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Ideea de iubit
„Daca esti amator de dialoguri stralucite, daca-ti plac comploturile si tradarile in dragoste, daca rivnesti la averile de pe Wall Street, atunci Ideea de iubit este cartea pe care trebuie s-o citesti.” (Leslie Stahl)
„Ideea de iubit este o carte a formarii, un roman dinamic si plin de semne de intrebare – nu este doar o lectura grozava, ci si un manual despre cum sa fii cel mai bun prieten al tau.” (Elin Hilderbrand)
„Ideea de iubit este o carte a formarii, un roman dinamic si plin de semne de intrebare – nu este doar o lectura grozava, ci si un manual despre cum sa fii cel mai bun prieten al tau.” (Elin Hilderbrand)
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
123 people are currently reading
1466 people want to read
About the author
Holly Peterson
11 books172 followersHolly Peterson is the author of It Happens in the Hamptons, a work of fast-paced social satire about a summer community. She wrote The Idea of Him and the New York Times bestseller The Manny and SMOKE AND FIRE: Recipes and Menus for Entertaining Outdoors. She was a Contributing Editor for Newsweek, an Editor-at-Large for Talk magazine and an Emmy Award–winning Producer for ABC News, where she spent more than a decade covering global politics and trials of the century. Her writing has been published in the New York Times, Newsweek, Town and Country, Talk, The Daily Beast, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and numerous other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
April 28, 2014
Right off the bat, I will tell you that as I was reading this book I wanted to smack Allie up the head. Not only is she completely clueless to what her husband, and those around her, are doing, but she's kind of a moron. After realizing her life is basically a mess: her son is having friend issues at school and she wants to make it better, she can't give enough attention to her daughter Lucy, her husband isn't living up to being the partner and lover she needs or wants, work is a hot mess, and she's struggling in her screen play writing class. It's a lot for anyone to deal with, but us moms do it. All of the time.
Enter Jackie, the self admitted mistress of Allie's husband, who for an unknown reason is trying to uncover the secret dealings of Wade (Allie's husband) and the other men in the tight knit swanky circle. She's sure it's dangerous and illegal, and though she regrets sleeping with Wade knowing he was married, she decides to warn Allie. She's really cloak and dagger about it, not giving clear or full answers to Allie's questions and frankly- I'm still not sure why Allie would keep meeting with her. Jackie's character is a bit bizarre and even though you do find out why she's so involved at the end, it felt kind of lame. Like it wasn't really thought out and it was a quick way to tie up the loose end of her character.
But Allie is no saint here. She meets Tommy, a fellow student in her writing class who she is attracted to. She gets dangerously close to the affair line with him and we see her inner struggle. Sure, she's married and has vows to uphold. At the same time, who really cares because Wade clearly doesn't care? He just can't keep it in his pants to save his life, so why should she deny herself? Then we have James, the man she declares her soul mate and her inner struggles with not picking him when she could have. I also think the entire James story line had good intentions, but honestly could be completely left out because it was pointless.
Anyways.
I got to the end of the book and it was alright, it certainly isn't the best chick lit I have read but it also wasn't the worst. There are several areas that could be cut out completely because they don't add to the story in a meaningful way, but this would be ideal as a beach read. But easily, the most interesting thing was at the end I realized how similar to Allie I actually am. In the book Jackie essentially encourages Allie to just have sex with Tommy and be done with it. But Allie knows herself, she isn't a one time and be done. She's a one time and want more and fall in love kind of girl. She can't have no strings attached relationships, she needs those strings. Even her declaration to James that she really can't do it without him hit home. She doesn't always take into consideration that with her waffling, others get hurt. I know, especially when I was younger, I was scared to even date anyone. I knew I would have my heart broken and I knew it would be awful and I didn't trust myself to just be cool and handle it. So I just didn't date. I didn't date until my senior year of high school. Well, the summer before my senior year. I had such low expectations of guys that I figured even if it didn't work out it would be fine, I wasn't that invested. At times I feel like Matt doesn't fully know me, I give him just enough. I give everyone just enough. It's something interesting for me to ponder, to say the least.
Enter Jackie, the self admitted mistress of Allie's husband, who for an unknown reason is trying to uncover the secret dealings of Wade (Allie's husband) and the other men in the tight knit swanky circle. She's sure it's dangerous and illegal, and though she regrets sleeping with Wade knowing he was married, she decides to warn Allie. She's really cloak and dagger about it, not giving clear or full answers to Allie's questions and frankly- I'm still not sure why Allie would keep meeting with her. Jackie's character is a bit bizarre and even though you do find out why she's so involved at the end, it felt kind of lame. Like it wasn't really thought out and it was a quick way to tie up the loose end of her character.
But Allie is no saint here. She meets Tommy, a fellow student in her writing class who she is attracted to. She gets dangerously close to the affair line with him and we see her inner struggle. Sure, she's married and has vows to uphold. At the same time, who really cares because Wade clearly doesn't care? He just can't keep it in his pants to save his life, so why should she deny herself? Then we have James, the man she declares her soul mate and her inner struggles with not picking him when she could have. I also think the entire James story line had good intentions, but honestly could be completely left out because it was pointless.
Anyways.
