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Swallow
Sophie Hegel is a shy New York lawyer who hails from small-town Florence Arizona, known not for the Renaissance but for housing a large prison. She's just graduated from Yale Law School and landed her first job when, one evening, during dinner with her fiancé, she feels a fist-like ball form at the base of her throat. A form of the psychological condition Globus Sensate, this "fist-ball" wreaks havoc on her life, causing her difficulty eating, speaking, and eventually even breathing. With a cast of characters that includes a pornographer father, a sister with a knack for getting knocked up by denizens of the town pen, a painter of male nudes, an eccentric Sing Sing-residing client, a tough-talking fashion maven and a bevy of privileged Manhattan lawyers and judges, Swallow is a dark comedy about the distance that can separate fathers and daughters, and about a young woman's struggle to survive in a world of pedigreed professionals for which she has no preparation.
402 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2009
17 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Plank
15 books87 followersAfter spending many years as a criminal appeals attorney in New York, Tonya returned to the West to focus on writing. She currently lives in her native Arizona with a small menagerie of rescue pets.
While working as a lawyer, Tonya developed a passion for ballroom dancing. For several years she wrote a dance blog, Swan Lake Samba Girl, which was lauded by James Wolcott in his Vanity Fair blog, and Terry Teachout of the Wall Street Journal.
Tonya’s first novel, Swallow, a dramedy about a lawyer with the psychosomatic disorder, Globus Hystericus, won several awards including gold medals in the Independent Publisher and Living Now Book Awards.
She's also written a romance trilogy, Fever, and a duet, Sasha, both set in the world of professional ballroom dancing. She's currently working on her next novel in the Infectious Rhythm ballroom series, as well as a mystery series inspired by her rescue pets. She recently started a blog, Witty Kitty's Book Blog, reviewing books featuring animals.
When not writing, Tonya loves taking road trips with her dog, Sofia, devouring Mexican food, curling up with her cats and a good novel, and watching ballroom competitions.
While working as a lawyer, Tonya developed a passion for ballroom dancing. For several years she wrote a dance blog, Swan Lake Samba Girl, which was lauded by James Wolcott in his Vanity Fair blog, and Terry Teachout of the Wall Street Journal.
Tonya’s first novel, Swallow, a dramedy about a lawyer with the psychosomatic disorder, Globus Hystericus, won several awards including gold medals in the Independent Publisher and Living Now Book Awards.
She's also written a romance trilogy, Fever, and a duet, Sasha, both set in the world of professional ballroom dancing. She's currently working on her next novel in the Infectious Rhythm ballroom series, as well as a mystery series inspired by her rescue pets. She recently started a blog, Witty Kitty's Book Blog, reviewing books featuring animals.
When not writing, Tonya loves taking road trips with her dog, Sofia, devouring Mexican food, curling up with her cats and a good novel, and watching ballroom competitions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 18, 2010
The book had some promising sections, but overall the author seemed focused on the wrong topics. The character development was interesting though.
March 8, 2010
"Swallow," by Tonya Plank, is one of those books that sounds frightening, and it is. But it is so much more!
From the first page, I was so fascinated that I simply could not put it down. It's a story about Sophie Hegel, a shy New York lawyer from a small Arizona town. She is a graduate of Yale Law School, an achievement that she doesn't seem to feel she deserved. She is excited about landing her first job handling appeals, and her engagement to the love of her life would seemingly forecast wonderful events in her future. So why, then, does she suddenly find herself unable to swallow? As if a huge Fist Ball (hereinafter referred to in the book as FB) had suddenly grown in her throat?
When the condition begins occurring regularly, and when she starts to lose an alarming amount of weight, she seeks medical advice, and, of course, therapy. But unfortunately, nobody can tell her much. And the therapist is one of those who seems to just repeat everything she has said, without offering any help or opinions.
Sophie's dramatic experiences in this journey through her psychological condition (Globus Sensate) was so fascinating. My mind kept traipsing along various pathways (considering my own background in social work!), as I imagined all sorts of causes. The fact that Sophie's father is distant and emotionally unavailable grabbed my attention, just as his career as a pornographer sent up red flags.
What about Sophie's past experiences may have contributed to her condition? Why does this condition recur just at the moment when her life seems destined for good things? And what, if anything, can she do to turn things around?
I wish I could give "Swallow" more than five stars. It is that engaging!
From the first page, I was so fascinated that I simply could not put it down. It's a story about Sophie Hegel, a shy New York lawyer from a small Arizona town. She is a graduate of Yale Law School, an achievement that she doesn't seem to feel she deserved. She is excited about landing her first job handling appeals, and her engagement to the love of her life would seemingly forecast wonderful events in her future. So why, then, does she suddenly find herself unable to swallow? As if a huge Fist Ball (hereinafter referred to in the book as FB) had suddenly grown in her throat?
When the condition begins occurring regularly, and when she starts to lose an alarming amount of weight, she seeks medical advice, and, of course, therapy. But unfortunately, nobody can tell her much. And the therapist is one of those who seems to just repeat everything she has said, without offering any help or opinions.
Sophie's dramatic experiences in this journey through her psychological condition (Globus Sensate) was so fascinating. My mind kept traipsing along various pathways (considering my own background in social work!), as I imagined all sorts of causes. The fact that Sophie's father is distant and emotionally unavailable grabbed my attention, just as his career as a pornographer sent up red flags.
What about Sophie's past experiences may have contributed to her condition? Why does this condition recur just at the moment when her life seems destined for good things? And what, if anything, can she do to turn things around?
I wish I could give "Swallow" more than five stars. It is that engaging!
August 24, 2010
Sophie recently graduated from Yale. She got a job working as an appeals attorney. It seems that Sophie has everything made or so she thought. Sophie’s world gets turned upside down when at dinner with her boyfriend, Stephen, Sophie suddenly feels her throat close up and she can’t swallow. There is a fist size ball in Sophie’s throat.
