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Don't Make Me Turn this Life Around
A witty and unexpected novel about a woman trying to keep her family vacation—and yes, her life—from going south by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Life and Other Near-Death Experiences.
It’s been thirteen years since doctors declared Libby Ross-Velasquez a goner. Yet here she is—cancer-free. So why doesn’t she feel more alive?
Sure, Libby’s husband, Shiloh, has been distant. One of their daughters has a serious health condition. And her father’s death hovers over Libby like a rain cloud. Still, this eternal optimist knows she’s the winner of the existential lottery.
But when her forced cheer isn’t enough to keep her family from catching her blahs, she decides to fly them all to Vieques. The Puerto Rican island is where she and Shiloh fell in love—and where she decided to fight for her life after her cancer diagnosis. Where better to put their problems into perspective?
Then a tropical storm strikes. Libby pretends everything’s fine, even as she fears she’s doomed her family. What she can’t see is that the worst disaster they’ve faced may be the best thing that ever happened to them. But first, they have to get through it.
It’s been thirteen years since doctors declared Libby Ross-Velasquez a goner. Yet here she is—cancer-free. So why doesn’t she feel more alive?
Sure, Libby’s husband, Shiloh, has been distant. One of their daughters has a serious health condition. And her father’s death hovers over Libby like a rain cloud. Still, this eternal optimist knows she’s the winner of the existential lottery.
But when her forced cheer isn’t enough to keep her family from catching her blahs, she decides to fly them all to Vieques. The Puerto Rican island is where she and Shiloh fell in love—and where she decided to fight for her life after her cancer diagnosis. Where better to put their problems into perspective?
Then a tropical storm strikes. Libby pretends everything’s fine, even as she fears she’s doomed her family. What she can’t see is that the worst disaster they’ve faced may be the best thing that ever happened to them. But first, they have to get through it.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
571 people are currently reading
6203 people want to read
About the author
Camille Pagán
15 books1,773 followersI’m the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of ten books, including Good for You, I'm Fine and Neither Are You, and Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, which was recently optioned for film. My novels have been translated into twenty languages.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
May 13, 2021
Oh boy, this book is so sad! A true tear jerking, Kleenex craver, heart breaker,dark mood summoner! I cried! I cried! I cried! I burned our lunch! I cried more! I couldn’t find fire extinguisher! I screamed more! At the end I kept crying during the charcoal remnants from dinner and ordering takeout on the phone! ( they sent me free desert to stop my whining! Score! )
I loved the realistic writing! I enjoyed the family of four who are getting through a lot! Libby , 46 , married, with twins who are 12, celebrating cancerversary! She’s clean for 10 years! Yay! But why she’s still sulking!
Well, that good news is overshadowed by the family problems she deals.
One of her daughters : Charlotte diagnosed diabetes type 1, rejecting to deal with her new health condition, wanting to get back her normal life as her sister Isa hates to stay in the shadow of Charlotte who takes all attention of her parents. So the sisters keep arguing, yelling, screaming, whining and Libby tries everything to stop them but nothing works so far!
Libby is still grieving her father’s death after six months and procrastinate his burial date. She feels her husband Shiloh slowly drifts away from her: they didn’t have sex for a long time because he is always tired ( at least that’s his explanation) and after hearing her brother’s divorce news who is happily married for years she feels like she has to do something to get back her happy family life so she decides to organize a family trip to Vieques- Puerto Rican island where she met with her husband.
She thinks going back there will bring out more happy memories. Of course reconnecting with Milagros who became a second mother to her when she was dealing with early stage of her cancer will bring more joy to her complicated life!
But they chose the worst time to visit the island because a tropical storm strikes and now entire family has to deal with life and death situation which finally brings them closer but not the way Libby planned!
I loved the writing and I love genuine, realistic family dynamics. I ached for Libby and Shiloh, crossing my finger for them to get through their problems from the beginning!
The bomb the author threw at our laps at the ending made me so depressed.
This is ultra realistic book about family, grief, sisterhood, siblings, deadly illness, survival, marriage. But I felt like there was a big black cloud positioned above my head during my read and at some parts I felt like I was struck by lightning! I still smell the smoke comes from my hair!
It was too heavy reading for me: because characters are dealing with too many burdens, grandiose baggages and at the end I wish it can give us more hopeful conclusion but this bittersweet ending made me so sad! I know at least it was not happy ending with lots of cliche but my heart is still truly broken!
I am still rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 poignant, heartfelt, inspirational, life is not fair stars!
This book is more intense than the previous works of the author but my favorite chapter is the part Libby talks with Milagros’ dog when she finally hits the rock bottom. That was the most effective, heartbreaking part of the book which made me feel closer to Libby. I heard you girl, I heard you so well!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sharing this arc copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I loved the realistic writing! I enjoyed the family of four who are getting through a lot! Libby , 46 , married, with twins who are 12, celebrating cancerversary! She’s clean for 10 years! Yay! But why she’s still sulking!
Well, that good news is overshadowed by the family problems she deals.
One of her daughters : Charlotte diagnosed diabetes type 1, rejecting to deal with her new health condition, wanting to get back her normal life as her sister Isa hates to stay in the shadow of Charlotte who takes all attention of her parents. So the sisters keep arguing, yelling, screaming, whining and Libby tries everything to stop them but nothing works so far!
Libby is still grieving her father’s death after six months and procrastinate his burial date. She feels her husband Shiloh slowly drifts away from her: they didn’t have sex for a long time because he is always tired ( at least that’s his explanation) and after hearing her brother’s divorce news who is happily married for years she feels like she has to do something to get back her happy family life so she decides to organize a family trip to Vieques- Puerto Rican island where she met with her husband.
She thinks going back there will bring out more happy memories. Of course reconnecting with Milagros who became a second mother to her when she was dealing with early stage of her cancer will bring more joy to her complicated life!
But they chose the worst time to visit the island because a tropical storm strikes and now entire family has to deal with life and death situation which finally brings them closer but not the way Libby planned!
I loved the writing and I love genuine, realistic family dynamics. I ached for Libby and Shiloh, crossing my finger for them to get through their problems from the beginning!
The bomb the author threw at our laps at the ending made me so depressed.
This is ultra realistic book about family, grief, sisterhood, siblings, deadly illness, survival, marriage. But I felt like there was a big black cloud positioned above my head during my read and at some parts I felt like I was struck by lightning! I still smell the smoke comes from my hair!
