Review: Realistic look at the dysfunctional choices we make sometimes to get what we want
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 8, 2014
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when i started this book, but it was definitely different than what I got. In a good way. I found this a pretty refreshing take on turning 30 without having everything in your life completely in place. Jordan isa 29 year old artist who is sort of working in her field for the local Artist Guild, but in an office sort of way rather than fully living on her art. She has just gone on a date that did not turn out satisfying in any way, and is feeling pretty frustrated with her life at the moment. Many of her friends are struggling in their own rights to find the relationship they are looking for, or at least have some fun in the process. They are all a little dysfunctional (as are we all), but supportive of one another throughout.Jordan runs into a guy she dated two years ago and has always felt was "the one that got away". They start spending time together and it feels like this time might be going a little better. Soon enough, her "boyfriend" proves that he is still pretty much looking out for himself and is not going to be giving her the relationship that she wants. Jordan meets Louis, a hot guy from Texas 8 years her junior who teaches an art class where she works. He is naive, chaste, and has a belief system that is not the same as hers. Jordan finds herself spending more time with him and falling for this young sexy man who might just be what she needs in her life. Louis is on on track to move to the Alaskan wilderness, which is definitely causing problems for Jordan who would like to see a future with him.It was really hard to experience this book from Jordan's point of view sometimes. Watching her make choices that I knew were going to negatively impact her was really difficult. Through all her dysfunctional decisions, I really wanted something to work out for her. Knowing what she wanted so badly, and watching her go through certain situations in ways that just didn't have a chance of working was really hard. Through it all though, there was a lot of humor, and a lot of heart. I loved that the author didn't sugar-coat the way that different relationships play out or shy away from the reality that very often, people are not in the same place in terms of their wants, needs, or emotions. Love, sex, and life are messy most of the time. Watching characters make their way through sometimes taking steps forward, sometimes taking several steps backwards. This book felt real, and that is rare, especially in books in this genre. I liked this a lot and I will gladly read more by this author in the future.*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review