Sophie goes to Dr. Ames for her problem. Dr. Ames forces Sophie to deal with her childhood and growing up with a father for a porn producer. All the while dealing with the fist size ball in Sophie’s throat.
I have to admit that this book turned out to not quite be to my liking. I really wanted to like this book as it seemed that most of the other people who read this book did. The characters didn’t engage me and the book moved slow. I found the characters problems to be bothersome and they were whiny. What I did find interesting though about this book was the main character, Sophie. I have read many books but have never encountered a character where she deals with the issue of not being about to swallow. I went through this myself when I was younger, though luckily for me it did not affect me like it did Sophie. I was able to get over it pretty quickly. Swallow was hard for me to swallow but I could definitely see where author Tonya Plank was going with this book.
Sophie goes to Dr. Ames for her problem. Dr. Ames forces Sophie to deal with her childhood and growing up with a father for a porn producer. All the while dealing with the fist size ball in Sophie’s throat.
I have to admit that this book turned out to not quite be to my liking. I really wanted to like this book as it seemed that most of the other people who read this book did. The characters didn’t engage me and the book moved slow. I found the characters problems to be bothersome and they were whiny. What I did find interesting though about this book was the main character, Sophie. I have read many books but have never encountered a character where she deals with the issue of not being about to swallow. I went through this myself when I was younger, though luckily for me it did not affect me like it did Sophie. I was able to get over it pretty quickly. Swallow was hard for me to swallow but I could definitely see where author Tonya Plank was going with this book.
September 4, 2010
This is a great read. Kudos for the author. Sophie is a shy appeals attorney in New York City. She develops what she calls a FB (fist ball) in stressful situations. This feels to her like a fist sized ball in her throat and prevents her from talking, eating and eventually even breathing. This story alternated between narration and conversation making it very easy to follow what happens. I was hooked from page one and could barely lay the book down. When you read the book, you are right there with Sophie in the situations that brought on her stress like her self-possessed boyfriend and her porn movie making father, her mixed up sister and her angry mother. Sophie didn’t fit in with her family. She does have good friends like her very frank and self confident girl friend and her very intuitive gay friend. This is a black comedy but it will not make you depressed. There are moments of situations so funny that you can do nothing but laugh and there are times when you just wanted to hit the person who is hurting Sophie. I don’t want to tell you too much about the story because I do not want to spoil it for you. I am already looking forward to reading Tonya Plank’s next book. I recommend this book for women mostly and especially those who have to struggle with a disability, psychologically, physically or in some other way.
April 24, 2011
I’ve put "Swallow" in the, “it’s not you, it’s me” file. I think that says more about me, or at least the kind of book I enjoy most, than it says about "Swallow." Plank’s writing style (her “writer’s voice” as people like saying) works well. The major characters were well defined and, in the case of Sophie, I liked her immediately. The premise of the story and plot is good. On a purely objective level – at least as close as I can get - this book has it all.
However, at a certain point I wanted to stop reading. What I found is Sophie was starting to irritate me. It seemed as though she was spending more time trying to hide her problem than finding out what was causing it and how to get it fixed. In fairness, she did try somewhat, but with no success. Eventually Sophie reaches the same place I hadd, and reacted the way I was hoping she would, it just took her a lot longer to get there. As I’ve been thinking about it I realized I once did the same thing as Sophie, in my case putting off getting additional medical attention when the initial treatments weren’t working. Maybe the problem was I saw something of myself in Sophie, and didn’t like what I was seeing.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
However, at a certain point I wanted to stop reading. What I found is Sophie was starting to irritate me. It seemed as though she was spending more time trying to hide her problem than finding out what was causing it and how to get it fixed. In fairness, she did try somewhat, but with no success. Eventually Sophie reaches the same place I hadd, and reacted the way I was hoping she would, it just took her a lot longer to get there. As I’ve been thinking about it I realized I once did the same thing as Sophie, in my case putting off getting additional medical attention when the initial treatments weren’t working. Maybe the problem was I saw something of myself in Sophie, and didn’t like what I was seeing.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
July 17, 2010
There is this new cliche in chick-lit of a professional woman making her way in the big city while still being that small town girl at heart. This book is that cliche. The hardest thing to do with a cliche is to use it in a market that is saturated with it in a way that works without being satirical, but that's what Plank does.
This is a character driven story with a lead that has enough personality and vulnerability that you easily place yourself in her role, and it gets you coming back to it just to make sure everything is going alright in your absence.
Great chick-lit for intelligent, grown women.
This is a character driven story with a lead that has enough personality and vulnerability that you easily place yourself in her role, and it gets you coming back to it just to make sure everything is going alright in your absence.
Great chick-lit for intelligent, grown women.
Read
February 6, 2011No stars. Terrible. The author lives by the motto: when you've run out of ideas and can't tie up an ending, have the Towers fall.
November 30, 2010
Rated 5 stars
“ Tanya Plank is a fantastic writer of the young, priviledged, slightly disturbed and disoriented New York professionals. She's the voice of the over-educated, preppie, ivy-leagued-to-the-max, "now what do I do to one-up everyone" generation. She "gets it" and she's telling!! LOL
I thought her author's voice--her book was hilarious and riveting! It helps to know these Harvard-types she writes about, but I think anyone can understand a pompous person when they see or hear one...or read about them. Her characterizations are golden. Sophie, the swallower in question, is a loveable and genuine young woman for whom I immediately took a liking. I was on her side right away and kept by her like a glove to her hand throughout her struggles and humorous/humiliating revelations.
Tanya is right on in her dialog and descriptions; particularly in her scene at the fancy art show with Sophie's fiance's Harvard friend, Alana. Oooo, as slick and slimy as they come in a tightly wrapped ivy package. As well as with Sophie's own would-be friend, Samia, who keeps referencing herself and Sophie as "when you're young," as if to say she is now so mature and beyond it all--and that living and working in New York for even a short time has jaded and matured them like hot house roses....which it may, in fact, have done. At the very least it's caused Sophie to choke, hasn't it?
