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I'll Take What She Has
Nora and Annie have been best friends since kindergarten. Nora, a shy English teacher at a quaint New England boarding school, longs to have a baby. Annie, an outspoken stay-at-home mother of two, longs for one day of peace and quiet (not to mention more money and some free time). Despite their very different lives, nothing can come between them—until Cynthia Cypress arrives on campus.
Cynthia has it all: brains, beauty, impeccable style, and a gorgeous husband (who happens to be Nora’s ex). When Cynthia eagerly befriends Nora, Annie’s oldest friendship is tested. Now, each woman must wrestle the green-eyed demon of envy and, in the process, confront imperfect, mixed-up family histories they don’t want to repeat. Amid the hilarious and harried straits of friendship, marriage, and parenthood, the women may discover that the greenest grass is right beneath their feet.
Cynthia has it all: brains, beauty, impeccable style, and a gorgeous husband (who happens to be Nora’s ex). When Cynthia eagerly befriends Nora, Annie’s oldest friendship is tested. Now, each woman must wrestle the green-eyed demon of envy and, in the process, confront imperfect, mixed-up family histories they don’t want to repeat. Amid the hilarious and harried straits of friendship, marriage, and parenthood, the women may discover that the greenest grass is right beneath their feet.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
35 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wilde
19 books25 followersVisit me at wildemama.blogspot.com and facebook/AuthorSamanthaWilde.com for the real details!
Samantha is the mother of three small children born in about four years which means she spends a great deal of time cleaning crumbs up from underneath her kitchen table. Her first novel, THIS LITTLE MOMMY STAYED HOME, helped a lot of new mothers make it through the long, sleep-deprived night. She learned a great deal about fiction writing from her mother, novelist, NANCY THAYER, who is still her first reader for everything she writes.
Her second novel, I'LL TAKE WHAT SHE HAS, deals with motherhood, friendship and envy. Some days Sam envies people with clean houses (some days she doesn't).
She's an ordained minister, a yoga teacher, a passionate reader, and a bit of a technophobe, which is why it took her about three years to figure out Goodreads.
Samantha is the mother of three small children born in about four years which means she spends a great deal of time cleaning crumbs up from underneath her kitchen table. Her first novel, THIS LITTLE MOMMY STAYED HOME, helped a lot of new mothers make it through the long, sleep-deprived night. She learned a great deal about fiction writing from her mother, novelist, NANCY THAYER, who is still her first reader for everything she writes.
Her second novel, I'LL TAKE WHAT SHE HAS, deals with motherhood, friendship and envy. Some days Sam envies people with clean houses (some days she doesn't).
She's an ordained minister, a yoga teacher, a passionate reader, and a bit of a technophobe, which is why it took her about three years to figure out Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 23, 2013
This review refers to the NetGalley A/R copy of this title.
Samantha Wilde has done something that no other author I can think of has done before.
She wrote a book in which, most of the time, I disliked every single character and liked the book anyway. Why, you ask? Because the characters were very real to me - an effect accomplished by their annoying traits, habits, and moodiness. The first chapter about Annie where she is talking about what it's like to mother a 2.5 year old child is where she hooked me, as I have one of those at home.
This is not your typical lighthearted, "chick-lit" type story. The plot is, sure. But not everything is sunshine and roses here at Dixbie, and Samantha Wilde is going to tell it to you like it is, not how you might want it to be.
But don't fret - you'll get your happy ending!
I recommend for fans of Jennifer Weiner and maybe Kristin Hannah fans as well.
Samantha Wilde has done something that no other author I can think of has done before.
She wrote a book in which, most of the time, I disliked every single character and liked the book anyway. Why, you ask? Because the characters were very real to me - an effect accomplished by their annoying traits, habits, and moodiness. The first chapter about Annie where she is talking about what it's like to mother a 2.5 year old child is where she hooked me, as I have one of those at home.
This is not your typical lighthearted, "chick-lit" type story. The plot is, sure. But not everything is sunshine and roses here at Dixbie, and Samantha Wilde is going to tell it to you like it is, not how you might want it to be.
But don't fret - you'll get your happy ending!
I recommend for fans of Jennifer Weiner and maybe Kristin Hannah fans as well.
February 24, 2018
Somewhat of a stereotypical story about a stay-at-home mom/ want-to-be mom/and the perfect, expecting mom. Although the book was predictable for the most part, it did highlight the value of friendships and being happy with what you want, not with what you wish you had.
February 12, 2013
Imagine a book where your best friend is talking to you and to the reader at the same time. Imagine that you can relate to some part of each character. From motherhood to marriage, childhood friendship turned to adult, careers and play, it is all here.
Nora and Annie were the unpopular girls growing up. Finding one another, they became the best of friends, like girls are oft times able to do. Although they were similarly ostracized while in school, they had one another, and that always seemed like enough - although they might have dreamed of popularity past their own duo. They were also very different. Nora; perpetually nice. Annie; caustic and sarcastic. While Nora has always longed after the popular girls, Annie has always given off an air of not caring or wanting to be like them.
The book is full of funny bits. There are conversations that will have you nodding your head. You will find yourself biting your bottom lip to hide a smile when Annie's toddler throws a temper tantrum. Your eyes will tear when that same toddler says something totally innocent and loving to her. You will empathize with Nora's struggle to get pregnant and to feel physically attractive. You will laugh at her attempts to get more bounce in her limp hair; wear high heels suggests her hairdresser. The stories of her dysfunctional but loving family will make you nod your head in understanding. Annie's struggles to make others understand that her decision to be a stay at home mom (SAHM) is a choice not a burden will strike a chord with you. Her fiance's struggles to extricate himself from his first marriage will make you wonder at the inequity of his situation but you will cheer for his optimism and his desire to marry again. Fertility is an on-going theme in this book. Nora's difficulty getting pregnant slams up against Annie's unexpected and unplanned pregnancies; not to be confused with unwanted. Nora's desire for a blood relative- she is adopted - is somewhat of a discordant theme given that she is the one with the more loving parents and extended family. But her need for a genetic relative is forgivable as she is not turning against her adoptive family just looking to make her own progeny and tangible lineage.
After a lifetime of being one another's closest and perhaps only significant friends, they both venture out to new friendships. How this effects their lives is an important storyline. As they drift apart, they discover new things about themselves. It seems that it actually strengthens their individual identities to have this period apart.
They both have quirky family situations to contend with. Nora's family ranges from the prudish and religious to the sexually flamboyant. Ted, Annie's partner, has a family that become very involved in her life and their interference, perhaps well meaning, causes her no small number of insecure moments.
Snarky, sassy and sharp narrative and relatable characters draw the reader in. From toddler meltdowns and a baby screaming through every car-ride, to concerns over fitting in with the popular crowd, earning the respect of ones peers and self doubt if one's clothes look smooth and classic enough for tea with a new friend, this book touches on many of the worries and concerns that one might have or had. Whether you are a stay at home mom, a working woman, struggling for money or easily comfortable with a two income household this book will likely qualify as one that you can find applicable in some way. You will apply yourself to certain characters or incidents or themes.
One of my favorite lines was about "mommy-time"; when mommy makes up a period of time because for a toddler the specific concept of time just does not exist. Not only is that true, but anybody that has ever told a toddler to wait 10 minutes for something to happen will understand that 10 minutes can mean anything from a real 5 minutes or an extended 20 minute period.
