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40th out of 52 books
—
45 voters
Happiness Sold Separately
Elinor Mackey steadfastly followed the drill she had been taught. She got good grades; didn't miss a beat in college or law school; landed a lucrative corporate career; and got married. The next step, of course, is a child, but Elinor's perfect life peters out with the news that she and her husband can't have children. That tragedy is compounded when hubby Ted drifts into...more
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published
August 1st 2009
by Warner Books
(first published 2005)
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I was disappointed with this book. After reading the first few chapters of "Good Grief" (before it mysteriously disappeared), I thought I would read all of Lolly Winston's work and she could become a new favorite author.
After reading "Happiness Sold Separately", I came to the following conclusions. One, unless an author really understands both the male and female psyche, at least enough to write from the vantage point of both men and woman, he/she just shouldn't do it. Otherwise, it sounds like...more
After reading "Happiness Sold Separately", I came to the following conclusions. One, unless an author really understands both the male and female psyche, at least enough to write from the vantage point of both men and woman, he/she just shouldn't do it. Otherwise, it sounds like...more
I enjoyed "Good Grief" very much, so I was hoping I'd like this book, too. Unfortunately, I didn't. I kept wondering if I should quit reading it because the characters were really making me mad. I don't know why I continued, and even though I finished it, I don't really know how it ends...
This is another book about infertility and the stresses it puts on a marriage (much like "Waiting for Daisy" except this is fiction). However, within a span of like 8 weeks, each of the three major characters h...more
This is another book about infertility and the stresses it puts on a marriage (much like "Waiting for Daisy" except this is fiction). However, within a span of like 8 weeks, each of the three major characters h...more
Like many others, I read "Good Grief" and loved it. However this book was just plain depressing. It was somewhat refreshing to have a book about infertility that didn't end up with the couple taking a vacation and suddenly getting pregnant and having a baby and living happily ever after. It also portrayed some of the realities of infertility very well. I also thought the plot showed the really sticky messes we can get in to and the disturbing realities of life. However, I would like to have seen...more
Eleanor and Ted's marriage is pushed to a straining point when Eleanor finds out that Ted has been having an affair with his personal assistant Gina. The feelings between the characters are complicated. Eleanor and Ted have been struggling with infertility for years. Gina is a single mother whose son Toby has just come to live with her and who hates her guts. Although Ted breaks off his affair with Gina when Eleanor finally becomes pregnant, he can't turn his back on the boy, and when Eleanor mi...more
Oh no, where to start? I truly enjoyed Lolly Winston's debut novel, Good Grief, and was excited to read this one. Alas, my excitement was doused with a large splash of bitterness as I struggled to find some honesty in this book. The only character I actually liked was Kat, the understanding best friend and neighbor. Elinor and Ted's love for one another is unconvincing from the start. At times I wished they would just say, "Ok let's just forget it. We tried, nice knowing you," and move on. Not t...more
I bought this book on a whim with my mad money. Then I got mad at Lolly's obvious disregard for morals and ethics. It was like she was making a statement and I completely disagree with her perspective. I finished this book just out of curiosity, to see if any of the characters redeemed themselves. Nope, I was out of luck. Each character was self-absorbed and didn't give a rat's you-know-what that they were ruining a kid's life in the process. Hate this book something awful.
The characters in this book were amazing. I could empathize with all three of the main characters, even though at times they were at odds with each other. I admired Elinor's boldness and humor and related to her anger upon discovering her husband's affair. I felt bad for Ted, who felt helpless while watching his wife go through the trauma of miscarriage and realizing she wouldn't be able to have children. I also empathized with Gina, who was frustrated with Ted's inability to commit to her even...more
Elinor Mackey and her husband, Ted, are having a rough time. Their inability to conceive has put a strain on their marriage; a strain that almost becomes unbearable when Elinor discovers that Ted is having an affair. The book follows the stories of Elinor, Ted, and Gina, Ted;s mistress. Ted waivers back and forth between Elinor and Gina--two women he loves, but in different ways. Elinor herself in conflicted when she realizes to her surprise that things might be working out the way they are supp...more
This is not a cheerful book. There are moments when the characters seem to rise above their depression but these are not happy people.
The title comes from from one of the character's observation about her neighborhood. She lives in Silicon Valley and among very successful people. The homes and yards are nice but do not make her happy. That is not an available upgrade. The two main characters are struggling with infertility and then infidelity.
Mostly a character driven book, the author attempts...more
The title comes from from one of the character's observation about her neighborhood. She lives in Silicon Valley and among very successful people. The homes and yards are nice but do not make her happy. That is not an available upgrade. The two main characters are struggling with infertility and then infidelity.