It's caused Sophie to revisit a childhood dysfunction...a fist-sized ball (FB) that blocks her esophagus and causes her to choke, actually not being able to swallow anything but tiny bits of food, drink or even her own saliva. Sophie is struck again by her swallowing FB shortly after her boyfriend proposes, and prior to a big Public Defender's Office advocacy case that she must orally present before a presumably hostile, multiple Justice panel.
Sophie is diagnosed with a psychological problem called Globus Sensate, but not before it has run amock within the strictly held confines of her fragile life. Sophie's secrets of the pornographer father, the wacky sister who pops in to humiliate and horrify...and the fiance' who can't believe his eyes, ears and understanding about the FB!!!...all make for a fun ride!!
I loved Tanya Plank's book. I loved NYC through the eyes of the Arizona girl and the Yalie mix. I loved the story through the words of a choking, swallowing dysfunctional lawyer!!! LOL What could be better than the image of a poor lawyer who can bearly talk for choking on her words! (with apologies to my sons)
This is a wild and fun romp full of satire, symbolism and insight into the lives of the educationally priviledged and spoiled vs the "real" people. It's a look into the workings of the public defender's life and the big city lawyer's mindset. It's a glance at the young bucks and brave girls who come to Town with all the credentials and hautier but missing some of the heart and raw bones of real life. And, a look at the other young "brave ones" who come hoping to make a difference against some mighty odds that aren't in their favor.
This is a book that's easy to swallow. Though, I have to admit, I suffered with Sophie when she was having problems swallowing. I felt myself closing up. I found myself putting my hand to my throat and getting a smothering feeling and practicing swallowing, myself. That's how good Tanya Plank is at writing!
You have to get this book. Ms Plank is going to be heard from again, and you're going to be listening and loving her!! Just like I do.
“ Tanya Plank is a fantastic writer of the young, priviledged, slightly disturbed and disoriented New York professionals. She's the voice of the over-educated, preppie, ivy-leagued-to-the-max, "now what do I do to one-up everyone" generation. She "gets it" and she's telling!! LOL
I thought her author's voice--her book was hilarious and riveting! It helps to know these Harvard-types she writes about, but I think anyone can understand a pompous person when they see or hear one...or read about them. Her characterizations are golden. Sophie, the swallower in question, is a loveable and genuine young woman for whom I immediately took a liking. I was on her side right away and kept by her like a glove to her hand throughout her struggles and humorous/humiliating revelations.
Tanya is right on in her dialog and descriptions; particularly in her scene at the fancy art show with Sophie's fiance's Harvard friend, Alana. Oooo, as slick and slimy as they come in a tightly wrapped ivy package. As well as with Sophie's own would-be friend, Samia, who keeps referencing herself and Sophie as "when you're young," as if to say she is now so mature and beyond it all--and that living and working in New York for even a short time has jaded and matured them like hot house roses....which it may, in fact, have done. At the very least it's caused Sophie to choke, hasn't it?
It's caused Sophie to revisit a childhood dysfunction...a fist-sized ball (FB) that blocks her esophagus and causes her to choke, actually not being able to swallow anything but tiny bits of food, drink or even her own saliva. Sophie is struck again by her swallowing FB shortly after her boyfriend proposes, and prior to a big Public Defender's Office advocacy case that she must orally present before a presumably hostile, multiple Justice panel.
Sophie is diagnosed with a psychological problem called Globus Sensate, but not before it has run amock within the strictly held confines of her fragile life. Sophie's secrets of the pornographer father, the wacky sister who pops in to humiliate and horrify...and the fiance' who can't believe his eyes, ears and understanding about the FB!!!...all make for a fun ride!!
I loved Tanya Plank's book. I loved NYC through the eyes of the Arizona girl and the Yalie mix. I loved the story through the words of a choking, swallowing dysfunctional lawyer!!! LOL What could be better than the image of a poor lawyer who can bearly talk for choking on her words! (with apologies to my sons)
This is a wild and fun romp full of satire, symbolism and insight into the lives of the educationally priviledged and spoiled vs the "real" people. It's a look into the workings of the public defender's life and the big city lawyer's mindset. It's a glance at the young bucks and brave girls who come to Town with all the credentials and hautier but missing some of the heart and raw bones of real life. And, a look at the other young "brave ones" who come hoping to make a difference against some mighty odds that aren't in their favor.
This is a book that's easy to swallow. Though, I have to admit, I suffered with Sophie when she was having problems swallowing. I felt myself closing up. I found myself putting my hand to my throat and getting a smothering feeling and practicing swallowing, myself. That's how good Tanya Plank is at writing!
You have to get this book. Ms Plank is going to be heard from again, and you're going to be listening and loving her!! Just like I do.
January 6, 2012
I wish I had a witty way to start this review. Some sort of statistic, or life experience I could compare the content to, but this time… I’m at a loss. This was probably one of the weirdest books I have read in quite some time, but regardless of the odd physical portrayal of anxiety, or the awkward and eclectic list of characters, I still found that I couldn’t put it down.
Sophia is a small town girl, but only at heart. In reality she’s a high-powered criminal lawyer living in New York with her equally as brilliant fiance Stephen. In other words, life is good, well… WAS good, until one night at dinner she suddenly develops this “fist-sized” ball (that she lovingly names FB) in the base of her throat. With no medical explanation for her sudden predicament, and a shrink that is as much help at a paper-weight Sophia is on her own, but when her mysterious psychological condition starts to wreck havoc on her life, and her health something has to give. Will Sophie finally give in to her inner self and become her own woman, or will the anxiety stuck inside her eat her alive?