I got to the end of the book and it was alright, it certainly isn't the best chick lit I have read but it also wasn't the worst. There are several areas that could be cut out completely because they don't add to the story in a meaningful way, but this would be ideal as a beach read. But easily, the most interesting thing was at the end I realized how similar to Allie I actually am. In the book Jackie essentially encourages Allie to just have sex with Tommy and be done with it. But Allie knows herself, she isn't a one time and be done. She's a one time and want more and fall in love kind of girl. She can't have no strings attached relationships, she needs those strings. Even her declaration to James that she really can't do it without him hit home. She doesn't always take into consideration that with her waffling, others get hurt. I know, especially when I was younger, I was scared to even date anyone. I knew I would have my heart broken and I knew it would be awful and I didn't trust myself to just be cool and handle it. So I just didn't date. I didn't date until my senior year of high school. Well, the summer before my senior year. I had such low expectations of guys that I figured even if it didn't work out it would be fine, I wasn't that invested. At times I feel like Matt doesn't fully know me, I give him just enough. I give everyone just enough. It's something interesting for me to ponder, to say the least.
May 20, 2014
The Idea of Him was a much different book then I thought I was getting. I thought I was getting a book about a husband who cheats on his wife and what happened after. Instead I got a convoluted story about investment fraud with not likable characters. In the end I'm still not completely sure what all of the players had their hands in and what was really going on. I felt like the book was trying to be a thriller/mystery, but it fell short for me.
This book ended up being just an OK read. I didn't care for Allie's character at all. She was too wishy-washy. I thought it took her way too long to end it with Wade after she discovered his multiple infidelities. It was almost like she didn't really care. Instead it was the loss of their money that sent her to a lawyer. That just didn't ring true for me. In the end, I didn't get the feeling that she had changed at all and would keep looking for "male crutches" the rest of her life.
There have been mixed reviews on this book. In the end it just wasn't my cup of tea. But, give it a try, maybe you will like it.
Review posted on From the TBR PIle
This book ended up being just an OK read. I didn't care for Allie's character at all. She was too wishy-washy. I thought it took her way too long to end it with Wade after she discovered his multiple infidelities. It was almost like she didn't really care. Instead it was the loss of their money that sent her to a lawyer. That just didn't ring true for me. In the end, I didn't get the feeling that she had changed at all and would keep looking for "male crutches" the rest of her life.
There have been mixed reviews on this book. In the end it just wasn't my cup of tea. But, give it a try, maybe you will like it.
Review posted on From the TBR PIle
June 17, 2014
This book is a disaster. It is appalling that it even got published. I quite liked The Manny but it's like this was written by a completely different person. I'm pretty sure no one actually edited it- even for basic grammar and continuity. Then there's the complete lack of focus- what was it even about?? And the characters! Didn't like or even connect with one of them.
April 27, 2014
Very poorly written. This didn't have to be so bad either. Main character wasn't compelling. A few of the side characters could have been. The Manny was cute, for the genre that it is. This was not good.
February 8, 2023
Allie are tot ce si-ar putea dori: cariera, familie, copii, dar... inca nu si-a dat seama daca sta cu sotul ei din dragoste, sau pentru ideea de iubit si de familie. Pana la finalul cartii afla raspunsul la dilema ei, cochetand cu ideea de amant.
Cartea este plina de dialoguri haioase, tradari in dragoste si comploturi.
Cartea este plina de dialoguri haioase, tradari in dragoste si comploturi.
April 3, 2014
In Holly Peterson's newest novel, The Idea of Him, Allie is a PR whiz, toiling away for years for Murray Hillsinger and his clients, mostly people in the entertainment business who want a higher profile or who want people to forget their misdeeds. Her big project is the Fulton Film Festival, whose big investor is Max Rowland, a Texas garage magnet who just finished serving a prison sentence for fraud.
She is married to Wade, the editor of a Meter, a Vanity Fair-style magazine that profiles big stars, and in the past broke big stories about corruption. Times are tough for Meter, like most print magazines, and Wade is struggling to maintain his position in a world where anyone who reads magazines reads them on their Ipad or tablet.
When Allie catches Wade in their laundry closet with a hot young woman during a party she is helping Wade throw for Meter advertisers, she is devastated. She caught Wade cheating years ago when their young daughter was just a baby, but she believed that to be a one-time thing.
She confronts Wade and he hisses that she doesn't understand, he'll explain later. Allie then chases after the woman, Jackie, who tells Allie that she wasn't having sex with her husband, but she was looking for a flash drive Wade had that she needed.
Jackie weaves a crazy story that implicates Wade, Allie's boss Murray and his investor Max in some complicated financial scheme that she claims she will eventually explain to Allie, but right now she needs Allie's help.
Allie is thrown for a loop; why should she trust this complete stranger whom she believes is having an affair with her husband? Jackie seems to always be around in the background when there is trouble; is she the cause or is she telling Allie the truth?
Allie now wonders if she made a mistake marrying Wade instead of her best friend since high school James, who became a doctor working overseas to help children (think Doctors Without Borders). She and James still talk frequently, and they have a complicated past that began during a traumatic experience.
She also is attracted to Tommy, whom she met in her screenwriting class. Tommy is young, hot and reckless and he pursues Allie relentlessly. There are a few explicit sex scenes that may leave readers hot and bothered.
Given that this week's biggest story is about stock market manipulation as described in Michael Lewis's book Flash Boys, the timing of The Idea of Him with its similar theme is fortuitous. I confess that although my knowledge of the financial markets is rather limited, I found this storyline fascinating.
Another theme is women relying on men to take care of them. Allie relied on James, then married Wade because he reminded her of her late father, and nearly jumped into a relationship with Tommy while still married. Will she take a step back and realize that she is strong enough to take charge of her own life? That is another interesting aspect of the novel.
I have to say that I usually don't completely dislike characters, but I found Wade to be despicable. His behavior towards his wife was appalling and I found it hard to believe that Allie ever found anything redeeming about him. There is also another minor character who is just as awful, but to name her would be a spoiler; when you read it, you'll find out who she is.
