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129th out of 394 books
—
109 voters
Mrs. Perfect
by
Jane Porter (Goodreads Author)
As a young California girl growing up in a blue collar neighborhood, Taylor Young dreamed of being popular, beautiful, and acquiring a wardrobe to die for. Not to mention marrying a handsome, successful man and living happily ever after in a gorgeous house with three wonderful children. Now, at 36, Taylor has reached the pinnacle of her dreams, but is it all about to unra...more
Paperback, 432 pages
Published
May 5th 2008
by 5 Spot
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I enjoyed Porter's look at the life of type A, perfect Taylor Young. She's not only on, but heads every PTA committee, is always head room mother, throws perfect parties and has a beautiful house in which to entertain. However, a life such as that is usually somewhat of an illusion. Taylor shops to excess, and is shocked when the strange Marta Zinsser (from Porter's Odd Mom Out)is made head room mother in one of her daughter's classes. Soon, she learns her handsome husband Nathan has been reluct...more
Taylor Young had the perfect life. She had a fine-looking husband three beautiful children, and a house that you could only dream about. You could say that Taylor lived the lap of luxury till now. Taylor’s husband shares with her that they are broke. So broke that he informs Taylor that she should start looking for a…gasp…J_O_B! What is Taylor going to do? She has not worked in a long time. The only thing Taylor is good at is spending money and lots of it.
Taylor can’t believe they are in this s...more
Taylor can’t believe they are in this s...more
1 like · like · see review
4.5 Stars
I didn’t think I was going to love Mrs. Perfect by Seattle author Jane Porter as much as I loved her preceding work, Odd Mom Out, but as it turns out, not only did I love it as much, I love it more! When I started reading the book, I had a preconceived notion of who the main character, Taylor Young, was. She was introduced in Mom Odd Out and appeared to be Marta Zinsser’s complete opposite, not to mention nemesis.
Taylor Young is a beautiful trophy wife with control issues who lives in a...more
I didn’t think I was going to love Mrs. Perfect by Seattle author Jane Porter as much as I loved her preceding work, Odd Mom Out, but as it turns out, not only did I love it as much, I love it more! When I started reading the book, I had a preconceived notion of who the main character, Taylor Young, was. She was introduced in Mom Odd Out and appeared to be Marta Zinsser’s complete opposite, not to mention nemesis.
Taylor Young is a beautiful trophy wife with control issues who lives in a...more
After skewering Jane Porter's Odd Mom Out, I felt it necessary to comment on the vastly superior Mrs. Perfect. The book itself wasn't perfect (Ms. Porter is still intent on shoving the protagonist from the previous book, Marta Zinsser, down our throats and beating us over the head with just how awesome she is) but, considering the low expectations I had after reading the pile of crap that was Odd Mom Out, this book is fantastic. (To be fair, I think this is a decent book by anyone's standards an...more
Mrs. Perfect
By
Jane Porter
Mrs. Perfect was a not to be put down for anything book…actually I was reading it on my Kindle and it was just a finger clicking page turner. Not great literature but just a great great read. It was raining here for 2 days and on Monday I just decided not to do a thing but cuddle with Lucy Grace the Tonkinese kitty and just read. It was truly one of the most memorable and fun reading experiences that I have had. The book is basically a sort of continuation of the charact...more
By
Jane Porter
Mrs. Perfect was a not to be put down for anything book…actually I was reading it on my Kindle and it was just a finger clicking page turner. Not great literature but just a great great read. It was raining here for 2 days and on Monday I just decided not to do a thing but cuddle with Lucy Grace the Tonkinese kitty and just read. It was truly one of the most memorable and fun reading experiences that I have had. The book is basically a sort of continuation of the charact...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Okay...this hit home big time. Deeper than most mommy chic lit type books. Saw parts of myself in both Taylor & Marta. Saw dead on portrayals of other moms with whom I'm acquainted. Why do women beat themselves & others up so much when they're not perfect? Why do we even want to achieve "perfection" - whatever that may be for us. Is that perfectionism even healthy? Questions to ponder.