Like I said before, this novel was a little odd, but for all of its quirky dialogue, and flamboyant situations (hello penis lamp) the story was surprisingly profound. Here was a woman that was so stunted by the pressures, and societal expectations of her life that she created a mental condition that eventually started to affect her physically. The sheer fact that Tonya Plank could even think this concept up is astounding, and to put it down (successfully) onto paper is even more noteworthy. Her characters were unlike any I’ve ever read before, ranging from the pornographic to the demure and about 50% of the way in (shockingly) I found myself genuinely caring about their welfare, however, great characters, and an interesting plot do not always mean perfection. There were several moments in which the plot seemed stunted, repeating itself, and even forcing what seemed like “afterthought” details. For example, there were several occasions in which Sophia engaged in phone conversations with her clients… I found each and every one of these calls useless and unnecessary, they did not add to the plot or deepen the significance of Sophie’s job, only acted as a drag to what would have otherwise been a fast moving story.
Overall? Decent read, and an interesting new take on “chick lit.” If you are looking for a (mostly) well written novel with a unique heroine, and a crazy play on feminist equality… this is the read for you, Oh! and lookey what I found.
WINNER OF GOLD MEDAL, 2010 Living Now Book Awards, Women’s Fiction
WINNER OF GOLD MEDAL, 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Best Regional Fiction
FINALIST, 2010 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards, General Fiction
FINALIST, 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards, Regional Fiction
I knew I had it in me!
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember; baby food is still food… but do you really want to explain to a room full of lawyers why you’re eating it?
Sophia is a small town girl, but only at heart. In reality she’s a high-powered criminal lawyer living in New York with her equally as brilliant fiance Stephen. In other words, life is good, well… WAS good, until one night at dinner she suddenly develops this “fist-sized” ball (that she lovingly names FB) in the base of her throat. With no medical explanation for her sudden predicament, and a shrink that is as much help at a paper-weight Sophia is on her own, but when her mysterious psychological condition starts to wreck havoc on her life, and her health something has to give. Will Sophie finally give in to her inner self and become her own woman, or will the anxiety stuck inside her eat her alive?
Like I said before, this novel was a little odd, but for all of its quirky dialogue, and flamboyant situations (hello penis lamp) the story was surprisingly profound. Here was a woman that was so stunted by the pressures, and societal expectations of her life that she created a mental condition that eventually started to affect her physically. The sheer fact that Tonya Plank could even think this concept up is astounding, and to put it down (successfully) onto paper is even more noteworthy. Her characters were unlike any I’ve ever read before, ranging from the pornographic to the demure and about 50% of the way in (shockingly) I found myself genuinely caring about their welfare, however, great characters, and an interesting plot do not always mean perfection. There were several moments in which the plot seemed stunted, repeating itself, and even forcing what seemed like “afterthought” details. For example, there were several occasions in which Sophia engaged in phone conversations with her clients… I found each and every one of these calls useless and unnecessary, they did not add to the plot or deepen the significance of Sophie’s job, only acted as a drag to what would have otherwise been a fast moving story.
Overall? Decent read, and an interesting new take on “chick lit.” If you are looking for a (mostly) well written novel with a unique heroine, and a crazy play on feminist equality… this is the read for you, Oh! and lookey what I found.
WINNER OF GOLD MEDAL, 2010 Living Now Book Awards, Women’s Fiction
WINNER OF GOLD MEDAL, 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Best Regional Fiction
FINALIST, 2010 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards, General Fiction
FINALIST, 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards, Regional Fiction
I knew I had it in me!
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember; baby food is still food… but do you really want to explain to a room full of lawyers why you’re eating it?
June 3, 2010
Like so many times since arriving on the East Coast, I realized that, for all the oohs and aahs I received back home for my accomplishments, they amounted to absolutely nada here. – Sophie Hegel
It’s hard to believe that someone who graduated from Yale Law School and landed a prestigious fellowship with the New York City Public Defender’s Office could think her accomplishments amount to “nada,” but when we meet Sophie Hegel at the beginning of author Tonya Plank’s debut novel, Swallow, Sophie is experiencing serious self-confidence issues.
Originally from a small town in Arizona, she’s not found it easy transitioning to the fast paced world of NYC. It doesn’t help that her boyfriend, an attorney at a prestigious law firm, works insane hours and the only socializing they do seems to bring her into contact with a crowd of upscale attorneys from generations deep ivy league pedigrees… which only makes her feel more insecure.
Things seem to be looking up when her boyfriend proposes to her at dinner one evening, except that she suddenly gets the sensation that she has a lump in her throat and finds it nearly impossible to swallow. Not only does the sensation not go away, it gets progressively worse and her inability to eat anything substantial causes her to lose such an alarming amount of weight that her friends and family think she has an eating disorder. Though she doesn’t, she does realize that she needs help, and thus begins her search for the cause of her condition.
Despite that rather dire sounding set-up, Swallow is actually a very engaging, darkly humorous read. Sophie’s attempts to find the answer to her problem in the medical world, first with a physician then a psychologist, are fertile ground for misadventure. She’s also surrounded by an extremely colorful cast of supporting characters: the fashion maven who takes Sophie under her wing; her gay, law school dropout turned artist friend; her father, a semi-successful maker of pornographic films; a surprisingly insightful client, currently incarcerated at Sing Sing; even the enigmatic doorman of the building Sophie lives in makes for a memorable presence in his few scenes.
The supporting cast, however, is not merely there as pretty window dressing. Each serves as a unique piece of the puzzle that is Sophie’s life. Her challenge is in learning to understand how her interactions with each are either helping or hurting her growth as a person and potentially contributing to her condition, which is eventually diagnosed as a psychosomatic illness caused by stress.
Plank has created a wonderfully three-dimensional and quite believable character in Sophie, and Swallow presents an almost painfully realistic portrait of a young woman’s journey from emotional repression and self-doubt to emotional freedom and self-assurance.
It’s hard to believe that someone who graduated from Yale Law School and landed a prestigious fellowship with the New York City Public Defender’s Office could think her accomplishments amount to “nada,” but when we meet Sophie Hegel at the beginning of author Tonya Plank’s debut novel, Swallow, Sophie is experiencing serious self-confidence issues.
