What do you think?
Rate this book
Kusursuz Hayatlar
Bir gün en yakın arkadaşınızla yer değiştirirseniz ve her zaman imrendiğiniz hayata sahip olursanız ne yapardınız?
Çocukluklarından beri yakın dost olan Casey ve Rachel’ın hayatlarının daha farklı olması mümkün değildi. Bir dedikodu programının sunucusu işkolik Casey, her gün ünlülerle haşır neşir oluyor ve geceleri boş evinin sessizliğine dönüyordu. Genç yaşında kazara hamile kalan Rachel ise şimdi günlerini bebeği ve iki ergen kızıyla baş etmeye çalışarak geçiyordu, dahası yirmi yıl önce âşık olduğu adamın yerinde de yeller esiyordu.
Yirminci Mezunlar Günü buluşmasında büyük bir tartışmanın ardından ikisi de işleri yeniden yoluna koymak için o tuhaf içkiyi içmekte sakınca görmemişti. Ama yeniden yoluna koymak şöyle dursun, işler iyice karışmak üzereydi.
Ertesi sabah uyandıklarında birbirlerinin bedenlerinde olduklarını keşfetmişlerdi ve kara kara yeni hayatlarına nasıl uyum sağlayacaklarını düşünüyorlardı. Rachel’ın kameralar önündeki yerine alışması, Casey’nin ise bebeğinin altını nasıl değiştireceğini öğrenmesi gerekiyordu. Peki iki kadın, kendilerini ve birbirlerini ne kadar az tanıdıklarını fark edecek miydi?
***
“Bu kitaba daha ilk cümlesinden bayıldım (tarihe en komik ve en cesur açılış cümlesi olarak geçebilir). Eğlenceli, dürüst ve çok dokunaklı bir hikâye; Liz Fenton ve Lisa Steinke kadın edebiyatının çok gerçekçi ve samimi yazabilen iki yeni kalemi.”
– Sarah Jio, Mart Menekşeleri ve Yeşil Deniz Kabuğu kitaplarının New York Times çoksatan yazarı
“Kusursuz Hayatlar, gülmekten yerlere yatıran, kolayca bağ kurulabilen karakterleri, merak uyandıran konusu ve kusursuz olduğunu düşündüğünüz hayatın aslında kendi hayatınız olduğuna dikkat çekmesiyle, aradığım tüm özelliklere sahip.”
– Jen Lancaster, New York Times çoksatan yazarı
“Kusursuz Hayatlar, Çılgın Cuma senaryosuna yepyeni bir soluk getirmiş. Liz Fenton’ın ve Lisa Steinke’nin esprili ve samimi diline bayıldım ve çıkış romanlarını resmen yalayıp yuttum.”
– Sarah Pekkanen, The Best of Us kitabının yazarı
“Liz ve Lisa’nın sesleri, rahat pijamalarınızı giyerek arkadaşınızla yaptığınız keyifli bir sohbet gibi sıcacık ve güven verici.
Kusursuz Hayatlar’ı okumanızı şiddetle tavsiye ederim!”
– Beth Harbison, Hayatı Bütün Kalbinle Sev kitabının New York Times çoksatan yazarı
Çocukluklarından beri yakın dost olan Casey ve Rachel’ın hayatlarının daha farklı olması mümkün değildi. Bir dedikodu programının sunucusu işkolik Casey, her gün ünlülerle haşır neşir oluyor ve geceleri boş evinin sessizliğine dönüyordu. Genç yaşında kazara hamile kalan Rachel ise şimdi günlerini bebeği ve iki ergen kızıyla baş etmeye çalışarak geçiyordu, dahası yirmi yıl önce âşık olduğu adamın yerinde de yeller esiyordu.
Yirminci Mezunlar Günü buluşmasında büyük bir tartışmanın ardından ikisi de işleri yeniden yoluna koymak için o tuhaf içkiyi içmekte sakınca görmemişti. Ama yeniden yoluna koymak şöyle dursun, işler iyice karışmak üzereydi.
Ertesi sabah uyandıklarında birbirlerinin bedenlerinde olduklarını keşfetmişlerdi ve kara kara yeni hayatlarına nasıl uyum sağlayacaklarını düşünüyorlardı. Rachel’ın kameralar önündeki yerine alışması, Casey’nin ise bebeğinin altını nasıl değiştireceğini öğrenmesi gerekiyordu. Peki iki kadın, kendilerini ve birbirlerini ne kadar az tanıdıklarını fark edecek miydi?
***
“Bu kitaba daha ilk cümlesinden bayıldım (tarihe en komik ve en cesur açılış cümlesi olarak geçebilir). Eğlenceli, dürüst ve çok dokunaklı bir hikâye; Liz Fenton ve Lisa Steinke kadın edebiyatının çok gerçekçi ve samimi yazabilen iki yeni kalemi.”
– Sarah Jio, Mart Menekşeleri ve Yeşil Deniz Kabuğu kitaplarının New York Times çoksatan yazarı
“Kusursuz Hayatlar, gülmekten yerlere yatıran, kolayca bağ kurulabilen karakterleri, merak uyandıran konusu ve kusursuz olduğunu düşündüğünüz hayatın aslında kendi hayatınız olduğuna dikkat çekmesiyle, aradığım tüm özelliklere sahip.”
– Jen Lancaster, New York Times çoksatan yazarı
“Kusursuz Hayatlar, Çılgın Cuma senaryosuna yepyeni bir soluk getirmiş. Liz Fenton’ın ve Lisa Steinke’nin esprili ve samimi diline bayıldım ve çıkış romanlarını resmen yalayıp yuttum.”
– Sarah Pekkanen, The Best of Us kitabının yazarı
“Liz ve Lisa’nın sesleri, rahat pijamalarınızı giyerek arkadaşınızla yaptığınız keyifli bir sohbet gibi sıcacık ve güven verici.
