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Mr. & Mrs. American Pie
The year is 1969. Dick Nixon was just sworn in as the thirty-seventh President of the United States. Neil Armstrong just took one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. And notable Palm Springs socialite Maxine Simmons just found out that her husband is leaving her for his twenty-two-year-old secretary.
After a public meltdown at Thanksgiving, Maxine finds herself not only divorced, but exiled to Scottsdale, Arizona. However, these desert boondocks will not be her end―only her Elba. The former beauty queen sets her eyes on a new crown: that of the Mrs. American Pie pageant, awarded to the nation’s best wife and mother.
Maxine only has one problem: to win the crown she’ll need to find―or build―a family of her own.
After a public meltdown at Thanksgiving, Maxine finds herself not only divorced, but exiled to Scottsdale, Arizona. However, these desert boondocks will not be her end―only her Elba. The former beauty queen sets her eyes on a new crown: that of the Mrs. American Pie pageant, awarded to the nation’s best wife and mother.
Maxine only has one problem: to win the crown she’ll need to find―or build―a family of her own.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 7, 2018
876 people are currently reading
13926 people want to read
About the author
Juliet McDaniel
3 books139 followersJuliet McDaniel came of age during a time when beauty pageants were rapidly becoming tacky relics of a far more sexist time, or so she thought. Although raised in Arizona, she spent the last 25 years living in Chicago, and knows its history and culture inside and out, so those places became a fitting home for her characters. Juliet has a B.A. in American Studies from Lake Forest College and a M.A. in Writing from DePaul University. She has had several screenplays optioned, and one produced: indie rom-com QWERTY, released in 2012. Mr. & Mrs. American Pie is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 602 reviews
July 30, 2018
4 zany and fun-filled stars to Mr. and Mrs. American Pie! 🥧 🥧 🥧 🥧
It is the 1960s, and Maxine Simmons is a wealthy Palm Springs socialite. She finds out that her husband is walking out on her to gallivant with his younger receptionist.
Maxine loses her cool at Thanksgiving when her husband announces his plans to leave. She is later divorced and whisked away, living in Scottsdale, Arizona, a distance from everyone she knows. Maxine is a determined firecracker, and she sets her sights on the Mrs. American Pie pageant for the best wife and mother in the nation.
How will Maxine create both a husband and family for herself in order to win the pageant?
If you have read this far, you are probably thinking this book is silly, and it is, but not in the way you are thinking. Mr. and Mrs. American Pie is a hilarious and smart satire. Maxine is the stereotypical socialite concerned with appearances and climbing that ladder...I loved being on the sidelines for her transformation, but the best part: I laughed and laughed and laughed some more. Fun, zany, hysterical, chucklesome humor. Highly recommended if you want to witness Maxine’s antics for yourself.
I have heard Mr. and Mrs. American Pie has been optioned for TV by Laura Dern!
Thank you to Inkshares for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
It is the 1960s, and Maxine Simmons is a wealthy Palm Springs socialite. She finds out that her husband is walking out on her to gallivant with his younger receptionist.
Maxine loses her cool at Thanksgiving when her husband announces his plans to leave. She is later divorced and whisked away, living in Scottsdale, Arizona, a distance from everyone she knows. Maxine is a determined firecracker, and she sets her sights on the Mrs. American Pie pageant for the best wife and mother in the nation.
How will Maxine create both a husband and family for herself in order to win the pageant?
If you have read this far, you are probably thinking this book is silly, and it is, but not in the way you are thinking. Mr. and Mrs. American Pie is a hilarious and smart satire. Maxine is the stereotypical socialite concerned with appearances and climbing that ladder...I loved being on the sidelines for her transformation, but the best part: I laughed and laughed and laughed some more. Fun, zany, hysterical, chucklesome humor. Highly recommended if you want to witness Maxine’s antics for yourself.
I have heard Mr. and Mrs. American Pie has been optioned for TV by Laura Dern!
Thank you to Inkshares for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
July 7, 2018
What happens when you mix beauty pageants, Spam and Richard Nixon all together?
You get a hilarious, fun-filled and somewhat satirical novel from Juliet McDonald entitled Mr. & Mrs. American Pie.
Set in Palm Springs, California, circa 1969, McDaniel introduces us to thirty something, Maxine, a self-absorbed former beauty pageant socialite married to Douglas Simmons, a wealthy businessman.
Maxine is the stereotypical social climber who worries about everything that is material in nature and the approval of her equally superficial “girlfriends.”
Her husband, Douglas, chooses Thanksgiving Day to extract his freedom from Maxine. After a meltdown of epic proportions and some unfavorable divorce terms, Maxine finds herself exiled to pedestrian Scottsdale, Arizona but vowing to come back to Palm Springs one day.
Maxine, now divorced is determined to recreate the life that she once had. I found myself laughing so hard with tears rolling down my cheek at Maxine’s adventures. She enlists the unknowing help of a local tavern owner, Robert, and Charles, a young 12 year old, along with his sister to plot her comeback.