I cannot stress enough how well the author makes this book inclusive to the reader. The narrative switches between the voices of Nora and Annie but it always includes messages right at the reader. I wish that I had thought to keep track of how many times this book made me laugh and smile and nod my head. One need not to agree with a topic to feel drawn in to any particular thread. Wonderfully fun and factual this is a story that grabs hold of you from the beginning and brings you right through to the end.
Nora and Annie were the unpopular girls growing up. Finding one another, they became the best of friends, like girls are oft times able to do. Although they were similarly ostracized while in school, they had one another, and that always seemed like enough - although they might have dreamed of popularity past their own duo. They were also very different. Nora; perpetually nice. Annie; caustic and sarcastic. While Nora has always longed after the popular girls, Annie has always given off an air of not caring or wanting to be like them.
The book is full of funny bits. There are conversations that will have you nodding your head. You will find yourself biting your bottom lip to hide a smile when Annie's toddler throws a temper tantrum. Your eyes will tear when that same toddler says something totally innocent and loving to her. You will empathize with Nora's struggle to get pregnant and to feel physically attractive. You will laugh at her attempts to get more bounce in her limp hair; wear high heels suggests her hairdresser. The stories of her dysfunctional but loving family will make you nod your head in understanding. Annie's struggles to make others understand that her decision to be a stay at home mom (SAHM) is a choice not a burden will strike a chord with you. Her fiance's struggles to extricate himself from his first marriage will make you wonder at the inequity of his situation but you will cheer for his optimism and his desire to marry again. Fertility is an on-going theme in this book. Nora's difficulty getting pregnant slams up against Annie's unexpected and unplanned pregnancies; not to be confused with unwanted. Nora's desire for a blood relative- she is adopted - is somewhat of a discordant theme given that she is the one with the more loving parents and extended family. But her need for a genetic relative is forgivable as she is not turning against her adoptive family just looking to make her own progeny and tangible lineage.
After a lifetime of being one another's closest and perhaps only significant friends, they both venture out to new friendships. How this effects their lives is an important storyline. As they drift apart, they discover new things about themselves. It seems that it actually strengthens their individual identities to have this period apart.
They both have quirky family situations to contend with. Nora's family ranges from the prudish and religious to the sexually flamboyant. Ted, Annie's partner, has a family that become very involved in her life and their interference, perhaps well meaning, causes her no small number of insecure moments.
Snarky, sassy and sharp narrative and relatable characters draw the reader in. From toddler meltdowns and a baby screaming through every car-ride, to concerns over fitting in with the popular crowd, earning the respect of ones peers and self doubt if one's clothes look smooth and classic enough for tea with a new friend, this book touches on many of the worries and concerns that one might have or had. Whether you are a stay at home mom, a working woman, struggling for money or easily comfortable with a two income household this book will likely qualify as one that you can find applicable in some way. You will apply yourself to certain characters or incidents or themes.
One of my favorite lines was about "mommy-time"; when mommy makes up a period of time because for a toddler the specific concept of time just does not exist. Not only is that true, but anybody that has ever told a toddler to wait 10 minutes for something to happen will understand that 10 minutes can mean anything from a real 5 minutes or an extended 20 minute period.
I cannot stress enough how well the author makes this book inclusive to the reader. The narrative switches between the voices of Nora and Annie but it always includes messages right at the reader. I wish that I had thought to keep track of how many times this book made me laugh and smile and nod my head. One need not to agree with a topic to feel drawn in to any particular thread. Wonderfully fun and factual this is a story that grabs hold of you from the beginning and brings you right through to the end.
January 6, 2016
I really wanted to like this novel more than I did. I liked the entire premise and for the first few chapters I got a feel for the two main protagonists, Nora and Annie. However, this novel quickly went downhill and transformed itself into a novel dealing with two women's petty jealousies, how adoption is a horrible thing to happen to you, and several chapters of dealing with one of the main characters hatred toward working mothers. It eventually collapsed into a nonsensical ending that left me feeling confused and angry that I wasted several hours of reading time on this novel.
Ms. Wilde's novel focuses on Nora and Annie. Nora and Annie are childhood best friends' who end up working/being married to a teacher at a boarding school on the East Coast near Boston.
Nora, who is adopted (I emphasis that since every line in this novel when Nora is narrating references this fact) and is desperate to have children of her own since she will finally have a flesh and blood relative. Also Nora who is newly married still has "feelings" about her ex David.
Annie, who has been with her partner for several years and has two children of her own and is dealing with the fact that her family is not doing great financially since she has decided to become a full-time working mother even though her husband is still paying alimony and money towards his soon to be ex-wife.
The main catalyst in these two women's lives though is when a new teacher starts working at the school, Cynthia. Cynthia is gorgeous, dresses well, rich, and apparently has experienced everything in the world there is to experience (though she is in her early 30s) and is married to Nora's ex, David. Weirdly enough though, Nora begins a friendship with her which causes friction in her friendship with Annie. As some reviewers have said if Annie and Nora ever had a real conversation most of the friction of the novel would have been resolved.
However, the main plot aside, everything else in this novel was beyond boring and added nothing to the novel.
First, Nora's relatives being included the way they were added absolutely nothing to the novel. Her cousin, grandmother, and mother ended up taking up way too much of the novel. Frankly I think that the novel should have emphasized more details and a gradual coming together with her mother but that is just me.
Second, Annie's anger at working mothers' should also have been cut out as well. Frankly her arguments against working mothers' made no sense and was 100 percent judgmental. Frankly acting as if working mothers who don't breastfeed, stay home all day with their kids, and actually have outside interests apart from their children are evil was ridiculous.
In the end, I didn't care for the two main characters, and the character of Cynthia remained a mystery (that I did not care to solve) throughout the novel.
I do not recommend this novel.
I received this novel via the Amazon Vine Program.
Ms. Wilde's novel focuses on Nora and Annie. Nora and Annie are childhood best friends' who end up working/being married to a teacher at a boarding school on the East Coast near Boston.
Nora, who is adopted (I emphasis that since every line in this novel when Nora is narrating references this fact) and is desperate to have children of her own since she will finally have a flesh and blood relative. Also Nora who is newly married still has "feelings" about her ex David.
Annie, who has been with her partner for several years and has two children of her own and is dealing with the fact that her family is not doing great financially since she has decided to become a full-time working mother even though her husband is still paying alimony and money towards his soon to be ex-wife.
The main catalyst in these two women's lives though is when a new teacher starts working at the school, Cynthia. Cynthia is gorgeous, dresses well, rich, and apparently has experienced everything in the world there is to experience (though she is in her early 30s) and is married to Nora's ex, David. Weirdly enough though, Nora begins a friendship with her which causes friction in her friendship with Annie. As some reviewers have said if Annie and Nora ever had a real conversation most of the friction of the novel would have been resolved.
However, the main plot aside, everything else in this novel was beyond boring and added nothing to the novel.
First, Nora's relatives being included the way they were added absolutely nothing to the novel. Her cousin, grandmother, and mother ended up taking up way too much of the novel. Frankly I think that the novel should have emphasized more details and a gradual coming together with her mother but that is just me.