Kusursuz Hayatlar’ı okumanızı şiddetle tavsiye ederim!”
– Beth Harbison, Hayatı Bütün Kalbinle Sev kitabının New York Times çoksatan yazarı
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2014
86 people are currently reading
5567 people want to read
About the author
Liz Fenton
11 books1,682 followersLiz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have been best friends for over thirty years and survived high school and college together. They’ve co-authored nine novels, including the Amazon Charts bestseller, The Good Widow.
In addition to writing books, they created a podcast, We Fight So You Don’t Have to: Lessons from a thirty-year friendship.
They both reside in San Diego, California with their families and several rescue dogs.Connect with Liz and Lisa on Instagram at @lisaandliz or at www.lizandlisa.com.
Connect with Liz and Lisa on social media: www.lizandlisa.com
Instagram: @lisaandliz
FB: Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke
Substack: lizandlisa
In addition to writing books, they created a podcast, We Fight So You Don’t Have to: Lessons from a thirty-year friendship.
They both reside in San Diego, California with their families and several rescue dogs.Connect with Liz and Lisa on Instagram at @lisaandliz or at www.lizandlisa.com.
Connect with Liz and Lisa on social media: www.lizandlisa.com
Instagram: @lisaandliz
FB: Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke
Substack: lizandlisa
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
May 7, 2014
Admit it, wouldn't it have been awkward if I only gave it four stars?
July 23, 2016
Heartwarming smiley story. This was a cool read. A bit like in the story, the stars aligned and made for everything good. I was a bit down recently, just life, kids the usual etc. (Yes I sound particularly boring!). My girlfriend Jodie said, you need to read this Suz, it’s about everyone having a harder life than yours. The awesome thing was it was written by two best friends who met in English class, year 7. This is where I met my best friend who also happened to send this text a month ago. Love this.
So much of this text rang true to me. You could tell we are the same era. “We were matching half-drunk smiles and high waisted jeans”. Jodie and I rocked jeans in the day, I think the girls here did too! Unimportant things like fettucine alfredo was talked about, we loved this stuff! It was simply the same era and it was weird – in a good way and I could relate and absorb in equal measure.
Rachel Zoe, TMZ and lots and lots of name dropping occurred as well, in this 1900’s/naughties-noughties Freaky Friday story of body swapping on the night of the 20-year high school reunion. I remember my reunion, I’d had a nasty stomach virus for days and was very woozy, I walked into the room while everyone wondered ‘who is this chick?’ I’d changed a lot since school and loved those turning heads, (Although I didn't realise this was the case, I never know what's going on!).
The daily life happenings here were so true. Imagine the best friend who’s a celebrity gossip TV presenter changing bodies with her bestie mum to two teens and a toddler. “I’d imagined them playing with their baby sister, but instead they bathed her silently, Sophie reaching back to check her phone every few minutes and Audrey braiding the same section of her hair over and over again...”
Loved the indulgence aka a personal shopper at Macys for a 16 year-old and loved the pop culture references that were apt for my age (40 year-old). Melissa McCarthy by the way didn’t give a toss about what was in her dressing room at a TV interview, bless her.
This one was gold: “I think of Sophie in the barely there miniskirt. Why do these young girls need to show so much skin to feel pretty? Are women like me to blame?” – says the celeb half of the relationship.
This is a good book, thought provoking, down to earth, self-deprecating and a teenie bit make believe. Girls, what’s not to love about that?
So much of this text rang true to me. You could tell we are the same era. “We were matching half-drunk smiles and high waisted jeans”. Jodie and I rocked jeans in the day, I think the girls here did too! Unimportant things like fettucine alfredo was talked about, we loved this stuff! It was simply the same era and it was weird – in a good way and I could relate and absorb in equal measure.
Rachel Zoe, TMZ and lots and lots of name dropping occurred as well, in this 1900’s/naughties-noughties Freaky Friday story of body swapping on the night of the 20-year high school reunion. I remember my reunion, I’d had a nasty stomach virus for days and was very woozy, I walked into the room while everyone wondered ‘who is this chick?’ I’d changed a lot since school and loved those turning heads, (Although I didn't realise this was the case, I never know what's going on!).
The daily life happenings here were so true. Imagine the best friend who’s a celebrity gossip TV presenter changing bodies with her bestie mum to two teens and a toddler. “I’d imagined them playing with their baby sister, but instead they bathed her silently, Sophie reaching back to check her phone every few minutes and Audrey braiding the same section of her hair over and over again...”
Loved the indulgence aka a personal shopper at Macys for a 16 year-old and loved the pop culture references that were apt for my age (40 year-old). Melissa McCarthy by the way didn’t give a toss about what was in her dressing room at a TV interview, bless her.
This one was gold: “I think of Sophie in the barely there miniskirt. Why do these young girls need to show so much skin to feel pretty? Are women like me to blame?” – says the celeb half of the relationship.
This is a good book, thought provoking, down to earth, self-deprecating and a teenie bit make believe. Girls, what’s not to love about that?
August 6, 2016
It's easy to glimpse someone else's life and make immediate comparisons about how much easier or better it must be. Truth is, we all have an element in our life that someone else desperately wishes for, whether it's education, time, family, career, appearance, money, health, opportunity...the list goes on. Your Perfect Life shows a prime example of this. Two women who think one another has got it all until they wake up in each other's body and are forced to live each other's life. Slowly but surely, they begin to realize that the grass isn't always greener and appreciation eventually dawns. Yes, it was predictable, but Your Perfect Life was a good read. It also was a good reminder to not take anything or anyone in your life for granted. Take stock in all that you have and appreciate it. There is always another who would give a million bucks for it.
My favorite quote:
"It’s funny how quickly we can transform into the people we ought to be."
