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By the Numbers
The author of The Best of Enemies serves up a hilarious new novel of the “sandwich generation.”
Actuary Penny Sinclair has a head for business, and she always makes rational decisions. Knowing that 60% of spouses cheat and 50% of marriages end in divorce, she wasn’t too surprised when her husband had an affair. (That he did so with a woman their daughter’s age? Well, that part did sting a bit.) She just made sure she got everything in the divorce, including their lovely old Victorian house. And as soon as her middle daughter has her hipster-fabulous wedding in the backyard, she’s trading it in for a condo in downtown Chicago...
Well within the average market time in her area, Penny gets an offer on the house. But then life happens. Her children, her parents and her ex come flying back to the nest, all in need of Penny’s emotional—and financial—support. Spread thin, Penny becomes the poster child for the “sandwich generation,” when all she really wanted to do was make managing director, buy a white couch, and maybe go on a Match.com date...
Actuary Penny Sinclair has a head for business, and she always makes rational decisions. Knowing that 60% of spouses cheat and 50% of marriages end in divorce, she wasn’t too surprised when her husband had an affair. (That he did so with a woman their daughter’s age? Well, that part did sting a bit.) She just made sure she got everything in the divorce, including their lovely old Victorian house. And as soon as her middle daughter has her hipster-fabulous wedding in the backyard, she’s trading it in for a condo in downtown Chicago...
Well within the average market time in her area, Penny gets an offer on the house. But then life happens. Her children, her parents and her ex come flying back to the nest, all in need of Penny’s emotional—and financial—support. Spread thin, Penny becomes the poster child for the “sandwich generation,” when all she really wanted to do was make managing director, buy a white couch, and maybe go on a Match.com date...
296 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2016
195 people are currently reading
3612 people want to read
About the author
Jen Lancaster
30 books4,484 followersJen Lancaster is the author of her own memoirs including: as Bitter is the New Black, Bright Lights, Big Ass, Such A Pretty Fat, Pretty in Plaid, My Fair Lazy, and the newest: Jeneration X.
She has also dabbled with fiction in her first book, If You Were Here.
She has also dabbled with fiction in her first book, If You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
July 4, 2016
This book definitely has decided it for me, Jen Lancaster's non fiction books are a million times better than her fiction ones.
January 25, 2018
The main character was such a doormat with these dreadful daughters and overbearing parents. I just wanted her to grow a freaking backbone. I skimmed. A lot.
November 16, 2016
I have read all of Jen Lancaster's memoirs. I think that now after trying to read two of our fictional novels, I am going to pass on them in the future. I still really dig her memoirs, but her fiction not so much.
Penny Sinclair is divorced from her husband of X amount of years (I refuse to go look this up) and is dealing with one of her daughter's wanting to use her home to throw her wedding. Another daughter seems to be running from something in New York. And her son is barely in this story though he is looked to as the good one and the only one she and her husband have not ruined. The story-line jumped around and back again too many times to count (we go back to when Penny met her husband, when she was a child, back to her and her husband again, etc.) while also trying to keep the main story-line moving (her daughters and her parents move back in with her and it starts to drive her bonkers.
What can I really say, this book was boring. It picked up towards the end (around 80 percent) but honestly, reading about a woman who is a walking doormat at home and is a dynamo at work was not that interesting to me. I especially hate how in the end she was seen as partially responsible for her husband cheating on her and the divorce because hey she was so into work. I hate it when women who are ambitious are treated much differently than ambitious men in books. Why in the world do authors do this? If a man is very into his work and his wife cheated, most of the book would be about how terrible said man's wife is in the book. In this one I am supposed to feel sympathetic to Penny's ex Chris. If anything, they at least both realized that their two daughters are terrible because they raised them that way.
We don't get much insight into other people at all in this book. I am really disappointed though that we do not really get any scenes with Penny's son who seems to be sane and nice. He was pretty much ignored in this book. There is way too much happening. If we had really just focused on Penny and her daughters relationship it would have worked much better. Instead we had the dueling story-lines and her relationship with her mother, her best friend, and her cousin trying to get shoe-horned in too. I would definitely say for this book, less would have been more. I could not keep track of everyone and I finally just gave up.