Second, Annie's anger at working mothers' should also have been cut out as well. Frankly her arguments against working mothers' made no sense and was 100 percent judgmental. Frankly acting as if working mothers who don't breastfeed, stay home all day with their kids, and actually have outside interests apart from their children are evil was ridiculous.
In the end, I didn't care for the two main characters, and the character of Cynthia remained a mystery (that I did not care to solve) throughout the novel.
I do not recommend this novel.
I received this novel via the Amazon Vine Program.
February 15, 2013
Every once in a while a novel comes along that is so bubbly, it’s fruity and sweet like a peach bellini. That’s what I’ll Take What She Has makes me think of. Childhood friends Annie and Nora couldn’t be more different. Nora is an upbeat, kind woman who can’t see bad in anyone. Annie is the realist, cynical friend who tells it like it is. It’s no wonder the two of them are such great friends, they are opposite sides of the same coin.
When major life changes come their way, a wedge is drawn between them. They have to come to terms with their lives, their wants and desires, and especially their friendship. Telling each chapter from alternating points of view, we get to spend an equal amount of time with each of them. I thought this was a great way to dive into their lives. Of the two, I appreciated Annie more. As a mother of two with some anger issues, she was a well-rounded character. I found her very likable about 95% of the time. The other 5% I wished I could crawl into the pages to shake some sense into her.
This novel had great supporting characters. I especially loved Nora’s kooky Midwestern relatives. I laughed out loud several times during the novel especially during the Nora chapters. There was a sense of fun about them in what they would say and do. I was part horrified and part wishing they could be my relatives too.
Something unexpected was the substance in I’ll Take What She Has. It was deep. I found myself taking reading pausing to digest a thought or feeling that was stirred in me. It was very easy to relate to each of their journeys.
This novel is very funny and uplifting. Although this is typical chick-lit with an ending I saw coming, I still welcomed and enjoyed it. I’ll Take What She Has is a great beach read and one that you’ll likely share with your own girlfriends.
When major life changes come their way, a wedge is drawn between them. They have to come to terms with their lives, their wants and desires, and especially their friendship. Telling each chapter from alternating points of view, we get to spend an equal amount of time with each of them. I thought this was a great way to dive into their lives. Of the two, I appreciated Annie more. As a mother of two with some anger issues, she was a well-rounded character. I found her very likable about 95% of the time. The other 5% I wished I could crawl into the pages to shake some sense into her.
This novel had great supporting characters. I especially loved Nora’s kooky Midwestern relatives. I laughed out loud several times during the novel especially during the Nora chapters. There was a sense of fun about them in what they would say and do. I was part horrified and part wishing they could be my relatives too.
Something unexpected was the substance in I’ll Take What She Has. It was deep. I found myself taking reading pausing to digest a thought or feeling that was stirred in me. It was very easy to relate to each of their journeys.
This novel is very funny and uplifting. Although this is typical chick-lit with an ending I saw coming, I still welcomed and enjoyed it. I’ll Take What She Has is a great beach read and one that you’ll likely share with your own girlfriends.
January 4, 2013
I'll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde
Story that alternates chapters between Nora and Annie. They both now live on campus, each married.
There are others involved that do play a part in some things that happen but for the majority of the book
it's about the two of them. Growing up together, going to the same schools and now they are at the same private school, living on campus.
Like how involved they are with the surroundings and goings on of the campus, but also very intimate private, 'I can't believe they talked about THAT' discussions among themselves.
Light hearted and so funny at times and very serious at other times. They each have their own problems and try to help the others in their circle when they can.
The bond they have is more like a married couple as they know each others secrets, fears and dreams but they aren't shy talking about everything to one another..
Disaster comes in many forms, all at the end of the year for many of them with the sad news. So much to do, contemplate as everyday life goes on. The conversation continues and it is like the vagina monologue...
Her cousin came to help with the problems in her sex life and seems everyone knows why she is really there, but her...
Jealousy in many forms tears the friendships apart, will they ever get over it?
So many different forms of motherhood are expressed in this book, the dynamics of how it all works.
Story that alternates chapters between Nora and Annie. They both now live on campus, each married.
There are others involved that do play a part in some things that happen but for the majority of the book
it's about the two of them. Growing up together, going to the same schools and now they are at the same private school, living on campus.
Like how involved they are with the surroundings and goings on of the campus, but also very intimate private, 'I can't believe they talked about THAT' discussions among themselves.
Light hearted and so funny at times and very serious at other times. They each have their own problems and try to help the others in their circle when they can.
The bond they have is more like a married couple as they know each others secrets, fears and dreams but they aren't shy talking about everything to one another..
Disaster comes in many forms, all at the end of the year for many of them with the sad news. So much to do, contemplate as everyday life goes on. The conversation continues and it is like the vagina monologue...
Her cousin came to help with the problems in her sex life and seems everyone knows why she is really there, but her...
Jealousy in many forms tears the friendships apart, will they ever get over it?
So many different forms of motherhood are expressed in this book, the dynamics of how it all works.
August 23, 2015
Take two women – one wanting a baby and one a stay-at-home-mum – they’ve been best friends for more than twenty years. Introduce a third woman. The third woman has things the other two want. Or rather, there are reasons why the other two may hate her.
I know this is a standard trope for chick-lit but the plot of Samantha Wilde’s I’ll Take What She Has is predictable and, quite frankly, irritating. Plots need a villain but I get the impression that Wilde has an axe to grind* and she’s doing it through this story.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt through being a parent it’s this: the more another parent bangs on about how fabulous something is, the more they’re trying to justify their decision. To themselves. Which is why I’m fairly sure that Wilde has some unresolved issues about the stay-at-home or go-back-to-work decision. If you’re happy, why do you care what others do or think?
I received my copy of I’ll Take What She Has, from the publisher, Random House, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
1/5 I’m not the right audience for this book.
* about SAHMs, working mothers, child-care, breast-feeding and all that other stuff that makes women feel bad about their personal choices.
I know this is a standard trope for chick-lit but the plot of Samantha Wilde’s I’ll Take What She Has is predictable and, quite frankly, irritating. Plots need a villain but I get the impression that Wilde has an axe to grind* and she’s doing it through this story.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt through being a parent it’s this: the more another parent bangs on about how fabulous something is, the more they’re trying to justify their decision. To themselves. Which is why I’m fairly sure that Wilde has some unresolved issues about the stay-at-home or go-back-to-work decision. If you’re happy, why do you care what others do or think?
I received my copy of I’ll Take What She Has, from the publisher, Random House, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
1/5 I’m not the right audience for this book.
* about SAHMs, working mothers, child-care, breast-feeding and all that other stuff that makes women feel bad about their personal choices.
March 16, 2013
I decided to give this a shot because it seemed light and I was looking for some not-so-thinky entertainment. It certainly wasn't heavy, but it also wasn't an easy read, which chick-lit books absolutely must be, in my opinion.
So why wasn't this book any good? I felt like it was a labor to get through. The story trudged and plodded along rather than flowed, and I felt myself skimming parts as my brain glazed over.
Neither of the main characters were likeable, but the supporting ones weren't any better. Imagine picking about 5 "kinds" of characters and filling them out with every kind of stereotypical characteristic you could think of, and you would get the lineup for these people. They didn't seem like real, multifaceted people--and not only were they one-dimensional, but it seemed like their sole overwhelming quality was to be grating.