Note: Authors and best friends: Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have colaberated on several standalone, women's fiction novels. Take a look at the synopses and consider checking them out!
Your Perfect Life (2014)
The Status of All Things (2015)
The Year We Turned Forty (2016)
April 5, 2019
Your Perfect Life gets 5 perfect stars from me! I loved, loved, loved it!! Admittedly when I originally read the premise I thought hasn't this idea been done a million times before? Then I thought well it is Liz and Lisa so I sure it will still be good. Well don't let that worry you, these authors put such a different spin on this you will love it!
Rachael and Casey have been BFF's most of their life (hmmm sounds like someone we know)! Casey Lee has a successful career as a host of Gossip TV. She rubs shoulders with the rich and famous and her career is her life.
Meanwhile her BFF Rachel chose early on to give up her aspirations of the same career, choosing to marry her high school sweetheart and have a family.
All is fine until their high school reunion, where each girl bitterly begins to think maybe they chose the wrong path. Boom they are inserted into each other bodies after toasting with a shot.
When I have watched body switch themed shows or books I found them a bit zany, crazy and hard to believe (of course). Somehow I totally bought in to the fact that these two switched bodies. I think because the characters were so well developed, that believe it or not I would forget that they had switched. I got so involved in their stories that I wondered how each would tackle what was thrown at them next.
This was such a fun book that I flew through the pages. I loved all the real life references to current celebrities and situations. Every character was extremely likable and I loved seeing their interactions with each other.
Highly recommend if you want an entertaining feel good story that will make you laugh and smile! I have read a couple Liz and Lisa books and this is my favorite so far. I can't wait to get my hands on their new one!
Rachael and Casey have been BFF's most of their life (hmmm sounds like someone we know)! Casey Lee has a successful career as a host of Gossip TV. She rubs shoulders with the rich and famous and her career is her life.
Meanwhile her BFF Rachel chose early on to give up her aspirations of the same career, choosing to marry her high school sweetheart and have a family.
All is fine until their high school reunion, where each girl bitterly begins to think maybe they chose the wrong path. Boom they are inserted into each other bodies after toasting with a shot.
When I have watched body switch themed shows or books I found them a bit zany, crazy and hard to believe (of course). Somehow I totally bought in to the fact that these two switched bodies. I think because the characters were so well developed, that believe it or not I would forget that they had switched. I got so involved in their stories that I wondered how each would tackle what was thrown at them next.
This was such a fun book that I flew through the pages. I loved all the real life references to current celebrities and situations. Every character was extremely likable and I loved seeing their interactions with each other.
Highly recommend if you want an entertaining feel good story that will make you laugh and smile! I have read a couple Liz and Lisa books and this is my favorite so far. I can't wait to get my hands on their new one!
December 17, 2020
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Freaky Friday, All of Me, Heaven Can Wait, Dream a Little Dream, Prelude to a Kiss, The Change-Up, Face Off, Like Father Like Son, Vice Versa, 18 Again, The Hot Chick. What do these all have in common? They feature the “I woke up in someone else’s body” storyline. And also . . . . .
Your Perfect Life is the story of two best friends – one a single, “TMZ” type of celebrity gossip show host, the other a stay-at-home mom – who wake up in each other’s bodies, a/k/a the body swap trope. I f*cking loved it . . . .
This is a fairly new-to-me writing duo and I have to say they are real good at the light and fun. I need to see if they have other non-thriller options like this one.
Freaky Friday, All of Me, Heaven Can Wait, Dream a Little Dream, Prelude to a Kiss, The Change-Up, Face Off, Like Father Like Son, Vice Versa, 18 Again, The Hot Chick. What do these all have in common? They feature the “I woke up in someone else’s body” storyline. And also . . . . .
Your Perfect Life is the story of two best friends – one a single, “TMZ” type of celebrity gossip show host, the other a stay-at-home mom – who wake up in each other’s bodies, a/k/a the body swap trope. I f*cking loved it . . . .
This is a fairly new-to-me writing duo and I have to say they are real good at the light and fun. I need to see if they have other non-thriller options like this one.
July 24, 2014
An engaging, witty, humorous, and insightful read about the meaning of best friends, and the “grass is not always greener” – If you enjoy the idea of switching lives, you will love this delicious read of two women-friends from early childhood, living two different lives, and yet sometimes envious of the other --until they find by walking in their shoes, may not be their cup of tea, after all.
In particular is you like Freaky Friday, Sliding Doors, Trading Places, or others such as The Change-Up, you will be fascinated to explore and tap into lessons learned from this journey.
In the case of Your Perfect Life, you may need to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to really understand yourself. This enjoyable read dives into how certain dynamics and roles each woman plays, which changes from the beginning of the book to the end.
The authors did an exceptional job of putting the day to day activities together of each woman into the body of their best friend, to compare family dynamics of single life versus married. The way the story was introduced was a brilliant set up—a class reunion always brings out the best and worst of anyone, so a perfect starting point. A lesson and inspiration to each of us, as sometimes the answer is right in front of us; however, we may have to learn from life’s lessons, to enable us to circle back and appreciate our own lives.
In a way, each of us could learn from an experience such as this fictional one; the hard truths about ourselves such as Casey and Rachel, as they were not able to see clearly until they switched places. These two best friends forever have a real life changing experience, while in the switch mode—learning hard truths about themselves.
Casey, the glamorous, single and successful one would seem on the surface very appealing more so than Rachel. Rachel, the woman who married her high school sweetheart with a family and sacrificed her career for her family’s needs – does she really have it all --what any woman would want? However, as the switch takes place you see the pros and cons which may not have been recognized initially.
"Pretending” and faking it became a necessity for these two leading ladies--leading them to more positive things and becomes empowering for both women. A question to reflect and ponder--were they pretending to be someone else at times even before the switch?