It was too heavy reading for me: because characters are dealing with too many burdens, grandiose baggages and at the end I wish it can give us more hopeful conclusion but this bittersweet ending made me so sad! I know at least it was not happy ending with lots of cliche but my heart is still truly broken!
I am still rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 poignant, heartfelt, inspirational, life is not fair stars!
This book is more intense than the previous works of the author but my favorite chapter is the part Libby talks with Milagros’ dog when she finally hits the rock bottom. That was the most effective, heartbreaking part of the book which made me feel closer to Libby. I heard you girl, I heard you so well!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sharing this arc copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
June 1, 2021
Don’t Make Me Turn this Life Around by Camille Pagan
Chick lit.
Libby Velasquez has received her 10 year free from cancer diagnosis but before she can share the news with her family, there are many other life issues that she needs to deal with. A family vacation may be just the thing they all need.
The title made me think it would be more a humorous outlook but it was more a life story on learning to deal with death. At one point Libby is asked if she might be depressed which she empathetically denies. Yet she later admits to secretly crying everyday.
Ah, folks, that’s one of the signs of depression. Don’t feel ashamed to talk to your doctor if you can’t seem to move beyond a death or feel like you need to hide your everyday crying.
In the whole, it was a woman’s story of surviving life and learning to live to the fullest.
Anxious and worrying through most but an uplifting message at the end.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Amy McFadden. The performance was well done and easy to listen to with the emotional tension and voice variations.
Chick lit.
Libby Velasquez has received her 10 year free from cancer diagnosis but before she can share the news with her family, there are many other life issues that she needs to deal with. A family vacation may be just the thing they all need.
The title made me think it would be more a humorous outlook but it was more a life story on learning to deal with death. At one point Libby is asked if she might be depressed which she empathetically denies. Yet she later admits to secretly crying everyday.
Ah, folks, that’s one of the signs of depression. Don’t feel ashamed to talk to your doctor if you can’t seem to move beyond a death or feel like you need to hide your everyday crying.
In the whole, it was a woman’s story of surviving life and learning to live to the fullest.
Anxious and worrying through most but an uplifting message at the end.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Amy McFadden. The performance was well done and easy to listen to with the emotional tension and voice variations.
June 2, 2021
Kindle unlimited: audio/ebook sync.
…..7 hours and 27 minutes.
It’s hard to pinpoint why I enjoy Camille Pagan’s books—especially in Audio-format.
Pagan’s characters are often …annoying…
…worry-warts,
…sarcastic,
…pessimistic ‘teeter- tottering’ optimistic,
…believably real ‘teeter-tottering’ illusiveness.
For me, Camille Pagan is what I call ‘guilty-[not too guilty],pleasure listening’.
There’s always plenty of relationship-family-drama, struggles, depression, and successes.
This is probably the 4th, 5th, maybe 6th book I’ve ‘listened/ebook-synced’ with.
Amazon Kindle unlimited makes it very easy and cost-fair-with Pagan’s books.
A few Pagan books I’ve liked more than others, but they all have that basic quality—
candid wit, and life-affirming stories.
Under all the storytelling, of love, tragedy, and the need for connection, walls begin to break down with this family… things start to collapse….
opening the possibility of examining the ways in which we hide from ourselves, the world at large, and most from the people we love most.
If you’re already a Camille Pagan, reader….
you’ll be happy choosing “Don’t Make Me Turn This Life
Around”.
If you’re thinking of reading/listening to Camille Pagan for the very first time…
my suggestion would be:
“Woman Last Seen in Her Thirties”.
With any of the 'Pegan-contemporary-novels', the characters enter our psyche smoothly and easily.
....and....
“A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down”!
…..7 hours and 27 minutes.
It’s hard to pinpoint why I enjoy Camille Pagan’s books—especially in Audio-format.
Pagan’s characters are often …annoying…
…worry-warts,
…sarcastic,
…pessimistic ‘teeter- tottering’ optimistic,
…believably real ‘teeter-tottering’ illusiveness.
For me, Camille Pagan is what I call ‘guilty-[not too guilty],pleasure listening’.
There’s always plenty of relationship-family-drama, struggles, depression, and successes.
This is probably the 4th, 5th, maybe 6th book I’ve ‘listened/ebook-synced’ with.
Amazon Kindle unlimited makes it very easy and cost-fair-with Pagan’s books.
A few Pagan books I’ve liked more than others, but they all have that basic quality—
candid wit, and life-affirming stories.
Under all the storytelling, of love, tragedy, and the need for connection, walls begin to break down with this family… things start to collapse….
opening the possibility of examining the ways in which we hide from ourselves, the world at large, and most from the people we love most.
If you’re already a Camille Pagan, reader….
you’ll be happy choosing “Don’t Make Me Turn This Life
Around”.
If you’re thinking of reading/listening to Camille Pagan for the very first time…
my suggestion would be:
“Woman Last Seen in Her Thirties”.
With any of the 'Pegan-contemporary-novels', the characters enter our psyche smoothly and easily.
....and....
“A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down”!
May 11, 2021
This cover has you ready for summer, doesn’t it?! Me, too! Camille Pagan is back with her latest relatable contemporary.
Libby has survived cancer even when her doctors didn’t expect her to. Her husband is now distant, and her daughter has a significant health condition. She wants to hit the reset button for her family by taking them to Puerto Rico for a much-needed vacation. Don’t we all wish for a reset button?
While there, a tropical storm also comes to visit. There are some lessons to be learned during this - literally - turbulent time.
You’ll want to have the tissues ready for this one. Pagan consistently gifts us with genuine characters you grow to love. The dialogue is sharp and snappy, and the island is brought to life with stunning descriptions. I thoroughly enjoyed this bittersweet story and its lovable characters!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Libby has survived cancer even when her doctors didn’t expect her to. Her husband is now distant, and her daughter has a significant health condition. She wants to hit the reset button for her family by taking them to Puerto Rico for a much-needed vacation. Don’t we all wish for a reset button?
While there, a tropical storm also comes to visit. There are some lessons to be learned during this - literally - turbulent time.
You’ll want to have the tissues ready for this one. Pagan consistently gifts us with genuine characters you grow to love. The dialogue is sharp and snappy, and the island is brought to life with stunning descriptions. I thoroughly enjoyed this bittersweet story and its lovable characters!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 29, 2021
Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around
By Camille Pagán
I am holding back tears. What am I saying, I am typing this review while I am ugly crying because I get Libby, I get her so much I see myself in her. Camille Pagán can certainly write unforgettable characters that are so real, raw and realistic.
