I finally finished reading Flirting with Forty, one of our BookWorms R Us books, the discussion of this book will be hosted by the lovely Kimberly, thanks Kim. I wanted to jot down a few of my thoughts now before I forgot them all. I was coerced into reading this book before reading the book I voted to read for September by both Kimberly and Angel, who promised me it would be a steamy romance. While there was a romance and there was some lovin' it was not in my opinion a romance novel and sadly there was no gratuitous sex.
I did not care for the main character Jackie at all, she drove me crazy and I just wanted to shake her. This did not keep me from reading the book or enjoying the story throughly. Surprisingly. It was a great story, full of suspense, a real page turner. I always enjoy a book that keeps me interested, keeps me guessing. Just one more chapter I have to know what is going to happen. That was there in Flirting with Forty.
There was more, however, than a compelling plot and a mildly steamy romance. There were some deep and provocative questions that our Jackie pondered and I pondered right along with her. The main pondering was about happiness. Are you happy? Do you smile, laugh, enjoy your life? Is that responsible, to be happy? Is it selfish? What kinds of sacrifices are you willing to make to be happy? Because let's face it, if you are a mom or a caregiver of any kind, putting yourself first has the consequence of putting someone else second. Can you do that? Are you willing to do that? Where is the balance? Where do you draw the line?
We all say that we need to take care of ourselves. But, it is hard, there is a consequence for always putting ourselves second, but there is also a consequence for putting our kids second.
I did a great deal of thought this subject throughout the book. I really enjoyed Flirting with Forty and I am looking forward to the discussion. Next up is Between, Georgia.
Are you happy?
Posts
I Think I May Have A Screw Loose
-
I saw my podiatrist yesterday. One part of my foot is still hurting (it's
been almost two months since the surgery). He thinks it may be one of the
screws ...
16 comments:
To answer my own question, I am happy. Reading this book caused me to realize that being happy is very important to me. More important than success or having nice things. Not that I don't really miss those things, but the choices I have made leads me to beleive that I cherish happiness just a bit more. I actually laugh a lot, I spend a significant portion of my day being silly and having a good ole time. I am glad of that. I am attempting to let go of missing the things I have had to give up to feel that way.
Well, you know me...I have to say that I'm not happy. I do not put myself first usually because I'm too tired. There are things I want to do and place to go but most of the darn time I'm just too darn tired. I could go on and on about this here but I want to wait for Kim to post the hosting...... Did you understand why I was concerned about you and Kim reading this book?
I have to say I'm generally happy. My life revolves around taking care of someone and it'll always be that way but it's what I want to do so I don't feel as though I'm being cheated out of anything. And I do put my needs first sometimes. You can't always live your life in the backseat.
Now it is all starting to make sense. I am really slow. First I did not know that you were the little birdy. I thought someone was saying that "we" the bookclub should not choose this book because it contained inappropriate sex.
I am thinking that you thought we might be offended because the author doesn't seem overly fond of stay at home mom types. Like we are misserable and self sacrificing to the detriment of ourselves and our families.
I didn't really like this character, this is probably why. But, I did enjoy the book.
Dixie: good advice.
Hum, no gratitutious sex and not a trashy romance novel...yet somehow you managed to make it sound interesting despite it's shortcomings. Now I will have to read it.
As to your question...Are you happy? Even though I work part-time (while my kids are in school), am a mom to two wonderful kids, a caregiver to my elderly mother, and I am often exhausted, and my life is not perfect, I would definitely say that overall, I am happy.
Marsha.....Nope that was not why. I was the little birdie but I was concerned about another topic in there. Something that both of you have gone through.
Could I be any slower? Maybe if you drew me a picture. I did not cry, it didn't bother me this time, weird. I cried during other parts, but not that one.
I was a little concerned when it happened that it was a bit much to deal with especially with her being older and what not but I'm glad it did not bother you!! We will see what Kim says once she gets that far, if ever! She is supposed to send me the other book since I sent her my Flirting book.
This was interesting, I personally would have to vote for happy (most of the time).
Okay, I am the host here and I haven't even read the book! Your giving things away!!!! Save your thoughts for later. I think I will stop reading Between Georgia and start on Flirting with Forty. I am to curious now!
I was not very happy for years, because I felt like I had no control over my life. Once DS was old enough to not need constant mothering, I took my life back and made myself first priority (well, shared first priority with hubby) and now I can say yes, I'm happy.
Sorry Kim.
Yeah. Lorelei, I am glad you are in a good place.
I have to admit I didn't know Flirting With Forty was a novel (I'm admitting all kinds of things about myself). I've heard a lot of people talking about it and always thought it was a self-help book for people my age or something (I'm 38). As far as being happy, is happiness what life is all about? I think that's the real question. And living for others is always a good thing, in my opinion, even if it means we're not pursuing our own happiness. I laugh and love and enjoy my life, but most of the time I do what I know a loved one wants to do or what will make them happy and isn't that more important than my own happiness? Don't you want other people to love YOU that way? If we all lived for ourselves, life wouldn't be very sweet.
I just realized it might have sounded as if I were addressing YOU personally, Marsha! :-) I wasn't; I was trying (not very successfully) to answer your question about happiness. Please forgive me and I'll be happy!!! :-)
Great question!, yes, I am happy.I think life is about that, we are here to be happy, learn and growth.
Post a Comment