“Your Perfect Life” is an ideal book for book clubs and discussions, as there is so much to discuss about “having it all”. What does it mean, and did each woman have the Perfect Life already? The book includes a wonderful Readers Club Guide at the ending, which should jump start a lively discussion of what ifs, as you go deep into the relationships and meanings for each of the protagonists.
I look forward to reading more from these two real life BFFs!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
A special thank you to Atria Books, Washington Square Press, and NetGalley for this ARC, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
In particular is you like Freaky Friday, Sliding Doors, Trading Places, or others such as The Change-Up, you will be fascinated to explore and tap into lessons learned from this journey.
In the case of Your Perfect Life, you may need to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to really understand yourself. This enjoyable read dives into how certain dynamics and roles each woman plays, which changes from the beginning of the book to the end.
The authors did an exceptional job of putting the day to day activities together of each woman into the body of their best friend, to compare family dynamics of single life versus married. The way the story was introduced was a brilliant set up—a class reunion always brings out the best and worst of anyone, so a perfect starting point. A lesson and inspiration to each of us, as sometimes the answer is right in front of us; however, we may have to learn from life’s lessons, to enable us to circle back and appreciate our own lives.
In a way, each of us could learn from an experience such as this fictional one; the hard truths about ourselves such as Casey and Rachel, as they were not able to see clearly until they switched places. These two best friends forever have a real life changing experience, while in the switch mode—learning hard truths about themselves.
Casey, the glamorous, single and successful one would seem on the surface very appealing more so than Rachel. Rachel, the woman who married her high school sweetheart with a family and sacrificed her career for her family’s needs – does she really have it all --what any woman would want? However, as the switch takes place you see the pros and cons which may not have been recognized initially.
"Pretending” and faking it became a necessity for these two leading ladies--leading them to more positive things and becomes empowering for both women. A question to reflect and ponder--were they pretending to be someone else at times even before the switch?
“Your Perfect Life” is an ideal book for book clubs and discussions, as there is so much to discuss about “having it all”. What does it mean, and did each woman have the Perfect Life already? The book includes a wonderful Readers Club Guide at the ending, which should jump start a lively discussion of what ifs, as you go deep into the relationships and meanings for each of the protagonists.
I look forward to reading more from these two real life BFFs!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
A special thank you to Atria Books, Washington Square Press, and NetGalley for this ARC, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
January 4, 2019
Sıkıntıdan patladığım bir gecede çok doğru bir tercih yaparak bu kitabı okumaya başladım akıp gitti. Konusu filmlerden alışık olduğumuz üzere beden değiştiren iki yakın arkadaş.. Birbirlerinin hayatlarına adapte olmaya çalışırken bir yandan da bedenlerine geri dönmek için bir yol arıyorlar. Beni deli eden şey birbirlerinin bedenlerine hapsolmuşlarken hala daha bir şeyler saklamaları yav arkadaşım birbirinizin yerine geçmişsiniz onun gibi davranacaksın ama yok söylemem diyorsun ama neden? Sonra birbirlerine yaptıkları misillemeler vardı neyse bunlar kitabın tadı tuzu eğlenerek okudum keşke biraz daha detaylı bir anlatım olsaydı merak ettiğim ya da okumak istediğim bir sürü şey vardı. Ama olduğu haliyle bile güzeldi şaşırtıcı bir şekilde içinden çıkarılacak dersler vardı gerçi pek okuyanı yok ama nys...
July 23, 2014
This is the book that is going to set the bar for my 2014 reading! Smiled, laughed and cried throughout. LOVED it!
Reviewed here: http://bit.ly/yourperfectlifeclc
Reviewed here: http://bit.ly/yourperfectlifeclc
July 29, 2016
5 verdim ama 4,9??
July 14, 2014
Shelf Notes Review
Dear Reader,
How cute is this book? I was a little apprehensive (I'm not the romance or chick lit type of reader) and feared this would be the type of book made into a Lifetime movie... I was wrong. If this is made into a movie, they better steer clear of Lifetime! Your Perfect Life follows that old "switch-a-roo" plot line but these ladies do it right. One woman, Rachel, is a stay at home mom with three kids, the other woman, Casey, is trying to climb the ladder of journalism using her starring role as a TV Host for GossipTV. I found Casey's storyline very intriguing, but maybe that was because I'm not married with kids. I wonder if the Authors intended this to be the case, so that most readers can relate to one or the other.
When they (Rachel & Casey) attend their High School Reunion, they find each other struggling to find common ground with one another, hardly finding enough time for their friendship nor recognizing the hard work the other goes through. Some unexplained magical bartender sees this interaction and decides to magically switch their lives, giving them the opportunity to see what life is like in the others shoes. Liz & Lisa, the Authors, have a great collaboration here. I love that these two came together and wrote this book, giving it uber charm. I liked all the little details they've thought of, for example: After the switch, the only person who might have an inkling that this has happened is Rachel's toddler who gives slight clues to the reader that the child is in-tune with the switch.
This book made me think about my own relationships with my High School friends, and how we've grown apart but still keep in touch. I do think circumstances such as having kids, focusing on a career, traveling, can put a distance on a relationship. If we look at what High School means, everyone having that same life experience, you'll see we select our friends based on common interests. Those interests might not go away but as we grow-up our priorities DO change. We begin to think more about our day to day life, spend more time with the families we've created and those common interests tend to sit by the wayside. What I love about this book is how it got me to think about that, how it makes you think about what it would be like to be in someone elses shoes. If I had kids, lived a different life... would I be too busy, what about a mother who doesn't work 8 hours a day, would she feel just as exhausted? Sometimes changing things up breathes new life into things. I think everyone needs to have a refreshing look on their own lives every now and then, and wouldn't it be nice to be forced into appreciating your life like these two were.