This story begins with Libby narrating in her point of view, as she visits her doctor's office for her appointment, after being diagnosed thirteen years ago, and now beating cancer going ten years. She finds out that she is cancer free, and what should be one of the best days of her life and the best news ever, is turning out to be a bit of a let down.
Her husband Shiloh is starting to get distant, her twin tweens Isa and Charlotte are going through their own issues, and her twin brother Paul is trying to keep his marriage together. She feels alone with no one to share the good news, that she calls her dad only to remember that he passed away just a few months ago.
What to do? Well, a vacation back to Puerto Rico where Libby fell in love with Shiloh is definitely the answer. That is until, they get stuck smack in the middle of a hurricane. But sometimes, a little natural disaster is just the jump start you need to bring the family together again.
I simply loved reading Libby's voice and narrative. I was cheering for Libby as if I was cheering for a best friend. The writing is addictive and emotionally gripping in a funny and heartwarming way. I just could not put this book down and kept on picking it back up as I was so invested with Libby's character. Though this was a fast read, I deliberately read it slowly as I just wanted to stay in Libby's world just a little bit longer to see how she navigates through life's difficulties, and to cheer her on for every win along the way.
If you love an engaging and readable story that is satisfying, emotionally charged, and heartfelt, this is a book for you. Do not miss this one. I just loved this book!
By Camille Pagán
I am holding back tears. What am I saying, I am typing this review while I am ugly crying because I get Libby, I get her so much I see myself in her. Camille Pagán can certainly write unforgettable characters that are so real, raw and realistic.
This story begins with Libby narrating in her point of view, as she visits her doctor's office for her appointment, after being diagnosed thirteen years ago, and now beating cancer going ten years. She finds out that she is cancer free, and what should be one of the best days of her life and the best news ever, is turning out to be a bit of a let down.
Her husband Shiloh is starting to get distant, her twin tweens Isa and Charlotte are going through their own issues, and her twin brother Paul is trying to keep his marriage together. She feels alone with no one to share the good news, that she calls her dad only to remember that he passed away just a few months ago.
What to do? Well, a vacation back to Puerto Rico where Libby fell in love with Shiloh is definitely the answer. That is until, they get stuck smack in the middle of a hurricane. But sometimes, a little natural disaster is just the jump start you need to bring the family together again.
I simply loved reading Libby's voice and narrative. I was cheering for Libby as if I was cheering for a best friend. The writing is addictive and emotionally gripping in a funny and heartwarming way. I just could not put this book down and kept on picking it back up as I was so invested with Libby's character. Though this was a fast read, I deliberately read it slowly as I just wanted to stay in Libby's world just a little bit longer to see how she navigates through life's difficulties, and to cheer her on for every win along the way.
If you love an engaging and readable story that is satisfying, emotionally charged, and heartfelt, this is a book for you. Do not miss this one. I just loved this book!
December 5, 2020
4 stars for this heartfelt new book from Camille Pagan!
I love this author and have read most of her already published books. I had high hopes for Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around since I'm already a fan of this author. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed!
Libby finds out that she has been declared cancer free for 10 years but instead of feeling happy she doesn't feel much at all. She has a full life with running a charity, being married and raising twin girls. Despite all this Libby feels like she's been coasting through life and wants to take a family vacation to Puerto Rico to break up the monotony of daily life. This island is where Libby and he husband first fell in love. He's been distant recently but Libby wants to fix that. From the moment they arrive in Puerto Rico everything goes wrong and Libby is unsure if this trip is what they needed to bring their family together again.
I really enjoyed Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around. I did find the first half to be a bit slow and depressing, Libby is always complaining and things keep going wrong. But the second half does pick up and it gets a lot better than the beginning. Pretty much everything that could go wrong on a family vacation goes wrong but they manage to navigate it. I found the characters to be relatable and they're a family trying to figure out the ups and downs of life together. I liked that when disaster strikes they all band together to keep each other safe. Libby grows as a character as the story progresses and by the end she has a fresh perspective on life and wants to make some changes. I liked how positive she was but also learned to actually process negative events instead of ignoring them. The family dynamic grew and I liked them all by the end of the book. I thought the ending was just perfect and wrapped everything up nicely.
If you like a fun contemporary novel with a sweet message this one is for you! I'd recommend it to anyone who has read other books by this author and wants a quick read to transport them to Puerto Rico.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love this author and have read most of her already published books. I had high hopes for Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around since I'm already a fan of this author. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed!
Libby finds out that she has been declared cancer free for 10 years but instead of feeling happy she doesn't feel much at all. She has a full life with running a charity, being married and raising twin girls. Despite all this Libby feels like she's been coasting through life and wants to take a family vacation to Puerto Rico to break up the monotony of daily life. This island is where Libby and he husband first fell in love. He's been distant recently but Libby wants to fix that. From the moment they arrive in Puerto Rico everything goes wrong and Libby is unsure if this trip is what they needed to bring their family together again.
I really enjoyed Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around. I did find the first half to be a bit slow and depressing, Libby is always complaining and things keep going wrong. But the second half does pick up and it gets a lot better than the beginning. Pretty much everything that could go wrong on a family vacation goes wrong but they manage to navigate it. I found the characters to be relatable and they're a family trying to figure out the ups and downs of life together. I liked that when disaster strikes they all band together to keep each other safe. Libby grows as a character as the story progresses and by the end she has a fresh perspective on life and wants to make some changes. I liked how positive she was but also learned to actually process negative events instead of ignoring them. The family dynamic grew and I liked them all by the end of the book. I thought the ending was just perfect and wrapped everything up nicely.
If you like a fun contemporary novel with a sweet message this one is for you! I'd recommend it to anyone who has read other books by this author and wants a quick read to transport them to Puerto Rico.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2021
I am a big fan of Camille Pagan’s previous books, including her early book that this was a sequel to, Life and Other Near Death Experiences, so I was excited to get an advanced copy of this book, out 5/11/21. So I’m sorry to say I was disappointed by this one. Libby and Shiloh have been married for 13 years and have 12 year old twin daughters. But despite being declared ten years cancer-free at the beginning of the book, Libby spends most of the book seriously unhappy - fearing her marriage is in a rut, worried about her daughter’s type 1 diabetes, grieving her dead father, etc. A trip to Puerto Rico, where they first met, seems like the answer, but comes with its own challenges. What was missing for me in this one was Pagan’s trademark humor (despite the book being incorrectly described by the publisher’s blurb as “seriously funny”). Based on the cover, and her previous books, I was expecting something more escapist and fun, not something so downbeat. It was interesting to see the characters again though, and I did like the ending, and will definitely keep Pagan on my must read list.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
(Kindle Unlimited) Sigh. I loved all of Pagán’s other books and was SO excited for this one. And there were redeeming qualities, the most notable being the attention it brings to the devastation of Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria and the unacceptable relief response by the US government. Another being the message about the harm that toxic positivity can cause. However, the rest of it felt so bleak and relentlessly stressful. And maybe that was the intent, but it just wasn’t for me.