Originally from a small town in Arizona, she’s not found it easy transitioning to the fast paced world of NYC. It doesn’t help that her boyfriend, an attorney at a prestigious law firm, works insane hours and the only socializing they do seems to bring her into contact with a crowd of upscale attorneys from generations deep ivy league pedigrees… which only makes her feel more insecure.
Things seem to be looking up when her boyfriend proposes to her at dinner one evening, except that she suddenly gets the sensation that she has a lump in her throat and finds it nearly impossible to swallow. Not only does the sensation not go away, it gets progressively worse and her inability to eat anything substantial causes her to lose such an alarming amount of weight that her friends and family think she has an eating disorder. Though she doesn’t, she does realize that she needs help, and thus begins her search for the cause of her condition.
Despite that rather dire sounding set-up, Swallow is actually a very engaging, darkly humorous read. Sophie’s attempts to find the answer to her problem in the medical world, first with a physician then a psychologist, are fertile ground for misadventure. She’s also surrounded by an extremely colorful cast of supporting characters: the fashion maven who takes Sophie under her wing; her gay, law school dropout turned artist friend; her father, a semi-successful maker of pornographic films; a surprisingly insightful client, currently incarcerated at Sing Sing; even the enigmatic doorman of the building Sophie lives in makes for a memorable presence in his few scenes.
The supporting cast, however, is not merely there as pretty window dressing. Each serves as a unique piece of the puzzle that is Sophie’s life. Her challenge is in learning to understand how her interactions with each are either helping or hurting her growth as a person and potentially contributing to her condition, which is eventually diagnosed as a psychosomatic illness caused by stress.
Plank has created a wonderfully three-dimensional and quite believable character in Sophie, and Swallow presents an almost painfully realistic portrait of a young woman’s journey from emotional repression and self-doubt to emotional freedom and self-assurance.
August 17, 2010
When I read the book synopsis, I thought this would be a serious book since it deals with a psychological disorder called Globus Sensate where Sophie feels like something in stuck in the throat as a result of which he/she may find trouble eating or in extreme cases- breathing.
So when I opened the first page I was prepared for a sad saga. But Swallow is far from sad. It’s a look into the life of a New York lawyer (intern) who seems to be awkward, lacks confidence and generally looks down upon herself. Sophie Hegel is working as an intern in a New York firm acting as a criminal appeals attorney. I obviously had no idea that there are attorney’s just for appealing cases. But I did get a lot of information about it from this book.
Sophie seemingly has everything. A hot-shot lawyer for a boyfriend-Stephen, a fabulous New York apartment which she lives in with her Stephen and a job as an intern which could possibly turn into a permanent one.
But as a reader you learn from the very first chapter that Sophie had self-worth issues. Coming from a small town in Arizona, Sophie never feels like she completely belongs and is not comfortable with people she thinks are more successful and more sophisticated than her.
Things start going wrong when Sophie discovers that she has problem swallowing even simple things, including drinks. After confirming that she has no physical problems she is hoping to find answers from her psychiatrist. This book is not about a disease. It’s about Sophie’s struggles, not only with her self-issues but also with her relationships- her mother, her sister who has 3 children out of wedlock and her father who makes pornographic movies.
As I said I expected this book to be dark and serious but it actually reads like a chick-lit or a light novel, which was a welcome change. In spite of this, the author never undermined Sophie’s problem or made light of it which I really liked. Sophie is a very likable character most of the time and although you get a good glimpse into Sophie’s character, I wish some of the other characters were explored in little more detail, like Stephen or her father, whom I really disliked and was intrigued by at the same time. At times I thought the book was not moving at all, especially in the middle. But it really picked up pace for the last 100 pages which was nice.
Would I recommend Swallow? Yes, definitely. I found it very entertaining. But if you expect to find more details about the psychological disorder, you’ll be disappointed. Go into it expecting a light novel and you’ll enjoy yourself. I would even go as far as calling it a Beach read.
So when I opened the first page I was prepared for a sad saga. But Swallow is far from sad. It’s a look into the life of a New York lawyer (intern) who seems to be awkward, lacks confidence and generally looks down upon herself. Sophie Hegel is working as an intern in a New York firm acting as a criminal appeals attorney. I obviously had no idea that there are attorney’s just for appealing cases. But I did get a lot of information about it from this book.
Sophie seemingly has everything. A hot-shot lawyer for a boyfriend-Stephen, a fabulous New York apartment which she lives in with her Stephen and a job as an intern which could possibly turn into a permanent one.
But as a reader you learn from the very first chapter that Sophie had self-worth issues. Coming from a small town in Arizona, Sophie never feels like she completely belongs and is not comfortable with people she thinks are more successful and more sophisticated than her.
Things start going wrong when Sophie discovers that she has problem swallowing even simple things, including drinks. After confirming that she has no physical problems she is hoping to find answers from her psychiatrist. This book is not about a disease. It’s about Sophie’s struggles, not only with her self-issues but also with her relationships- her mother, her sister who has 3 children out of wedlock and her father who makes pornographic movies.
As I said I expected this book to be dark and serious but it actually reads like a chick-lit or a light novel, which was a welcome change. In spite of this, the author never undermined Sophie’s problem or made light of it which I really liked. Sophie is a very likable character most of the time and although you get a good glimpse into Sophie’s character, I wish some of the other characters were explored in little more detail, like Stephen or her father, whom I really disliked and was intrigued by at the same time. At times I thought the book was not moving at all, especially in the middle. But it really picked up pace for the last 100 pages which was nice.
Would I recommend Swallow? Yes, definitely. I found it very entertaining. But if you expect to find more details about the psychological disorder, you’ll be disappointed. Go into it expecting a light novel and you’ll enjoy yourself. I would even go as far as calling it a Beach read.
August 27, 2010
Book Title: Swallow
Author: Tonya Plank
Publisher: Dark Swan Press
ISBN: 9780615280998
Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book
“Gradually, I come to realize that people will readily swallow lies than truth, as if the taste of lies was homey, appetizing: a habit.”