The mystery of what exactly Wade is involved in elevates this novel above the usual chick lit. I enjoyed trying to figure out who was doing what to whom and the resolution is satisfying. The setting is New York City, and Peterson nails the arrogant entitlement attitude of some of the one percenters.
She is married to Wade, the editor of a Meter, a Vanity Fair-style magazine that profiles big stars, and in the past broke big stories about corruption. Times are tough for Meter, like most print magazines, and Wade is struggling to maintain his position in a world where anyone who reads magazines reads them on their Ipad or tablet.
When Allie catches Wade in their laundry closet with a hot young woman during a party she is helping Wade throw for Meter advertisers, she is devastated. She caught Wade cheating years ago when their young daughter was just a baby, but she believed that to be a one-time thing.
She confronts Wade and he hisses that she doesn't understand, he'll explain later. Allie then chases after the woman, Jackie, who tells Allie that she wasn't having sex with her husband, but she was looking for a flash drive Wade had that she needed.
Jackie weaves a crazy story that implicates Wade, Allie's boss Murray and his investor Max in some complicated financial scheme that she claims she will eventually explain to Allie, but right now she needs Allie's help.
Allie is thrown for a loop; why should she trust this complete stranger whom she believes is having an affair with her husband? Jackie seems to always be around in the background when there is trouble; is she the cause or is she telling Allie the truth?
Allie now wonders if she made a mistake marrying Wade instead of her best friend since high school James, who became a doctor working overseas to help children (think Doctors Without Borders). She and James still talk frequently, and they have a complicated past that began during a traumatic experience.
She also is attracted to Tommy, whom she met in her screenwriting class. Tommy is young, hot and reckless and he pursues Allie relentlessly. There are a few explicit sex scenes that may leave readers hot and bothered.
Given that this week's biggest story is about stock market manipulation as described in Michael Lewis's book Flash Boys, the timing of The Idea of Him with its similar theme is fortuitous. I confess that although my knowledge of the financial markets is rather limited, I found this storyline fascinating.
Another theme is women relying on men to take care of them. Allie relied on James, then married Wade because he reminded her of her late father, and nearly jumped into a relationship with Tommy while still married. Will she take a step back and realize that she is strong enough to take charge of her own life? That is another interesting aspect of the novel.
I have to say that I usually don't completely dislike characters, but I found Wade to be despicable. His behavior towards his wife was appalling and I found it hard to believe that Allie ever found anything redeeming about him. There is also another minor character who is just as awful, but to name her would be a spoiler; when you read it, you'll find out who she is.
The mystery of what exactly Wade is involved in elevates this novel above the usual chick lit. I enjoyed trying to figure out who was doing what to whom and the resolution is satisfying. The setting is New York City, and Peterson nails the arrogant entitlement attitude of some of the one percenters.
April 3, 2014
Rating: 3.5 stars
Allie Crawford has a great life on the surface; she has two amazing kids, a happy marriage, and a great job. But everything goes downhill quickly when she finds her husband, Wade, slipping into their laundry room with another woman. A cheating husband is bad enough, but there's much more for Allie to discover.
Someone close to the truth, and an unlikely ally, helps Allie uncover the secrets that have been bringing down her life without her even knowing. Will Allie find the answers before it's too late?
My feelings about this read are quite complicated. At times I was as frustrated as I was interested. I found the flow of the story quite jolting--it jumped back and forth between past and present events and even present story focus--but the suspense surrounding Wade's dealings kept me engaged.
Most importantly, I cared about Allie. She's a determined character who wants to get to the truth, even if it's not pretty. At first, she seems to want to keep the blinders on; but it's not long before she develops the backbone necessary to protect herself and her children. I was quite intrigued with the backstory regarding her father, but that was never fully explored to my satisfaction (and often felt misplaced in the story). Finally, I really wanted to know more about Jackie--Allie's unlikely ally.
In the end, I cared about the main character and wanted to know what happened to her. Not a bad reading day at all.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
Allie Crawford has a great life on the surface; she has two amazing kids, a happy marriage, and a great job. But everything goes downhill quickly when she finds her husband, Wade, slipping into their laundry room with another woman. A cheating husband is bad enough, but there's much more for Allie to discover.
Someone close to the truth, and an unlikely ally, helps Allie uncover the secrets that have been bringing down her life without her even knowing. Will Allie find the answers before it's too late?
My feelings about this read are quite complicated. At times I was as frustrated as I was interested. I found the flow of the story quite jolting--it jumped back and forth between past and present events and even present story focus--but the suspense surrounding Wade's dealings kept me engaged.
Most importantly, I cared about Allie. She's a determined character who wants to get to the truth, even if it's not pretty. At first, she seems to want to keep the blinders on; but it's not long before she develops the backbone necessary to protect herself and her children. I was quite intrigued with the backstory regarding her father, but that was never fully explored to my satisfaction (and often felt misplaced in the story). Finally, I really wanted to know more about Jackie--Allie's unlikely ally.