November 27, 2020
Sometimes characters from a story leave an imprint on your heart and you hope one day to be able to visit with them again to just check in. Libby is one of those characters for me. Her struggle with losing her mom... her marriage and cancer... and her eternal lust for life just made me love her. So I was very excited to find out Camille was bringing these characters back. I loved this story. Not as tongue in cheek as the first but there were moments. And it made me cry and think. And the ending... camilles books always leave me with hope and the knowledge that the characters are still there. In my mind I see Libby Shiloh and the girls thriving. I hope there will be a third installment!
May 27, 2021
The story begins with Libby in her oncologist's office for her 10th year check up and she is sure that the cancer has returned. In the past year her father has passed away, her husband seems distant and her daughter, Charlotte, has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She feels a family vacation is needed so the family goes to Vieques, the spot where she first met and fell in love with her husband, Shiloh, and developed a friendship with an older woman on the island, Milagros. It's not quite the magical spot it once was and they end up experiencing a tropical storm.
I didn't read the first book in the series, Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, so maybe I missed something. It was brought up numerous times what an optimist Libby was but I didn't see it. It was more like she was voicing what she thought an optimist would say but didn't really feel it. She had no more passion for her job, was convinced her husband wasn't attracted to her and was ready to leave her and Charlotte and her diabetes was a disaster waiting to happen. I didn't like her much because it felt like she was complaining all the time but I loved the rest of the characters.
Other that the storm Vieques sounded wonderful with lush landscapes, the ocean nearby. I could almost envision the kayaking on the bioluminescent bay.
I will go back and read the first book and from the way the story ended my sense is there will be another book involving this family.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union for providing me with a copy of this book.
I didn't read the first book in the series, Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, so maybe I missed something. It was brought up numerous times what an optimist Libby was but I didn't see it. It was more like she was voicing what she thought an optimist would say but didn't really feel it. She had no more passion for her job, was convinced her husband wasn't attracted to her and was ready to leave her and Charlotte and her diabetes was a disaster waiting to happen. I didn't like her much because it felt like she was complaining all the time but I loved the rest of the characters.
Other that the storm Vieques sounded wonderful with lush landscapes, the ocean nearby. I could almost envision the kayaking on the bioluminescent bay.
I will go back and read the first book and from the way the story ended my sense is there will be another book involving this family.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union for providing me with a copy of this book.
dnf
June 25, 2021See this review and more at my blog, The Scribe Owl!
DNF @ 33%
Much like Libby has no energy for life anymore, I have no energy to read this book. I know things will brighten up later, but right now I'm getting a severe case of secondhand depression with no end in sight.
DNF @ 33%
Much like Libby has no energy for life anymore, I have no energy to read this book. I know things will brighten up later, but right now I'm getting a severe case of secondhand depression with no end in sight.
December 16, 2020
A perfect blend of life, love and family. It’s like you have been let into the day to day life of any family and you can see your own in theirs.
March 13, 2021
My Review of
DON’T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND
By
Author, Camille Pagan
Gifted by KCCPR
Published by AmazonPublishing/ LakeUnionAuthors
On Sale: 5/11/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
*****
A vividly moving portrait of a woman’s new lease on life who can’t pull herself out of the funk that is sometimes felt when you feel you’re in a loveless marriage, a life with twin daughters and the fear of her cancer returning. She wants to shake things up and take them back to the beginning, to a place that healed her soul thirteen years before and where she fell in love; Vireques, Puerto Rico. But whatever you can imagine can go wrong does.
It’s was an emotional book for me that held a lot of meaning and lessons. The Author is so great in conveying her messages on what is supposed to be done in life compared to the reality of just living your life as you are, not in comparison to someone else’s.
******
Synopsis:
It’s been thirteen years since doctors declared Libby Ross-Velasquez a goner. Yet here she is―cancer free. So why doesn’t she feel more alive?
Sure, Libby’s husband, Shiloh, has been distant. One of their daughters has a serious health condition. And her father’s death hovers over Libby like a rain cloud. Still, this eternal optimist knows she’s the winner of the existential lottery.
But when her forced cheer isn’t enough to keep her family from catching her blahs, she decides to fly them all to Vieques. The Puerto Rican island is where she and Shiloh fell in love―and where she decided to fight for her life after her cancer diagnosis. Where better to put their problems into perspective?
Then a tropical storm strikes. Libby pretends everything’s fine, even as she fears she’s doomed her family. What she can’t see is that the worst disaster they’ve faced may be the best thing that ever happened to them. But first, they have to get through it.
DON’T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND
By
Author, Camille Pagan
Gifted by KCCPR
Published by AmazonPublishing/ LakeUnionAuthors
On Sale: 5/11/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
*****
A vividly moving portrait of a woman’s new lease on life who can’t pull herself out of the funk that is sometimes felt when you feel you’re in a loveless marriage, a life with twin daughters and the fear of her cancer returning. She wants to shake things up and take them back to the beginning, to a place that healed her soul thirteen years before and where she fell in love; Vireques, Puerto Rico. But whatever you can imagine can go wrong does.
It’s was an emotional book for me that held a lot of meaning and lessons. The Author is so great in conveying her messages on what is supposed to be done in life compared to the reality of just living your life as you are, not in comparison to someone else’s.
******
Synopsis:
It’s been thirteen years since doctors declared Libby Ross-Velasquez a goner. Yet here she is―cancer free. So why doesn’t she feel more alive?
Sure, Libby’s husband, Shiloh, has been distant. One of their daughters has a serious health condition. And her father’s death hovers over Libby like a rain cloud. Still, this eternal optimist knows she’s the winner of the existential lottery.
But when her forced cheer isn’t enough to keep her family from catching her blahs, she decides to fly them all to Vieques. The Puerto Rican island is where she and Shiloh fell in love―and where she decided to fight for her life after her cancer diagnosis. Where better to put their problems into perspective?