This book was a nonstop hilarious trip that could have been titled, “Maxine’s Wild Ride” but McDaniel uses her journey to remind us of some real social issues in the turbulent seventies.
Don’t start reading this book too late in the evening because you will definitely find yourself sleep deprived the next day.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. My review is fair and unbiased. #netgalley #mrandmrsamericanpie
You get a hilarious, fun-filled and somewhat satirical novel from Juliet McDonald entitled Mr. & Mrs. American Pie.
Set in Palm Springs, California, circa 1969, McDaniel introduces us to thirty something, Maxine, a self-absorbed former beauty pageant socialite married to Douglas Simmons, a wealthy businessman.
Maxine is the stereotypical social climber who worries about everything that is material in nature and the approval of her equally superficial “girlfriends.”
Her husband, Douglas, chooses Thanksgiving Day to extract his freedom from Maxine. After a meltdown of epic proportions and some unfavorable divorce terms, Maxine finds herself exiled to pedestrian Scottsdale, Arizona but vowing to come back to Palm Springs one day.
Maxine, now divorced is determined to recreate the life that she once had. I found myself laughing so hard with tears rolling down my cheek at Maxine’s adventures. She enlists the unknowing help of a local tavern owner, Robert, and Charles, a young 12 year old, along with his sister to plot her comeback.
This book was a nonstop hilarious trip that could have been titled, “Maxine’s Wild Ride” but McDaniel uses her journey to remind us of some real social issues in the turbulent seventies.
Don’t start reading this book too late in the evening because you will definitely find yourself sleep deprived the next day.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. My review is fair and unbiased. #netgalley #mrandmrsamericanpie
September 11, 2018
I I received this via goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own:).
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This was a wacky novel at times and more times than not I wanted to shake Maxine but I very much enjoyed this. :)
Maxine was like that sibling that drives you nuts but you love him/her anyway. (And they sometimes leave you speechless with their antics). Robert was a genuinely good man.
Charles and Dawn pulled at my heartstrings with their situation. Charles was already a mini grown up but still able to enjoy being a kid... Dawn was just adorable.
The sexism had me mentally slapping and kicking people a few times. I admired Maxine for not giving up and going after her goal, even if I thought it was crazy at times.
Quite a few moment really got me laughing too, which probably say something about my sense of humor. ;-).
It really felt like we were in in 1969 and onward, instead of just being shown we were too, if that makes sense.
Not much else to say but I would highly recommend this was one, I had a lot of fun and didn't want it to end.
Anyone else get a certain song playing in their head when they looked at the title, or was it just me? *looks around *
It'll be interesting to see the TV show of this.
----
This was a wacky novel at times and more times than not I wanted to shake Maxine but I very much enjoyed this. :)
Maxine was like that sibling that drives you nuts but you love him/her anyway. (And they sometimes leave you speechless with their antics). Robert was a genuinely good man.
Charles and Dawn pulled at my heartstrings with their situation. Charles was already a mini grown up but still able to enjoy being a kid... Dawn was just adorable.
The sexism had me mentally slapping and kicking people a few times. I admired Maxine for not giving up and going after her goal, even if I thought it was crazy at times.
Quite a few moment really got me laughing too, which probably say something about my sense of humor. ;-).
It really felt like we were in in 1969 and onward, instead of just being shown we were too, if that makes sense.
Not much else to say but I would highly recommend this was one, I had a lot of fun and didn't want it to end.
Anyone else get a certain song playing in their head when they looked at the title, or was it just me? *looks around *
It'll be interesting to see the TV show of this.
April 5, 2024
Hilarious and clever!
I am watching Palm Royle and thought I like this and want to read the book this is based on! Well the book and the series are VERY different and this is good because now I have read a brilliant book and I am watching a brilliant series.
Maxine is a first wife, run out of Palm Springs, with nothing but a stolen E Type Jag and a cheque for a large amount of cash, she is not leaving with her dignity after a thanksgiving nobody in polite society will forget after she discovers her husband is leaving her for his much younger, pregnant secretary.
What she doesn't expect to find in her new home is a family, but she does - Robert, a closeted bar owner, Chuck and Dawn, children who are often abandoned by their Mother and it is with this incredible found family that the plan for her most sparkling come back is formed......
I honestly laughed out loud at times at this book! Very, very clever.
I am watching Palm Royle and thought I like this and want to read the book this is based on! Well the book and the series are VERY different and this is good because now I have read a brilliant book and I am watching a brilliant series.
Maxine is a first wife, run out of Palm Springs, with nothing but a stolen E Type Jag and a cheque for a large amount of cash, she is not leaving with her dignity after a thanksgiving nobody in polite society will forget after she discovers her husband is leaving her for his much younger, pregnant secretary.
What she doesn't expect to find in her new home is a family, but she does - Robert, a closeted bar owner, Chuck and Dawn, children who are often abandoned by their Mother and it is with this incredible found family that the plan for her most sparkling come back is formed......