In the end, I cared about the main character and wanted to know what happened to her. Not a bad reading day at all.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
April 27, 2014
Title: The Idea of Him
Author: Holly Peterson
Publisher: William Morrow and Company
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 4
Review:
"The Idea of Him" by Holly Peterson was a good women's fiction read. Mary Crawford had a good life with two kids, happy marriage and wonderful job, but was this really true? No, it was not because she soon finds her husband in there laundry room with another woman and this was not the first time. Guess what...there will be more for Mary to discover. Will Mary be able to find answers to all of this and more before it's too late? Be ready for a interesting read however I did find this read somewhat chaotic a times and even complicated as the story seems to jump back and forth from the past to present. I will say the suspense that surround the husband, Wades dealing and all kept me very interested along with the jest of it all where we find from the read that Mary had previously relied on James,(another part of the story) then married Wade because he reminded her of her late father, and nearly jumped into a relationship with Tommy while still married. Another point to the read was seeing Mary befriend a least likely ally to learn the truth about her husband. Believe me when I say it was so good to see that finally Mary develops the backbone that was necessary to protect her and the children. Now, to fully understand it all you must pick up "The Idea of Him" to get the full picture of this read. It will be interesting to see how this mystery of exactly what all Wade was really involved.
Author: Holly Peterson
Publisher: William Morrow and Company
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 4
Review:
"The Idea of Him" by Holly Peterson was a good women's fiction read. Mary Crawford had a good life with two kids, happy marriage and wonderful job, but was this really true? No, it was not because she soon finds her husband in there laundry room with another woman and this was not the first time. Guess what...there will be more for Mary to discover. Will Mary be able to find answers to all of this and more before it's too late? Be ready for a interesting read however I did find this read somewhat chaotic a times and even complicated as the story seems to jump back and forth from the past to present. I will say the suspense that surround the husband, Wades dealing and all kept me very interested along with the jest of it all where we find from the read that Mary had previously relied on James,(another part of the story) then married Wade because he reminded her of her late father, and nearly jumped into a relationship with Tommy while still married. Another point to the read was seeing Mary befriend a least likely ally to learn the truth about her husband. Believe me when I say it was so good to see that finally Mary develops the backbone that was necessary to protect her and the children. Now, to fully understand it all you must pick up "The Idea of Him" to get the full picture of this read. It will be interesting to see how this mystery of exactly what all Wade was really involved.
April 3, 2014
This was a very fun "beach read" that I absolutely tore through and even stayed up late to read! I was hooked by Allie's search to find out the truth about not only her husband, but his previous mistress and also Aliie's own boss. The book is certainly not very serious but also doesn't take itself too seriously. With vacation season coming up, this would be a good one to keep in mind!
July 23, 2014
This would have been a much better read if I could have pushed past the fact that I HATED the main character Allie! She's a complete idiot! Here's a clue Allie ... grow up and stand on your own two feet. Stop letting men define your life.
Other than that the story was alright and it was a quick read (between me swearing at Allie ).
Other than that the story was alright and it was a quick read (between me swearing at Allie ).
September 28, 2020
"Niciodată nu știi cum îi aduce viața împreună pe oameni..."
July 28, 2017
I don't really know what I felt about this book, I can’t help being mad at Allie. I think I need to join a book club to discuss about this book – never thought I will see this kind of need.
I think the relationship/ friendship between Allie and Jackie was weird and I don’t think it exists in real life, but maybe I haven’t experience enough – that got me thinking how much the author has been through to get the feeling – Ms Holly must have done long and deep thinking to come out with this plot/story – of course.
It’s a wonder why I couldn’t wait to know the ending though usually if I found a book to be a bit stressful I wouldn’t likely be able to finish but this book kept me hooked.
I think the mistake/wrongdoing done by Wade and Murray wasn’t that strong – at least to make them go to witness protection program – but what do I know about other countries’ rules and regulations.
I think putting Caitlin as the latest affair wasn’t good – maybe it’s supposed to be a bit of shocking ending but I felt like, meh…
I like James and his maturity – he’s a brother.
I don’t like Tommy? I can’t really remember his name but he is Allie’s classmate – he doesn’t have the right to be mad about Allie’s personal life – I was like, WTH? when I read his reaction.
I think when it comes about men, I have to agree with Jackie – Allie is clueless – Allie might be brilliant in her work and study but – (I think I have a bit of Allie in me) she’s clueless.
Anyway it’s just from my point of view, go read this for yourself and share how you feel!
I think the relationship/ friendship between Allie and Jackie was weird and I don’t think it exists in real life, but maybe I haven’t experience enough – that got me thinking how much the author has been through to get the feeling – Ms Holly must have done long and deep thinking to come out with this plot/story – of course.
It’s a wonder why I couldn’t wait to know the ending though usually if I found a book to be a bit stressful I wouldn’t likely be able to finish but this book kept me hooked.
I think the mistake/wrongdoing done by Wade and Murray wasn’t that strong – at least to make them go to witness protection program – but what do I know about other countries’ rules and regulations.
I think putting Caitlin as the latest affair wasn’t good – maybe it’s supposed to be a bit of shocking ending but I felt like, meh…
I like James and his maturity – he’s a brother.
I don’t like Tommy? I can’t really remember his name but he is Allie’s classmate – he doesn’t have the right to be mad about Allie’s personal life – I was like, WTH? when I read his reaction.
I think when it comes about men, I have to agree with Jackie – Allie is clueless – Allie might be brilliant in her work and study but – (I think I have a bit of Allie in me) she’s clueless.
Anyway it’s just from my point of view, go read this for yourself and share how you feel!