As far as the main character Taylor - didn't like her in the beginning (too much stepford wife), liked h...more
As far as the main character Taylor - didn't like her in the beginning (too much stepford wife), liked h...more
May 06, 2008
Latkendall
added it
I grew up in Bellevue so wow, is this accurate or what. I put this into the trash/need something to read while getting a mani-pedi genre. But a lesson though - discussion w/in text of moms being out of the workforce too long while raising kids, difficulties of returning to the job market, does volunteer work really account for anything.
I read this book in less than 24 hours. I loved every bit of it, except the last 2 pages, otherwise I would've given it 5 stars. The writing was fantastic and it moved right along. Being from the Seattle area, it was fun to read about the places the author wrote about in the book. The protagonist was a rich, perfectionist whose life came crashing down in a turn of events. However, she got back on her feet, came through the fire and learned to really like herself (and others) in the end. So, what...more
I loved this book. I didn't think I would...especially since the main character (Taylor) was super shallow and annoying in the first couple of chapters. But then suddenly Taylor's perfect life was totally blown apart and I could completely relate and sympathize with her plight.
I think this book should be required reading for every girl...not because we should or should not work or stay at home with kids, and not because I'm a feminist or an anti-feminist, but because we should never get to a poi...more
I think this book should be required reading for every girl...not because we should or should not work or stay at home with kids, and not because I'm a feminist or an anti-feminist, but because we should never get to a poi...more
I really like Jane Porter. It's simple chic lit. There's no depressing in depth literary analysis here - just a mind escape for a few hours of reading. I hate to do this, but it's a lot like reading People or Instyle magazine. You know you aren't reading the Scientific Journal, but it's fun and easy to read and you enjoy it. No harm done. For this particular book, it is set in the very affluent Bellevue, WA area. Having lived and nannied in that exact same area for 13 years, I can without a doub...more
Having grown up in the suburbs of Bellevue where this book is set, I couldn't stop giggling over how very accurately this town and it's upper-class inhabitants we're portrayed. After reading porter's other book "Odd Mom Out," I started this book despising the main character. Interestingly, as I progressed, I found myself commiserating with her, learning to understand her, feeling sorry for her, and eventually rooting for her.
I love Porter's writing style, and I wish people would give it a chanc...more
I love Porter's writing style, and I wish people would give it a chanc...more
Another good Jane Porter book.
I like that Taylor was so different from Marta ("Odd Mom Out"), and yet they had similiarities with each other. That they both put their kids first, and yet strive to find what will balance them. They both have insecurities, though they're different types.
I, as always, enjoy Porter's ability to express a women's ability to laugh in the face of pure crisis. And to properly show it's not from laughter, but from pure self preservation that we find the ability to laug...more
I like that Taylor was so different from Marta ("Odd Mom Out"), and yet they had similiarities with each other. That they both put their kids first, and yet strive to find what will balance them. They both have insecurities, though they're different types.
I, as always, enjoy Porter's ability to express a women's ability to laugh in the face of pure crisis. And to properly show it's not from laughter, but from pure self preservation that we find the ability to laug...more
I won a set of Jane Porter books from a fellow book blogger and was excited to check out a new author. This book is very timely in terms of subject matter, but I found it a little too unrealistic that Taylor was so very clueless about her own family's financial situation. The book was fairly well-written, and I did like the parts where Taylor is forging a new life for her daughters by demonstrating how to make the best of a bad situation. Unfortunately, I thought the end was entirely too conveni...more
I read a the pretty colored books (aka. Chic Lit) as much as the next person. But I rarely take note of them, or even enjoy them much. But, I went through this one and really enjoyed it. Loved that the protagonist picked herself up and managed to make a bad situation better. She is deeply flawed, but likable. A nice portrayal of the adage, "no one is perfect" without being overly preachy or cliched. Also appreciated the author's even-handed management of the "mommy wars."