I honestly laughed out loud at times at this book! Very, very clever.
September 2, 2024
Yall, the mom in this story is such a hoot! She's wild. Lol, I think it was intriguing when the FMC mentioned her and things that happened. I laughed so many times. I also thoroughly enjoyed Maxine's personality. She brought the sass and southern attitude but charm that I needed. I loved all the bits of the family aspect brought into the story, even the messy bits and overcoming some of those.
I received this book from Inkshares to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this book from Inkshares to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
April 16, 2020
2.4 because 3 Stars is too generous for the agenda, this story puts forth. Lying and manipulation are the key constituents of this novel. Also on display are sexual innuendo, rough language, taking the Lord's name in vain and the F bomb. The writing is average, nothing compelling although the characters are very well drawn and over the top dramatic.
Minor spoiler ahead .
This book is full of highly unlikely to occur to the average person but thus that is why we must read this because Maxine is anything BUT average. One of the things that could have made this book more effective? Editing! It dragged. At other times, it seemed hurried, as if the author was told to wrap it up, make it tighter so she tries in all the wrong places. Additionally, the baby who is used as a distraction and add many more laughs alternates between being exhibiting behaviors of a six month old and twelve month old to being near which is her actual age stated of near three year old, even on the same page. Obviously, the author and those on her team, have never been around a youngster. As any parent will tell you (sibling or doting aunt) developmentally the behaviors exhibited are very different in these ages! So, technically, this book didn't work for me either.
As Maxine rebuilds her life, new follies and happenstance occur, cue the melodramatic music and the slight chuckle. There are some notable inconsistencies with the era (I know because I was growing up during the time period this was set). The liberties taken are fine since it isn't historical fiction in any realistic way, I guess, and towards that end, the book closes with an afterword. The characters finally settle in West Hollywood at peace with their contemporaries. We are told, that if we don't see things the same way as the character's views, we are not with the program, we are not "with it" (you know square). So be it, I was going with a solid 3 stars prior to the close of the book. However, I don't care to be insulted when I am reading for pleasure, after all I invested my time reading and taxpayer money to pay for this book to be purchased by my library.
Suffice to say, this book was not for me. For those who don't care about historical accuracy and are not bother by the glamorizing of people, who lie and manipulate others, this is a humorous, fluffy read. Not surprisingly, Laura Dern's studio to produce this for television according to the author has posted on the homepage on her website.
Ms. McDaniel states, "I write stories about messy, complicated women who've seen some shit. I'm currently obsessed with the 1970s, Los Angeles history, witchcraft, wellness, and whatever is lurking underneath a shiny, pretty surface." This book seems to be an accurate portrayal of her skill set from this reader's perspective.
Minor spoiler ahead .
This book is full of highly unlikely to occur to the average person but thus that is why we must read this because Maxine is anything BUT average. One of the things that could have made this book more effective? Editing! It dragged. At other times, it seemed hurried, as if the author was told to wrap it up, make it tighter so she tries in all the wrong places. Additionally, the baby who is used as a distraction and add many more laughs alternates between being exhibiting behaviors of a six month old and twelve month old to being near which is her actual age stated of near three year old, even on the same page. Obviously, the author and those on her team, have never been around a youngster. As any parent will tell you (sibling or doting aunt) developmentally the behaviors exhibited are very different in these ages! So, technically, this book didn't work for me either.
As Maxine rebuilds her life, new follies and happenstance occur, cue the melodramatic music and the slight chuckle. There are some notable inconsistencies with the era (I know because I was growing up during the time period this was set). The liberties taken are fine since it isn't historical fiction in any realistic way, I guess, and towards that end, the book closes with an afterword. The characters finally settle in West Hollywood at peace with their contemporaries. We are told, that if we don't see things the same way as the character's views, we are not with the program, we are not "with it" (you know square). So be it, I was going with a solid 3 stars prior to the close of the book. However, I don't care to be insulted when I am reading for pleasure, after all I invested my time reading and taxpayer money to pay for this book to be purchased by my library.
Suffice to say, this book was not for me. For those who don't care about historical accuracy and are not bother by the glamorizing of people, who lie and manipulate others, this is a humorous, fluffy read. Not surprisingly, Laura Dern's studio to produce this for television according to the author has posted on the homepage on her website.
Ms. McDaniel states, "I write stories about messy, complicated women who've seen some shit. I'm currently obsessed with the 1970s, Los Angeles history, witchcraft, wellness, and whatever is lurking underneath a shiny, pretty surface." This book seems to be an accurate portrayal of her skill set from this reader's perspective.