June 2, 2017
I didn't much enjoy this book, but it was different enough that I finished it. It didn't fit into any of the genre categories I'm familiar with, although it certainly isn't "literary" fiction. One reviewer referred to it as "chick lit," and I guess in a way it may be. At any rate, there is a mystery, but no murder. There is a life lesson the protagonist needs to learn, and she's mighty slow and stupid about it. And there's a definition of happily-ever-after (or at least, happily-for-the-nonce) that is characterized as the ending of all her romantic relationships--that was the part that worked best. What I didn't like was the strained and unbelievable suspense between the protagonist and the mystery woman who tells her that her life is about to implode, but provides information one-clue-at-a-time with excruciating and unnecessary slowness over the length of the novel--that felt artificial. And there is a psychological angle having to do with the protagonist's loss of her charismatic father at a young age and how she takes that scar into subsequent relationships with men. It ought to be thoughtful and wise, but it doesn't cut it. There is another dimension that might be interesting, but I'd have to read it a second time to work it out. The protagonist is taking a screenwriting class, and there is byplay between the lessons about plot structure and the plot structure of the heroine's life. I found it sort of contrived, but I might think differently if I reread it (but I won't).
December 27, 2018
I’m not entirely sure why so many people didn’t like this book. I haven’t read The Manny, so I had no expectations that this book would be anything other than it was.
I liked the main character, Allie. I can understand where she’s coming from - she’s invested a lot in her marriage and wants it to succeed. Perhaps she’s been a bit too trusting, perhaps she’s picked the wrong guy for the wrong reasons, but she’s making the most of it. One day, everything starts to unravel. Maybe she doesn’t want to believe she’s been naive, maybe she’s scared of what the consequences will be if she sticks up for herself.
I found this an enjoyable read. It wasn’t predictable and ending was satisfying. As the mystery built and then unfolded I found myself really wanting to read more and find out what was going to happen. Highly recommended.
I liked the main character, Allie. I can understand where she’s coming from - she’s invested a lot in her marriage and wants it to succeed. Perhaps she’s been a bit too trusting, perhaps she’s picked the wrong guy for the wrong reasons, but she’s making the most of it. One day, everything starts to unravel. Maybe she doesn’t want to believe she’s been naive, maybe she’s scared of what the consequences will be if she sticks up for herself.
I found this an enjoyable read. It wasn’t predictable and ending was satisfying. As the mystery built and then unfolded I found myself really wanting to read more and find out what was going to happen. Highly recommended.
October 31, 2021
Ugh that took me forever. Once I realized it was ok to skim and I forgave myself for doing so, I did. Best parts.. screenwriting class when they break out the acts, hooks and info on writing a screenplay. Felt informative and like I was actually getting a lesson out of it. But oh so much filler. Slowed the story down and I felt myself constantly losing interest. It was just a skimmer. I don't like skewering books or writers because i know it takes an effort to put words to paper.. but.. this was one of those times you can't start another book before you finish one, and I just never read because it didn't have anything that I gave a shit about. Oh well. Sorry.. well except for the screenplay writing class. It was just all over the place. Wouldn't even recommend for a summer beach read. I forced myself to finish it. Oh god.. I'll shut up now.
July 25, 2018
I really loved the female characters in this book and was at the edge of my seat wondering who Allie should trust and what exactly was happening.
Since I am not a PR specialist or have been following stocks and things of the journalism world I was left scratching my head regarding about some of the things happening and had to google what they meant.
I forget the names of Allie's "best friend" and the pretty blonde but I loved the character of the blonde who had a fling with Wade because there is so much more to her than just being a pretty face who "slept around".
I finished this book on a really content and happy note!
I would love if the author made a spin off on the Blonde and how she navigated life because she seems like such a cool character to follow along with.
Since I am not a PR specialist or have been following stocks and things of the journalism world I was left scratching my head regarding about some of the things happening and had to google what they meant.
I forget the names of Allie's "best friend" and the pretty blonde but I loved the character of the blonde who had a fling with Wade because there is so much more to her than just being a pretty face who "slept around".
I finished this book on a really content and happy note!
I would love if the author made a spin off on the Blonde and how she navigated life because she seems like such a cool character to follow along with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2020
I was entertained by this book, but it wasn't quite what I expected from reading the book cover. There were times that I really lost what was going on with Wade, Murray and Jackie- and I felt like the kids were almost unnecessary to the story.
The character of Caitlin was a pretty awful person - and yet there didn't seem to be any consequences for her duplicity either.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and was really hooked at the end and was eager to keep reading until the end.
The character of Caitlin was a pretty awful person - and yet there didn't seem to be any consequences for her duplicity either.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and was really hooked at the end and was eager to keep reading until the end.
January 28, 2016
I received the book from the touring host for an honest review.
A fascinating book written from one protagonist view point, Allie Crawford. A young working mother with two small children that struggles with the infidelity of her husband, a tiring boss, a work load that left you breathless at times, and taking screenwriting classes to further her own writing career. Not to mention the issues of bullying at school as she tried to steer her son in the right direction and a little daughter that demand most of her time the moment she was close.
The idea of him is a topic most of us women folk struggles with, me included. From an early age we are so hyped up with finding a man, married said man and live happily ever after that we forget one important thing; me. As a woman you are so wrapped up with the idea of marriage, of belonging, having it all that when your world is shaken you struggle to find yourself in the maze that has become your life. Trying to make sense of it all and what's really your place in the world you are living in.
Allie superbly fitted this description. Loosing her father at a very young age she was looking for a replacement figure that would match the idea she had of her father. When she married Wade she thought he was the perfect match. But early on in the marriage he already showed his real colors and he had an affair with a young thing when she nursed their first born; as the story unfolds you learn more about his indiscretions and how she handled it.
When she met a young blonde woman, Jackie Malone, perfect in every way; who tried to become her friend after she had slept with her husband. Warning her to look closer at what her husband and boss did, and to protect herself; when she followed her advice her life had spin out of control drastically. This added to the plot and soon you were wondering about this woman yourself. What was her intentions? Was she still sleeping with him? Why all the secrets? Leaving Allie and you with many questions and no real answers as more and more things comes to the forefront of this unique story.