Okay, so maybe a magical bartender isn't going to switch things up for me... but I can do that on my own, and reading Your Perfect Life has reminded me that I SHOULD be doing just that. I should stop complaining that I don't have enough energy to call everyone back, to go out during the work week. I need to realize what is important in life and worth my energy. My friends are definitely worth that.. so thank you Liz & Lisa, for getting me to realize that. So yes, this is a book that follows a cliche, one that has been rehashed a million times over... but that one makes you think, brings some insight... and that is what I think makes this book shine.
Happy Reading,
AmberBug
Dear Reader,
How cute is this book? I was a little apprehensive (I'm not the romance or chick lit type of reader) and feared this would be the type of book made into a Lifetime movie... I was wrong. If this is made into a movie, they better steer clear of Lifetime! Your Perfect Life follows that old "switch-a-roo" plot line but these ladies do it right. One woman, Rachel, is a stay at home mom with three kids, the other woman, Casey, is trying to climb the ladder of journalism using her starring role as a TV Host for GossipTV. I found Casey's storyline very intriguing, but maybe that was because I'm not married with kids. I wonder if the Authors intended this to be the case, so that most readers can relate to one or the other.
When they (Rachel & Casey) attend their High School Reunion, they find each other struggling to find common ground with one another, hardly finding enough time for their friendship nor recognizing the hard work the other goes through. Some unexplained magical bartender sees this interaction and decides to magically switch their lives, giving them the opportunity to see what life is like in the others shoes. Liz & Lisa, the Authors, have a great collaboration here. I love that these two came together and wrote this book, giving it uber charm. I liked all the little details they've thought of, for example: After the switch, the only person who might have an inkling that this has happened is Rachel's toddler who gives slight clues to the reader that the child is in-tune with the switch.
This book made me think about my own relationships with my High School friends, and how we've grown apart but still keep in touch. I do think circumstances such as having kids, focusing on a career, traveling, can put a distance on a relationship. If we look at what High School means, everyone having that same life experience, you'll see we select our friends based on common interests. Those interests might not go away but as we grow-up our priorities DO change. We begin to think more about our day to day life, spend more time with the families we've created and those common interests tend to sit by the wayside. What I love about this book is how it got me to think about that, how it makes you think about what it would be like to be in someone elses shoes. If I had kids, lived a different life... would I be too busy, what about a mother who doesn't work 8 hours a day, would she feel just as exhausted? Sometimes changing things up breathes new life into things. I think everyone needs to have a refreshing look on their own lives every now and then, and wouldn't it be nice to be forced into appreciating your life like these two were.
Okay, so maybe a magical bartender isn't going to switch things up for me... but I can do that on my own, and reading Your Perfect Life has reminded me that I SHOULD be doing just that. I should stop complaining that I don't have enough energy to call everyone back, to go out during the work week. I need to realize what is important in life and worth my energy. My friends are definitely worth that.. so thank you Liz & Lisa, for getting me to realize that. So yes, this is a book that follows a cliche, one that has been rehashed a million times over... but that one makes you think, brings some insight... and that is what I think makes this book shine.
Happy Reading,
AmberBug
July 23, 2014
I am a child of the 1980s, so movies like Vice Versa and Like Father, Like Son, where people switch bodies/souls, are something I can't resist. I also love books about women, motherhood, friendship, etc. Your Perfect Life takes on this fun (and in the movies, often corny) premise in such a mature, thoughtful and thought-provoking way. It is such a fun girl read reminiscent of books I loved in junior high, but tailored for grown ups girls and written with grace and poignancy.
What amazed me about this book is that two writers authored it--two best friends. As a writer myself, I can't imagine working that closely with another person. But Fenton and Steinke pull it off beautifully! The chapters switch POV between Casey and Rachel, two best friends who I identified with in different ways. I loved them both and saw aspects of myself in each of them. And yet, I felt as if the same person had written both sets of chapters, which I know now isn't the case. How did they make it flow so well and seamlessly? Magic!
This is strong women's fiction that isn't trying to change the world or take on ripped from the headlines topics. It's a human story, a women's story. Despite the soul/body switch up that sets this book in motion, the story is about everyday life. These are everyday characters, but they stay with you long after you finish the book, probably because they remind you so much of yourself.
What amazed me about this book is that two writers authored it--two best friends. As a writer myself, I can't imagine working that closely with another person. But Fenton and Steinke pull it off beautifully! The chapters switch POV between Casey and Rachel, two best friends who I identified with in different ways. I loved them both and saw aspects of myself in each of them. And yet, I felt as if the same person had written both sets of chapters, which I know now isn't the case. How did they make it flow so well and seamlessly? Magic!
This is strong women's fiction that isn't trying to change the world or take on ripped from the headlines topics. It's a human story, a women's story. Despite the soul/body switch up that sets this book in motion, the story is about everyday life. These are everyday characters, but they stay with you long after you finish the book, probably because they remind you so much of yourself.
July 24, 2016
Yorumuma Instagram üzerinden ulaşabilirsiniz.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIQhUXzAu-4/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIQhUXzAu-4/
June 24, 2017
I'm one of the few who only gave this book 3 stars. Started out strong but then it just lost me.
June 8, 2014
Why is it the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
Women spend so much of their lives going over choices made, ideas that went nowhere, and years that are lost never to be re-gained. Lifelong friends, Casey and Rachel both believe the lives they have chosen are the ones they are meant to be leading, but still did something pass them by? Should I have done this, why did I decide to do that, where is the love of my youth?
Casey has a career to envy and Rachel has a family everyone desires, but still did they feel unfilled in the life they are living or at the very least feel they have hit a rut in the road. When fate flips their lives and they begin to actually live the others life the thought of what they had sounds a lot better than what they are doing now. As time goes on and they see how the other half literally was surviving day to day new emotions arise that are unexpected and some very scary life experiences come back to haunt the present.
