Barefoot: A Novel
by Elin Hilderbrand
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Book Reviews of Barefoot: A Novel
Book Review: A Pleasant Surprise
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the first Elin Hilderbrand novel I have read. I just grabbed it on my way out of a store attracted by the "summer read" it appeared to be. I had no idea what it was about, I just took a chance. I am very glad I did since I enjoyed it so much I finished it in two days and started reading it over again! I enjoyed the way the author introduced her characters slowly only giving you enough information you needed for just that moment. Later she opened up more of the past while adding in the what was happening there in Nantucket. I just knew from the beginning that Josh would be the spark that help the women come back from the despair they had been in when they arrived on the island. I loved the fact that Vicki had a normal marriage, not one littered in affairs and severe problems. It made her struggle with cancer so true to life, so real. Brenda's situation was very interesting, her career in academia over and a new one trying to blossom. Melanie's handling of her marriage issues may not have turned out the way many women thought it should, but the way the author described the character Melanie was, it made perfect sense that she would make that decision in the end. I ordered three more of her books on amazon because I could not wait to start reading more.Book Review: PLEASE WRITE THE SCREENPLAY
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book and can't wait to see it played out on screen. I really think this is one book that would translate well to film. Especially if written the same way with past and present interwoven. I loved how Hilderbrand wove the plots with minimal information in the now and then when you wanted to hear the full details; there they were, perfectly rich in detail. There's no doubt in my mind that Hildebrand has a rare gift with dialogue and storytelling creativity. I loved how we got to see each main character's point of view and how they each was interwoven so perfectly. I felt that I was going through the cancer along with Vicki. When she labored a breath, I felt that I couldn't breath either. I just finished it last night and although I was disappointed in one woman's choice (we know who), I thought that was the most realistic ending and the way most women would react (especially pregnant ones). I was very happy and satisfied with the ending and I will pass this book along with a enthusiastic thumbs up!! One thing that came to mind was that the title made it sound like a simple summer story; which it wasn't in the last. I felt a better and more significant title would have been "Sand In My Shoes". Does anyone agree?Book Review: Unable to Relate to Weak Female Characters
Summary: 1 Stars
I love a good novel about women going through hard times, but this certainly isn't one of them. Each of the three main characters have such unattractive flaws that it made the novel difficult to read. One of the women is groveling for her cheating husband to want her again. Another is a self-absorbed professor who spends most of her time thinking only of herself and not of her sister, Vicki, who has lung cancer.
I couldn't identify with the women; even Vicki who seemed the strongest. The consistent references to the less than glamorous sides of motherhood (i.e. a breast feeding baby constantly tugging on Vicki's breasts in public) were unnecessary. Perhaps my discomfort stems from not having children, but it made me lose sight of the story.
If you're looking for a powerful woman's story I would try "How Venus Was Born" or for a fun read I would try Emily Giffin's four novels.
Book Review: Good Summer Reading
Summary: 3 Stars
This is my first book by Elin Hilderbrand and I have to say that I enjoyed it. I was also drawn in by the photo on the cover of the book and the fact that it was about three women who are spending their summer on Nantucket.
The book is about Vicki, who is fighting lung cancer, her sister Brenda a professor who has just been fired from her job for having "relations" with her student and Melanie, Vicki's friend who has to deal with the infidelity of her husband. Josh is the babysitter and native of Nantucket who is a writer in the making and trying to deal with his own demons.
The women are dealing with some major life-altering situations and the tension between them all is evident. Fortunately by the end of the book the bonds of friendship and sisterhood are stronger than ever.
A good summer read.
Book Review: Perfect summer read.
Summary: 5 Stars
Honestly, I didn't have too many expectations for this book. I bought it because I was supposed be at work for 12 hours on 4th of July. But once I started reading, it was hard for me to put down the book. This is my first review I'm writing, and I want anyone who is questioning whether to buy the book or not, to go ahead and buy it. It's absolutely perfect for summer.
I couldn't wait wait to get home to continue reading. I started to feel like I was there with the characters. I even looked up pictures of Nantucket to better visualize the story. Overall I loved it, and I am passing it on to a friend of mine who I know will love it too. Do yourself a favor, and grab this book.