Jackie Malone, student, helping her struggling mum had many secrets and in the beginning I couldn't help but frown at her antics, which looked very deceptive and cunning to me. But yet as you learn more about her through Allie's eyes you knew there was more to the story. At the end I really liked her character, her wittiness as she put herself on the line for Allie and her family. Not afraid to do what was right to safe the day.
There were four distinctive men in Allie's life that played a huge role in who she was, what she does and the choices she would make.
Her husband Wade, was a schemer, business man, lover of self, playing the guilt trip to get his way found himself in between two worlds. One the traditional family with all its responsibilities and two a fast paced world that lives within its own rules. Trying to juggle it but making a huge mess of it all as he makes wrong choices every time, his family standing back so that he could be number one.
When Allie met Tommy, a man that attendant the same classes as she, helping her in the assignment they have received, the author just added another layer to the already filled plot. This raised more questions then answers in her life and when he shows his interest in her as a woman she had a few choices to make. This man offered her something that Wade didn't, he was interested in her and in the process helped her to find her own feet.
Her best friend James, a man that knew her the best and longest, and throughout the story she wondered about the fact that she never married her soul mate, her friend and lover. Hoping to maybe get back to him; that is if he would have her. Always there for her in her shambles of a life, guiding her and bringing her head back out of the clouds. Their casual relationship was born from years of long standing friendship, from hardships as they dealt with life, losses and truths. James did not hide the fact that he didn't like Wade but yet supported her unconditionally.
Her boss Marcus, what a character. Demanding, obnoxious full of nonsense that ruled her hours and days without any remorse for her or her young family. Acting like a spoiled brat as he demanded her attention and time to do his own bidding, but yet their relationship was open-minded as she reasoned with him about work related decisions. A relationship that had its ups and downs but yet they could work together as a team since Marcus trusted her.
With supporting characters that were out for only one thing; power and money; in a world where image and 'who you know' means something; you had a whole bunch of action going on as Allie struggles through her daily life, trying to find her feet and doing the right thing for all involved, while dealing with the image she have of men in general. As more twists are added and answers began to pop up; you get lost in her life, her choices and the greed that causes people to make the wrong decisions. All trying to find their own way in a very demanding world.
An excellent book with an unique plot that will keep you busy, leaving you with some thoughts to consider in your own life.
September 19, 2019
I read the reviews and I still decided to push through this train wreck of characters. This was not a satisfying read at all. It was a quick one but that’s about it. I don’t have nothing more to say just that it was a huge disappointment.
April 10, 2023
Something else
This novel was different than I’d expect! This novel also held my interest all the way through. I was intrigued and didn’t know what would happen. Wade was dark and I found myself hopeful that he wasn’t how he was portrayed.
This novel was different than I’d expect! This novel also held my interest all the way through. I was intrigued and didn’t know what would happen. Wade was dark and I found myself hopeful that he wasn’t how he was portrayed.
February 17, 2025
The plot was good but it was filled with fluff and really hard to follow. I feel like the Tommy character just kind of went away halfway through the book. This book could have been more concise and effective if it was 200 pages.
September 17, 2019
This book was a chore to read. I just couldn't go on past 93%.
June 21, 2020
This book had a few interesting twists, I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the narrative of the book.
May 4, 2021
Was a story line that didn’t hold my attention but it had some interesting spots
May 9, 2021
This one had me hooked. I kept reading and trying to guess what was going to happen! It was more suspense than romance.
April 17, 2023
Not my favorite. I didn’t like Allie, she was wishy washy. Make a decision and go for it. She want very bright when it came to finding things out.
April 18, 2023
I find it ironic that the main character is taking a writing class in this book because the writing is terrible! And it's too bad because the plot actually has promise.
May 19, 2014
I am ashamed to say that I had never heard of Holly Peterson until this tour. The Idea of Him is a novel that will have you pulled right in from the start and wanting to know all about Allie, who works as a PR for a firm run by Murray Hillsinger. The project that she has that is bigger than all of that is the Fulton Film Festival, and there is a big investor that is involved with that one called, Max Rola.d Max has recently been released from prison for fraud. The plot is all over the place and a thickening stew. I loved every moment of Allie’s life and figuring out where everyone fit in. She has a husband, Wade, that you will just want to slap silly sometimes. There are also women involved and scandal with the marketing to make a quick buck.
Wade is the editor of a very big magazine that profiles big stars and he has started to make stories that are false. Times are getting tough for him at the magazine and so he is having to play the market however he can. People are wanting to read magazines digitally and not in print. This is distressing to Wade and so the actions that he takes to try to get out from sinking are nothing short of crazy. Allie catched Wade during a party at their home in their laundry room with a very pretty woman that she has no idea who she is. Allie will be told by the woman that she is doing nothing other but trying to help in the bigger scheme. You as a reader are not sure whether to believe what she has to say or not. You will have to read the story to find out all the juicu details and how she really fits in to the whole mess.
Allie believes Wade is cheating on her YET AGAIN with this woman and sdhe confronts him about Jackie. A flash drive with some numbers and accounts with colored labels is the key to everything starting to fall apart around them as they know it. Marriage, friendship and feelings of any type will be challenged in this novel. You will love and hate many of the characters, but once the book is completely over you will understand why each character acted the way that they did. Jackie had me wondering what she was up to the whole time. Wade just plain made me sick seventy-five percent of time, and I will be completely honest that Allie just made me down right sad. The sadness I felt stemmed from her lost love that she still can’t get over, James.