Also, this book illust...more
Also, this book illust...more
I bought this book on an impulse off the remainder shelf at B&N before a trip and read it while on vacation.
It was really good and well-written.
"Mrs. Perfect" is Taylor Young, a stay-at-home mom of three with a successful husband who seems, well, perfect. But inside she struggles with some issues that she's forced to confront when the family is hit with a crisis.
Written in the first person, I found the narrative captivating from Page 1.
The author has written other books, and an earlier one...more
It was really good and well-written.
"Mrs. Perfect" is Taylor Young, a stay-at-home mom of three with a successful husband who seems, well, perfect. But inside she struggles with some issues that she's forced to confront when the family is hit with a crisis.
Written in the first person, I found the narrative captivating from Page 1.
The author has written other books, and an earlier one...more
http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....
Mrs. Perfect was the first Jane Porter book that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. She writes intelligent and interesting characters. At first, I wasn't sure that I could stomach Taylor's shallow ways, but the more I read, the more I could see that Taylor was far from Mrs. Perfect. She was human.
Mrs. Perfect was an enjoying read. Perfect for the beach or the airport. I will certainly be looking for more of Ms. Porter's work.
Mrs. Perfect was the first Jane Porter book that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. She writes intelligent and interesting characters. At first, I wasn't sure that I could stomach Taylor's shallow ways, but the more I read, the more I could see that Taylor was far from Mrs. Perfect. She was human.
Mrs. Perfect was an enjoying read. Perfect for the beach or the airport. I will certainly be looking for more of Ms. Porter's work.
Jul 19, 2009
Susan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
All moms and anyone who struggles sometimes to fit in due to the expectations of others
Recommended to Susan by:
I found it at Half-price books
I started reading this book and literally could hardly put it down until I was done reading it! It was funny, entertaining and insightful. This book is sort of a Desperate Housewives type of story about a very wealthy mom who gets a huge dose of reality. I love the life lessons that come out in the book, which are about what is really important in life, who are friends really are, and choosing our own happiness rather than trying to live a life we feel is "expected" of us due to the judgements a...more
I liked this story a lot. Maybe more than the book it's linked to, but maybe just the same, because I liked the earlier Porter book too. Jane Porter's one of those authors I'd really like to hate, because she's totally gorgeous, she has a hot, younger boyfriend (or did a while back, it's been a while since I heard about her personal life), and she writes totally excellent books. But she's too nice to hate, and there are those excellent books. So. This book is a women's fiction novel about just h...more
I enjoyed this book and did find it to be a page-turner. I definitely was curious to keep reading and find out what was going to happen. I thoguht the character development was good, but I did have some overall problems with the premise.
I believed this plot could happen to someone, but the reason why it happened seemed a bit flimsy to me and contrived. I just don't think, in reality, someone wouldn't see this situation coming.
Also, about two thirds of the way into the novel the author chooses t...more
I believed this plot could happen to someone, but the reason why it happened seemed a bit flimsy to me and contrived. I just don't think, in reality, someone wouldn't see this situation coming.
Also, about two thirds of the way into the novel the author chooses t...more
Jul 03, 2011
Lisa Yunt
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Stay at home moms, PTA Moms, Those that call Seattle home
A Seattle native, this book was hilarious to read as it accurately depicted the stereotypes of the east side. I highly suggest reading Porter's "Odd Mom Out" before reading this because it really gives you insight to Marta's character. This was a reaffirming book for me to read as a mother of two toddlers that has chosen to stay home and give up an income. I almost wish I hadn't read the book yet because I'd be able to look forward to reading it for the first time.
A strangely engrossing read, I think because as I woman/mom/teacher/wife/friend/sister/daughter/etc.... there is always a sense of wanting to be/do more. Reading a story about a woman whose life falls apart under the pressure is somehow a pleasant reminder to chill out.