The writing....was not that good. And that really surprises me because once again I am a huge fan of Jen Lancaster's memoirs. I think that I should have known since the book incorporates emails to the daughters back and forth to them from other people and to others and the one daughter seems barely able to read or write English. I felt like everyone involved in this book just had a lot of quirks and that was it. I mean Penny finally just calls one daughter selfish and that is seen as finally fixing her. I mean sure, if you are Judge Judy I am sure that works. But it seemed a lazy way to fix what was wrong with her and Penny's relationship.
The flow was not great. I think going back and forth between different parts of Penny and Chris's past was a bad idea. It took away from the core part of the book. I didn't need any of that information, and if anything it ruined the flow of the main plot of the book.
Though this book takes place in Illinois, I didn't get much of a sense of Chicago or the neighborhood that Penny lives in. I think Lancaster could have used that much better if she cut back on the other things in this book.
The ending was a foregone conclusion and didn't hold many surprises for me at all.
Penny Sinclair is divorced from her husband of X amount of years (I refuse to go look this up) and is dealing with one of her daughter's wanting to use her home to throw her wedding. Another daughter seems to be running from something in New York. And her son is barely in this story though he is looked to as the good one and the only one she and her husband have not ruined. The story-line jumped around and back again too many times to count (we go back to when Penny met her husband, when she was a child, back to her and her husband again, etc.) while also trying to keep the main story-line moving (her daughters and her parents move back in with her and it starts to drive her bonkers.
What can I really say, this book was boring. It picked up towards the end (around 80 percent) but honestly, reading about a woman who is a walking doormat at home and is a dynamo at work was not that interesting to me. I especially hate how in the end she was seen as partially responsible for her husband cheating on her and the divorce because hey she was so into work. I hate it when women who are ambitious are treated much differently than ambitious men in books. Why in the world do authors do this? If a man is very into his work and his wife cheated, most of the book would be about how terrible said man's wife is in the book. In this one I am supposed to feel sympathetic to Penny's ex Chris. If anything, they at least both realized that their two daughters are terrible because they raised them that way.
We don't get much insight into other people at all in this book. I am really disappointed though that we do not really get any scenes with Penny's son who seems to be sane and nice. He was pretty much ignored in this book. There is way too much happening. If we had really just focused on Penny and her daughters relationship it would have worked much better. Instead we had the dueling story-lines and her relationship with her mother, her best friend, and her cousin trying to get shoe-horned in too. I would definitely say for this book, less would have been more. I could not keep track of everyone and I finally just gave up.
The writing....was not that good. And that really surprises me because once again I am a huge fan of Jen Lancaster's memoirs. I think that I should have known since the book incorporates emails to the daughters back and forth to them from other people and to others and the one daughter seems barely able to read or write English. I felt like everyone involved in this book just had a lot of quirks and that was it. I mean Penny finally just calls one daughter selfish and that is seen as finally fixing her. I mean sure, if you are Judge Judy I am sure that works. But it seemed a lazy way to fix what was wrong with her and Penny's relationship.
The flow was not great. I think going back and forth between different parts of Penny and Chris's past was a bad idea. It took away from the core part of the book. I didn't need any of that information, and if anything it ruined the flow of the main plot of the book.
Though this book takes place in Illinois, I didn't get much of a sense of Chicago or the neighborhood that Penny lives in. I think Lancaster could have used that much better if she cut back on the other things in this book.
The ending was a foregone conclusion and didn't hold many surprises for me at all.
July 6, 2016
For the sake of brevity, here are the three biggest issues with this story:
1. The character of Topher. He has literally no bearing on the story in any way. Even his parents forget about him when going all 'woe is me' over their two horrible daughters. Topher also has a small subplot with his mothers assistant, but that is also forgotten about in favor of other characters.
2. The mother in that story, our narrator, is completely oblivious and totally spineless, and that doesn't change. She shares the great tragedy of offering to pay for her youngest daughters wedding and then spends half the book doing so, only to find out after the honeymoon that the grooms family is super wealthy. How did no one mention this?! She also questions her fathers mental state repeatedly despite never actually talking to him throughout the book.
3. The 'it can't get any worse' trope. Literally every time she says this it gets worse, because of course it does. This is the work of an author lacking another motive to propel the story and it's lazy.