Then a tropical storm strikes. Libby pretends everything’s fine, even as she fears she’s doomed her family. What she can’t see is that the worst disaster they’ve faced may be the best thing that ever happened to them. But first, they have to get through it.
March 8, 2021
In Camille Pagan’s latest book “Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around”, it starts off with Libby finding out she is 10 years cancer free. Her, her hubby and 2 twin girls go to Puerto Rico for a vacation. One of the twin girls has diabetes and it focuses A LOT on that throughout the book. Their vacation does not go as planned and a few surprises pop up. I found the book just ok. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2021
I just love me a family drama. This book felt relatable as it captures the complexity of motherhood, marriage, and mid-life feelings.
Libby receives news from her dr that after 10 years she is still cancer free! But she feels nothing, no hallelujah moment. Libby feels unmotivated and a sense her life is on cruise control. She is alive but not feeling like she is living. Her brother announces he is separating from his husband of 20 years and suddenly she is obsessing over all the imperfections in her own marriage. Questioning her husband Shiloh’s desire for her and their future together.
Libby’s twin daughters also play an important part. One daughter suffers from type 1 diabetes. I appreciated this aspect of the book because my nephew was diagnosed last year at age 8 with type 1 and let me tell you, it is hard!! Watching my sister and brother in law manage it, I see how it really plays a part in every thought and decision they make. This books does a really good job portraying that. I also loved that the daughters didn’t always get along. It captures the fickle nature of adolescence and growing up with a sibling. And how as a parent you really just want everyone to get along!
Libby makes a spontaneous decision to take her family to Puerto Rico in an attempt to recreate the magic she felt a decade prior when she met Shiloh. Except much of the island is still at such a loss after hurricane Maria. Unexpected events occur and the trip takes a turn for the worst when a severe storm comes their way.
Can Libby find joy even amidst all the messiness? Put the spark back in her marriage? Find it in her to feel like she is living again?
Overall I found this to be a fast read with family adventure and very likable characters. A wonderful escape and great summer read!
Libby receives news from her dr that after 10 years she is still cancer free! But she feels nothing, no hallelujah moment. Libby feels unmotivated and a sense her life is on cruise control. She is alive but not feeling like she is living. Her brother announces he is separating from his husband of 20 years and suddenly she is obsessing over all the imperfections in her own marriage. Questioning her husband Shiloh’s desire for her and their future together.
Libby’s twin daughters also play an important part. One daughter suffers from type 1 diabetes. I appreciated this aspect of the book because my nephew was diagnosed last year at age 8 with type 1 and let me tell you, it is hard!! Watching my sister and brother in law manage it, I see how it really plays a part in every thought and decision they make. This books does a really good job portraying that. I also loved that the daughters didn’t always get along. It captures the fickle nature of adolescence and growing up with a sibling. And how as a parent you really just want everyone to get along!
Libby makes a spontaneous decision to take her family to Puerto Rico in an attempt to recreate the magic she felt a decade prior when she met Shiloh. Except much of the island is still at such a loss after hurricane Maria. Unexpected events occur and the trip takes a turn for the worst when a severe storm comes their way.
Can Libby find joy even amidst all the messiness? Put the spark back in her marriage? Find it in her to feel like she is living again?
Overall I found this to be a fast read with family adventure and very likable characters. A wonderful escape and great summer read!
February 6, 2022
This was a much more serious book than the cover led me to believe. I enjoyed it, but for those looking for a romcom, this book deals with the death of a parents and a parent figure, chronic illness and cancer in a family member, infidelity, and divorce. However, these were beautifully handled.
I liked the characters and the family dynamics, which are very real. If you like to read about an emotional journey you’ll like this book, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I liked the characters and the family dynamics, which are very real. If you like to read about an emotional journey you’ll like this book, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 17, 2021
Are you ready for a ride of your life? Pagan pens a story so easy to read and characters like Libby that we can all relate to.
She incorporates friendship, family and love which makes the pages fly by. She even talks about cancer.
This might just be one of my favorite books by Pagan and I will be so happy to get her next book in my hands.
This 5 star read is one you don't want to miss I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
She incorporates friendship, family and love which makes the pages fly by. She even talks about cancer.
This might just be one of my favorite books by Pagan and I will be so happy to get her next book in my hands.
This 5 star read is one you don't want to miss I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
May 10, 2021
This novel was a real treat for me, in part because “Life and Other Near-Death Experiences” is one of my all-time favorite books. So I knew picking up Libby and Shiloh’s story a decade plus later, paired with Camille Pagan’s awesome writing style— which always takes you on a close emotional journey—promised to be heart wrenching and wonderful .
You do not have to read the prequel to enjoy this novel, as everything is explained in a seamless way; How Libby met Shiloh in Puerto Rico over thirteen years before when she was about to give up on cancer treatment; How they fell into a passionate romance that convinced Libby to fight for her life. And how they now have two daughters and she’s been cancer free for a decade.
But at Libby’s ten-year cancer-versary, she’s shocked to not be more excited. In fact, that’s the problem with life these days; nothing lights her spark in the way it used to. She thinks she’s coping with life dulling around the edges—except that she’s not — she’s stifling her emotions and forcing fake positivity for her colleagues and family when, instead all she feels is numb. And her forced positivity and papering over the cracks isn’t doing her family any favors.
When she and her husband decide to relight her spark by traveling again to Vieques in Puerto Rico, the island where Libby and Shiloh met, she expects that flame to light right back up – like turning up a gas burner. However, the universe has different plans – jellyfish stings, being trapped in a tropical storm, bickering teenagers who want to be anywhere but here.
This novel has all the hallmarks of classic, fabulous, Camille Pagán, everything that makes her one of my all-time favorites; sensitive writing, close relationships, fear of vulnerability, getting right into a character’s head in a way that enables you to root for them at every step--even when they are far from perfect. And a plot that keeps you turning pages and rooting for this little family of four; every step of their crazy journey back to each other.
Yes, I smile and cried (saw that coming!), but I also finished this book feeling like I’d been on the best vacation. Only Camille Pagán could write this sweet and wonderful book! 5 massive shining stars from me.
You do not have to read the prequel to enjoy this novel, as everything is explained in a seamless way; How Libby met Shiloh in Puerto Rico over thirteen years before when she was about to give up on cancer treatment; How they fell into a passionate romance that convinced Libby to fight for her life. And how they now have two daughters and she’s been cancer free for a decade.