-Martha Gellhorn
The above mentioned quote could describe the reason for the affection that plagues Sophie Hegel, the main character in the book “Swallow”, by Tonya Plank. Sophie is a small town girl who went to an ivy league law school, meets prince charming and moves to New York City. Everything in her life appears to be going smoothly, in her opinion, until her boyfriend Stephen pops the question of will you marry me. Since she is hiding her “Arizona” family from her “New York City” family, all will clash together with the upcoming wedding which causes her to panic.
Everything in Sophia’s life becomes too hard to accept or believe without question, protest or anger, which she tend to stifle and not come to grips with. I think as we all get older, we start to inquire about our lives. We analyze our past and how it has impacted the decisions we have made. Sophie’s past including her upbringing and her dysfunctional family: divorced parents, jealous sister, reared its ugly head, or should I say fist, and made it hard to ignore anymore. She tries to deny the existence of or the truth of who she really is. With the love and support of her friends; gay arty friend Thom, fashion suave friend Frances, lawyer friend Sami, Sophie realizes that in life some shallow people will cross your path and that they will try to manipulate how you look at yourself. We all should not allow people to lead us astray and corrupt us into seeing ourselves in a bad light.
With the all changing event of September 11th, Sophie is pushed to make decisions to save her from the fantasy life she thought she had. She begins to see things for what they are and what her goals really are. I think most of America took the time after 9/11 to revalue their lives as well.
All the characters are beautifully woven and integrated in the story which gives the reader the opportunity to relate to them. Each character has an impact, either good, bad or both, on how the main character is shaped or is being molded.
I recommend this book to adult women young and old who would like a good laugh, a good cry and a bunch of good feelings.
Author: Tonya Plank
Publisher: Dark Swan Press
ISBN: 9780615280998
Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book
“Gradually, I come to realize that people will readily swallow lies than truth, as if the taste of lies was homey, appetizing: a habit.”
-Martha Gellhorn
The above mentioned quote could describe the reason for the affection that plagues Sophie Hegel, the main character in the book “Swallow”, by Tonya Plank. Sophie is a small town girl who went to an ivy league law school, meets prince charming and moves to New York City. Everything in her life appears to be going smoothly, in her opinion, until her boyfriend Stephen pops the question of will you marry me. Since she is hiding her “Arizona” family from her “New York City” family, all will clash together with the upcoming wedding which causes her to panic.
Everything in Sophia’s life becomes too hard to accept or believe without question, protest or anger, which she tend to stifle and not come to grips with. I think as we all get older, we start to inquire about our lives. We analyze our past and how it has impacted the decisions we have made. Sophie’s past including her upbringing and her dysfunctional family: divorced parents, jealous sister, reared its ugly head, or should I say fist, and made it hard to ignore anymore. She tries to deny the existence of or the truth of who she really is. With the love and support of her friends; gay arty friend Thom, fashion suave friend Frances, lawyer friend Sami, Sophie realizes that in life some shallow people will cross your path and that they will try to manipulate how you look at yourself. We all should not allow people to lead us astray and corrupt us into seeing ourselves in a bad light.
With the all changing event of September 11th, Sophie is pushed to make decisions to save her from the fantasy life she thought she had. She begins to see things for what they are and what her goals really are. I think most of America took the time after 9/11 to revalue their lives as well.
All the characters are beautifully woven and integrated in the story which gives the reader the opportunity to relate to them. Each character has an impact, either good, bad or both, on how the main character is shaped or is being molded.
I recommend this book to adult women young and old who would like a good laugh, a good cry and a bunch of good feelings.
December 31, 2010
When asked to review this one, I was very intrigued by the description. The idea that someone cannot swallow food is beyond my overweight brain's ability to understand. *laughing* Seriously, though... it's a very real and very scary condition and the book did make me go look up stuff about it because it really does sound horrible.
The writing is excellent. The author's narrative voice is outstanding. I think the downfall comes with the dialogue. It's a bit stilted and at times I felt like I had no idea what was going on. If Sophie said "um" or "ah" one more time, I swear, I was going to jump through my kindle screen and REALLY give her a problem swallowing/breathing. Dude, SPEAK. That's why the author is giving you a voice. Use it. In that same vein, I had a hard time believing in the character. She was a Yale grad with all these credentials, yet she seemed like a big old mess. That's not to say that I think she should have been perfect, but there were several times that I just found myself not believing her at all. Personally, I was fine with her being meek and a little left of center, but professionally, I felt with her kind of education and training, she should have been a little less ditzy. Having said that, the descriptions of what Sophie was going through during her swallowing episodes rings very true (and made me get a bit of a lump in my throat I had to swallow down too!)
I did, however, really like the storyline. I even enjoyed the odd relationships she had and how she managed to untangle herself into her true self and less of someone else's possession. I especially enjoyed how the author wove her relationship with her father, his career and his downright self-centered-ness. The secondary character development in this book is so outstanding that it makes the entire book worth reading - right down to the very last "um".
Overall, I'd recommend this to people that enjoy heavier chick-lit. It's definitely chick-lit, but seems to be a sub-genre I've seen lately that comes with a bit of a message and might make you learn something.
The writing is excellent. The author's narrative voice is outstanding. I think the downfall comes with the dialogue. It's a bit stilted and at times I felt like I had no idea what was going on. If Sophie said "um" or "ah" one more time, I swear, I was going to jump through my kindle screen and REALLY give her a problem swallowing/breathing. Dude, SPEAK. That's why the author is giving you a voice. Use it. In that same vein, I had a hard time believing in the character. She was a Yale grad with all these credentials, yet she seemed like a big old mess. That's not to say that I think she should have been perfect, but there were several times that I just found myself not believing her at all. Personally, I was fine with her being meek and a little left of center, but professionally, I felt with her kind of education and training, she should have been a little less ditzy. Having said that, the descriptions of what Sophie was going through during her swallowing episodes rings very true (and made me get a bit of a lump in my throat I had to swallow down too!)