June 12, 2018
I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book because it just looks like a “fun” and possibly “quirky” book to read. I was needing a book to take me away from all the thrillers I’ve been reading and this definitely fit the bill. This book takes place back in 1969 and I can tell from the very beginning that Ms Maxine will be one to reckon with! There are some laugh-out loud moments in this book. This book demonstrates how “the other half” (meaning richer than rich) live and they seem very sad and lonely at times. I thought the beauty pageant seemed to drag and I felt like I was skimming through parts of that. Overall, it was a light read and definitely something different for me to read. 3 stars overall. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 18, 2018
4 ☆ Mr and Mrs American Pie was so much fun!!! In 1969 climbing the social ladder of the Palm Springs “in crowd” is self-absorbed Maxine’s only way of life.. that is until SURPRISE.. her husband of 16yrs drops the D-word. After her epic snap she’s vanquished to Scottsdale of all places. Learning to work with what she has and her pageant past she reinvents herself. Her goal; to compete in the Mrs American Pie Pageant namely by acquiring a marriage to bar owner/new friend Robert + placing two innocent children in her scheme.
And win, of course.
Hijinks ensues, and as it turns out Maxine has a heart of gold after all. Delightful, quirky and pure enjoyment for me!
And win, of course.
Hijinks ensues, and as it turns out Maxine has a heart of gold after all. Delightful, quirky and pure enjoyment for me!
November 4, 2018
This is another in a flurry of recent novels obviously written for the screen. It's really, really dumb. What passes for humor nowadays is written for people with extremely low IQs. It's over the top, it's derpy and it's the epitome of why I only watch old movies, because I can't relate to such incredibly vacuous and insipid "humor".
May 9, 2018
I must start this review by saying that I'm sorry I ever started this book. Why? Because I started it just before bed and I couldn't stop reading it. It just sucked me in and held me rapt.
I loved the era that this book was set in and even though I was only 12-13 years old, I recognized everything that was spoken about. I spent may a good amount of time while reading just reminiscing.
Now the story itself -it was unique, it was sarcasm at its best it was even satire---but most of all at the center of it all this book was filled with heart---you just have to dig for it! LOL!
While at times there was just a little too much detail and arguing over things that shouldn't have mattered-it ended up being the perfect way to tell this story.
This story was told in three different voices Maxine the main character, Robert, and Charles ( a youngster) and the voices are complimentary.
As I was reading this book for some reason the book Auntie Mame: An Irreverent EscapadeAuntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade kept coming to my mind and if you like big splashy women like Mame who have a huge heart -I think you will enjoy this book very much.
The epilogue floored me.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
I loved the era that this book was set in and even though I was only 12-13 years old, I recognized everything that was spoken about. I spent may a good amount of time while reading just reminiscing.
Now the story itself -it was unique, it was sarcasm at its best it was even satire---but most of all at the center of it all this book was filled with heart---you just have to dig for it! LOL!
While at times there was just a little too much detail and arguing over things that shouldn't have mattered-it ended up being the perfect way to tell this story.
This story was told in three different voices Maxine the main character, Robert, and Charles ( a youngster) and the voices are complimentary.
As I was reading this book for some reason the book Auntie Mame: An Irreverent EscapadeAuntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade kept coming to my mind and if you like big splashy women like Mame who have a huge heart -I think you will enjoy this book very much.
The epilogue floored me.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
August 11, 2018
I was up to 3am reading this because I had to know how it all ended.
Although the story skips through three different points of view (with a heartwarming fourth in the final chapter) it's safe to say that the centrepiece and star of the story is Maxine. She's a scheming, plotting socialite, but we soon find out that she has an unspoken capacity for compassion, something I'm not sure she herself even realises or recognises as such. The chapters told from her point of view sparkle with her personality, such that although we know that her plot to win the Mrs. American Pie pageant is wrong, we cheer her along anyway -- and hope that ultimately, that capacity for compassion will win through and she'll do the right thing.
Although the story skips through three different points of view (with a heartwarming fourth in the final chapter) it's safe to say that the centrepiece and star of the story is Maxine. She's a scheming, plotting socialite, but we soon find out that she has an unspoken capacity for compassion, something I'm not sure she herself even realises or recognises as such. The chapters told from her point of view sparkle with her personality, such that although we know that her plot to win the Mrs. American Pie pageant is wrong, we cheer her along anyway -- and hope that ultimately, that capacity for compassion will win through and she'll do the right thing.
May 21, 2024
3.5 stars. I started reading this because of the TV show (Palm Royale) even though I’ve heard the show and the book are nothing alike. It took a long time for me to warm up to Maxine because she is way over the top. But it’s wacky and funny and even heartwarming in the end. I may never get around to watching the show.
June 15, 2018
Think Little Miss Sunshine meets Mad Men with a little Where'd You Go Bernadette.
Maxine is a former beauty queen, now happily married and living in Palm Springs in the late 1960s. When some unexpected news sends her into a tailspin, she's suddenly down on her luck, alone in Arizona. All she has to fall back on is her beauty pageant past, so she cobbles together a pretend family and enters the Mr. and Mrs. American Pie contest.
This isn't the kind of book I typically read, but this was a lot of fun. Maxine was a force of nature and not always the most likable character. The book was narrated by Maxine; Robert, the bartender who mixes Maxine's drinks when she's down and out, and Charles, a little boy who's Maxine's new neighbor.