But at Libby’s ten-year cancer-versary, she’s shocked to not be more excited. In fact, that’s the problem with life these days; nothing lights her spark in the way it used to. She thinks she’s coping with life dulling around the edges—except that she’s not — she’s stifling her emotions and forcing fake positivity for her colleagues and family when, instead all she feels is numb. And her forced positivity and papering over the cracks isn’t doing her family any favors.
When she and her husband decide to relight her spark by traveling again to Vieques in Puerto Rico, the island where Libby and Shiloh met, she expects that flame to light right back up – like turning up a gas burner. However, the universe has different plans – jellyfish stings, being trapped in a tropical storm, bickering teenagers who want to be anywhere but here.
This novel has all the hallmarks of classic, fabulous, Camille Pagán, everything that makes her one of my all-time favorites; sensitive writing, close relationships, fear of vulnerability, getting right into a character’s head in a way that enables you to root for them at every step--even when they are far from perfect. And a plot that keeps you turning pages and rooting for this little family of four; every step of their crazy journey back to each other.
Yes, I smile and cried (saw that coming!), but I also finished this book feeling like I’d been on the best vacation. Only Camille Pagán could write this sweet and wonderful book! 5 massive shining stars from me.
April 26, 2021
I am continuously impressed by Camille Pagán's writing and Don't Make Me Turn this Life Around is further proof of that. It makes me wish I had started reading her books when she first was publishing them. Especially since I found out that this one is a follow up to Life and Other Near-Death Experiences. While this novel can be read as a standalone, there are a lot of spoilers for the previous one. With all the background information filled in, it was easy to follow and understand what was going on.
I loved feeling like I was on an armchair adventure, minus the storm situation. The bioluminescent bay sounded amazing. I also would have enjoyed relaxing at the guest house and hanging out with Milagros. Pedro sounded adorable too. I could somewhat relate to the dire situation during the storm. Not on the same level that Libby had to though. My kids would be inconvenienced if they couldn't charge their cochlear implant batteries for a few days, whereas it was a life or death situation for one of Libby's kids. That must have been terrifying and I could feel Libby's fear through the pages. I also love how real the characters got with each other.
With great dialogue and descriptions, along with a story that flows seamlessly, this is a must-have for your beach bag (or wherever you like to read). I just hope Camille writes another follow up about this family, as the story makes way for one.
Movie casting suggestions:
I loved feeling like I was on an armchair adventure, minus the storm situation. The bioluminescent bay sounded amazing. I also would have enjoyed relaxing at the guest house and hanging out with Milagros. Pedro sounded adorable too. I could somewhat relate to the dire situation during the storm. Not on the same level that Libby had to though. My kids would be inconvenienced if they couldn't charge their cochlear implant batteries for a few days, whereas it was a life or death situation for one of Libby's kids. That must have been terrifying and I could feel Libby's fear through the pages. I also love how real the characters got with each other.
With great dialogue and descriptions, along with a story that flows seamlessly, this is a must-have for your beach bag (or wherever you like to read). I just hope Camille writes another follow up about this family, as the story makes way for one.
Movie casting suggestions:
Libby: Michaela Watkins
Shiloh: David Zayas
Milagros: Lillian Hurst
Isa/Charlotte: Satine Scarlett Montaz
Paul: Justin Theroux
January 17, 2021
I received this one as an Advance Reading Copy and I wish I could have made myself finish it, but I just couldn’t. The set-up is straightforward: Libby Ross-Velazques is a New Yorker and wife and mother and head of a medium-sized charity and cancer-survivor. She met her husband on an escape-trip to Puerto Rico more than decade before, and now things are beginning to seem a little shaky between them. And Libby, naturally, suspects he’s having an affair. Her gay brother is getting divorced from his long-time partner, who is also having an affair. One of her ten-year-old twin daughters is diabetic and Libby hovers over her constantly, trying to get her to take it seriously. She just celebrated ten years cancer-free, but she still worries that it will come back. (Because in her world, of course it will.) Maybe going back to Puerto Rico and the beach cottage, with the twins this time, will help them sort things out. But the island isn’t the same after Hurricane Maria,and the cottage isn’t the same, and the old woman who runs the place, and with whom Libby has been close friends all these years, isn’t the same. And then -- just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be any more trials and tribulations -- they’re trapped at the beach by a huge, dangerous tropical storm.
Piling on to this extent is just too much. What’s more, Libby is the whiny sort of self-righteous woman who fake-curses under stress (“Oh, sugar!”), which doesn’t make her any more sympathetic, or realistic. Not to me, anyway. This isn’t the author’s first book, either. I finally packed it in at the halfway point. I just couldn’t face the volcanic eruption and the meteor strike and the alien landing I was sure were coming in the second half.
Piling on to this extent is just too much. What’s more, Libby is the whiny sort of self-righteous woman who fake-curses under stress (“Oh, sugar!”), which doesn’t make her any more sympathetic, or realistic. Not to me, anyway. This isn’t the author’s first book, either. I finally packed it in at the halfway point. I just couldn’t face the volcanic eruption and the meteor strike and the alien landing I was sure were coming in the second half.
April 13, 2021
Every time I review one of Camille Pagán’s books, it feels like I’m writing a love letter. I swear I’m not a creepy stalker, Camille. I just really adore your writing! Ha! Pagán has a true gift for creating charming, likable, and extremely relatable characters. If you read the author’s previous novel, Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, then you’ll probably remember Libby. She fled to Puerto Rico after receiving some difficult news, and then met the love of her life, Shiloh. Well, let’s fast forward thirteen years, and check back in with this memorable couple. In Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around, Libby and Shiloh take a family trip to Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico’s coast, aka, back where their journey started. Visiting Puerto Rico has been on my bucket list for years, but now I want to go even more after reading the author’s description of this majestic place. There was a lot of excitement over a tropical storm, which had me nervously biting my nails for a good portion of the novel! Eeek! My heart was racing! But seriously, if you’re a traveler, and need an adventure fix, Pagán has you covered. Back to this relatable character business...Libby does a lot of adulting in this novel. She’s grieving the recent loss of a parent, navigating her daughter’s diabetes diagnosis, grappling with news received from her last cancer checkup, nervous about the fragile state of her marriage, and is also in a major career slump. Libby has a lot going on, and the way she deals with it all is very admirable. Okay, I’m done gushing now. It’s obvious that I loved this book. Please grab a copy on release day - Tuesday, May 11th!