Mostly a character driven book, the author attempts...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This book was passed to me by a friend. I breezed through this in a few sittings. I always enjoy when a writer tells a story from multiple characters' viewpoints. I appreciated that this story moved along quickly - the reader literally witnesses the wife learn of her husband's affair on the first page. So, this story starts cranking!
I will credit the author for writing something so honest with regards to marriage, friendship, self-centeredness and infertility; however, as a woman, I think the wo...more
I will credit the author for writing something so honest with regards to marriage, friendship, self-centeredness and infertility; however, as a woman, I think the wo...more
Genre: Drama, Fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The book I read was Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston and I chose this novel because I wanted an interesting book to read that was not by Jodi Picoult. Also when I got this from the library, the back cover really caught my eye since I love to read drama and tearjerker novels. The novel is about a married couple, Elinor and Ted, who have had marital problems ever since they found out that Elinor cannot conceive. Right off the bat, you find ou...more
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The book I read was Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston and I chose this novel because I wanted an interesting book to read that was not by Jodi Picoult. Also when I got this from the library, the back cover really caught my eye since I love to read drama and tearjerker novels. The novel is about a married couple, Elinor and Ted, who have had marital problems ever since they found out that Elinor cannot conceive. Right off the bat, you find ou...more
I was reading the March Library Journal today and was pleased to find this book by Lolly Winston as a starred review in the audio section (reviewer recommended the abridged version, we have the unabridged version for checkout and there is a different narrator). I recently listened to this book and enjoyed it. Cassandra Campbell did a great job with the narration, the plot was good, the story took some twists and turns that I didn’t expect, and the characters were well developed.
Elinor and Ted a...more
Elinor and Ted a...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. You can see a huge difference in the maturity and clarity of the writing in comparison to Lolly's first novel "Good Grief". This was an interesting take on looking at people who are extremely controlling but yet, at the same time, very uncontrolled individually.
From back cover:
"Elinor Mackey has always done that right things in the right order-college, law school, corporate career, happy marriage. Then one morning she picks up the telephone and learns that her de...more
From back cover:
"Elinor Mackey has always done that right things in the right order-college, law school, corporate career, happy marriage. Then one morning she picks up the telephone and learns that her de...more
This book tells the story of a lawyer whose marriage begins to crumble amidst infertility and infidelity. When Elinor discovers that her husband Ted is having an affair, she is hurt, but not entirely surprised, given everything they've been through lately. This is the first of many unusual (for chick lit), but very honest reactions that Elinor has to her changing life, and I think it's what sets this book apart from most of the pink-covered paperbacks infesting our bookstores.
These characters a...more
These characters a...more
Another author who thinks married people are immature. She has the couple deal with their problems by running away either to another person or another location. All the while she is stating how much they love each other. Couples who truly love each other work through their problems by talking and staying close to each other. They don't think the grass is greener with someone else.
and what a character Gina is- happy to commit adultery, happy to step in to help make a trouble marriage worse, and h...more
and what a character Gina is- happy to commit adultery, happy to step in to help make a trouble marriage worse, and h...more
It's telling that I thought I hadn't read this book when I checked it out from the library, then while reading, it slowly floated back into my consciousness and I realized that yes I had read this before. So to sum it up in one word, forgettable. This book is a fluffy read with not much substance, but to be fair I haven't experienced (thank heavens!) any of the struggles the other characters endured (infertility, an affair, child-out-of-wedlock, a stabbing). But I haven't had my husband die you...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I really liked the plot of this book, I found Elinor to be a very likeable character...someone I could see a lot of myself in. Which in turn of course scares me as, I could see myself reacting to infertility the way Elinor does shutting her husband out.
I wish there had been closure for all of the characters before the book ended, but I could also see a sequel of this story...hint, hint Lolly Winston...
I wish there had been closure for all of the characters before the book ended, but I could also see a sequel of this story...hint, hint Lolly Winston...
With her signature mix of the dark and the funny, Lolly Winston poignantly captures the struggles of infertility and how it creeps into every aspect of your life. Ditto for infidelity, which she explores from every angle. I have to admit that I hated the end, but it had to go one way or the other. My friend read it at the same time as I, and she loved the ending. I'd say it comes down to whether you want a happy ending or not, but what constitutes a "happy" ending to infertility/infidelity? I gu...more
Ted and Elinor Mackey have been encountering marital problems due to their infertility; however, Elinor is shocked to learn of her husband's affair with his personal trainer, Gina. However, Elinor is even more surprised to feel pity for her husband and the other woman. Gina's relationship with Ted is complicated by the presence of her ten-year-old son, Toby, who is attached to him.