1. The character of Topher. He has literally no bearing on the story in any way. Even his parents forget about him when going all 'woe is me' over their two horrible daughters. Topher also has a small subplot with his mothers assistant, but that is also forgotten about in favor of other characters.
2. The mother in that story, our narrator, is completely oblivious and totally spineless, and that doesn't change. She shares the great tragedy of offering to pay for her youngest daughters wedding and then spends half the book doing so, only to find out after the honeymoon that the grooms family is super wealthy. How did no one mention this?! She also questions her fathers mental state repeatedly despite never actually talking to him throughout the book.
3. The 'it can't get any worse' trope. Literally every time she says this it gets worse, because of course it does. This is the work of an author lacking another motive to propel the story and it's lazy.
July 5, 2016
Wow, how could this book be rated so high? Maybe it gets better, but I'm giving up at half-way through. For context know that I'm a fan of this author and thoroughly enjoyed some of her other books such as Bitter is the new Black.
By the numbers, however, scored a zero for me. The main character Penny is an actuary and she's depicted in a very robotic way, with little emotion, driven by statistics. Her two daughters are vapid and spoiled but also very one-dimensional. The narrative jumps back and forth between distant past, recent past, and present day with chapter headings such as 1982 to indicate what time frame you're in.
Half-way into the book I realized that I really don't care about any of the characters and the disjointed telling of the story further added to my malaise. I rarely give up on a book but in this case I did. Sorry!
By the numbers, however, scored a zero for me. The main character Penny is an actuary and she's depicted in a very robotic way, with little emotion, driven by statistics. Her two daughters are vapid and spoiled but also very one-dimensional. The narrative jumps back and forth between distant past, recent past, and present day with chapter headings such as 1982 to indicate what time frame you're in.
Half-way into the book I realized that I really don't care about any of the characters and the disjointed telling of the story further added to my malaise. I rarely give up on a book but in this case I did. Sorry!
June 21, 2016
In "By the Numbers," Penny feels like her life is falling apart. In trying to "have it all," she is failing miserably. Her marriage is kaput! Her parents might be moving in with her. Two out of three of her adult children are having major issues and may also be moving home. Penny has worked hard for a living but nothing seems to have stuck and now she feels stuck.
First off, Jen Lancaster is on my must-read list. I fell in love with her hilarious, witty, and wise memoirs and now I'm loving her fiction. In her fiction, she creates characters that you fall in love with even if it takes awhile to get there as it did for me with Penny. Lancaster is brilliant in how she woos you though. We first meet Penny through the eyes of her children. Her daughters are totally over her and think that she's a total drag. Her son is the only one that stands up for her. I was expecting the book to be mostly about the grown children's feelings about their mom but the book is really about Penny, a woman trying to pull it all together! Penny is incredibly endearing and I felt for her throughout the book as if she were a friend.
The writing is great. So much of what I have loved about Lancaster's previous books is present in this book. She has really smart dialogue. She also has a great sense of humor and knows how to make her audience laugh out loud. The other thing that I absolutely loved was the ending of the book. I can't give anything away but I loved, loved, loved it! This is a great story about trying to keep your head above water when everything is going wrong!
First off, Jen Lancaster is on my must-read list. I fell in love with her hilarious, witty, and wise memoirs and now I'm loving her fiction. In her fiction, she creates characters that you fall in love with even if it takes awhile to get there as it did for me with Penny. Lancaster is brilliant in how she woos you though. We first meet Penny through the eyes of her children. Her daughters are totally over her and think that she's a total drag. Her son is the only one that stands up for her. I was expecting the book to be mostly about the grown children's feelings about their mom but the book is really about Penny, a woman trying to pull it all together! Penny is incredibly endearing and I felt for her throughout the book as if she were a friend.
The writing is great. So much of what I have loved about Lancaster's previous books is present in this book. She has really smart dialogue. She also has a great sense of humor and knows how to make her audience laugh out loud. The other thing that I absolutely loved was the ending of the book. I can't give anything away but I loved, loved, loved it! This is a great story about trying to keep your head above water when everything is going wrong!
July 21, 2016
This is probably my favorite fiction book by Jen Lancaster, which is not saying much unfortunately. I think what bothers me most about her fiction is the dialogue. This one had much more of a plot than the others, but it still featured a main character who is a grown adult with the vocabulary of an annoying 20-something valley and/or sorority girl. No offense to any 20-something valley and/or sorority girl reading this. You can't tell me that the average career-driven suburban middle age mother uses phrases like "totes adorbs" and worse...