May 27, 2021
📚 Hello Book Friends! DON’T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND by Camille Pagán was a thought-provoking novel about dealing with major life events such as sickness, family challenges, and facing a devastating force of nature. This is the story of a woman/wife/mother who has an existential crisis. Trying to make everything better, she takes her family on a vacation to the place where she once found great happiness. The trip encounters issues after issues and everything is coming apart. This story speaks of resilience, sacrifices, and courage. The book ends on a high note which is quite satisfying. If you like books without the fluff that will make you rethink how your life is going, this is the one for you. Great read.
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May 19, 2021
4.5
Have you ever been on vacation, and everything just seems to go wrong?
Libby Ross-Velasquez is certain her cancer is back. Her husband Shiloh has been distant, she constantly worries about her daughter’s diabetes, and she’s still struggling with her father’s death, so yeah, she has a feeling her cancer has returned.
So when her doctor tells her the great news that she’s now ten years cancer-free, Libby decides a vacation to the island of Vieques, where she and Shiloh fell in love, just might be what her family needs. But as Libby was dreaming of making magical family memories, a literal storm begins to brew.
This was my first time reading Camille Pagan, and now I can’t wait to pick up her other books. She writes with such heart! Although I have never had cancer, Pagan wrote Libby so relatable. I understood her thoughts and fears (and yes even the self-pity) as a mom and wife. When things are falling apart around you, you make sacrifices and ride out the storms together.
Thank you to @amazonpublishing and @lakeunionauthors for this #gifted copy.
Have you ever been on vacation, and everything just seems to go wrong?
Libby Ross-Velasquez is certain her cancer is back. Her husband Shiloh has been distant, she constantly worries about her daughter’s diabetes, and she’s still struggling with her father’s death, so yeah, she has a feeling her cancer has returned.
So when her doctor tells her the great news that she’s now ten years cancer-free, Libby decides a vacation to the island of Vieques, where she and Shiloh fell in love, just might be what her family needs. But as Libby was dreaming of making magical family memories, a literal storm begins to brew.
This was my first time reading Camille Pagan, and now I can’t wait to pick up her other books. She writes with such heart! Although I have never had cancer, Pagan wrote Libby so relatable. I understood her thoughts and fears (and yes even the self-pity) as a mom and wife. When things are falling apart around you, you make sacrifices and ride out the storms together.
Thank you to @amazonpublishing and @lakeunionauthors for this #gifted copy.
May 10, 2021
I have not read the first book about Libby (Life and Other Near-Death Experiences), but that definitely did not hinder my enjoyment of this book. Because enjoy it, I did!
I’m not much of a crier in books. Movies/television shows-yes; Books-not usually. But, the author got me with this one. I had tears in my eyes all BECAUSE OF PEDRO! If you read this book, you will know!
Libby has just gotten the all clear at her cancer check-up. Ten years cancer free. She should be so happy! So, why isn’t she? Libby can feel something in her marriage isn’t right; her husband, Shiloh, is becoming distant and possibly not in love with her anymore. Her brother’s marriage is falling apart, one of her twelve year old daughters has Type 1 Diabetes and her job isn’t fulfilling to her anymore. Plus, she hasn’t come to terms with her father’s death six months prior.
To try to get back some happiness, Libby decides a trip back to Puerto Rico and the island of Vieques is in order. It’s where she met Shiloh. The trip starts out terrible and goes downhill fast due to a tropical storm.
I felt this book was realistic in all the issues married couples deal with. It was sad and emotional in parts. I enjoyed Libby’s voice and that she was able to open up and state what she was feeling to her family at the end.
Thank you to Uplit Reads, Amazon Publishing and the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’m not much of a crier in books. Movies/television shows-yes; Books-not usually. But, the author got me with this one. I had tears in my eyes all BECAUSE OF PEDRO! If you read this book, you will know!
Libby has just gotten the all clear at her cancer check-up. Ten years cancer free. She should be so happy! So, why isn’t she? Libby can feel something in her marriage isn’t right; her husband, Shiloh, is becoming distant and possibly not in love with her anymore. Her brother’s marriage is falling apart, one of her twelve year old daughters has Type 1 Diabetes and her job isn’t fulfilling to her anymore. Plus, she hasn’t come to terms with her father’s death six months prior.
To try to get back some happiness, Libby decides a trip back to Puerto Rico and the island of Vieques is in order. It’s where she met Shiloh. The trip starts out terrible and goes downhill fast due to a tropical storm.
I felt this book was realistic in all the issues married couples deal with. It was sad and emotional in parts. I enjoyed Libby’s voice and that she was able to open up and state what she was feeling to her family at the end.
Thank you to Uplit Reads, Amazon Publishing and the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2021
Last year I read I’m Fine and Neither Are You by Pagán and absolutely loved it. I definitely want to read more of her books now. She has the best titles!
This book had me in tears by the end! I related so much to the whole teenage daughter thing because the attitude is REAL. I just loved Libby - as a mom, a wife, a friend. I really felt connected to her while reading. Her friendship with Milagros was amazing. Milagros was the most adorable!
I love that Pagán used a setting that means something to her. It was devastating to read about how much had changed since Libby’s family last visited PR and how damaged it still was after Maria.
This book was fun to read because of the vacation gone wrong vibe but also because it had deep themes and was an emotional read! I’m only in my mid-thirties but I felt a lot of what Libby and Shiloh were going through as a married couple. Plus there was a little mystery involved with whatever was going on with Shiloh.
This book will have you laughing and crying which is my favorite kind of book. And the cover is just gorgeous!
Thank you @uplitreads for including me in this campaign and @camillepagan for signing the book and attaching a sweet note!
This book had me in tears by the end! I related so much to the whole teenage daughter thing because the attitude is REAL. I just loved Libby - as a mom, a wife, a friend. I really felt connected to her while reading. Her friendship with Milagros was amazing. Milagros was the most adorable!
I love that Pagán used a setting that means something to her. It was devastating to read about how much had changed since Libby’s family last visited PR and how damaged it still was after Maria.
This book was fun to read because of the vacation gone wrong vibe but also because it had deep themes and was an emotional read! I’m only in my mid-thirties but I felt a lot of what Libby and Shiloh were going through as a married couple. Plus there was a little mystery involved with whatever was going on with Shiloh.
This book will have you laughing and crying which is my favorite kind of book. And the cover is just gorgeous!
Thank you @uplitreads for including me in this campaign and @camillepagan for signing the book and attaching a sweet note!