When Elinor confronts Ted and Gina, he ends the affair. Elinor takes a sabbatical from her law firm and kicks Ted ou...more
When Elinor confronts Ted and Gina, he ends the affair. Elinor takes a sabbatical from her law firm and kicks Ted ou...more
So often when a character (be it in a novel, TV show, or movie) has an affair, bad things happen to him/her or they are simply portrayed as the villain. When there are divorces or bad marriages, they are incredibly painful and dramatic. That's not to say that the characters in this book don't experience pain. But their reality falls in the gray area that often is real life.
This book is refreshing for so many reasons. The topics that characters encounter; the story unfolding from the POV of multi...more
This book is refreshing for so many reasons. The topics that characters encounter; the story unfolding from the POV of multi...more
Feb 05, 2009
Bookmarks Magazine
added it
After tackling the topic of sudden loss in her debut novel, Good Grief (***1/2 July/Aug 2004), Winston turns her attention to infertility and infidelity and addresses these two very sensitive subjects with kindness and grace. Though critics agree that the novel isn't earthshaking in either content or style, they find much to praise in Winston's thoughtful portrayals of the too-often-clich_
This is another one that was painful to read and I should have just closed it. I'm so unbelievably sick of books that deal with infidelity. This one was full of it but it was treated as if being unfaithful because your spouse was unfaithful was somehow healing and natural. I honestly don't know why I even finished the book. I guess I was hopeful for some remorse that would positively affect the characters' behavior but I never did find that (others might... it was an interesting perspective I gu...more
Sep 06, 2009
Jackie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
adult-fiction,
chick-lit
Elinor and Ted Mackey, the epitome of the perfect couple: well-educated, trim and fit, succesful seem to have everything anyone could ever want. Except one thing: they can't get pregnant. As baby-making becomes more of a chore instead of a joy, they grow distant and exchange snide comments. Ted decides to join a gym, and meets Gina, a perky, younger woman who picks all the wrong men. They fall in love, or at least they think they are. Of course, Elinor finds out and trouble ensues. Elinor and Te...more
I thought this book was well written in the sense that it got my emotions invested thoroughly. The problem I had with it, however, was that one of the main characters in this novel made me so angry and upset to the point that I wanted to scream and throw the book across the room. I always found myself in a bad mood after I read it.
Now I am not saying that I just can't read sad, upsetting, frustrating books but because I didn't feel there was anything beautifully tragic about the things that hap...more
Now I am not saying that I just can't read sad, upsetting, frustrating books but because I didn't feel there was anything beautifully tragic about the things that hap...more
Elinor and Ted Mackey have been unsuccessfully trying to have a baby for awhile, and the strain on their marriage leaves Ted open to an affair with Gina, the personal trainer at his gym. Elinor's discovery of the affair sets a series of breakups, reconciliations, and realignments of relationships.
Despite the overly dramatic plot summary, Winston conveys the story with humor and humanity, as she shifts viewpoints among the three main characters. This is the second consecutive book I've read in wh...more
Despite the overly dramatic plot summary, Winston conveys the story with humor and humanity, as she shifts viewpoints among the three main characters. This is the second consecutive book I've read in wh...more
A part of me really liked this book and another part of me couldn't stand it. I think one of the things that bothered me was the way the author used the characters voices when they were thinking. It almost made me think that she was using different tenses when she was writing, but I'm not an English major and I was never able to write a sentence all that well.
But I did like the believeableness of the characters. Of how you want to do something, but can't. Or you know that you shouldn't do somet...more
But I did like the believeableness of the characters. Of how you want to do something, but can't. Or you know that you shouldn't do somet...more
I was a little torn with this book.
Its about a couple who is having a hard time concieveing. The hardships of failed pregnancies have created a great deal of stress on their marriage. Ted, the husband, ends up having an affiar. When Elinor finds out, she leaves him.
I believe ted really wanted to work it out, but elinor had trouble moving past the affair.
Ted did end his affair with Gina, but as Elinor pushes for a separation, Ted ends up bumping into Gina and her son. Although Ted has ended his a...more
Its about a couple who is having a hard time concieveing. The hardships of failed pregnancies have created a great deal of stress on their marriage. Ted, the husband, ends up having an affiar. When Elinor finds out, she leaves him.
I believe ted really wanted to work it out, but elinor had trouble moving past the affair.
Ted did end his affair with Gina, but as Elinor pushes for a separation, Ted ends up bumping into Gina and her son. Although Ted has ended his a...more
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Born and raised in the glamorous insurance capital of Hartford, Conn., Lolly Winston holds an MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College, where she wrote a collection of short stories as her thesis.
Her first novel, Good Grief, published in 2004, was a New York Times best-seller, a #1 Book Sense pick, and was translated into 15 languages. The film rights have been optioned by Universal St...more
More about Lolly Winston...
Her first novel, Good Grief, published in 2004, was a New York Times best-seller, a #1 Book Sense pick, and was translated into 15 languages. The film rights have been optioned by Universal St...more
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Aug 17, 2008 05:55am