That being said, it was fine for a quick summer travel read and had some plot points I didn't expect.
That being said, it was fine for a quick summer travel read and had some plot points I didn't expect.
November 6, 2016
Since I've enjoyed Jen Lancaster's previous fiction novels, I was excited to add this one to my TBR. When it comes to snarky humor and fun pop culture references, Jen does not disappoint. By the Numbers is also a love letter to the Chicago suburbs and I enjoyed seeing names of places I remember well.
Similar to Twisted Sisters, the build-up of the story takes a while before reaching the climax. A lot of the initial focus was on Penny preparing for her daughter's wedding. The scenes from the present were interspersed with flashbacks to the past, which explained more about Penny's personality and interests. Her daughters seem rather spoiled and out of touch with reality (even as pre-teens). I saw those as warning signs of things I need to curb in my own children before it is too late. I wasn't sure if I could relate to Penny at first, as she's 10 years older than me, divorced, and practically an empty-nester. However, I liked her a lot and felt like she was younger than her age indicated. (Fifty is the new forty?) And I could imagine my daughter giving me fashion tips in the not so distant future.
Once the climax is reached, the rest of the story seems rushed, as there are so many balls in the air at one time. However, I like the effect they have on Penny and the decisions she is led to make as a result.
With an interesting cast of characters, a refreshing plot, and a lot of laughable moments, By the Numbers was a light and easy read that left me ultimately satisfied.
I think Jen Lancaster and Stacey Ballis should collaborate on a book one of these days. That would be so much fun!
My dream movie cast:
Penny: Melora Hardin
Jessica: Tori Anderson
Kelsey: Hayden Panettiere
Chris: Jon Favreau
Marjorie: Joanna Cassidy
Max: Ed O'Neill
Patrick: George Newbern
Karin: Joely Fisher
Similar to Twisted Sisters, the build-up of the story takes a while before reaching the climax. A lot of the initial focus was on Penny preparing for her daughter's wedding. The scenes from the present were interspersed with flashbacks to the past, which explained more about Penny's personality and interests. Her daughters seem rather spoiled and out of touch with reality (even as pre-teens). I saw those as warning signs of things I need to curb in my own children before it is too late. I wasn't sure if I could relate to Penny at first, as she's 10 years older than me, divorced, and practically an empty-nester. However, I liked her a lot and felt like she was younger than her age indicated. (Fifty is the new forty?) And I could imagine my daughter giving me fashion tips in the not so distant future.
Once the climax is reached, the rest of the story seems rushed, as there are so many balls in the air at one time. However, I like the effect they have on Penny and the decisions she is led to make as a result.
With an interesting cast of characters, a refreshing plot, and a lot of laughable moments, By the Numbers was a light and easy read that left me ultimately satisfied.
I think Jen Lancaster and Stacey Ballis should collaborate on a book one of these days. That would be so much fun!
My dream movie cast:
Penny: Melora Hardin
Jessica: Tori Anderson
Kelsey: Hayden Panettiere
Chris: Jon Favreau
Marjorie: Joanna Cassidy
Max: Ed O'Neill
Patrick: George Newbern
Karin: Joely Fisher
August 22, 2018
Song for summary: 1234 Feist
I found this book quite entertaining! The characters are different and relatable; while the plot explores how the struggle to balance work and family life impacts those we love most. This is another humorous novel by Jen Lancaster, and a lovely summer read!
I found this book quite entertaining! The characters are different and relatable; while the plot explores how the struggle to balance work and family life impacts those we love most. This is another humorous novel by Jen Lancaster, and a lovely summer read!
November 10, 2020
Jen Lancaster’s newest novel is a another page turner, with percentages, statistics and equations involved! Since I am a fan of her memoirs, I always felt I “knew” Miss Lancaster, and that what makes this new work of fiction SO MUCH FUN. This is not the Jen Lancaster we know-Penny does not take Ambien and go on a buying frenzy on the internet, she doesn’t take chances, she looks at the numbers and if they don’t add up, she doesn’t budge. However, she starts to learn that her friends and family around her aren’t always following the statistics she has taken the time to learn. She eventually realizes she doesn’t know what to do next without decoding them to understand what is happening around her.
