Review: My favorite read of 2014.  Hands down.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 21, 2014
Do you ever find a book that you just can’t give enough praise to?  Well, that’s Wife Number Seven for me.  I’ve always been interested in polygamy and all it entails (no worries, not enough to become a sister wife) so hearing about this book definitely piqued my interest.  Couple that with someone who possibly wanted to challenge her beliefs and all of the rules that go along with this lifestyle and I was sold.Now, my review of Wife Number Seven may not be the best.  Yeah.  I just said that.  I just can’t put into words the way this book made me feel.  Yes, there’s an underlying love story.  Yes, there’s conflict.  Yes, there are strong bonds between the characters…these are all things I’ve come to expect when reading a book by Melissa Brown, but the thing is, there is SO MUCH more to this.  The way that the words are strung together, the careful way that Ms. Brown explores Brinley’s transformation, it’s just breathtaking.  Literally.  Melissa Brown took my breath away.  This isn’t your typical Melissa Brown book.ANYWAY, on to the review.Brinley is…sweet (pun intended).  The thing is though, she’s disgusted.  She’s disgusted with what her life has become and she knows that there is more out there.  She is the seventh wife to Lehi.  Lehi is old.  Lehi is creepy.  I hate Lehi.  The things that I learned about how life on the compound really is made my head spin.  The things that these women just deal with is just beyond me.  There is no way I could do this.  Ever.  Brinley is quickly beginning to feel that way.  She wants to know what is on the outside.  Then there’s Porter….Oh.  Porter.  Oddly enough, Porter has ties to the compound.  (dun, dun, DUN)Ok, so, I’m going to stop talking about what actually goes on in the book.  I realize, this isn’t much of a review, but just believe me when I say, this book is unlike anything I’ve ever read.  The relationship that Brinley has with various sister wives, the Prophet’s mother (*sigh*), Porter, Tiffany, and the way she changes throughout the book, are what make this book.  I can’t pinpoint one thing that stands out to me.  It’s such a complex story, yet it doesn’t feel complex.  It’s just the story of a girl who has the courage to question the life she has always known….and knows that it’s not right.I am convinced that this book is going to take Ms. Brown places.  Like, top of the bestsellers’ list places.  It is so unique, so well told and if you don’t fall in love with Brinley, I think there may be something wrong with you.  Intriguing, captivating, breathtaking and heart stopping at moments, Wife Number Seven is my favorite read of 2014 thus far.  No questions asked.