Making decisions based on where you are at this moment is what defines us and how we will cope with the results show what we are made of. Both Rachel and Casey come to the realization that they do have the confidence to have it all and never miss a beat. Careers don’t have to be full time, women can parent alone, relationships will always be a work in progress, and never doubt you are giving to everyone the best of what you are.
An exceptional read that has everyone making sure they remember to love the life you are living.
Women spend so much of their lives going over choices made, ideas that went nowhere, and years that are lost never to be re-gained. Lifelong friends, Casey and Rachel both believe the lives they have chosen are the ones they are meant to be leading, but still did something pass them by? Should I have done this, why did I decide to do that, where is the love of my youth?
Casey has a career to envy and Rachel has a family everyone desires, but still did they feel unfilled in the life they are living or at the very least feel they have hit a rut in the road. When fate flips their lives and they begin to actually live the others life the thought of what they had sounds a lot better than what they are doing now. As time goes on and they see how the other half literally was surviving day to day new emotions arise that are unexpected and some very scary life experiences come back to haunt the present.
Making decisions based on where you are at this moment is what defines us and how we will cope with the results show what we are made of. Both Rachel and Casey come to the realization that they do have the confidence to have it all and never miss a beat. Careers don’t have to be full time, women can parent alone, relationships will always be a work in progress, and never doubt you are giving to everyone the best of what you are.
An exceptional read that has everyone making sure they remember to love the life you are living.
August 15, 2014
This book was exactly what I needed and it hit all the right notes. The perfect summer (or anytime read). Think Freaky Friday - high school reunion version. Two best friends with vastly different life circumstances swap bodies. One is a celebrity gossip host, the other a stay at home mom (who became a mom relatively young). Aside from being a lightning fast read, the authors handled many aspects of the switch in unexpected ways. I don’t want to give too much away but the manner in which Rachel handles Casey’s high-powered, TV host position was very well done and not what I expected at all. Side note: I liked how she gained weight in Casey's body. That cracked me up - especially Casey's pissed off reaction (I would be too!) Co-written by lifelong friends and with the best first line of a book perhaps ever, just pure, smart fun start to finish. Looking to get in one more whirlwind of a book before summer ends? This is the one!
March 4, 2014
Cheers! A toast at a high school reunion is the magic spark that ignites the premise of best friends switching bodies. Who doesn’t think “the grass is always greener,” especially with Facebook, where it looks like everyone else is living the life? (Or is that just me?!) BFFs in real life, authors Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, have written a beautiful novel—smart, sharp, sarcastic—with an amazingly real and vulnerable look at friendship, love, and life. I inhaled it!
January 8, 2015
What a fun, summer read. I flew through it. Rachel and Casey are easy to both love and hate for various reasons. The premise is cute and fun but the subject matters aren't quick resolutions.
April 23, 2014
Your Perfect Life by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke is the perfect debut. Thank you to Atria for my copy. You may know these ladies from their website Chick Lit Is Not Dead. They have written a couple of other novels. It is their third novel.
Synopsis:
Casey is one of the anchors for Gossip TV and very busy with her career. Her assistant Destiny reminds her about the accepted invitation to her high school class reunion. She desires to see her best friend Rachel from her childhood. Casey feels that she is doing this for Rachel. Rachel is a house wife and has been married to her high school sweet heart. They have three daughters Audrey, Sophie, and Charlotte. Each woman feels that the other has the perfect life. Do they? The end of the reunion brings a surprise for both women. Each one gets the opportunity experience the other’s life? Will the people around them find out? What will they learn from seeing the life of the other?
My Thoughts:
I had not read the previous novels by Liz and Lisa. I have to tell you that this novel is the perfect escape. I have been around to see the growth of both authors as writers.
The characters of Casey and Rachel are great! You get to see what it is like to work in television or stay at home and be just mom. I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t understand Rachel’s character the stay at home mom who has sacrificed for her family. You experience how obsessed with work like Casey.
I constantly wondered if the other characters would realize that there are changes to both Rachel and Casey. I love how the authors kept us straight as to who they are writing about in each chapter.
The only part I had a hard time with is the fact that I couldn’t sit down to read the whole novel in one sitting.
Synopsis:
Casey is one of the anchors for Gossip TV and very busy with her career. Her assistant Destiny reminds her about the accepted invitation to her high school class reunion. She desires to see her best friend Rachel from her childhood. Casey feels that she is doing this for Rachel. Rachel is a house wife and has been married to her high school sweet heart. They have three daughters Audrey, Sophie, and Charlotte. Each woman feels that the other has the perfect life. Do they? The end of the reunion brings a surprise for both women. Each one gets the opportunity experience the other’s life? Will the people around them find out? What will they learn from seeing the life of the other?
My Thoughts:
I had not read the previous novels by Liz and Lisa. I have to tell you that this novel is the perfect escape. I have been around to see the growth of both authors as writers.
The characters of Casey and Rachel are great! You get to see what it is like to work in television or stay at home and be just mom. I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t understand Rachel’s character the stay at home mom who has sacrificed for her family. You experience how obsessed with work like Casey.
I constantly wondered if the other characters would realize that there are changes to both Rachel and Casey. I love how the authors kept us straight as to who they are writing about in each chapter.
The only part I had a hard time with is the fact that I couldn’t sit down to read the whole novel in one sitting.
January 20, 2015
Your Perfect Life is a story of two best friends Casey and Rachel who swap bodies at their high school reunion after arguing about how perfect they think each other’s life is, by a bartender who gives them a magical drink. Casey is a celebrity reporter and is on the Gossip TV show who focuses on work and doesn’t have time for a family and Rachel is a stay at home mom who got pregnant in college, dropped out and is now married with three children. Rachel and Casey have to figure out how to get back to their own lives.