I did, however, really like the storyline. I even enjoyed the odd relationships she had and how she managed to untangle herself into her true self and less of someone else's possession. I especially enjoyed how the author wove her relationship with her father, his career and his downright self-centered-ness. The secondary character development in this book is so outstanding that it makes the entire book worth reading - right down to the very last "um".
Overall, I'd recommend this to people that enjoy heavier chick-lit. It's definitely chick-lit, but seems to be a sub-genre I've seen lately that comes with a bit of a message and might make you learn something.
Read
September 20, 2010Tanya Plank’s Swallow is currently sitting within arm’s reach, discarded after I finished the first 60 pages.
I couldn’t go any further.
But not for the reasons you might think.
Sophie Hegel is a quiet attorney who has arrived in New York City by way of a small Arizona town. Settled in a committed relationship, she’s a Yale Law grad trying to fight the good fight — but often losing, and all because of a curious ailment that seems to strike out of nowhere. Like the night her boyfriend proposes. Without warning, Sophie feels a “fist-like” sensation forming at the base of her throat, rendering her unable to speak, swallow or — in this case — act excited. About, you know, the proposal.
From the book’s description, Sophie is suffering from a psychological condition called “Globus Sensate,” and you know what?
It turns out I’m a hypochondriac.
The more I read Plank’s specific prose about a condition that seems, for all intents and purposes, to be completely in Sophie’s mind, the more I mysteriously felt like my own throat was closing. Call it engaging writing. Call me a lunatic. Whatever you’d like to say, it got to the point that I couldn’t pick up Swallow without — well . . . without feeling like I couldn’t swallow.
The rest of the novel’s description boasts “cast of characters that includes a pornographer father, a sister with a knack for getting knocked up by denizens of the town pen, a painter of male nudes, an eccentric Sing Sing-residing client, a tough-talking fashion maven and a bevy of privileged Manhattan lawyers and judges,” and I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty interesting to me. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t make it that far — which I hate, because I actually had grown to care about Sophie.
I couldn’t go any further.
But not for the reasons you might think.
Sophie Hegel is a quiet attorney who has arrived in New York City by way of a small Arizona town. Settled in a committed relationship, she’s a Yale Law grad trying to fight the good fight — but often losing, and all because of a curious ailment that seems to strike out of nowhere. Like the night her boyfriend proposes. Without warning, Sophie feels a “fist-like” sensation forming at the base of her throat, rendering her unable to speak, swallow or — in this case — act excited. About, you know, the proposal.
From the book’s description, Sophie is suffering from a psychological condition called “Globus Sensate,” and you know what?
It turns out I’m a hypochondriac.
The more I read Plank’s specific prose about a condition that seems, for all intents and purposes, to be completely in Sophie’s mind, the more I mysteriously felt like my own throat was closing. Call it engaging writing. Call me a lunatic. Whatever you’d like to say, it got to the point that I couldn’t pick up Swallow without — well . . . without feeling like I couldn’t swallow.
The rest of the novel’s description boasts “cast of characters that includes a pornographer father, a sister with a knack for getting knocked up by denizens of the town pen, a painter of male nudes, an eccentric Sing Sing-residing client, a tough-talking fashion maven and a bevy of privileged Manhattan lawyers and judges,” and I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty interesting to me. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t make it that far — which I hate, because I actually had grown to care about Sophie.
December 22, 2010
This is a well-written book with an engaging heroine. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to emphathize with her psychosomatic problem (the inability to swallow food). This may be because I have no problem swallowing food and can't imagine anyone having such a problem. Maybe it's because the heroine--Sophie--is a young, thin, sophisticated New York lawyer--about as far away from what I am as one could get.
The author creates a group of colorful and entertaining supporting characters for Sophie as she goes about her daily New York life, planning her wedding. Poor thing, because she can't swallow, she keeps losing weight--a terrible problem for a bride-to-be because it makes it difficult to select and get fitted for her dress. Of course, Sophie is certain her inability to swallow is not pyschological and denies constantly that she is anorexic. I got the feeling that what she really needed was some time to just be alone (or at least just be with her cat)because that was when she seemed to be able to swallow.
She did seem to be able to swallow liquids without difficulty, so I don't see why she didn't live on milk shakes or egg nog. When you think about it, it's surprising that more young New York women aren't diagnosed with this inability to swallow condition. Even so, the premise of this book is certainly intriguing and it's an adventure following Sophie on her quest to learn to swallow again.
The author creates a group of colorful and entertaining supporting characters for Sophie as she goes about her daily New York life, planning her wedding. Poor thing, because she can't swallow, she keeps losing weight--a terrible problem for a bride-to-be because it makes it difficult to select and get fitted for her dress. Of course, Sophie is certain her inability to swallow is not pyschological and denies constantly that she is anorexic. I got the feeling that what she really needed was some time to just be alone (or at least just be with her cat)because that was when she seemed to be able to swallow.
She did seem to be able to swallow liquids without difficulty, so I don't see why she didn't live on milk shakes or egg nog. When you think about it, it's surprising that more young New York women aren't diagnosed with this inability to swallow condition. Even so, the premise of this book is certainly intriguing and it's an adventure following Sophie on her quest to learn to swallow again.
June 13, 2011
What a painfully stupid book where the only character even close to likable was a cat.... And the cat was only mentioned in a couple pages of 394. This book is described as 'multiple award winning' and 'centering on gender equity and class priviledge', but mostly just seemed to be about one incredibly pathetic girl who blames her anger and inability to deal with anxiety on everyone else she has surrounded herself with. Absolutely nothing was resolved by the end of this and I found the language to be quite trivial, as well as contradictory at times. On one page, she writes about her 'freshly pedicures toes', only to state a few pages later that decides to get her second- ever pedicure. Really? Two pedicures in one week when you've never had one before and you're constantly bitching about money?
As a social worker who works in a local detention center, the only saving grace that I found was the work the main character does, although I would hope that doing the job in real life would have a little more pride in her job... And herself.
