Days Like These

by Sue Margolis

In the new novel from the author of Losing Me, one woman is about to discover what happens when you take the “grand” out of “grandma.”

Recently widowed, Judy Schofield jumps at the chance to look after her two grandchildren for six weeks, while their parents are out of the country. After all, she’s already raised one set of children—and quite successfully, if she may say so herself. But all it takes is a few days of private school functions, helicopter parents, video games, and never-ending Frozen sing-a-longs for Judy to feel she’s in over her head.
 
As weeks become months, Judy feels more and more like an outsider among all the young mothers with their parenting theories du jour, especially when she gets on the wrong side of the school’s snooty alpha mom. But finding a friend in another grandmother—and a man who takes her mind off all the stress—almost make it worthwhile. She just needs to take it one food allergy, one incomprehensible homework assignment, and one major meltdown at a time...

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Womens Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2016

About the author

Sue Margolis is the author of nine books, which have more than half a million copies in print from Bantam Dell. She lives in England, where she's at work on her next novel.

Sue worked as a reporter for the BBC, before leaving broadcasting to write her first novel. She lives in London with her journalist husband Jonathan. They have three grown up children. Sue’s hobbies include napping, constantly interfering in her children’s lives, not going out, eating - especially the remains of the previous night’s take-out curry straight from the fridge, and watching made for TV true-life movies in her PJs.

She died of lung cancer, aged 62.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sue Margolis' writing has evolved from single young woman looking for love in London (and getting some steamy bedroom action as part of the adventure) to woman in her fifties or sixties who is now an empty-nester and starting over a bit. However, all her books have humor (most of it Jewish) and some crazy situations, which still makes her a lovable writer as far as I am concerned.

Days Like These took a bit of time to get to the core of the story, but there was plenty of laughter along the way. Judy's grandchildren reminded me of my younger two children, and I enjoyed "spending time" with them. Her mother, the hypochondriac who cooked elaborate meals, was a fun supporting character. There was also her nemesis, Claudia, who was always trying to prove she was a better mother than anyone else. Judy's main conflict was about trying to move on from the loss of her spouse. A new man entering the scene complicated things for Judy, in more ways than one.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel and couldn't wait to see what would happen next, especially once they reached the main conflict. I first was worried I wouldn't be able to relate to Judy due to our age difference, but I found her to be kind, while also flawed. I think she would be great to have as a friend. Women have needs and desires, no matter how old we are, and that is definitely shown through Judy's perspective.

Movie casting ideas:
Judy: Nancy Travis
Ginny: Jane Leeves
Mike: Henry Czerny
Nana: Shirley MacLaine
Claudia: Keira Knightley

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's all about relationships. Relationships between, parents, siblings, friends, parent-child and acquaintances. This book pulled me into the family of Nana, Judith, Sam and Rosie as they try to cope while Sam and Rosie's parents are out helping in another country as they are both doctors. Sue Margolis does a great job of showing how there can be conflict within a family, how we support each other and how we fight for each other. This was so worth my time.

I received an advanced copy from the Penguin Random House First to Read program.

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that this book would be right up my alley. An older woman taking care of her grandchildren while her daughter and son-in-law leave the country to help an impoverished nation through a tragedy of massive destruction. I thought that this would be a humorous read per the books description - what with an older woman trying to fit in with the modern idea of raising a family and instead I found it to be a book about taking sides, class distinction, no humor to be found and more neurosis than you can shake a stick at. Very unoriginal and done with little finesse.

What I did take away from this book is that the parents of these children are quite selfish for putting their careers ahead of their family. I DO understand that what they did was extremely altruistic and I should be admiring them, but I did not. These parents are already helping people just by being Dr.’s and one could have left to tend to this devastated country while the other stayed home and then switched places.

I also realize that if both parents hadn’t left at the same time, there would be no book.

The Britishisms and slang started to get on my nerves and I had to use my dictionary more times than I spent reading the actual novel. Yes, this book was by a Brit author, I GET IT. But seriously if a book is going to be marketed to the USA then tone down *some* of the Brit speak please.

I also found the character’s to be very annoying, dislikable, selfish, spoiled, one dimensional and a bit clichéd. So was the plot (what there was of a plot). Some authors can do a wonderful job of writing simply about the days in the lives of their characters with nothing guiding these character’s but to get to the end of the book -this was not one of these books.

I could go on about why I thought that this wasn’t a good book, but it IS a good book, and therefore why I gave it a higher star rating than I normally would have. However, it was just not for someone like me (who is actually the age of the Grandmother) who was raised to believe that family came first in most cases; a career (both mothers AND fathers) came in second. Not always, but mostly.

*ARC supplied by publisher.

[AdiTurbo · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I really liked some of Margolis' earlier books, but this one just didn't work for me. I thought I would like it, too, but it felt flat to me, and the characters never really came to life or felt like real people that I could care about. Sorry, moving on.