It arned one star because I did manage to finish it.
So why wasn't this book any good? I felt like it was a labor to get through. The story trudged and plodded along rather than flowed, and I felt myself skimming parts as my brain glazed over.
Neither of the main characters were likeable, but the supporting ones weren't any better. Imagine picking about 5 "kinds" of characters and filling them out with every kind of stereotypical characteristic you could think of, and you would get the lineup for these people. They didn't seem like real, multifaceted people--and not only were they one-dimensional, but it seemed like their sole overwhelming quality was to be grating.
It arned one star because I did manage to finish it.
February 5, 2013
This was a great story of two life long friends drifting apart and coming together again. I had a similar relationship with my best friend so I found the story very relateable.
I really enjoyed that each chapter alternated POV. It made the narrative very interesting and added depth to the story.
It really took me through my paces at times light hearted and funny and other times uber serious! The pacing was wonderful. The writing enjoyable and characters engaging.
Overall a great read for anyone with a best friend from school who has grown older and still shares a bond!
Cover Art - Eye catching and interesting.
*ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed that each chapter alternated POV. It made the narrative very interesting and added depth to the story.
It really took me through my paces at times light hearted and funny and other times uber serious! The pacing was wonderful. The writing enjoyable and characters engaging.
Overall a great read for anyone with a best friend from school who has grown older and still shares a bond!
Cover Art - Eye catching and interesting.
*ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
February 21, 2013
One thing I love about Wilde is that she gets women and mothers. She knows how to write the real, the raw and the not so glamorous side of motherhood, female friendships and marriage. She makes you laugh and moves you to tears, but so flawlessly that you don't realize you were swept so deep into the story, the characters and their lives. I'll Take What She Has has everything that a great book is made of. A great cast of characters, drama and humor. Wilde is authentic and worth reading! Pick up this title and her other tile THIS LITTLE MOMMY STAYED HOME (another hit that I adored!!!)
July 5, 2013
Fun read about difference in stay at home moms versus working. It slanted towards favoring the stay at home moms. Liked the character insights and relationships portrayed.
August 25, 2020
Was not a fan of this book. While the plot was intentionally weird (her ex shows back up and his new love kindles a friendship with his ex), the characters were all so devoid of joy that I didn't care what happened to any of them. If you can't find the good in people or in life around you, well... at least I don't need to read about it.
February 20, 2018
I Want What She Has
This was a good book that I borrowed from my online library. It was about wanting what others have and in the end trying to be satisfied with what you get. I was happy with the ending and how their lives ended up being completed.
This was a good book that I borrowed from my online library. It was about wanting what others have and in the end trying to be satisfied with what you get. I was happy with the ending and how their lives ended up being completed.
January 3, 2020
3.5 - fast, fun read
October 16, 2022
A few surprises in this book but overall felt it was geared more toward a younger adult than myself. Did enjoy it & felt had some merit as to life lessons.
May 15, 2013
I'll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde brings readers to Dixbie, a fictitious New England boarding school trying to stay relevant in a changing educational landscape, where the friendship between Annie and Nora is tested by want, jealousy and the arrival of Cynthia Cypress to campus. While Annie and Nora have been friends since kindergarten, their relationship suffers when both women endure personal struggles that leave them isolated from each other.
To complicate matters, rival Cynthia, a glamorous new faculty member, befriends Nora which places a wedge between Nora and Annie and their already strained relationship. While Cynthia walks into the novel as a representation of the perfect woman, she evolves during the story into a mysterious villan who manipulates secondary characters on the campus of Dixbie. To a large extent, her actions drive the storyline of the failing institution and the threat that is imposed on Annie and Nora should Dixbie close its doors.
Opinionated Annie, "a bit of an Eeyore", is suspicious of Cynthia but cannot convince Nora that Cynthia should not be trusted. Annie is character with whom many readers will relate. She envies other mothers on campus who appear to live lives without the financial pressures Annie feels. While constantly defending her decision to stay home with her children, Annie is challenged by the rigors of motherhood and must work to quel her frustrations with her demanding children.
Nora, who is more sensitive and desperately wants a family of her own is fascinated, even awestruck by Cynthia's over-the-top "perfect" life. Desperate to become pregnant, Nora also wrestles with the realities of her own childhood as lively family members including sex therapist, Elle, arrive at her doorstep and crowd her already tight living quarters with a husband that goes largely unnoticed by Nora.
Envy is a central theme in Samantha Wilde's book. Nora desperately wants to become pregnant and envies both Annie and Cynthia for their seemingly easy entry into motherhood. While being swept away by the magic of Cynthia, Nora also confronts her unsolved feelings for an ex-boyfriend, David, who also happens to be Cynthia's new husband. Thou shalt not covet!
Annie is conflicted about whether she feels jealousy or is just lonely after friend Suze returns to the workplace. Annie, whose approach to life and motherhood is humourously dry and frank, seeks the guidance of counselor Meg where she reveals the raw realities of staying home with children while financially strained by a man whose divorce to his first wife is not yet settled.
While reading Samantha Wilde's I'll Take What She Has I felt so bad for Annie and Nora I wanted to cry. Their feelings of insecurity, want, neglect, and anger were all so real I recognized a universal truth about women in their stories. Though subtle at times, the cumulative thoughts and conversations these women had led to a richly drawn narrative about the plight of women and our struggles to tame the monster of envy and want. Just like Annie and Nora, women need friendships to weather transitions in life and Samantha Wilde's decision to write about the lonely isolation these women experienced when their friendship was strained added another layer of deep characterization.
Book groups will have a field day with this book discussing the many ways in which women interact with each other and themselves, our wants and desires and ways in which women "can be their own worst enemy".
Loved this book for its richly drawn characters and themes of jealousy and want. As the jacket suggests, readers will come away feeling the grass might not be greener on the other side. It just might be greenest - beneath your feet.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Read my interview with the author on my book blog, Chick Lit Chit Chat, found at http://www.julievalerie.com
To complicate matters, rival Cynthia, a glamorous new faculty member, befriends Nora which places a wedge between Nora and Annie and their already strained relationship. While Cynthia walks into the novel as a representation of the perfect woman, she evolves during the story into a mysterious villan who manipulates secondary characters on the campus of Dixbie. To a large extent, her actions drive the storyline of the failing institution and the threat that is imposed on Annie and Nora should Dixbie close its doors.
Opinionated Annie, "a bit of an Eeyore", is suspicious of Cynthia but cannot convince Nora that Cynthia should not be trusted. Annie is character with whom many readers will relate. She envies other mothers on campus who appear to live lives without the financial pressures Annie feels. While constantly defending her decision to stay home with her children, Annie is challenged by the rigors of motherhood and must work to quel her frustrations with her demanding children.
Nora, who is more sensitive and desperately wants a family of her own is fascinated, even awestruck by Cynthia's over-the-top "perfect" life. Desperate to become pregnant, Nora also wrestles with the realities of her own childhood as lively family members including sex therapist, Elle, arrive at her doorstep and crowd her already tight living quarters with a husband that goes largely unnoticed by Nora.