The point behind making the two best friends switch bodies was to make them live in each other’s lives and for them to see the difficulties each one faces and goes through, finding out that they did not know each other as much as they thought and realizing that they do not have the life in which the other one thought they did.
This book was one of the best books I have read. I think it was because of the message behind it. Rachel and Casey didn’t like some of the things in their lives and what they did, assuming that each other’s lives were better than their own, but once they switched bodies they realized how true the saying is, “You don’t realize what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Also, “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”
The point behind making the two best friends switch bodies was to make them live in each other’s lives and for them to see the difficulties each one faces and goes through, finding out that they did not know each other as much as they thought and realizing that they do not have the life in which the other one thought they did.
This book was one of the best books I have read. I think it was because of the message behind it. Rachel and Casey didn’t like some of the things in their lives and what they did, assuming that each other’s lives were better than their own, but once they switched bodies they realized how true the saying is, “You don’t realize what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Also, “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”
July 29, 2016
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this.
I admit - I love a good Freaky Friday-esque tale, and this one does not disappoint. I'm sure many of us have wondered what our friends' seemingly "perfect lives" must be like to live. Of course, as in real life where I'd venture to guess that a lot of us try to paint a perfect picture of our lives for the outside world, the two friends quickly discover that the life they've been coveting isn't all it seems on the surface. The book takes the reader along on a humorous but also heart-warming ride as Rachel and Casey learn more than they could have imagined about each others' lives, and about themselves as well.
The characters are so real and warm, you'll feel like they're your own best buds. Makes you stop and think about the things that are "perfect" in your own life, that maybe you've been taking for granted. Your Perfect Life is a perfect, fun and touching read.
I admit - I love a good Freaky Friday-esque tale, and this one does not disappoint. I'm sure many of us have wondered what our friends' seemingly "perfect lives" must be like to live. Of course, as in real life where I'd venture to guess that a lot of us try to paint a perfect picture of our lives for the outside world, the two friends quickly discover that the life they've been coveting isn't all it seems on the surface. The book takes the reader along on a humorous but also heart-warming ride as Rachel and Casey learn more than they could have imagined about each others' lives, and about themselves as well.
The characters are so real and warm, you'll feel like they're your own best buds. Makes you stop and think about the things that are "perfect" in your own life, that maybe you've been taking for granted. Your Perfect Life is a perfect, fun and touching read.
May 28, 2014
Back in the 1980’s the film industry pretty much overdid the switching places theme in commercial movies, so when I first saw the publisher’s blurb for Your Perfect Life by writing team Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke I’m almost passed it by. There was something about it though that drew me back. Have you ever thought one of your friends had a pretty perfect life compared to yours? Ever wondered where the road not traveled might have led you? Obviously those trains of thought aren’t that productive in real life but they make for stories that can be fun to read about. If you’re looking for a fun chick-lit vacation read, this one might just be the one for you! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7389.
June 8, 2014
Loved this book by Liz and Lisa of the famed CHICK LIT IS NOT DEAD! I thought it was mind-boggling amazing how two people could weave this story together. It felt much like a 17 Again, Freaky Friday or The Change Up where two best friends are seemingly unhappy in their current lives and so they switch bodies only to discover where real happiness lies. I loved this book because it was charming and held a great message about being happy with what you have! It's a great read -- just fun all around and very enjoyable! I truly was amazed that two people wrote so fluidly -- I would have never guessed it and when I closed the book I just had that 'feel-good' smile for the rest of the day!
February 3, 2014
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this novel. Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke blend their voices seamlessly and hilariously and remind us that even though the grass often looks greener under our friends’ lives, nobody gets happily ever unless they go after it. Your Perfect Life is clever, quirky, fresh, and ultimately, empowering!
March 25, 2017
A fun read that will have you quickly flipping the pages till the end. Although similar premises have been done before... never in quite this way. I needed a book that was not quite as "heavy" as those I have been reading. Don't be surprised that under the cute premise lies some real issues that will touch your heart. Is the grass really greener? Read it to find out!
August 25, 2016
Cross between Freaky Friday and Firefly Lane. Liked the last 20% of the book the best. Couldn't read fast enough to find out how the main characters were going to switch back. Cute, somewhat predictable, easy read if that's what you're looking for.
August 10, 2016
The authors were kind enough to provide me with a review copy of this novel, which I read in a day. If you're looking for a great beach read this summer, pick this one up.
June 8, 2016
*4.5*
THIS. BOOK.
I laughed and cried and couldn't put this one down!! I'm really excited to read more from these two wonderful ladies!
THIS. BOOK.
I laughed and cried and couldn't put this one down!! I'm really excited to read more from these two wonderful ladies!
August 23, 2020
I’m between 3 and 4, but rounded up!
•
This is one of L&L’s earlier books. These are def “lighter” than their newer ones. But I was here for it. I love the story of female friendships. I loved how each character navigated their way through. There were true emotions— jealousy— that people like to pretend doesn’t happen in a friendship. L&L covered this well
•
Predictable— a bit. Fun to read— you betcha! Overall, I enjoyed this one and read it in pretty much one sitting, so it held my attention!
•
This is one of L&L’s earlier books. These are def “lighter” than their newer ones. But I was here for it. I love the story of female friendships. I loved how each character navigated their way through. There were true emotions— jealousy— that people like to pretend doesn’t happen in a friendship. L&L covered this well
•
Predictable— a bit. Fun to read— you betcha! Overall, I enjoyed this one and read it in pretty much one sitting, so it held my attention!
August 8, 2018
I feel like The Year We Turned Forty is a better version of this story. They're similar enough that it's hard not to compare and The Year We Turned Forty is a much more engaging read. Pick that one up instead.
September 11, 2016
Full review:
I'll admit it: I have a pretty big fondness for contemporary fiction about ordinary women going through extraordinary things. So when I was given the opportunity to read Your Perfect Life, and was told that it was essentially an older version of Freaky Friday, I was in.