Not exactly beautifully written or deep, but pleasant and enjoyable none the less. Good brain break material! (Strange how it feels lighter than much of my YA lit!)
Not exactly beautifully written or deep, but pleasant and enjoyable none the less. Good brain break material! (Strange how it feels lighter than much of my YA lit!)
Wow! I got this book for some light fun reading and ended up learning life lessons. Taylor began with the "perfect" life, lost it all, and in the end gained so much more. I learned that money isn't everything, true friends are found during the worst of trials, and family is the most important thing. This book actually made me cry (which is NOT common) but it was so well written I didn't find it depressing. I am a new Jane Porter fan!
I wasn't sure I was going to like the main character in this book, she is shallow and incredibly self- absorbed, at least at first. The story follows her through some very difficult and life changing situations (that could happen to anyone these days) and watches as she becomes better at just being herself. In the end I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it for any mother who gets to feeling overwhelmed with everything.
Okay this isn't some literary work of art or deep novel, but wow I think she really does an amazing job of developing real characters & situations. Being from the NW, I love the local references. I think the push & pull of Taylor has elements along the way that lots of moms can relate to at some point. Money doesn't not buy happiness. It IS easy to get sucked into a routine & tide of doing things "for the sake of the kids" and yet when you step back... They aren't for the kids and/or...more
If you read Odd Mom Out, you need to read this!!
You will love this character even though you hated her in Odd Mom Out!! She makes you see sides of her that you never expect to see. She will make you want to be a stronger woman and fight for what you know is right. You will cheer her on and cry with her when she hurts.
Jane Porter has a way of getting you to love each and every one of her characters...Enjoy!!
You will love this character even though you hated her in Odd Mom Out!! She makes you see sides of her that you never expect to see. She will make you want to be a stronger woman and fight for what you know is right. You will cheer her on and cry with her when she hurts.
Jane Porter has a way of getting you to love each and every one of her characters...Enjoy!!
I really enjoyed this story but felt it wrapped up rather quickly. It seemed as though things built up for a while and then everything was "resolved" quickly with out as much details as I would have liked. I also wish it had continued just a little longer to let me know who things worked out for the couple. I did feel it acurately portrayed how some friends will drop you when you are no long as wealthy as you had been.
I really tried to like this book. I really, really did. After all, the author was from Bellevue (where I'm from, partially), and I knew somebody that knew her, etc. etc.
But alas, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Basically, Taylor Young is a stereotypical, affluent, metropolitan/suburbanite mom who initially has it all, and yet still manages to complain about everything. And on the rare occasion that she's not complaining, she's bragging, which can only mean that she's an absolutely delightful n...more
But alas, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Basically, Taylor Young is a stereotypical, affluent, metropolitan/suburbanite mom who initially has it all, and yet still manages to complain about everything. And on the rare occasion that she's not complaining, she's bragging, which can only mean that she's an absolutely delightful n...more
I didn't think it would be so depressing-yet it was. Very wealth family looses all their money, question their marriage, children handle it well, they move to the "slums", family ignored by friends, new friend with edgy people who help them grow, marriage is saved, and husband gets a fabulous job so everything is great again.
YUCK!!!! Just writing this review makes me hate it.
YUCK!!!! Just writing this review makes me hate it.
This book was really intense. It made me have a sense of reality especially with today's failing economy. After reading it, I kept thinking "what if my family's bankrupt? what will I do?" over and over again because my siblings and I tend to spend a lot of money on clothes and stuff so it seemed like it was in the realm of possibility.
I really enjoyed this book because unlike the other books I tend to read, this one had a lot of realistic aspects in it.
The main character, Taylor, was someone I...more
I really enjoyed this book because unlike the other books I tend to read, this one had a lot of realistic aspects in it.
The main character, Taylor, was someone I...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| Go, Jane Porter, Go! | 1 | 11 | Dec 02, 2008 08:56pm |
Born in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endi...more
More about Jane Porter...
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endi...more
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Jul 21, 2008 09:50am