Envy is a central theme in Samantha Wilde's book. Nora desperately wants to become pregnant and envies both Annie and Cynthia for their seemingly easy entry into motherhood. While being swept away by the magic of Cynthia, Nora also confronts her unsolved feelings for an ex-boyfriend, David, who also happens to be Cynthia's new husband. Thou shalt not covet!
Annie is conflicted about whether she feels jealousy or is just lonely after friend Suze returns to the workplace. Annie, whose approach to life and motherhood is humourously dry and frank, seeks the guidance of counselor Meg where she reveals the raw realities of staying home with children while financially strained by a man whose divorce to his first wife is not yet settled.
While reading Samantha Wilde's I'll Take What She Has I felt so bad for Annie and Nora I wanted to cry. Their feelings of insecurity, want, neglect, and anger were all so real I recognized a universal truth about women in their stories. Though subtle at times, the cumulative thoughts and conversations these women had led to a richly drawn narrative about the plight of women and our struggles to tame the monster of envy and want. Just like Annie and Nora, women need friendships to weather transitions in life and Samantha Wilde's decision to write about the lonely isolation these women experienced when their friendship was strained added another layer of deep characterization.
Book groups will have a field day with this book discussing the many ways in which women interact with each other and themselves, our wants and desires and ways in which women "can be their own worst enemy".
Loved this book for its richly drawn characters and themes of jealousy and want. As the jacket suggests, readers will come away feeling the grass might not be greener on the other side. It just might be greenest - beneath your feet.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Read my interview with the author on my book blog, Chick Lit Chit Chat, found at http://www.julievalerie.com
January 16, 2020
Wilde's I'll Take What She Has is a quick read about the daily drama comprising the lives of two best friends since childhood--Annie and Nora. They currently live at a boarding school for teenagers in Massachusetts where Nora and Annie's husband teach. Most reviewers would shelve the book under "chick-lit", and while I think that category can be as silly as "chick-flick" movies, in this case I would agree the book seems to be written directly to women.
Annie is an educated artist with enough skills to have had some gallery showings (although she will disparagingly call them group showings). She fell head over hills over a soon-to-be (hah!) divorced guy named Ted, and shortly thereafter became accidentally pregnant. 1.5 years later another birth control malfunction resulted in a 2nd girl. Raised by a hard-core feminist mother, she nevertheless decided to become a stay at home mother. She's angry, bitter, sarcastic, and generally seems dissatisfied with her life choices...while at the same time spouting off (loudly) about mothers who opt to return to work. Her opinions are funny to read (think evening sitcom circa Debra in "Everybody Loves Raymond"), but the extent of her bitterness/anger is difficult to relate to for much of the book. Towards the end when her shell cracks, and the inner Annie show's through a bit, I'll admit she grew on me. Here's a quote showing her ambivalence and sense of humor in a nutshell.
Her best friend, Nora, is a married career woman with no children whose biological clock is ticking so loudly its blocking out pretty much everything else in her life. Her relationship with her husband, Alfie, is strained by timing, temp checking, charts, and monthly depression as the reminder of failure comes (again). She's green with envy over Annie's two girls, and can't understand why she complains about motherhood so much. Women struggling with infertility will definitely relate to her frustration.
Nora and Annie's strained relationship is further tested when Cynthia comes to the school as a new faculty member. What ensues is typical genre tensions. Annie works through her anger, Nora works through her infertility issues, both women work through their problems with each other and their relationships, and Nora resolves longstanding issues with her adoptive mother.
Bottom line: Wilde writes with a decent amount of skill, the dialogue is well done, and the undertones of humor make this an excellent break from more serious literature. While not a "good" book per say, it is certainly a "good-enough" book. Be warned that Wilde is herself a stay at home mother as well as an ordained minister. Both those facts are readily apparent in the character of Annie, her views, and her unasked for (but generously given) opinions. Overall I feel the book deserves 2.5 stars or a rating of "above average". Recommended for those who like light, fun, quick reads.
Annie is an educated artist with enough skills to have had some gallery showings (although she will disparagingly call them group showings). She fell head over hills over a soon-to-be (hah!) divorced guy named Ted, and shortly thereafter became accidentally pregnant. 1.5 years later another birth control malfunction resulted in a 2nd girl. Raised by a hard-core feminist mother, she nevertheless decided to become a stay at home mother. She's angry, bitter, sarcastic, and generally seems dissatisfied with her life choices...while at the same time spouting off (loudly) about mothers who opt to return to work. Her opinions are funny to read (think evening sitcom circa Debra in "Everybody Loves Raymond"), but the extent of her bitterness/anger is difficult to relate to for much of the book. Towards the end when her shell cracks, and the inner Annie show's through a bit, I'll admit she grew on me. Here's a quote showing her ambivalence and sense of humor in a nutshell.
Motherhood isn't only some kind of logistical hassle similar to pet ownership, it's a whole emotional entanglement. Did I want Hannah to eat ice cream for dinner the other night? No, of course not. I wanted her to eat a few carrots first. And a piece of turkey. Did I feel like the world's worst mother for shooing her out of the house with Ted on a regular basis? You better believe it. Is that even realistic? To judge myself for such a small infraction? Of course not. Hence, the emotional bondage I'm talking about. Janis Joplin didn't know what she was singing. Freedom's just another word for nothing's come out of your uterus.
Her best friend, Nora, is a married career woman with no children whose biological clock is ticking so loudly its blocking out pretty much everything else in her life. Her relationship with her husband, Alfie, is strained by timing, temp checking, charts, and monthly depression as the reminder of failure comes (again). She's green with envy over Annie's two girls, and can't understand why she complains about motherhood so much. Women struggling with infertility will definitely relate to her frustration.
Nora and Annie's strained relationship is further tested when Cynthia comes to the school as a new faculty member. What ensues is typical genre tensions. Annie works through her anger, Nora works through her infertility issues, both women work through their problems with each other and their relationships, and Nora resolves longstanding issues with her adoptive mother.
Bottom line: Wilde writes with a decent amount of skill, the dialogue is well done, and the undertones of humor make this an excellent break from more serious literature. While not a "good" book per say, it is certainly a "good-enough" book. Be warned that Wilde is herself a stay at home mother as well as an ordained minister. Both those facts are readily apparent in the character of Annie, her views, and her unasked for (but generously given) opinions. Overall I feel the book deserves 2.5 stars or a rating of "above average". Recommended for those who like light, fun, quick reads.
February 17, 2013
I’ll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde is a story of two friends, Nora and Annie, who have known each other since they were in kindergarten and went to school together until eighth grade. When Nora moved away, they promised to be friends forever and continued to stay in touch through letters. When a teaching position opened up at an elite private high school, Dixbie, outside of Boston, Annie called up Nora right away and told her she had to apply. After being accepted to teach English, Nora and Annie are reunited at last. While living at Dixbie, both friends struggle through the ups and downs of adulthood: marriage, babies, and the sisterhood of friendship. Nora and Annie start to realize that being best friends forever isn’t always easy, but if a friendship means enough to you, you will fight as hard as you can to keep it.
Annie is a whiny feminist who believes in being a stay at home mom. She complains about being a mom and how hard it is, but then goes on to say that she wouldn’t trade it in for anything. She judges other moms for getting jobs and putting their children in daycare. Annie also has a personal vendetta against having a beautiful white wedding, by insisting on wearing black and no makeup.