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Check out my Bookstagram! Or check out my Jen In Ten reviews on Youtube - get the lowdown on current books in 10-30 seconds!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Maxine is a former beauty queen, now happily married and living in Palm Springs in the late 1960s. When some unexpected news sends her into a tailspin, she's suddenly down on her luck, alone in Arizona. All she has to fall back on is her beauty pageant past, so she cobbles together a pretend family and enters the Mr. and Mrs. American Pie contest.
This isn't the kind of book I typically read, but this was a lot of fun. Maxine was a force of nature and not always the most likable character. The book was narrated by Maxine; Robert, the bartender who mixes Maxine's drinks when she's down and out, and Charles, a little boy who's Maxine's new neighbor.
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Check out my Bookstagram! Or check out my Jen In Ten reviews on Youtube - get the lowdown on current books in 10-30 seconds!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
June 5, 2024
“I’ve known a lot of sadness, or rather, sad people, in my day. Maxine is that, in addition to angry. She doesn’t break anything or beat on people. Well, at least not physically. All of her anger she directs at herself.”
———————-
It’s clear almost almost from the start that Maxine is not the same as the other wives of Palm Springs. I wasn’t sure if the ignorance of her privilege was intentional until the Thanksgiving scene. It was then I realized McDaniel was very much tapped into at least one facet of female rage.
I didn’t love how Maxine forced Robert to out himself to her – I don’t think that’s a kind or safe thing to do to somebody you claim to be best friends with.
I did love the character of Chuck, and how smart he was. I think all of these characters felt like they were just fine in their own emotional deserts, but provided each other with sorely needed acceptance and, ultimately, family.
This was very readable, well paced, a bit camp, and highly entertaining. I will definitely seek out the show to see how it compares.
———————-
It’s clear almost almost from the start that Maxine is not the same as the other wives of Palm Springs. I wasn’t sure if the ignorance of her privilege was intentional until the Thanksgiving scene. It was then I realized McDaniel was very much tapped into at least one facet of female rage.
I didn’t love how Maxine forced Robert to out himself to her – I don’t think that’s a kind or safe thing to do to somebody you claim to be best friends with.
I did love the character of Chuck, and how smart he was. I think all of these characters felt like they were just fine in their own emotional deserts, but provided each other with sorely needed acceptance and, ultimately, family.
This was very readable, well paced, a bit camp, and highly entertaining. I will definitely seek out the show to see how it compares.
October 18, 2018
Rounding up slightly. A fun, madcap read with a protagonist that I adored. As a California girl, I also loved the 1969/1970 Palm Springs setting. A fun escape.
November 27, 2020
Quite a fun , light read, although it addresses some heavy social issues.
August 5, 2018
Thanks to InkShares and NetGalley for this free review copy!
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Unique, hilarious and so so fun! What a refreshing story! I loved how McDaniel managed to make a 1970s setting so relatable to current readers and she also managed to make completely out-there characters ones that I ended up rooting for and getting deeply invested in. The epilogue might be one of my favorite parts of the book :-)
.
Unique, hilarious and so so fun! What a refreshing story! I loved how McDaniel managed to make a 1970s setting so relatable to current readers and she also managed to make completely out-there characters ones that I ended up rooting for and getting deeply invested in. The epilogue might be one of my favorite parts of the book :-)
February 22, 2019
2.5 - 3 stars. This was a fun, quirky little story that definitely had some laugh out loud moments. The characters were a bit zany and endearing in their own ways. However, there were a few glaring aspects of the book that really kept me from fully enjoying it.
First off, the woman narrator’s voice: Maxine was played “fine”, but I found her “male voices” to not only be nearly indistinguishable from each other, but just grating in and of themselves. There was a waver to their voices that made it feel like they were just really uncomfortable/ trying to keep their voices down the whole time.
Secondly, I found descriptions of Dawn’s behavior completely distracting. The baby babble and baby antics were entirely unbelievable to me for a near three year old. Every time I would wonder if I had heard her age wrong because the descriptions read more like 15m or younger, but it was confirmed in the final chapter that she was supposed to be almost 3. It felt like such a minor detail to be hung up on, but I just don’t know why the author didn’t just make her a more believable age for the antics she wanted her character to have.
Thirdly, I felt the book could have used another round of editing in general. Aside from the Dawn issue, the whole second half really started to drag and I felt that what began as a silly bit of satire with the pageant, quickly became boring and tedious. There were also enough little errors to distract me and take me out of the reading experience. For example, Chuck’s final chapter mentions Cinderella’s castle at Disneyland, when it is actually Sleeping Beauty’s castle- Cinderella’s being at Disneyworld. Why do I know this? What actually useful information is my brain missing out on by holding onto little nuggets like that? I digress. The point being that these details don’t necessarily break a book, but they do have the ability to really take a reader out of the story and down a Wiki rabbit hole on Disney theme parks. 🤦♀️
All this aside, I did find several bits to be funny and enjoyable. The whole thing seems to be written with the screen in mind and sure enough, it seems it’s been optioned for a series with Laura Dern at the helm. I also appreciated the social commentary regarding race and sexuality, even if I felt it could have been used more effectively.
All in all, it was a fun read that I’d recommend to fans of Where’d You Go Bernadette? or Eleanor Oliphant. I’ll look forward to seeing it on screen, even if I’m not compelled to revisit it on the page (or headphones in my case).
First off, the woman narrator’s voice: Maxine was played “fine”, but I found her “male voices” to not only be nearly indistinguishable from each other, but just grating in and of themselves. There was a waver to their voices that made it feel like they were just really uncomfortable/ trying to keep their voices down the whole time.
Secondly, I found descriptions of Dawn’s behavior completely distracting. The baby babble and baby antics were entirely unbelievable to me for a near three year old. Every time I would wonder if I had heard her age wrong because the descriptions read more like 15m or younger, but it was confirmed in the final chapter that she was supposed to be almost 3. It felt like such a minor detail to be hung up on, but I just don’t know why the author didn’t just make her a more believable age for the antics she wanted her character to have.
Thirdly, I felt the book could have used another round of editing in general. Aside from the Dawn issue, the whole second half really started to drag and I felt that what began as a silly bit of satire with the pageant, quickly became boring and tedious. There were also enough little errors to distract me and take me out of the reading experience. For example, Chuck’s final chapter mentions Cinderella’s castle at Disneyland, when it is actually Sleeping Beauty’s castle- Cinderella’s being at Disneyworld. Why do I know this? What actually useful information is my brain missing out on by holding onto little nuggets like that? I digress. The point being that these details don’t necessarily break a book, but they do have the ability to really take a reader out of the story and down a Wiki rabbit hole on Disney theme parks. 🤦♀️
All this aside, I did find several bits to be funny and enjoyable. The whole thing seems to be written with the screen in mind and sure enough, it seems it’s been optioned for a series with Laura Dern at the helm. I also appreciated the social commentary regarding race and sexuality, even if I felt it could have been used more effectively.
All in all, it was a fun read that I’d recommend to fans of Where’d You Go Bernadette? or Eleanor Oliphant. I’ll look forward to seeing it on screen, even if I’m not compelled to revisit it on the page (or headphones in my case).
August 17, 2018
Full review on the blog: http://raforall.blogspot.com/2018/08/...
July 29, 2024
✨B O O K • F E A T U R E✨
Mr and Mrs American Pie // Palm Royale now streaming on AppleTV+
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @bobinyc & @inkshares #partners
You know this book has to be a fantastic read if it was turned into a limited series; but let me tell you anyways. I loved this book! I loved the FMC, Maxine Simmons. There’s just something about her that everyone can relate to in some way.
Divorced and exiled, after learning her husband is leaving her for a much younger woman - his secretary no less - and after the meltdown that happened after, Maxine isn’t sure where her life is going. As a former beauty queen it only makes sense that she sets her sights on the Mrs American Pie contest.
There’s only a tiny issue with this plan, to enter this contest you must be a wife and a mother and Maxine is neither.
While the story is set in the 1960’s the themes are current with a touch of the 60’s magic. The writing is so engaging and will keep you hooked throughout.
If you haven’t seen this show, read this book first, then watch the show. The books are always better, but there’s just something about film that can’t be described in a book. Both are equally captivating.
Mr and Mrs American Pie // Palm Royale now streaming on AppleTV+
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @bobinyc & @inkshares #partners
You know this book has to be a fantastic read if it was turned into a limited series; but let me tell you anyways. I loved this book! I loved the FMC, Maxine Simmons. There’s just something about her that everyone can relate to in some way.
Divorced and exiled, after learning her husband is leaving her for a much younger woman - his secretary no less - and after the meltdown that happened after, Maxine isn’t sure where her life is going. As a former beauty queen it only makes sense that she sets her sights on the Mrs American Pie contest.
There’s only a tiny issue with this plan, to enter this contest you must be a wife and a mother and Maxine is neither.
While the story is set in the 1960’s the themes are current with a touch of the 60’s magic. The writing is so engaging and will keep you hooked throughout.
If you haven’t seen this show, read this book first, then watch the show. The books are always better, but there’s just something about film that can’t be described in a book. Both are equally captivating.
June 30, 2024
5 stars!! I love Maxine and all her quirks and am sad to leave these characters. This book felt energizing at times with all the shenanigans Maxine gets into. A great story about who we call family and a feminist heroine set against a patriarchal time. A treat!!
October 3, 2021
When I first started reading Mr. & Mrs. American Pie, I thought that it would be cheesy and just a comedy. I wanted it as light reading for finals week. Instead, I discovered a story about friendship, family, and love that transcends boundaries.
Mr. & Mrs. American Pie takes place in 1970 and starts with a ruined Thanksgiving that leads to socialite Maxine Simmons being exiled from Palm Springs, California. Her ex husband has banned her from the city and had it arranged that no lawyer would take her case. He provided her with a house in Scottsdale, Arizona, and little else.
In Scottsdale, she meets bartender Robert Hogarth and twelve year old spy wannabe Charles "Chuck" Bronski and his two year old sister Dawn. Through a series of events, these people become Maxine's family of sorts, and this is enough to enter them in the Mrs. American Pie pageant, a contest to pick the best American mother and wife.
There's so much in the novel about people and what makes a true family. As the new Hogarth family battles the struggle of concealing the fact that they are a "faux-mily," as Maxine calls it, they discover resilience in themselves and each other. There are underlying secrets of the past for Robert and Maxine that gradually come to a head, and from both ends these teach them how to be a stronger family.
Probably the thing I was most impressed with throughout the story was Maxine's complete 180 in character development. As I first started reading, I thought, "wow, I cannot stand this character." She was bratty and manipulative, and I really just wanted to skip to the chapters that were narrated by Robert and Chuck. Even as they began the pageant, she was only doing it for the money and glory. However, she comes out a changed woman, with more morals and appreciation for the time she lives in and the world around her.
I was a little bit worried about the pageant, because it seemed like the scenes were too short to make that a significant part of the novel, even though it really needed to be. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the way the events of the pageant played out to affect the lives of everyone involved.
This is definitely a novel I would read again. If you like feel-good stories, then this is a new and fresh novel you should check out.
Disclaimer:
Mr. & Mrs. American Pie takes place in 1970 and starts with a ruined Thanksgiving that leads to socialite Maxine Simmons being exiled from Palm Springs, California. Her ex husband has banned her from the city and had it arranged that no lawyer would take her case. He provided her with a house in Scottsdale, Arizona, and little else.
In Scottsdale, she meets bartender Robert Hogarth and twelve year old spy wannabe Charles "Chuck" Bronski and his two year old sister Dawn. Through a series of events, these people become Maxine's family of sorts, and this is enough to enter them in the Mrs. American Pie pageant, a contest to pick the best American mother and wife.
There's so much in the novel about people and what makes a true family. As the new Hogarth family battles the struggle of concealing the fact that they are a "faux-mily," as Maxine calls it, they discover resilience in themselves and each other. There are underlying secrets of the past for Robert and Maxine that gradually come to a head, and from both ends these teach them how to be a stronger family.
Probably the thing I was most impressed with throughout the story was Maxine's complete 180 in character development. As I first started reading, I thought, "wow, I cannot stand this character." She was bratty and manipulative, and I really just wanted to skip to the chapters that were narrated by Robert and Chuck. Even as they began the pageant, she was only doing it for the money and glory. However, she comes out a changed woman, with more morals and appreciation for the time she lives in and the world around her.
I was a little bit worried about the pageant, because it seemed like the scenes were too short to make that a significant part of the novel, even though it really needed to be. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the way the events of the pageant played out to affect the lives of everyone involved.
This is definitely a novel I would read again. If you like feel-good stories, then this is a new and fresh novel you should check out.
Disclaimer:
May 4, 2018
This book was hilarious from the very first page.
Set at the end of the 1960s and early 1970s, the story begins with Maxine, a mid-30s housewife and self-absorbed social climber who is pushed into exile when her husband informs her on Thanksgiving that he will be leaving her for his much younger secretary.
As up until this point, Maxine's main claim to fame was winning a pageant and her husband on the same night in her youth, she does not take well to her sojourn in a condo in Arizona. Armed with a purloined library book on Napoleon, Maxine creates her own Elba and begins to plot her return to triumph with her new friends bartender Robert and the resourceful 12 year old neighbor who cares for his toddler sister.
The book is told from the point of view of Maxine, Robert, and Chuck, the neighbor, and each new voice is both distinct and hilarious.
There are some surprises along the way, and as amusing as the book is, it does take aim at some of the social issues of this turbulent time and examines how sometimes love is found in some unexpected places.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from Ms. McDaniel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
Set at the end of the 1960s and early 1970s, the story begins with Maxine, a mid-30s housewife and self-absorbed social climber who is pushed into exile when her husband informs her on Thanksgiving that he will be leaving her for his much younger secretary.
As up until this point, Maxine's main claim to fame was winning a pageant and her husband on the same night in her youth, she does not take well to her sojourn in a condo in Arizona. Armed with a purloined library book on Napoleon, Maxine creates her own Elba and begins to plot her return to triumph with her new friends bartender Robert and the resourceful 12 year old neighbor who cares for his toddler sister.
The book is told from the point of view of Maxine, Robert, and Chuck, the neighbor, and each new voice is both distinct and hilarious.
There are some surprises along the way, and as amusing as the book is, it does take aim at some of the social issues of this turbulent time and examines how sometimes love is found in some unexpected places.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from Ms. McDaniel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
July 13, 2018
What a fun read!
I don’t normally read or like chick-lit, but this was too, too good! I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting!
Maxine was the composite of many women I’ve known! The contest was a parody of so many modern day pageants I’ve read/heard about.
The finale was good. This was a feel-good, laugh out loud, fabulous book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a delight-filled afternoon with this ARC!
I don’t normally read or like chick-lit, but this was too, too good! I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting!
Maxine was the composite of many women I’ve known! The contest was a parody of so many modern day pageants I’ve read/heard about.
The finale was good. This was a feel-good, laugh out loud, fabulous book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a delight-filled afternoon with this ARC!
June 9, 2019
DNF: This book was depressing without any redeeming value that I could find. When the woman finds out that her husband has paid off all the Palm Springs attorneys not to represent her in the divorce, I was done. This is not only inconsistent with his described character, but it makes no sense. All of LA is available to her, but she cannot get a lawyer? Just not worth reading such silliness.
September 1, 2024
Totally readable after watching Palm Royale - basically a completely different plot, but similarly great. The book is "cackle while reading" hilarious. Reminds me in all the best ways of Drop Dead Gorgeous & Death Becomes Her.
April 9, 2025
This book was somehow simultaneously the most boring and also most batshit insane book I’ve ever read. The antics of the main character, Maxine, are supposed to be funny but were honestly just weird and extremely concerning.
+1 star because the last 2-3 chapters were cute
+1 star because the last 2-3 chapters were cute
January 21, 2019
I loved this book. So funny, great characters who learn real lessons. I can't wait to see how this book plays out on TV.
July 1, 2018
This was a riot and a half. My idea of a “beach read”!
Maxine has climbed and elbowed her way up the social ladder, finally finding herself the host of a much envied Palm Springs elite Thanksgiving dinner— but the morning of her husband Douglas announces his plan to leave her. She proceeds to make the most outrageous scene (after imbibing a few too many cocktails plus a “vitamin” to relax) at dinner, when the friend she was trying to impress drops the ultimate bomb: Douglas is leaving her for his 19-year-old secretary who is with child, and she was the last to know.
She threatens more torturous scenes and manages to leave the marriage with $250k of Douglas’ money and a condo he was holding onto in Scottsdale. The terms are she has to stay away from Palm Springs and give up her married name. In the tail end of 1969, in a strange new (pedestrian) place, with her new old name, a small fortune and plenty of time on her hands, Maxine befriends the local barkeep, Robert, and grumpily keeps an eye on a neighbor kid, Charles, in the complex as she hatches a plan for her next step: go back to pageants and redeem herself by winning Mr. & Mrs. American Pie. The only problem? Finding a husband and kids.
The dry, satirical humor is over the top in just the right way. Maxine is absurd and yet I couldn’t help but love her. The chapters alternate between Maxine, Robert and Charles as she drags them all along for the antics she has up her sleeve.
Maxine has climbed and elbowed her way up the social ladder, finally finding herself the host of a much envied Palm Springs elite Thanksgiving dinner— but the morning of her husband Douglas announces his plan to leave her. She proceeds to make the most outrageous scene (after imbibing a few too many cocktails plus a “vitamin” to relax) at dinner, when the friend she was trying to impress drops the ultimate bomb: Douglas is leaving her for his 19-year-old secretary who is with child, and she was the last to know.
She threatens more torturous scenes and manages to leave the marriage with $250k of Douglas’ money and a condo he was holding onto in Scottsdale. The terms are she has to stay away from Palm Springs and give up her married name. In the tail end of 1969, in a strange new (pedestrian) place, with her new old name, a small fortune and plenty of time on her hands, Maxine befriends the local barkeep, Robert, and grumpily keeps an eye on a neighbor kid, Charles, in the complex as she hatches a plan for her next step: go back to pageants and redeem herself by winning Mr. & Mrs. American Pie. The only problem? Finding a husband and kids.
The dry, satirical humor is over the top in just the right way. Maxine is absurd and yet I couldn’t help but love her. The chapters alternate between Maxine, Robert and Charles as she drags them all along for the antics she has up her sleeve.
August 11, 2018
Thank you to Inkshares and NetGalley for the e-ARC of Mr. & Mrs. American Pie!
I have NEVER laughed this much while reading a book; I was absolutely smitten with Maxine from the very first page.
Maxine Hogarth is a newly divorced ex-socialite who has fallen from grace. She is determined to climb back up the social ladder and she does so using...unconventional methods.
This book is so much more than satire - it takes a brutally honest look at racism and sexism in the late 1960’s, which was unexpected but completely welcomed!
I loved this one so much that I HAVE to get my hands on a physical copy to add to my library. Pub date is Tuesday, August 7th, so add this one to your TBR!
I have NEVER laughed this much while reading a book; I was absolutely smitten with Maxine from the very first page.
Maxine Hogarth is a newly divorced ex-socialite who has fallen from grace. She is determined to climb back up the social ladder and she does so using...unconventional methods.
This book is so much more than satire - it takes a brutally honest look at racism and sexism in the late 1960’s, which was unexpected but completely welcomed!
I loved this one so much that I HAVE to get my hands on a physical copy to add to my library. Pub date is Tuesday, August 7th, so add this one to your TBR!
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