As a social worker who works in a local detention center, the only saving grace that I found was the work the main character does, although I would hope that doing the job in real life would have a little more pride in her job... And herself.
January 7, 2019
I really don't see it as a book that many people would enjoy. I thought it was fantastic though. I guess the plot was pretty slow; a woman in a steady relationship with a budding career in law (she attends Yale University) and strong friendships. The twist of the book is that everyone surrounding her believes that she has a serious eating disorder. Whenever she tries to eat or drink a "fist-ball", as she calls it, swells up inside her throat and she can barely swallow without bursting into tears. Doctors and friends convince her that it is a psychological effect of the eating disorder but the pain is so real to her that she can't believe it's only in her mind. That's basically the gist of it, and I really got into the character, Sophie, and how her whole life is affected by an eating disorder she isn't even sure she suffers from.
August 23, 2010
This was an enjoyable read for me! There was a psychological tone to the book which really tied everything going on together. Once you meet "FB" in the book you really start to see how other people affect you in ways that you wouldn't think.
I enjoyed Sophie's character for the most part. At first, I kept wondering why heck she didn't stand up for herself! There were a few characters that I totally despised through the entire book. But...these characters are what make a story interesting. *shrug*
All in all, I was happy with the way the story turned out and delighted in watching the main character grow. I liked the message of the book also as I think it's an important one for all of us. Standing up for yourself and realizing that yes, you are important and in charge of your life.
I enjoyed Sophie's character for the most part. At first, I kept wondering why heck she didn't stand up for herself! There were a few characters that I totally despised through the entire book. But...these characters are what make a story interesting. *shrug*
All in all, I was happy with the way the story turned out and delighted in watching the main character grow. I liked the message of the book also as I think it's an important one for all of us. Standing up for yourself and realizing that yes, you are important and in charge of your life.
October 11, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. Tonya's writing style is mostly easy to understand. There were a couple of times when there were words I didn't know but it didn't detract from the book. Sophie was very easy to relate to but there were times in the book that I wanted to reach through the book and smack her upside the head. Such as when she went to the doctor to get an X-ray. No health professional should act that way. Same with her therapist and with her Fiance/boyfriend Stephen. Man he was annoying! But that's what made part of how Sophie was easy to relate to. Everybody has known somebody who's had a significant other who you just knew was bad and/or not good for that person.
In the end, the ending of the book seemed a little rushed to me but overall it was an really good book!
In the end, the ending of the book seemed a little rushed to me but overall it was an really good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2012
Like others have said, I got this book because it was free for Kindle and had an interesting description. Aside from the psychosomatic lump in Sophie's throat, this is pretty stereotypical chick lit. Smart, beautiful woman with no self-confidence and relationship problems with family, friends and boyfriend somehow gets it together and rises above it all. It was too long and drawn out and everything was too neatly and abruptly tied up in the end. I gave this three stars because I couldn't stop reading it, the premise was original, and Tonya Plank seems to have it in her to become a decent writer. I hope she writes another book and just goes with the quirkiness rather than reverting to the usual chick lit formula.
February 3, 2011
Downloaded this because it was cheap on Amazon. I'd give this more of a 2.5 than a 3. To be honest, I thought the majority of the book was good, but it lost me from "911" to the end. The reason? From that chapter on, the book reads like the author had a deadline that the book was due the night before and she just crammed everything together. While I think this might have been done on purpose (perhaps to make the impact of September 11th a little more real to the reader?), I thought it came across as rushed and a tad lazy.
If you can ignore the rush at the end of the book and take it how it's probably supposed to be read (impactful and not rushed), then you'll enjoy this book!
If you can ignore the rush at the end of the book and take it how it's probably supposed to be read (impactful and not rushed), then you'll enjoy this book!
January 22, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this, all the characters seemed to offer something different and although its not the sort of book I would normally read I was hooked from the first page. I seemed to relate with Sophie, the main character having suffered from anxiety myself and was willing her to stand up for herself. The only part I was disappointed with was the ending, I actually flipped back and forth the last page as it seemed like there was a chapter missing but no it just finished there and then.
Overall I would recommend this book to most of my friends.
Overall I would recommend this book to most of my friends.
April 12, 2012
A book that shows how stress can affect you in many way. The main character gets ball in her thought brought on by stress. She can barely eat or drink in the end. (note -my nephew had this same condition in his teens due to stress. The only thing he could eat a milkshake.
The main character's condition improves by removing the stressful things in her life- if if they were very important things in her life.
Nice easy read.
The main character's condition improves by removing the stressful things in her life- if if they were very important things in her life.
Nice easy read.
May 19, 2011
I liked the earlier stages of this book far more than the ending. I felt it was building strongly to something and then just fizzled. The characters seemed real and interesting, although some of Sophie's reactions to people (especially her boyfriend Stephen) didn't ring true to me. Overall, interesting and I'd like to read more of Tonya Plank's work.
July 20, 2016
Thoroughly engaging. The flawed heroine's emotional-turned-physiological battles have us rooting for her as everything progressively gets worse. She's not perfect, but she's determined, and her eventual détente with forces beyond her control gives the rest of us some much needed hope for our futures.
October 1, 2010
I really enjoyed this. There were so many things I liked including the main character Sophie. The struggle she goes through, the people she puts up with, wow! This has definitely left a lasting impression on me. I'm glad I read this!
March 18, 2013
Baldly shows that even privileged white women aren't always good enough for men. The boyfriend in this book is a disgusting person, a carcicature I think is necessary in a story like this. The most moving part of the book is the description of NYC during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Wow.
June 6, 2010
You can read my review here: http://amomentwithmystee.blogspot.com...
September 5, 2010
Slow to start, but gets better as it goes on. It had a great ending, but I wasn't a fan of the writing style- it was too conversational/casual.
February 15, 2011
A book I picked up for being cheap on the Kindle. I didn't think much at first, but it gets better as the characters develop.
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