Nora always knew that she was put on the earth to have children, but hasn’t been able to conceive since saying "I do" to Alfie, less than a year ago. She struggles with the fact that she was adopted as a baby and feels as if she doesn’t have a “blood family” to call her own. She can sometimes be too nice and forgiving, which makes others sometimes take advantage of her kindness. Nora becomes tired of Annie’s constant complaining and throws herself into a friendship with Cynthia, the new teacher on campus, even though it seems as if they have nothing in common, except the fact that Cynthia is married to Nora's ex-boyfriend, David.
Annie, who wanted children but wanted to pursue her career as an artist first, has had two “accident” babies. Although she loves her children and loves being a mom (most of the time,) she yearns to find the balance between being a good mom and finding time for herself. Nora is jealous of Annie���s life with her perfect partner, Ted, and their children, Hannah and Lily. Annie is jealous of Nora’s friendship with Cynthia, as well as, Annie’s “perfect” family that she was adopted into.
Many times while I was reading this book, I laughed out loud. I’ll Take What She Has does not sugarcoat adulthood and touches on difficult problems that many face in life. As we get older, it gets harder to preserve friendships; it’s even harder to make new ones. Best friends can’t be made overnight and when one loses a best friend, sometimes they feel like they’re losing part of themselves. Nora and Annie notice parts of their lives falling apart as their friendship starts to disappear.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book; the story kept me entertained and interested. I liked how each chapter flip-flopped between Nora and Annie. I was able to see both sides of each woman’s story. At times, the story became a bit repetitive, but if you can get past that, you can enjoy this novel for what it is, an inspiring story of friendship and parenthood.
I was given an ARC ebook in return for an honest review.
Annie is a whiny feminist who believes in being a stay at home mom. She complains about being a mom and how hard it is, but then goes on to say that she wouldn’t trade it in for anything. She judges other moms for getting jobs and putting their children in daycare. Annie also has a personal vendetta against having a beautiful white wedding, by insisting on wearing black and no makeup.
Nora always knew that she was put on the earth to have children, but hasn’t been able to conceive since saying "I do" to Alfie, less than a year ago. She struggles with the fact that she was adopted as a baby and feels as if she doesn’t have a “blood family” to call her own. She can sometimes be too nice and forgiving, which makes others sometimes take advantage of her kindness. Nora becomes tired of Annie’s constant complaining and throws herself into a friendship with Cynthia, the new teacher on campus, even though it seems as if they have nothing in common, except the fact that Cynthia is married to Nora's ex-boyfriend, David.
Annie, who wanted children but wanted to pursue her career as an artist first, has had two “accident” babies. Although she loves her children and loves being a mom (most of the time,) she yearns to find the balance between being a good mom and finding time for herself. Nora is jealous of Annie���s life with her perfect partner, Ted, and their children, Hannah and Lily. Annie is jealous of Nora’s friendship with Cynthia, as well as, Annie’s “perfect” family that she was adopted into.
Many times while I was reading this book, I laughed out loud. I’ll Take What She Has does not sugarcoat adulthood and touches on difficult problems that many face in life. As we get older, it gets harder to preserve friendships; it’s even harder to make new ones. Best friends can’t be made overnight and when one loses a best friend, sometimes they feel like they’re losing part of themselves. Nora and Annie notice parts of their lives falling apart as their friendship starts to disappear.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book; the story kept me entertained and interested. I liked how each chapter flip-flopped between Nora and Annie. I was able to see both sides of each woman’s story. At times, the story became a bit repetitive, but if you can get past that, you can enjoy this novel for what it is, an inspiring story of friendship and parenthood.
I was given an ARC ebook in return for an honest review.
February 25, 2013
I'll Take What She Has is a wry exploration of motherhood, marriage and mid life discontent as envy and resentment simmers between long time best friends Nora and Annie. Nora is newly married and desperate to have a child while Annie harbors a secret ambivalence as a stay at home mother to her two young daughters. When Cynthia Cypress arrives at Bixbie, Annie is predisposed to scorn her effortless sense of style and generous financial means but Nora is drawn to Cynthia's glamorous facade and flattered to be courted by the new 'queen' on campus. As the relationship between Nora and Annie begins to deteriorate, both women find themselves wondering who they really are and who has what they really want.
Though the blurb implies the friendship between Annie and Nora is the focus for this novel, I feel the emphasis in I'll Take What She Has is on the dynamics of motherhood. I'll Take What She Has thoughtfully examines a wide range of related themes including adoption, infertility, marriage, family dysfunction and belonging. The author explores these issues through both her main protagonists and the minor characters in the story, providing a variety of perspectives that shows how each issue is complicated by the individual's experience.
Thankfully Wilde's rather caustic sense of humour offsets the serious elements of the novel. Between Nora's freeloading, hard drinking cousin who dispenses free sex therapy and Annie's barbed observations of her WASPy neighbours there are some funny scenes that lighten the tone.
The narrative shifts between Nora and Annie's perspective creating well round characters, though to be honest I didn't grow particularly fond of either of them. I'm not sure why exactly since many of their experiences mirror my own. I suppose I connect a little more with Annie as a mother who has parented a spirited child (or four) and I could relate to Annie's ambivalence about her role. During my children's early childhood I have variously worked full time, part time and been a stay at home parent and have found none of the situations ideal.
Overall, I thought I'll Take What She Has to be an astute, entertaining novel exposing the complications of modern motherhood.
March 6, 2013
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
I loved Samantha Wilde’s first novel This Little Mommy Stayed Home so I was eager to get stuck into her new novel and I wasn’t disappointed. I’ll Take What She Has felt original, fresh and honest in both the characters and the plot so I was completely hooked.
Wilde’s last novel made me feel less alone in the chaotic state of being a new mother while this one gave me Annie- who is determined that being at home, raising her two girls, is absolutely the right thing for her to do. Being in the same place myself, I related to the feeling of her purpose, but what made Annie’s devotion tricky was her strong feminist upbringing which seemed to be at odds with her desire to be the one to raise her girls full-time. Her struggle began to show up as obvious prickliness towards her best friend Nora (who was fixated on getting pregnant) whom Annie just couldn’t understand or empathise with. There was no denying Annie erratic behaviour was unsupportive of her friend and I appreciated that Wilde did nothing to smooth things over but let their moving apart go as naturally as one would expect. Nora immediately latching on to a new best friend caused further tension and left Annie struggling with her confusion, forcing her to examine her own upbringing more closely.
Apart from the education about friendship and self-exploration, I loved both the husbands and the school Dixbie in this novel. I wished there had been more interaction perhaps with the students and life within the school, I know that Annie was a house mother in the dorm but only one student was ever mentioned and it felt a bit unnecessary to have her be a house mother when it didn’t play much into her life.
It’s very hard to see another person’s perspective sometimes so Wilde has written it out for us and we would all do well to read I’ll Take What She Has and save our own female friendships from prickliness and lack of understanding!
Thank you to Samantha Wilde for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
I loved Samantha Wilde’s first novel This Little Mommy Stayed Home so I was eager to get stuck into her new novel and I wasn’t disappointed. I’ll Take What She Has felt original, fresh and honest in both the characters and the plot so I was completely hooked.
Wilde’s last novel made me feel less alone in the chaotic state of being a new mother while this one gave me Annie- who is determined that being at home, raising her two girls, is absolutely the right thing for her to do. Being in the same place myself, I related to the feeling of her purpose, but what made Annie’s devotion tricky was her strong feminist upbringing which seemed to be at odds with her desire to be the one to raise her girls full-time. Her struggle began to show up as obvious prickliness towards her best friend Nora (who was fixated on getting pregnant) whom Annie just couldn’t understand or empathise with. There was no denying Annie erratic behaviour was unsupportive of her friend and I appreciated that Wilde did nothing to smooth things over but let their moving apart go as naturally as one would expect. Nora immediately latching on to a new best friend caused further tension and left Annie struggling with her confusion, forcing her to examine her own upbringing more closely.
Apart from the education about friendship and self-exploration, I loved both the husbands and the school Dixbie in this novel. I wished there had been more interaction perhaps with the students and life within the school, I know that Annie was a house mother in the dorm but only one student was ever mentioned and it felt a bit unnecessary to have her be a house mother when it didn’t play much into her life.
It’s very hard to see another person’s perspective sometimes so Wilde has written it out for us and we would all do well to read I’ll Take What She Has and save our own female friendships from prickliness and lack of understanding!
Thank you to Samantha Wilde for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
March 24, 2013
I'll Take What She Has offers a fun, and often irreverent tongue-in-cheek look at friendship between women and women's issues. Nora is an accomplished teacher but she often finds herself lacking, especially when it comes to having a child. Her biological clock isn't ticking it's resounding like the bass-line in a heavy metal song. Annie is a devoted mother and loves her partner, but often looks at other women without children and feels she's being left behind. Both Nora and Annie find it difficult to not be jealous of Cynthia, a new teacher on the school's campus. Cynthia has traveled the world, appears to have a sixth-sense about what is and isn't fashionable, has a beautiful singing voice, grows her own herbs to make her own teas, and has managed to marry the most eligible man on campus. If that wasn't bad enough Cynthia has also managed to commandeer the apartment that was promised to Annie and talk her husband into having a child (which is heartbreaking to Nora because when she was dating him he said he didn't want children . . . ever, thus the reason for their breakup).
I found I'll Take What She Has to be a relatively fast-paced read and I rather enjoyed the humorous dialogue and situations. However, there was just something about this story that didn't connect with me and I can't really say what it was. Ms. Wilde has provided characters that are well developed and likeable (even the dreaded Cynthia). The action and back-story are well presented and believable. Yet even with all of this by the time I was halfway through the story I simply lost interest and had to force myself to read to the end. My lack of interest could have been due to external factors or presumably a reader's slump, but I found it quite easy to get involved with other books immediately after reading this one so I can't say for sure. Although I didn't connect with I'll Take What She Has, if you enjoy light-hearted, humorous contemporary fiction, then this may be just the story for you.
I found I'll Take What She Has to be a relatively fast-paced read and I rather enjoyed the humorous dialogue and situations. However, there was just something about this story that didn't connect with me and I can't really say what it was. Ms. Wilde has provided characters that are well developed and likeable (even the dreaded Cynthia). The action and back-story are well presented and believable. Yet even with all of this by the time I was halfway through the story I simply lost interest and had to force myself to read to the end. My lack of interest could have been due to external factors or presumably a reader's slump, but I found it quite easy to get involved with other books immediately after reading this one so I can't say for sure. Although I didn't connect with I'll Take What She Has, if you enjoy light-hearted, humorous contemporary fiction, then this may be just the story for you.
May 25, 2014
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book from NetGalley and Bantam Books, in return for an honest review.
I picked this up, as a change of pace, for a foray into Chic-Lit. I'm not really sure why I bothered. The story is told as a dual first-person narrative. We hear the voices of long-time friends Annie and Nora, across a year of their lives at Dixbie, a fictional Boarding School in the United States. Each woman alternates ownership of subsequent chapters, with often overlapping or intersecting time frames.
What cruelled this novel, for me at least, was the inability of the writing to absorb me, allow me to fully inhabit its world. I couldn't connect with the central protagonists, I didn't like them, but I didn't despise them either - they simply failed to engage my interest. It's funny, really, they should have. Both a little bit messed up, as we all are, by the traumas of growing up, they have relied on each other for support and validation for over twenty five years. They seek to balance life and expectations and family scenarios in a way that should have hoovered me right in.
But it didn't.
I think the work was just a little bit too preachy for me (no pun intended, given the author's stated occupation). There is no, one, right answer on how to be a mother or how to navigate the high and low points of marriage and love and the mundane dramas of everyday living. Choices, regrets, success, failure and simply treading water are all acceptable parts of the adult arsenal of coping with life. The repeated diatribe directed against working mothers just set my teeth on edge. We're not all cut out for nuclear parenting and not all non-parental child care is evil.
As chick-lit, this failed.
I kept reading it, I kept hoping. The writing style is easy, at times lyrical. Samantha Wilde can string words together in complex and interesting ways, but I think she could pay more attention to building up the layers of her characters - both male and female.
I picked this up, as a change of pace, for a foray into Chic-Lit. I'm not really sure why I bothered. The story is told as a dual first-person narrative. We hear the voices of long-time friends Annie and Nora, across a year of their lives at Dixbie, a fictional Boarding School in the United States. Each woman alternates ownership of subsequent chapters, with often overlapping or intersecting time frames.
What cruelled this novel, for me at least, was the inability of the writing to absorb me, allow me to fully inhabit its world. I couldn't connect with the central protagonists, I didn't like them, but I didn't despise them either - they simply failed to engage my interest. It's funny, really, they should have. Both a little bit messed up, as we all are, by the traumas of growing up, they have relied on each other for support and validation for over twenty five years. They seek to balance life and expectations and family scenarios in a way that should have hoovered me right in.
But it didn't.
I think the work was just a little bit too preachy for me (no pun intended, given the author's stated occupation). There is no, one, right answer on how to be a mother or how to navigate the high and low points of marriage and love and the mundane dramas of everyday living. Choices, regrets, success, failure and simply treading water are all acceptable parts of the adult arsenal of coping with life. The repeated diatribe directed against working mothers just set my teeth on edge. We're not all cut out for nuclear parenting and not all non-parental child care is evil.
As chick-lit, this failed.
I kept reading it, I kept hoping. The writing style is easy, at times lyrical. Samantha Wilde can string words together in complex and interesting ways, but I think she could pay more attention to building up the layers of her characters - both male and female.
May 5, 2013
I received this book through the GoodReads First Reads program.
I'll Take What She Has is a story about a pair of women (Nora, Annie) whose life-long friendship is tested as they enter periods of their lives when envy for the other arises (Nora: envious of Annie's children and relationship; Annie: envious of Nora's free time and career). The situation is exacerbated when a new teacher, Cynthia, arrives at the boarding/prep school where they both live/work. Cynthia and Nora develop a friendship as Nora strengthens her attempts at pregnancy, leaving Annie more isolated and causing her to turn to therapy to cope with this in addition to her struggles connecting with her toddler. The story follows how their friendship falls apart and the opportunity for it to be rekindled.
