Something Blue

by Jean Christopher Spaugh

When Judy's sister Tina Lee becomes engaged, the swirl of activity as they plan for the wedding jolts Judy out of her routine. She begins to realize that things aren't quite right in her life: her cozy trailer now seems shabby and small; a redecorating project rekindles her dream of a career in architecture; and just who was her husband kissing in the parking lot? As the full constellation of family, friends, and neighbors gathers, relationships change, secrets are revealed, and Judy must make choices that will guide her future and that of her family. Depicting the ties, joys, and burdens of family life with sympathy and humor, Something Blue is the story of a woman trying to reconcile freedom and love. A reading group guide is bound into the book.

Genres: Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Debi Crawford-Poyner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book last night I was not sure if I would continue reading it for I wondered "is this a book where the main character (Judy) has such a perfect life or will there be conflict?" I kept reading into the wee hours of the morning because I was hooked as the story unfolded. I finally stopped reading and finished it this evening. The ending was a little bit "too everything worked out in the end" but I totally understood Judy's struggles and cheered for her and her family.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread, still very good. Minus one star because the ending was too pat. Otherwise it seemed quite realistic for the particular period and place.

[Cindy Vine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The imagery in Something Blue was fantastic! Reading the novel, I could see pictures in my head while I read. Many will identify with the main character, Judy Duncan, who has so many things on the boil. Trying to juggle family, a wayward husband, work, her ambitions within an ever-changing family dynamic. Judy Duncan is the classic rescuer, trying to fix everything. However, in the relationship triangle the rescuer always ends up as the victim for a period, before making their way back to being a rescuer. I felt that the author perfectly removed a slice out of a life and placed it under a microscope for us to study every detail, every emotion. This was a great read and I recommend it highly.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I thought it was very well-written and a good story-line, but your heart just keeps aching for the main character, and you keep wondering why she keeps letting herself be treated the way she gets treated. It gives you a little insight into marriage problem victims and why they stay, even while you wish they'd leave all through the reading of it.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the author so I'm biased, but this is a wonderful, soul-searching book. Since I spent much of my youngest years at her house, many of the descriptions remind me of my Southern childhood. A must read!

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe more like 2-1/2 stars. The description gave away that the main character's husband was having an affair with her sister but it took almost halfway into the book before she found out. There were many other frustrating and disjointed parts of the book. Really needed better editing.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up liking this book a lot more at the end than I did in the beginning.... I was frustrated with the main character/narrator for most of the book but ended up liking her in the end.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read - had some dry humor

[Rachel]

Note: Good