Debut authors Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke introduce us to Casey and Rachel, two best friends who have lived two very different lives. Casey has spent her life climbing the entertainment industry ladder, while Rachel has remained a stay-at-home mom, with an increasingly distant husband.
After an epic argument at their high school reunion, the two women end up switching bodies. They start realizing quickly that the very things they have envied about one another's lives, may not be as as easy or enviable as they initially appeared.
Liz and Lisa throw us into Rachel and Casey's new lives without hesitation, never failing to emphasize just how much of an adjustment it is for the two women. Rachel needs to dig down deep to find the courage to take on broadcasting, an interest she had long since given up on after having kids. Casey struggles with juggling with the responsibilities of suddenly having an entire family to care for, despite having always lived the single life.
But even as they work to adapt to their new roles, Rachel and Casey are able to find small things to appreciate about their newly-adopted lives. Liz and Lisa are careful to emphasize through their smart, witty writing that there really is no right way or wrong way to live a life - it's what you make of your choices. Consequently, it's not that surprising for a TV star to admire a hard working mom and vice versa.
Though the writing is strong and layered throughout, readers will likely be especially moved by the backstory of the two characters. As both characters delve further and further into their new lives, the readers learn through conversation and recollection, just how Casey and Rachel came to be. The backgrounds not only clearly illustrate how the two women reached this juncture in their lives, but what it is in their personalities that will allow them to continue moving forward with life, jobs and love, while also making the most of an extremely bizarre strange situation.
Ultimately, some readers may feel that the ending ties up loose ends too neatly, but I think that it's actually reflective of the maturity and growth that the characters have undergone throughout the book. Both Rachel and Casey have had the opportunity to work through their issues and reflect on their strengths, and are content with the recognition that they're about to mutually embark on their next steps.
All in all, Your Perfect Life is a thoughtful, enjoyable debut from a pair of passionate and talented debut authors. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and I look forward to reading more from the min the future.
***
Final verdict:
Your Perfect Life is one of those books that works on a multitude of levels. On the one hand, it's a fun and breezy summer read about friendship, which is perfect for anyone who wants to escape to a fictional world for a few hours.
On the other hand, it's also a thoughtful look at just what we hold dear to our hearts as we get older, and the tacit understanding that things are not always greener on the other side of the road. Liz and Lisa are able to show readers through humorous, joyous and occasionally tearful moments, what it means to live your life to the fullest.
Honestly, guys, I enjoyed Your Perfect Life beyond belief. It not only entertained me and riveted while I read, it also made me rethink some of the successes that I've had in my life, and my envy of some of my friends and their triumphs. This isn't something that just any book can accomplish.
So when it comes to beach reads this summer, definitely pick up Liz and Lisa's debut novel. You'll thank me later.
I'll admit it: I have a pretty big fondness for contemporary fiction about ordinary women going through extraordinary things. So when I was given the opportunity to read Your Perfect Life, and was told that it was essentially an older version of Freaky Friday, I was in.
Debut authors Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke introduce us to Casey and Rachel, two best friends who have lived two very different lives. Casey has spent her life climbing the entertainment industry ladder, while Rachel has remained a stay-at-home mom, with an increasingly distant husband.
After an epic argument at their high school reunion, the two women end up switching bodies. They start realizing quickly that the very things they have envied about one another's lives, may not be as as easy or enviable as they initially appeared.
Liz and Lisa throw us into Rachel and Casey's new lives without hesitation, never failing to emphasize just how much of an adjustment it is for the two women. Rachel needs to dig down deep to find the courage to take on broadcasting, an interest she had long since given up on after having kids. Casey struggles with juggling with the responsibilities of suddenly having an entire family to care for, despite having always lived the single life.
But even as they work to adapt to their new roles, Rachel and Casey are able to find small things to appreciate about their newly-adopted lives. Liz and Lisa are careful to emphasize through their smart, witty writing that there really is no right way or wrong way to live a life - it's what you make of your choices. Consequently, it's not that surprising for a TV star to admire a hard working mom and vice versa.
Though the writing is strong and layered throughout, readers will likely be especially moved by the backstory of the two characters. As both characters delve further and further into their new lives, the readers learn through conversation and recollection, just how Casey and Rachel came to be. The backgrounds not only clearly illustrate how the two women reached this juncture in their lives, but what it is in their personalities that will allow them to continue moving forward with life, jobs and love, while also making the most of an extremely bizarre strange situation.
Ultimately, some readers may feel that the ending ties up loose ends too neatly, but I think that it's actually reflective of the maturity and growth that the characters have undergone throughout the book. Both Rachel and Casey have had the opportunity to work through their issues and reflect on their strengths, and are content with the recognition that they're about to mutually embark on their next steps.
All in all, Your Perfect Life is a thoughtful, enjoyable debut from a pair of passionate and talented debut authors. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and I look forward to reading more from the min the future.
***
Final verdict:
Your Perfect Life is one of those books that works on a multitude of levels. On the one hand, it's a fun and breezy summer read about friendship, which is perfect for anyone who wants to escape to a fictional world for a few hours.
On the other hand, it's also a thoughtful look at just what we hold dear to our hearts as we get older, and the tacit understanding that things are not always greener on the other side of the road. Liz and Lisa are able to show readers through humorous, joyous and occasionally tearful moments, what it means to live your life to the fullest.
Honestly, guys, I enjoyed Your Perfect Life beyond belief. It not only entertained me and riveted while I read, it also made me rethink some of the successes that I've had in my life, and my envy of some of my friends and their triumphs. This isn't something that just any book can accomplish.
So when it comes to beach reads this summer, definitely pick up Liz and Lisa's debut novel. You'll thank me later.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews