I am writing this on my new laptop. Finally!. It is a beauty, too! Black with red swirls, backlit keys, huge drive and memory. I am over my snit, I guess. (almost) And I did not die from the flu, but at times wished I would.
“American Wife”, by Curtis Sittenfeld, was so worth reading. A thinly veiled story paralleling George W and Laura Bush, it is well written and very well researched. It is the story of a quiet, smart girl,Alice, who becomes a librarian,marries a rich, unmotivated man, Charlie,(who has political aspirations), and surprisingly becomes first lady. When reading the beginning, I really liked the way she captured the 50’s and 60’s. I grew up then and it was so real, and really brought back memories. While I liked the story, and even chuckled when I read how selfish and kinda dumb, the Charlie was, I thought Alice had too many weak moments.
Sittenfeld seemed to really know the effects and nuances of a long marriage, the stress, the changes that I fear happen to all of us as we age and our life changes along with us. The ending seemed a little rushed, but overall it was a worthwhile read.
Welcome back! I'm really glad you didn't die of the flu.
ReplyDeleteI passed up an ARC of this book, but I hope I'll get to it someday. It was on a cart of free ARCs at my library and I already had my hands full, so I don't really regret passing it up, but you mentioned at least one thing that really intrigued me -- the author's understanding of the nuances of a long marriage. I've been married nearly 27 years and I think I'm getting to where I qualify for the long marriage category. :)
Oh you are...34 years for moi. Not sure if it is harder or easier.hmmmm
ReplyDeleteI am so interested in this book!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of computer did you get? Obviously not a Dell. I am going to be getting a new computer soon and yours sounded great. Drop me a line at teadrnkr36@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteErin
Never mind! I just re-read your last post. You did get a Dell. Sorry about the confusion.
ReplyDeleteErin
I am getting over the delays, it is a great machine, just what I wanted but I'll never get another one. Their customer service sucks!
ReplyDeletecongrats on the laptop (finally) getting to you!
ReplyDeleteI've looked at AMERICAN WIFE, but haven't yet read it. Interesting that Alice is portrayed as weak. I don't think the "inspiration" for her character was especially weak in that role (though certainly not as visible as our current First Lady).
Thanks for the review; I'll get to it eventually!