I ended up really enjoying this book, despite not being able to really identify with/connect with either of the main characters, both of whom seem to define themselves largely, if not exclusively, by motherhood (or lack of it). I did end up caring for the characters, even if I didn't always agree with them.
I'll Take What She Has is a story about a pair of women (Nora, Annie) whose life-long friendship is tested as they enter periods of their lives when envy for the other arises (Nora: envious of Annie's children and relationship; Annie: envious of Nora's free time and career). The situation is exacerbated when a new teacher, Cynthia, arrives at the boarding/prep school where they both live/work. Cynthia and Nora develop a friendship as Nora strengthens her attempts at pregnancy, leaving Annie more isolated and causing her to turn to therapy to cope with this in addition to her struggles connecting with her toddler. The story follows how their friendship falls apart and the opportunity for it to be rekindled.
I ended up really enjoying this book, despite not being able to really identify with/connect with either of the main characters, both of whom seem to define themselves largely, if not exclusively, by motherhood (or lack of it). I did end up caring for the characters, even if I didn't always agree with them.
July 9, 2013
This was an interesting take on two women's complicated lives. Nora and Annie have been life-long friends with a relationship they seem to take for granted. When another women threatens their friendship, loyalties are tested. Nora and Annie must confront their true feelings and take responsibility for their actions. The overall story was enjoyable and an easy read. The characters made some unusual and interesting life choices but they became quite annoying and whiny. That did lend well though to the theme and the complexity of friendships, especially among women. Jealousy and envy were huge stumbling blocks for Nora and Annie which was understandable. What was frustrating was that these characters didn't talk to each other about their problems. They could have saved so much time and energy if they had been honest with each other. Of course real life isn't that simple and that would have led to a much shorter book. I did like the writing and sense of humor even when I didn't like the characters and their often dumb decisions. I look forward to trying future books from this author. Author Publisher Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2013
I’ll Take What She Has delves into the light and dark sides of new friendships and old ones, and the feeling of wanting what someone else has—right up until you realize that that isn’t what you wanted at all.
The characters are plausible in their imperfections, struggling to balance raising children while developing—or setting aside—careers. Annie and Nora, the main characters, deal with relatives and in-laws, exes and sex, and the politics and nuances of life lived in a boarding school community in a small New England town.
Universal truths are acknowledged. “It’s hard to make do with the unrecognized victories of motherhood,” says one friend to Annie. Most aspects of the story will resonate with mothers of young children; others will ring true for anyone who has experienced friendship carrying on through the changes of life over time.
This was a quick, easy book to finish. Perfect Vacation Read.
The characters are plausible in their imperfections, struggling to balance raising children while developing—or setting aside—careers. Annie and Nora, the main characters, deal with relatives and in-laws, exes and sex, and the politics and nuances of life lived in a boarding school community in a small New England town.
Universal truths are acknowledged. “It’s hard to make do with the unrecognized victories of motherhood,” says one friend to Annie. Most aspects of the story will resonate with mothers of young children; others will ring true for anyone who has experienced friendship carrying on through the changes of life over time.
This was a quick, easy book to finish. Perfect Vacation Read.
March 18, 2013
A peek at our readers' reviews...
Erin: "This was a good read if you’re looking for something quick, but it did have that air of white picket fences for me. For me it was just a little too perfect and predictable." Grade: B
Gina aka Slappy: "I related to the two main characters feeling like other people’s lives were somehow better than theirs. I think that to some degree all women feel this." Grade: B
Andrea: "Sometimes it’s nice to have a little chick lit in your life to help balance out the chaos. I was looking for that bit of balance and was in the mood for some light reading. Because of that, this book spoke to me." Grade: A-
Krysta: "It’s an interesting read, especially if the reader enjoys the workings of female relationships (if not, well, you may want to find a different book)." Grade: B-
Go here for their full reviews.
Erin: "This was a good read if you’re looking for something quick, but it did have that air of white picket fences for me. For me it was just a little too perfect and predictable." Grade: B
Gina aka Slappy: "I related to the two main characters feeling like other people’s lives were somehow better than theirs. I think that to some degree all women feel this." Grade: B
Andrea: "Sometimes it’s nice to have a little chick lit in your life to help balance out the chaos. I was looking for that bit of balance and was in the mood for some light reading. Because of that, this book spoke to me." Grade: A-
Krysta: "It’s an interesting read, especially if the reader enjoys the workings of female relationships (if not, well, you may want to find a different book)." Grade: B-
Go here for their full reviews.
February 27, 2013
I'm usually up for a thoughtful, fun discussion of motherhood and friendship in novel form. And parts of this book capture the dilemma that working moms face vs. Stay at Home Moms vs. women trying really hard to be moms, plus that really big group of women (Most moms, I think) that live their lives somewhere in between these neat definitions. This is rich fertile territory for humor and heart. Unfortunately, the characters stray into preachy territory far too often, like every scene. (and I won't tell you what side of the line they firmly,loudly, sit on because in my mind's because that's not the point of my frustration. It just seems like they keep having the same conversation over and over again.) There are warm moment and funny moments and true moments-- but overall, a little too didactic for my full enjoyment.
April 10, 2013
I had not previously read Samantha Wilde's first book (although after reading this one I can't wait to get my hands on it) so I wasn't sure if I would like this book but I was intrigued enough by the description to read it. I'm glad I did because it was so much fun! Wilde has a wonderful way of writing truthful honest characters even if they each do have unlikable traits (just like all of us do!) I found myself relating strongly to Annie and enjoyed reading her chapters immensely (the book is written from both Annie and Nora's points of view in alternating chapters). I found myself nodding my head in agreement with so many things Annie was going through and both the main characters had me laughing out loud as I followed their lives throughout a school year. If you are a mom (or are on your way to becoming a mom) you will enjoy this read!
April 14, 2013
“I’ll take what she has” is written in the first-person, two first-person accounts actually, because we get to hear from Nora and Annie. In Wilde’s unfussy, at times almost lyrical prose (I’ve bookmarked quite a few of the passages in my Kindle galley) these characters come alive. The book works it’s way down the rocky road of friendship; some ups, some downs and some in-betweens. We’ve been down some of those life paths, so we understand, and we follow along engrossed. Wilde does an outstanding job of putting life’s vagaries on paper for us to muse upon.
A pleasure to read, I highly recommend “I’ll take what she has”.
Here's the full review.
A pleasure to read, I highly recommend “I’ll take what she has”.
Here's the full review.
April 1, 2013
I’ll Take What She Has is all about friendship, infertility, parenting, motherhood, and resentment. You go through the book learning about Nora and Annie’s relationship, how they have been friends for a long time, and then how resentment sets in.
I found that, the story was becoming boring, it was repeat over, and over. There really wasn’t a point where I wanted to learn more about the “characters”. Soem of the topics throughout the book a lot of people deal with in real life. I just didn’t find it to be an absolute turn pager for me. However, if you love chic-lit, drama, and repeat of some topics you might enjoy this book!
We're Jumpin' Books
I found that, the story was becoming boring, it was repeat over, and over. There really wasn’t a point where I wanted to learn more about the “characters”. Soem of the topics throughout the book a lot of people deal with in real life. I just didn’t find it to be an absolute turn pager for me. However, if you love chic-lit, drama, and repeat of some topics you might enjoy this book!
We're Jumpin' Books
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