June 17, 2016
I know how fast things change when it comes to kids and life in general and I am sure you do too. Looking forward to the empty nest can bring conflicting emotions. Jen Lancaster brings us a book that hits the nail on the head with this funny read.
If you enjoy a delightful contemporary women's fiction read, this is a winner! Funny, quirky, and written with great insight, I think the author has lived this life she has created in this book or else she was peeking into my life. LOL
A fast paced-read, this was one that will keep you entertained and laughing the whole way through. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely not the last.
If you enjoy a delightful contemporary women's fiction read, this is a winner! Funny, quirky, and written with great insight, I think the author has lived this life she has created in this book or else she was peeking into my life. LOL
A fast paced-read, this was one that will keep you entertained and laughing the whole way through. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely not the last.
January 2, 2017
First book of the year, and it was a good one. Jen Lancaster is funny, clever, and insightful. Her characters are really well drawn. In By the Numbers she gives us a good look at what it's like to be part of the sandwich generation. Also, thanks to the readability of this book, I can say this: Booya, Goodreads, I may not have quite made my goal last year, but it's January 2 and I've already read one book! :)
July 4, 2017
The main character was self-centered and childish, a poor excuse for a mother and a wife. She didn't deserve the way the story ended.
I also have issues with the author's ignorance, for one example, wondering why Lot was turned into a pillar of salt (no, it was his wife), etc.
The narrator of the audiobook made so many mispronunciations, it really grated on my nerves.
The best part of the book, for me, was learning what an actuary does.
I also have issues with the author's ignorance, for one example, wondering why Lot was turned into a pillar of salt (no, it was his wife), etc.
The narrator of the audiobook made so many mispronunciations, it really grated on my nerves.
The best part of the book, for me, was learning what an actuary does.
November 4, 2016
This was just ok for me. It did gave some laugh out loud lines throughout!!
January 22, 2020
The daughters are UBEARABLE and ruined the book tbh.
June 25, 2022
I accidentally stumbled across Jennifer Lancaster several years ago at a book sorting volunteer event and have greatly enjoyed her memoirs. I giddily stood in line at Barnes and Noble to get her autograph at a local book signing event- something I had never done before and haven't done since. I count her among the short list of my favorite authors. So this being the first of her novels that I read, I really, really wanted to like it. And perhaps if I hadn't snuck a peek at a couple of the reviews that would have made a difference.
Penny is a Chicago based actuary who has lived her life the way the numbers make the most sense to do so - so basically without much risk. And now in her early 50's, she finds herself divorced with an empty nest and a desire to sell her house and start a new chapter that's maybe a bit more carefree - a bit less by the numbers.
But first she has to get through her daughter's wedding, which her daughter has decided to throw in Penny's backyard. And then she can sell the house. But instead of things going the way she envisioned them, suddenly she finds herself living with a full household and no one seems to be planning to leave anytime soon...
I had read in one review that Penny was a big pushover and man, was that true! This is what I wish I hadn't read ahead of time because maybe I wouldn't have picked up on it myself. But she does not stand up to anyone! Her daughters and her parents treat her like crap and she just lets them. The only one who really seems to care about her, ironically enough, is the man who left her for his much younger secretary.
There is some much needed reflection and backbone growing on Penny's part by the time the book is over and the ending is okay - it did make me think about how sometimes second chances are warranted and how we have to examine our own behavior when we've been wronged as that doesn't usually just spring out of nowhere.
Overall, it was a decent book but the next time I pick up one of Lancaster's books, I am not reading any reviews first!
Penny is a Chicago based actuary who has lived her life the way the numbers make the most sense to do so - so basically without much risk. And now in her early 50's, she finds herself divorced with an empty nest and a desire to sell her house and start a new chapter that's maybe a bit more carefree - a bit less by the numbers.
But first she has to get through her daughter's wedding, which her daughter has decided to throw in Penny's backyard. And then she can sell the house. But instead of things going the way she envisioned them, suddenly she finds herself living with a full household and no one seems to be planning to leave anytime soon...
I had read in one review that Penny was a big pushover and man, was that true! This is what I wish I hadn't read ahead of time because maybe I wouldn't have picked up on it myself. But she does not stand up to anyone! Her daughters and her parents treat her like crap and she just lets them. The only one who really seems to care about her, ironically enough, is the man who left her for his much younger secretary.