[ShannonCC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but I think that's mainly because I'm a fan of slice of life stories. It was incredibly predictable. As soon as we met each main character I knew how their stories would turn out (who would date who, who would get put in their place, etc). There were absolutely no surprises with anything.

Also sort of eye rolling that the author's main point seemed to be to drive home how the current generation is simply not raising their kids as well as the previous one did.

But in the end, I really liked the characters. Most of them were nicely three dimensional and it was an enjoyable, easy read. A good book for just chilling :)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Sue Margolis. Her characters are always real and totally relatable. This book was heartwarming.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin First to Read for a copy of this book.

I've read many of Sue Margolis' novels before and have enjoyed them, but I can't say I truly enjoyed this one, though I didn't altogether dislike it, either.

I couldn't find any of the characters particularly likable, save for Judy's love interest, who seemed like the only really decent, down-to-earth personality. The conversations were incredibly cheesy in my point of view, and the way the children all the way to the adults spoke felt inaccurate and unlikely to me. I find it hard to believe that a five and ten-year-old are so insightful at some points, and asking what 'grief' means in the next paragraph.

The main character, Judy, seemed overly brash and rather impolite when it didn't appear to be particularly called for. It became annoying and made her character hard to endear myself to. Her friends Tanya and Ginny weren't much better, especially Tanya, who was rude left and right, for seemingly minor reasons.

Honestly, it was all quite simple and silly of a story, but it wasn't horrible, it held my interest and kept me reading, even with all I didn't enjoy about it. For that, it deserves a bit of credit.

[Kathryn Laceby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes

A novel by Sue Margolis rarely fails to make it into my heart. I had laughed more than once and cried before I even got to page 40 in this one which says an abundance of things about the ability of the writer to bring you immediately into a new world and relate it to your own.

Margolis’ ability is in bridging multi-generational situations to make one story a reality-without seeming trite. She’s expressive and honest about the main character’s current stage of life and the language is such that you wouldn’t know what age she was until you’re told or the other characters around her put an age on her. I suppose I’m of the generation of Judy’s daughter but I see a lot of myself in Judy as well as my own mother and many “aunties” I am lucky enough to have around me.

Judy’s grandson, Sam, is having a hard time at school and there are a few situations that crop up which develop into very serious consequences. Judy is attempting to address his concerns as a grandparent but also as a temporary parent and she navigates the line as best she can without putting on full mama bear mode. I actually felt her holding back her need to protect him as she had to keep a line of composure as the grandmother and not destroy her daughter’s relationships at the school. A very fine line indeed…

Throughout Days Like These there is the bond between Judy and her own mother that is explored tentatively – it seems that they haven’t always known each other very well. Despite their ease and teasing of each other there was a lot explored about their bond in the story as well. Days Like These covers every possible relationship between these four generations and I laughed and cried along with it.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for our review copy. All opinions are our own.

[Natalie Kowalczuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aren’t you supposed to be worry free as a grandmother? That is not the case for grandma Judy. Recently, her husband of thirty years passed away. She was grieving for quite a while and couldn’t get over it. Her mother, Frieda comforted her through this time. Judy’s daughter, Abby, and daughter’s husband, Tom, go on a trip to Nicaragua to help out with damage after a tragic earthquake. Judy is left to take care of her grandchildren, Rosie and Sam. With so much on her plate, she doesn’t know if she can do it, although she has her own daughter. From driving the kids to school activities to finding love again, she’s been through it all. Mike, is a man around her age who she found while dropping off her grandchildren at school. From that point, they were inseparable. Even the kids knew. No matter what situation occurred, he was there for her to celebrate any little accomplishment. Of course, they had to tell their parents all about it when they came home from the trip.

I felt a funny connection with the book. There was this part of the boom when Sam wanted McDonalds. He always wanted McDonald’s, actually. He sounded like my cousin, Alex, who is a picky eater. He also loved McDonald’s. Sam dunked his fries in a pool of ketchup which gave me a flashback to my cousin doing the same thing. I remember looking at him in disgust, so I knew how grandmother Judy felt when she witnessed Sam doing the same thing. I rated this book a 4 because it wasn’t the absolute best book I’ve read, but it was lighthearted and sweet. It showed connections with the families and a bond no one could break. Some families are not fortunate enough to have the bond this one does.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it's all about starting over and finding your purpose once life throws you a hardball. Judy is suffering from immense grief. Her husband of 30 years has recently passed. She no longer is employed. She is struggling with middle age, with an elderly mother and a daughter who is too busy for her. Her daughter shakes things up by asking Judy to watch her 2 children while she and her husband go to work on a relief mission for 6 wks. 6 wks turns into just over 3 months and Judy's world is completely turned upside down with taking care of her grandchildren. It just goes to show you that everyone needs a purpose and with a little motivation you can change your entire outlook on life. A heartwarming story that was slow at times. Thank you First to Read for the opportunity to read and review this work.

[Gail Ofterdinger-Ledgister · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful tale about a grandmom who is forced (somewhat) to keep the two grandkids when their parents accept a mission to treat people from a disaster across the planet. Grandma is not yet comfortable with widowhood, but rediscovers her spunk when the know-it-all expert on child-rearing and the most outspoken of the school's parents takes her to task. Enter an attractive widower who knows how to bide his time and woo this lady and we have a woman who is bustling to get it all done in the 24 hour day. The kids act up, of course, and grandma has to fix it with the school and the other parents. It is a speedy read and a treat. My thanks to the author and the Penguin First to Read program for a complimentary copy.

[Stacey Lechner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Berkely Publishing Group for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book had me laughing away throughout, even while dealing with such heavy topics as bullying, the Holocaust and death. The book tells the story of Judy, a recent widow, who agrees to take care of her two grandchildren while her daughter and son-in-law are out of the country. She quickly realizes that she can't keep up with the young mothers at the private school her grandchildren attend, even with the help of her mother and two women that she befriends. While caring for her grandchildren, she starts to move forward with her life, finding new friends and love all while dealing with two overbooked and overstimulated kids. An enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Alodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Definitely love her approach to life and love, it is so rare to read a book about a grandma and relate to it. I liked her approach to the children, upon reflection, I saw her insight into their behavior to be really thoughtful. The youngest child has a stuffed carrot, or is it a real carrot? The grandmother makes friends easily. She believes that the children should slow down and enjoy life more, which is the kind of thing grandmas typically say (I know mine did) but I couldn't help but think maybe this grandma was right once I saw her perspective. I like reading British authors, but some of the culture is lost on me (American) once thing I do understand is drinking tons of tea and I could go for a cuppa

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved Judy, Frieda, Denise, the kids- all of it. It was terrific to read a novel where the protagonist is a 57 year old woman who is in the classic sandwich situation, with the added complication of grief from the untimely death of her husband. There were no false notes in this one for me. The added benefit is Margolis' clean, direct writing style and a plot with a few twists and turns. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Give the negative reviews a pass and try this one- it's definitely worth your time.

[Emma Bothwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy a good people story, but something about this writing style didn't have me hooked until the final third of the novel. It felt like these characters with potential were just milling around until BLAM at the last second a minimal amount of hell broke loose. I guess I could describe this as a safe book - not too crazy, not too out there, some human thoughts to make the characters relatable and some mistakes to make the story realistic. But nothing that really popped out at me. A good read if you're looking for a beach book that doesn't involve any emotional investment.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, I probably would have given this book “two stars, predictable, did not finish,” but right now it’s just what I’ve needed.

Perspectives of several generations revealed in one slice of family life. I didn't know I was in need of a heartwarming fiction about a mostly-functional family, but this book reached out from the shelf to latch onto me. Sometimes I need to read about other people coping in mostly-healthy, mostly-productive, best-you-can ways so that I can feel like a fairly normal human.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more like 2 1/2 stars --- just could not like this book. Parents go off and leave their 4 and 9 yr old children in care of their grandma and great grandma....who does that???
I felt sorry for the children and disgusted with Judy (the grandma) and her mother. The only thing kept me going was it took place is England, usually favorite of mine.

[Diane Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from first to read. The story was enjoyable even if a little predictable. The story takes place in London.. A grandmom takes care of her two young grandchildren for a few weeks and she has her hands full. I like to reading the English expressions.

[Jan Weishaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-drawn characters and their relationships made this an enjoyable book to read. There was humor and an exploration of emotions in this story about family and friendships. I'd guess that my being a grandmother made the story even more interesting.

[Heather Mayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It showed a person's first hand look at modern parenting for someone (a grandma) who usually watches from the outside. Children are complex and frustrating, but also can bring out our best character.

[Ginger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm fine with a slice-of-life kind of book from one person's pov, but it really got to me how she was always always right in the end. I think I would have given it more stars if I'd reviewed right after I read it, but a few weeks later, that's all I can remember about it, so eh...

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3.5

Very amusing, although somewhat predictable. Funny and well developed characters makes this book very enjoyable. There are some surprising twists in the story that will keep you engaged.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to a 3.5 than a 3. Good story. Nice to see a protagonist that's a bit older than most.

[MsMusic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to read books that offer a "slice of life", but I found this book not great but not bad. I thought the book went into too much detail in the first half, then rushed through the second half. It felt as though the author suddenly realized she needed to move the story along. I agree with another review that found the eventual love interest of the grandmother the more interesting character in the book. I am a grandmother who is also a caretaker of her grandchildren after school and during school holidays, so I was hoping I would enjoy it more than I did.

[Dorothy Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was a book that I read.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully written and unpredictable. I really enjoyed the character development and the premise of the novel was excellent.

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actually have up on it after 100 pages
Found it boring

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chick lit for grandmothers. It started out entertaining then went downhill. But it got a little interesting again further in.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet, predictable, fun story. I especially appreciate the main character's strength and positivity.