Jewish Book Club discussion

Join in as we read She’s Up to No Good by Sara Goodman Confino. This book won the July poll as a book you would like to read on vacation. All are welcome to join in.

I am unsure how you run your discussions. I am listening to the audiobook of this and I'm afraid its a DNF for me. It is just too chick lit for me. I'm only.a few chapters in but it is not sustaining my interest - I really don't care about the characters or why anything is happening. I don't want to discuss why because I don't know how you handle SPOILERS. Sorry!
P.S. I guess I can say without spoiling anything because its the first few pages, that I don't care about her divorce because she seems clueless about her entire marriage and a dimwit about her divorce and just goes and hides. No explanation about anything. No depth, no insight, no nothing.

I'm not reading the book so can't comment on it. But I can very well relate to your reaction to a book where one doesn't care about any of the characters. Even if it's a villain, I have to be able to relate to someone or it's a DNF for me too.

Denise,
I understand all too well. In the last three months Ive closed at least 10 books on my kindle, having a 35 page rule. If it doesnt grab be by then; Im done.
We hear complaints regarding winning books often. So,, fair enough. Ha, at least we didn't pen them. You did right by not including spoilers for those still reading it through July. But dont forget to post your thoughts . Thank you for your comment.

Dvora wrote: "I'm not reading the book so can't comment on it. But I can very well relate to your reaction to a book where one doesn't care about any of the characters. Even if it's a villain, I have to be able ..."

Dvora,
I agree somewhat- depending on the genre. Hard to read a book when you recognize there is no interest in any of characters.

Is there a discussion of this book elsewhere? I was looking forward to hearing from people who liked the book to see where I didn't understand something. ????

Yes Denise,
Right here. I read it, you can ask me, or Im sure someone else can answer it.

I didn't want to ask I just hoped to see a discussion all on its own.

Denise wrote: "I didn't want to ask I just hoped to see a discussion all on its own."

Denise,
Usually we don't receive comments until the end of July due to
spoilers. Im guessing only...you are curious what others thought
of the characters in the book?

Stacey B wrote: "Denise wrote: "I didn't want to ask I just hoped to see a discussion all on its own."

Denise,
Usually we don't receive comments until the end of July due to
spoilers. Im guessing only...you are cu..."

Curious what they thought about anything about the book. But I understand they might wait until the end of the month. Thanks

I wrote a short review for this book. As per a comment above, yes, "in the beginning of the novel" the characters were not my favorites. Getting into the crux of the story certainly changed my mind.
Jenna is at the end of her blindsighted divorce. Moving home with her parents has been a bit of a six month struggle for them as Jenna hasnt left the house.
Enter her grandmother Evelyn who announces she is going to drive nine hours to Hereford, Mass . Well of course Jenna wont let her 89 yr old grandmother drive alone.
"I looked at my grandmother’s dinged-up Lexus, parked crookedly in her driveway. “Why? Mine is newer. And I have Sirius.” “Well, I’m serious too. And I don’t ride in German cars.” “What’s wrong with German cars?” She put a hand on her hip. “I can think of about six million things wrong with them, young lady. "My jaw dropped open. “You won’t take my car because of the Holocaust?”
The bantering that goes on for a week is priceless.
Evelyn is teaching life lessons to Jenna through her childhood stories making many points that no-one is exempt from any type of heartbreak.
There is much to write; I will let others fill in the blanks.

I have read all of the authors work, heard her speak recognizing her value system and judgement calls. Her humour is terrific. Im torn between a favorite, but so far, I would say "Don't Forget to Write" is in the lead.
Waiting to read her latest release.

This was a DNF for me also. I read half the book and wasn't enjoying either the grandmother's story or that of the granddaughter.
I enjoyed her 'Don't forget to write' but this one felt much lighter and I had more compelling books waiting on my tbr pile.

Kerry wrote: "This was a DNF for me also. I read half the book and wasn't enjoying either the grandmother's story or that of the granddaughter.
I enjoyed her 'Don't forget to write' but this one felt much light..."

Kerry,
This book is - lighter to a degree.
Im sorry you didnt like it.
There were three endings melded together that may have surprised you, though I can see why you didnt care for their stories. I understood the theme much better
once I saw a transformation taking place place within Jenna. Evelyn and Jenna are a generation apart, where no-one knew the history she lived through. This put the recognition of the stories into perspective- for me. Per the ending , it was "almost" satisfying"; I have a question in the wings for the author that I hope will satisfy me.
I agree there are more compelling books out there to be read. This vacation poll winner turned out to be what I needed to slow down and take a breather from reading heavy books and coming off an emotional year.
We mods feel badly when members are let down by a book.