There is some much needed reflection and backbone growing on Penny's part by the time the book is over and the ending is okay - it did make me think about how sometimes second chances are warranted and how we have to examine our own behavior when we've been wronged as that doesn't usually just spring out of nowhere.
Overall, it was a decent book but the next time I pick up one of Lancaster's books, I am not reading any reviews first!
June 1, 2018
A woman on a path of self discovery and indepence ends up with the exact same life she had. I gave it 3 stars because I like Jen Lancaster as an author with her outlandish story lines, that's what makes them funny. This novel was mundane and one dementional. From out the 4th or 5th chapter, I knew exactly how this book was going to end. Even the "twists and revelations" were mediocre. I felt like they were written quickly to tie up loose ends that were forgotten about. Definitely didn't like this one, but it wasn't so bad that I'm turned off from Jen Lancaster.
July 4, 2018
good chick lit--or is it hen lit at my age?
June 26, 2019
I (also) prefer Lancaster’s memoirs but I definitely enjoyed this light-hearted read.
May 18, 2019
Least favorite story of hers so far (my other ratings have all been 4 or 5 star). The protagonist was a twit who knew all about numbers but nothing about real life. She kowtows to her daughters growing up, totally undermining her husband's attempts to teach them manners and respect by bribing them because she can't parent. Then she is somehow surprised that they evolved into trolls that would make Regina George flee in terror.
Anyway, not wanting to spend time on a lengthy review, so let's just say that the plot felt just too contrived with so much drama to be enjoyable. I could start guessing at the next thing that was going to blow up around her.
But I've got another book of hers on hold at the library and hopefully this one will pan out better.
Anyway, not wanting to spend time on a lengthy review, so let's just say that the plot felt just too contrived with so much drama to be enjoyable. I could start guessing at the next thing that was going to blow up around her.
But I've got another book of hers on hold at the library and hopefully this one will pan out better.
November 24, 2016
This is my second Jen Lancaster book this month and by far my favourite! I really enjoyed the story and craziness that is the life of Penny.
First, let's talk characters... Penny was a very relateable character and one that I have read in many different stories, but that didn't bother me at all as I really enjoyed her. I will say that I felt she read a little younger than she is though... I'm in my late thirties and have a 9-year old and felt she was written more my age than that of a mother with grown children. Again, didn't bother me too much though. Now, her daughters were HORRIBLE... SO SO BAD. I wanted to stab them both with rusty forks. In fact, it made me mad at Penny too because she wouldn't deal with these horrible, evil step-sister-like children of hers.
As for the story, I found it very enjoyable and it read very easily. In fact, I flew through it and wished that it has lasted a little longer. Overall, a great read and one that I will recommend to all of the Jen Lancaster fans out there.
First, let's talk characters... Penny was a very relateable character and one that I have read in many different stories, but that didn't bother me at all as I really enjoyed her. I will say that I felt she read a little younger than she is though... I'm in my late thirties and have a 9-year old and felt she was written more my age than that of a mother with grown children. Again, didn't bother me too much though. Now, her daughters were HORRIBLE... SO SO BAD. I wanted to stab them both with rusty forks. In fact, it made me mad at Penny too because she wouldn't deal with these horrible, evil step-sister-like children of hers.
As for the story, I found it very enjoyable and it read very easily. In fact, I flew through it and wished that it has lasted a little longer. Overall, a great read and one that I will recommend to all of the Jen Lancaster fans out there.
June 9, 2016
Jen Lancaster’s newest novel is a another page turner, with percentages, statistics and equations involved! Since I am a fan of her memoirs, I always felt I “knew” Miss Lancaster, and that what makes this new work of fiction SO MUCH FUN. This is not the Jen Lancaster we know-Penny does not take Ambien and go on a buying frenzy on the internet, she doesn’t take chances, she looks at the numbers and if they don’t add up, she doesn’t budge. However, she starts to learn that her friends and family around her aren’t always following the statistics she has taken the time to learn. She eventually realizes she doesn’t know what to do next without decoding them to understand what is happening around her.