May 16, 2021
A follow-up to Life and Other Near-Death Experiences. A bit more serious than I was expecting, but overall an enjoyable & quick weekend read. Although the two daughters were something else at times 🙄😂.
3.5/5
3.5/5
May 11, 2021
This is a follow up to Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, that I reviewed on my feed last week. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone though - the author does a good job of filling in the background.
A realistic storyline with family struggles, personal turmoil, marriage problems and ups and downs of life in general. Pagán always has realistic complex characters and plots.
I found the main character, Libby, a bit annoying in the first half of the book, but the second half she was much more tolerable. Pagan’s characters might not make decisions you agree with, but they are ones that realistically many people may also make.
A story with a lot of heart, emotion and one that will be so relatable to many!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing / netgalley for the #freebook to review.
A realistic storyline with family struggles, personal turmoil, marriage problems and ups and downs of life in general. Pagán always has realistic complex characters and plots.
I found the main character, Libby, a bit annoying in the first half of the book, but the second half she was much more tolerable. Pagan’s characters might not make decisions you agree with, but they are ones that realistically many people may also make.
A story with a lot of heart, emotion and one that will be so relatable to many!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing / netgalley for the #freebook to review.
April 29, 2021
Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around was a slow starter for me. However as I read into the story I was soon engrossed in the life of Libby and her family.
I began not liking Libby that much, she was a bit of an avoider. I thought she could do with a read of one of Brené Brown's books where she talks about not making up stories in your head.
Libby has a loving husband - with a bit of a query there, two twin girls, one of whom has Diabetes 1, a gay twin brother who has had a falling out with his partner, a father's ashes she can't commit to burying and she has lost her taste for her job.
It's a lot, and the way Libby comes to face all this is what makes the story so good. I loved her friendship with the wise woman on Vieques, the dog she lets her heart out to and the way she finds her way back to what is really important.
Along the way we learn what it is like to experience a bad hurricane for an small island and what is like to live with Diabetes 1 for all the family.
So family, friendship, loss, love, facing into the difficulties of life - this story has plenty to offer.
I began not liking Libby that much, she was a bit of an avoider. I thought she could do with a read of one of Brené Brown's books where she talks about not making up stories in your head.
Libby has a loving husband - with a bit of a query there, two twin girls, one of whom has Diabetes 1, a gay twin brother who has had a falling out with his partner, a father's ashes she can't commit to burying and she has lost her taste for her job.
It's a lot, and the way Libby comes to face all this is what makes the story so good. I loved her friendship with the wise woman on Vieques, the dog she lets her heart out to and the way she finds her way back to what is really important.
Along the way we learn what it is like to experience a bad hurricane for an small island and what is like to live with Diabetes 1 for all the family.
So family, friendship, loss, love, facing into the difficulties of life - this story has plenty to offer.
May 11, 2021
Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around is another wise, poignant, and wonderful novel by author Camille Pagán. All of the characters in this book are complex people who I truly cared about, each of them dealing with the ups and downs of life—but repressing their true feelings is causing cracks in this lovely family. I was completely wrapped up in the emotions of Libby, Shiloh, and their family, sharing their fears, their disappointments, their worries, and always hoping for healing of their bruised hearts. I loved being reunited with Libby, Shiloh, And the others from the author’s book Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, but you do not have to read the first book to fully enjoy this one. However, I highly encourage you to read the first book merely because the characters are so lovely, you’ll want to spend more time with them!
July 8, 2021
I will read anything by Camille Pagan, so when I saw she was coming out with a follow up to her phenomenal book “LIfe and Other Near-Death Experiences” it was a no-brainer that I would be reading her newest release DON’T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND.
Don’t let the idea of a follow-up book fool you, this one can definitely be read as a stand alone, but it certainly reads a lot better if you are familiar with the first book, where 13 years ago we originally met Libby and Shiloh and spent some time with them laughing and crying about some uneasy issues.
With this installment we check in with them 13 years after Libby was declared a “goner” and whisked herself off to live the last few months of her life to the fullest on her own terms. Now, still alive and disease free, you would think she would be happier, but somehow Libby is the exact opposite. Her husband Shiloh has been distant, her one daughter is sick, and she is still grieving over the loss of her father. No matter what she does to try and bring joy back into their lives, nothing is working. So Libby decides they need a family vacation, and packs then all up and flies to Vieques, the Puerto Rican island where she and Shiloh fell in love and where she decided to fight for her life. You would think a little relaxation on a beautiful island would cheer anyone up right? But when the island isn’t cooperating with you and a tropical storm hits, this trip becomes a calamity that Libby fears might just break her rose-colored glasses for good. Will they be able to waver this storm and make it out unscathed?
As expected, Pagan has written another page-turner that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions with her special blend of humor and heartbreak. When you reach the end you find yourself so exhilarated that you can’t help but want to get back in line again waiting for another ride (or in this case another book). She has the ability to weave such sensitive topics such as motherhood, marriage, family life, health issues and middle-age struggles into a enjoyable masterpiece that is unputdownable. A delightful must-read not to be missed. Well done Camille!
Don’t let the idea of a follow-up book fool you, this one can definitely be read as a stand alone, but it certainly reads a lot better if you are familiar with the first book, where 13 years ago we originally met Libby and Shiloh and spent some time with them laughing and crying about some uneasy issues.
With this installment we check in with them 13 years after Libby was declared a “goner” and whisked herself off to live the last few months of her life to the fullest on her own terms. Now, still alive and disease free, you would think she would be happier, but somehow Libby is the exact opposite. Her husband Shiloh has been distant, her one daughter is sick, and she is still grieving over the loss of her father. No matter what she does to try and bring joy back into their lives, nothing is working. So Libby decides they need a family vacation, and packs then all up and flies to Vieques, the Puerto Rican island where she and Shiloh fell in love and where she decided to fight for her life. You would think a little relaxation on a beautiful island would cheer anyone up right? But when the island isn’t cooperating with you and a tropical storm hits, this trip becomes a calamity that Libby fears might just break her rose-colored glasses for good. Will they be able to waver this storm and make it out unscathed?
As expected, Pagan has written another page-turner that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions with her special blend of humor and heartbreak. When you reach the end you find yourself so exhilarated that you can’t help but want to get back in line again waiting for another ride (or in this case another book). She has the ability to weave such sensitive topics such as motherhood, marriage, family life, health issues and middle-age struggles into a enjoyable masterpiece that is unputdownable. A delightful must-read not to be missed. Well done Camille!
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