There is just one more wrench thrown into the story and that’s Tommy. Allie meets him during a screenwriting class and he is every woman’s dream of hot, charming and understanding. There are some illusions to sex in this novel where it comes to Tommy and Allie. The fling that they have will get your feelings and emotions all in a know wondering what will ever become of them in this type of relationship. Allie has always relied on men whether it was Wade or James. I think all of this stems from losing her father at such an early age. My heart was pulled and ached in these scenes where she reminisces, but she still needed to become a stronger woman for herself.
I would never post a spoiler here but I was furious with a couple scenes right before the very ending of the novel. You will find out why! This is a great coming of age story as a woman learns how to find herself without the guidance of a man and to live for herself for once. She uncovers more than the truth about the people around her. She discovers a lot about herself as well in the process. I am going to keep Peterson on my radar and read more by her. I was nothing less than pleased and satisfied with this novel.
Disclosure: I received the novel in exchange for my review. All thoughts are completely my own.
Wade is the editor of a very big magazine that profiles big stars and he has started to make stories that are false. Times are getting tough for him at the magazine and so he is having to play the market however he can. People are wanting to read magazines digitally and not in print. This is distressing to Wade and so the actions that he takes to try to get out from sinking are nothing short of crazy. Allie catched Wade during a party at their home in their laundry room with a very pretty woman that she has no idea who she is. Allie will be told by the woman that she is doing nothing other but trying to help in the bigger scheme. You as a reader are not sure whether to believe what she has to say or not. You will have to read the story to find out all the juicu details and how she really fits in to the whole mess.
Allie believes Wade is cheating on her YET AGAIN with this woman and sdhe confronts him about Jackie. A flash drive with some numbers and accounts with colored labels is the key to everything starting to fall apart around them as they know it. Marriage, friendship and feelings of any type will be challenged in this novel. You will love and hate many of the characters, but once the book is completely over you will understand why each character acted the way that they did. Jackie had me wondering what she was up to the whole time. Wade just plain made me sick seventy-five percent of time, and I will be completely honest that Allie just made me down right sad. The sadness I felt stemmed from her lost love that she still can’t get over, James.
There is just one more wrench thrown into the story and that’s Tommy. Allie meets him during a screenwriting class and he is every woman’s dream of hot, charming and understanding. There are some illusions to sex in this novel where it comes to Tommy and Allie. The fling that they have will get your feelings and emotions all in a know wondering what will ever become of them in this type of relationship. Allie has always relied on men whether it was Wade or James. I think all of this stems from losing her father at such an early age. My heart was pulled and ached in these scenes where she reminisces, but she still needed to become a stronger woman for herself.
I would never post a spoiler here but I was furious with a couple scenes right before the very ending of the novel. You will find out why! This is a great coming of age story as a woman learns how to find herself without the guidance of a man and to live for herself for once. She uncovers more than the truth about the people around her. She discovers a lot about herself as well in the process. I am going to keep Peterson on my radar and read more by her. I was nothing less than pleased and satisfied with this novel.
Disclosure: I received the novel in exchange for my review. All thoughts are completely my own.
May 3, 2014
4.5 stars
A new wave of chick lit is on the rise: it subverts the "happily ever after" formula and exposes the dark and conflicting sides of our most intimate relationships. THE IDEA OF HIM is a new interesting variation on the 'marriage thriller' theme. Read my review on MINA'S BOOKSHELF http://minadecaro.blogspot.com/2014/0...
A new wave of chick lit has been on a consistent rise in recent times: the new genre trend, launched in 2012 by publishing phenomenon Gone Girl, subverts the "happily ever after" trademark formula and exposes the dark and conflicting sides of the most intimate of relationships - the holy matrimony. With a focus on the dysfunctional aspects of husband-wife dynamics, Gillian Flynn's wildly popular novel and a number of other successful forays into the complex territory of the psychological thriller genre (The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty, The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison, Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson, How To Be A Good Wife by Emma Chapman, Before We Met by Lucie Whitehouse, etc.) target a predominantly female readership with tales of secretive husbands, deception and lies, intimate betrayals and conflicts that shake the foundations of the domestic walls and the sanctity of seemingly perfect marriages to their core.
"The one place you should feel safe - your home - and the one person you should be safe with - your husband - become alien and threatening." (Lucy Scholes)
Bringing to the surface of a fictional mirror a fear that reflects a profound shift of values and habits in our modern society, the current enthusiasm for "chick noir" and "marriage thrillers" explores, with a range of nuances that vary from dry cynicism to dark comedy and family drama, the idea that our nearest life-partner may not be what he seems.
"In that instant, with that one glance in her direction, I knew my instincts over the past year were correct and that I had to stop glossing over problems; while on the surface we were status quo, something beneath had changed for him. Warm on the outside, cold on the inside." (Holly Peterson, The Idea Of Him)
Along these lines, THE IDEA OF HIM by New York Times bestselling author Holly Peterson represents an interesting variation on the 'marriage thriller' theme. Peterson's novel lacks the gloomy quality of a Flynn's murky drama, as it is brightened by the female leads' redemptive qualities, luminous path to self-awareness, romantic elements and glamorous setting. The disillusionment of the 'marriage fairy tale' is the thematic core of the former ABC News producer's novel: the disturbing idea that our spouse could be hiding nasty secrets is pivotal in the unfolding of this suspenseful plot, but around that grassroots concept Peterson spins a riveting tale featuring high-finance schemes and stock market manipulations.
The elitism of a glossy, high-profile Manhattan society may not exactly qualify as the most relatable story backdrop for part of the ideal women's fiction audience, but the appeal of Peterson's novel remains wide and profound: THE IDEA OF HIM resonates with emotional authenticity and relationship insights that will hit very close to home with many, many of us.
***Review copy graciously provided by the publisher in return for an unbiased and honest opinion.
A new wave of chick lit is on the rise: it subverts the "happily ever after" formula and exposes the dark and conflicting sides of our most intimate relationships. THE IDEA OF HIM is a new interesting variation on the 'marriage thriller' theme. Read my review on MINA'S BOOKSHELF http://minadecaro.blogspot.com/2014/0...
A new wave of chick lit has been on a consistent rise in recent times: the new genre trend, launched in 2012 by publishing phenomenon Gone Girl, subverts the "happily ever after" trademark formula and exposes the dark and conflicting sides of the most intimate of relationships - the holy matrimony. With a focus on the dysfunctional aspects of husband-wife dynamics, Gillian Flynn's wildly popular novel and a number of other successful forays into the complex territory of the psychological thriller genre (The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty, The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison, Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson, How To Be A Good Wife by Emma Chapman, Before We Met by Lucie Whitehouse, etc.) target a predominantly female readership with tales of secretive husbands, deception and lies, intimate betrayals and conflicts that shake the foundations of the domestic walls and the sanctity of seemingly perfect marriages to their core.
"The one place you should feel safe - your home - and the one person you should be safe with - your husband - become alien and threatening." (Lucy Scholes)
Bringing to the surface of a fictional mirror a fear that reflects a profound shift of values and habits in our modern society, the current enthusiasm for "chick noir" and "marriage thrillers" explores, with a range of nuances that vary from dry cynicism to dark comedy and family drama, the idea that our nearest life-partner may not be what he seems.
"In that instant, with that one glance in her direction, I knew my instincts over the past year were correct and that I had to stop glossing over problems; while on the surface we were status quo, something beneath had changed for him. Warm on the outside, cold on the inside." (Holly Peterson, The Idea Of Him)
Along these lines, THE IDEA OF HIM by New York Times bestselling author Holly Peterson represents an interesting variation on the 'marriage thriller' theme. Peterson's novel lacks the gloomy quality of a Flynn's murky drama, as it is brightened by the female leads' redemptive qualities, luminous path to self-awareness, romantic elements and glamorous setting. The disillusionment of the 'marriage fairy tale' is the thematic core of the former ABC News producer's novel: the disturbing idea that our spouse could be hiding nasty secrets is pivotal in the unfolding of this suspenseful plot, but around that grassroots concept Peterson spins a riveting tale featuring high-finance schemes and stock market manipulations.
The elitism of a glossy, high-profile Manhattan society may not exactly qualify as the most relatable story backdrop for part of the ideal women's fiction audience, but the appeal of Peterson's novel remains wide and profound: THE IDEA OF HIM resonates with emotional authenticity and relationship insights that will hit very close to home with many, many of us.
***Review copy graciously provided by the publisher in return for an unbiased and honest opinion.
May 15, 2014
I have to admit, I assumed that this book was going to be your typical chick-lit book: clueless girl fell in love with the wrong guy, breaks-up, picks up the pieces and proceeds to have a happily-ever-after. I was so very wrong - and that is a good thing. This book was not what I expected at all, within the first few pages I knew that it was not going to be easy to put it down, the writing is exquisite; I really, really enjoyed its fast paced storyline, the unexpected twists and turns, the realistic characters and the harsh reality of denial...
Allie is a good mom, loyal wife and hard worker. Her world is everyone elses world, and she's been happy doing it all. Or so, she thinks she's happy doing it all. There's history, there have been signs, but she never pays attention to anything bad or negative for too long. For many years all she's done is run away from her past, her heartaches. And she's proud of herself for being able to push it all away and live a happy life... until she catches her husband in the laundry room with a gorgeous 20-something. What is she suppose to think? What do you think?.. You don't think something happened in there, do you? Something did happen in there... but its not entirely what you think, maybe a little...
The mystery, the needing to know who this gorgeous girl is! We soon find out that her name is Jackie, and she knows things - she knows everything about Allie, her family, her finances, mostly her husband. Allie's world is crumbling, but Jackie asks her to hold on for a bit longer, trust her and in the end, she'll be happy that she did. How is Allie suppose to trust someone who has had a relationship with her husband? Who knows things that they shouldn't know? Who is so vague with information but yet so smart and honest? Let the page-turning novel speak for itself - I couldn't read it fast enough!
I must say, as wonderful the story and writing is, it took me a few chapters to get used to these characters - but like in real life, sometimes you have to get to know people in order to understand them. Each character is extremely flawed - a few I completely understood why they were the way that they were. Allie's denial and wanting to stick up for her husband and all the men in her life was annoying at times - but she has her reasons and I could not hold that against her. The author did an outstanding job with letting us into her head with flashbacks and explanations. But, her husband Wade and her boss Murray where undeniably chauvinistic, mean, bossy and so much more. They annoyed me and I just wanted to scream. The author really goes in deep and shows the competitive side to business, and how that can control people's lives. She really outdid herself with the realism of it all! These people do exist and if a character gets under my skin that much, the author did her job! Especially depicting the NYC life, how busy and crass it can all be! There is a lot of swearing and sexual innuendos, you have been warned.
Holly Peterson really understands the difficulties within unique and intense relationships and explores it all in great detail, heart with a splash of humor. This is more than just a beach read - it's a must read!
Go enjoy it now!
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