when you need to run to them for safety and comfort. Some of the passages where the author describes the look and feel of the city and the light filtering through the autumn leaves...are written so beautifully that it's like love letters. Her descriptions are simply magical.
I liked it very much! A great chick read without any of the superficiality. I rarely give 5 stars for novels...so a solid 4 stars for me is great!!
The author allows us to meet the characters in their messy, behind the scenes, realness. We get to step behind the curtain (so to speak) and see people when their masks have been removed. Great stuff.
One of the main characters is the location. The Midwestern City in which the story takes place is full of charm and its easy to see that the author has a love for the Midwestern town that served as a muse for her story. It hovered in the background, a friend who never intrudes, but always there when you need to run to them for safety and comfort. Some of the passages where the author describes the look and feel of the city and the light filtering through the autumn leaves...are written so beautifully that it's like love letters. Her descriptions are simply magical.
I liked it very much! A great chick read without any of the superficiality. I rarely give 5 stars for novels...so a solid 4 stars for me is great!!
July 18, 2014
Whitney, who is, by her own definition, just an average woman, heads back home to Sundown, intent on realizing her dream of being a radio DJ. Looking for growth and change, she struggles to make her talents known in a difficult work environment as she takes the first tentative steps towards romance with a firefighter named Gabe. Whitney also deals with the cavalier treatment of men by Leah, her closest friend, and harbors a growing suspicion Gabe may be one of Leah's toys. There's also the intimidating and brusque feminist Sadi, who might actually be a friend in the making if Whitney ever finds the gumption to stand up to her. Meanwhile, the seemingly brusque Sadi is falling hard for restauranteur Marc but unable to admit her vulnerability in giving her heart.
Harger explores the different characters' story lines until a single broken condom ripples through all the connections, upsetting the balance and leaving the future uncertain.
Strong Enough evokes the feel of a Fannie Flagg novel, where the small town becomes a character in of itself and joins a colorful cast. Harger has a definitive talent for physical description, making surroundings—interior and exterior—come to life in vivid detail. Her characters are believable and real and the storyline engaging. Thoughtful and introspective and relevant to issues every woman faces, Strong Enough is a truly enjoyable read.
Harger explores the different characters' story lines until a single broken condom ripples through all the connections, upsetting the balance and leaving the future uncertain.
Strong Enough evokes the feel of a Fannie Flagg novel, where the small town becomes a character in of itself and joins a colorful cast. Harger has a definitive talent for physical description, making surroundings—interior and exterior—come to life in vivid detail. Her characters are believable and real and the storyline engaging. Thoughtful and introspective and relevant to issues every woman faces, Strong Enough is a truly enjoyable read.
June 2, 2014
What do you get when you open a book by Ellen Harger? It's more than words, it's a banquet of eloquent language that encompasses characters you can relate to and feel for. Harger's first novel opens up in a Midwestern town with a woman who's seemingly gone off the deep end. While Whitney's situation might be a little removed from what most women would do, she does what a lot of us desire--she starts again somewhere else. While it looks like she's got it all under control by opening herself up and taking chances at her job, on the inside, she's still searching for her place in the world. Enter the good-looking firefighter/singer who makes her happy, renewed--however tumultuous--friendships with girls she knew in college, and the potentially life-altering words "the condom broke".
I was at once convinced I was settling in for a happily-ever-after (and I won't tell you that you're not), but there are enough twists and turns in this book to make me keep flipping pages. Harger kept me wondering what was next. Will Leah *ever* stop being a child in a woman's body? Will Sadi let her walls down? Will Whitney find her sunny spot in the world?
It's beautifully written, the dialogue is witty and engaging, the characters are entertaining, and it's a nice reflection on friendship, life, and dealing with the things that might leave you feeling as though you're not strong enough.
I was at once convinced I was settling in for a happily-ever-after (and I won't tell you that you're not), but there are enough twists and turns in this book to make me keep flipping pages. Harger kept me wondering what was next. Will Leah *ever* stop being a child in a woman's body? Will Sadi let her walls down? Will Whitney find her sunny spot in the world?
It's beautifully written, the dialogue is witty and engaging, the characters are entertaining, and it's a nice reflection on friendship, life, and dealing with the things that might leave you feeling as though you're not strong enough.
August 9, 2013
When I started reading this book, I sat there thinking, that these were three very different women who hanging out together. And then I got it!! This story, about the relationship between these women was so compelling. Watching how some bonds strengthen and while another gets completely severed, because of jealously and stupidity, truly captivated my attention!
One of the things I really liked about this book, is how the relationship between Whitney and Sadie grows from indifference to an actual, real, friendship and sisterhood. They symbolized, to me, how sometimes the best friends in your life, aren't always the ones you envisioned, but need.
There were a few spelling/grammar errors in the book, but nothing that took away from the story; as I still found it highly enjoyable to read!
Ellen did a great job writing this book, and I highly recommend that everyone!
One of the things I really liked about this book, is how the relationship between Whitney and Sadie grows from indifference to an actual, real, friendship and sisterhood. They symbolized, to me, how sometimes the best friends in your life, aren't always the ones you envisioned, but need.
There were a few spelling/grammar errors in the book, but nothing that took away from the story; as I still found it highly enjoyable to read!
Ellen did a great job writing this book, and I highly recommend that everyone!
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