June 21, 2016
I received a review copy
I’m a big fan of Jen Lancaster, both her fiction and non-fiction books, and always look forward to reading her offerings. By the Numbers brings us Penny, an actuary who is all about living life well…by the numbers. She’s just slightly on the dull side, and I mean that in the best way possible. I really appreciated the flashbacks we get to see a slightly different side of her, before her marriage fell apart and she was a little more carefree. The way her daughters treat her made my insides turn, and I was hoping the entire way that Penny would finally find the backbone she so desperately needed. Plenty of heart-warming moments, scenes that caused an eyebrow raise, and some nice humor thrown in at appropriate moments. Smooth reading the whole way through.
I’m a big fan of Jen Lancaster, both her fiction and non-fiction books, and always look forward to reading her offerings. By the Numbers brings us Penny, an actuary who is all about living life well…by the numbers. She’s just slightly on the dull side, and I mean that in the best way possible. I really appreciated the flashbacks we get to see a slightly different side of her, before her marriage fell apart and she was a little more carefree. The way her daughters treat her made my insides turn, and I was hoping the entire way that Penny would finally find the backbone she so desperately needed. Plenty of heart-warming moments, scenes that caused an eyebrow raise, and some nice humor thrown in at appropriate moments. Smooth reading the whole way through.
July 3, 2016
I wanted to love this book. I was really excited to read it, having won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway (which has not altered my opinion in the least). I did not love it. It was okay, and there were the occasional phrases that made me grin.
But I didn't like the protagonist for most of the book. And there was the heck of a lot of back story that felt like it could have been reduced to the benefit of the story as a whole. I even put the book down for a day, just in case I was having a session of irrational crankiness.
So, your mileage may vary. This is, after all, Jen Lancaster and she is a lot of awesome.
But I didn't like the protagonist for most of the book. And there was the heck of a lot of back story that felt like it could have been reduced to the benefit of the story as a whole. I even put the book down for a day, just in case I was having a session of irrational crankiness.
So, your mileage may vary. This is, after all, Jen Lancaster and she is a lot of awesome.
June 26, 2016
The book had some humor and kept my attention until the end. I mostly enjoyed the story but can't believe that Penny would take such disrespect from her kids, adults that should know how to properly behave, and then explain it away as a generational thing. My real complaint over the book which in part is the reason why I've rated it so low is that the characters aren't very strong, likeable, or interesting. There's a few snippets here and there that make you hope they'll become fully life like but it just doesn't quite make it. If the book was a couple more chapters longer then it might have managed to wrangle that 4 star rating but sadly it didn't.
July 27, 2016
While I love Jen Lancaster's Chicago/Glencoe setting, I wasn't thrilled with this book. I think that most women do a pretty good job of balancing work and home obligations and this book was full of negative stereotypes of the working breadwinner mom. It's a short, easy read that skewers the "sandwich" living situations that are so prevalent these days, with three or four generations of family living under one roof. And dogs and granddogs. Enough said.
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July 3, 2016Lancaster provides wonderful Summer reading
I enjoy Jen's books for the fun reading it provides. Although, I hated the daughters so much in the book I almost stopped reading it. Glad I didn't. Also, I live in the same community as Jen so I find it delightful when she describes people/places/situations from the community at large.
I enjoy Jen's books for the fun reading it provides. Although, I hated the daughters so much in the book I almost stopped reading it. Glad I didn't. Also, I live in the same community as Jen so I find it delightful when she describes people/places/situations from the community at large.
May 30, 2019
I do adore Jen Lancaster. Few authors can make me laugh like she does with her verbiage. I do like her non fiction works better, but I've enjoyed all her fiction books as well.
As someone with no children who hasn't lived with my parents in well over a decade, I didn't find the characters very relatable. I think many in the "sandwich generation" will certainly relate to and enjoy Penny.
As someone with no children who hasn't lived with my parents in well over a decade, I didn't find the characters very relatable. I think many in the "sandwich generation" will certainly relate to and enjoy Penny.
November 6, 2016
A quick read with a main character (Penny) who is quite interesting. I struggled with her two absolutely awful, spoiled daughters, though. Scenes featuring the two were just painful to get through, and while I appreciate that Lancaster is showing us a family that isn't perfect, these two disrespectful and spoiled characters made this one only a 3-star read for me.
February 3, 2017
I prefer Jen Lancaster's memoirs to her chic lit fiction, but she's always entertaining.
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