My Life as a Doormat

by Rene Gutteridge

Playwright Leah Townsend doesn't like conflict one bit, but these days she can't seem to avoid it. Her career is quickly sliding downhill. Her agent has ordered a hit or else and her new play is going nowhere. Then her obsessively moderate boyfriend, after a minor argument, has the nerve to enroll her in a "conflict resolution" class. Turns out they're learning to embrace conflict and settle it fairly, not just avoid it a distinct challenge to a woman who has spent her life not making waves. Enter annoying radio host "Cinco" Dublin, ordered to join the group after punching out a reporter in front of his home. Sparks soon fly between Leah and Cinco, but can a people-pleasing playwright find happiness with a man who thrives on controversy? Conflict resolution has never been so fun in this lively new romp from the author of "Boo."

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Chick Lit, Christian, Romance, Humor, Contemporary

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Rene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.

Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so...I'm not the target audience for this book.

Still, I enjoyed the story, even with its relationship drama.

As someone who has felt like a doormat at times, I can identify with the protagonist/narrator's struggles.

[Natalie Cidon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was having a little trouble in subjects of reading and writing, and my dad told me I could only fix the problem by reading what others had dedicated their lives to after taking the journey I was about to take. I know this sounds extremely dorky, but it's the true story and it's why I jioned this website, to tell people about the books they know nothing aboutand I know plenty about. So, anyway, I was looking in the library for a subject that I, at least, would enjoy. And of course that meant..........acting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I looked in the young adults section to find something about acting and that was at my age level, and just as I entered the isle, it jumped out at me. My Life as a Doormat(IN THREE ACTS)those three words just told me that was the book I was looking for. It also had that look to it as if it was about somebody who wanted to complain about their life through a character they thought fit the tale perfectly. That's exactly what I would have done for my first few books if I were an author. It improved my writing page by page listening to this women tell me her exceedingly embarrassing life. I started to write poems about things I had never experienced or felt in my life and people thought they couldn't have written it better, they also said one more thing, each and every one of them, how can you write so well and so much about something or someone you know so little about. I had finally put my creativity and writing passion to good use. I admire the author of this book so much I really sugest you read it. It's funny, it's sad, it's surprising, and just a tiny bit cliche, but that's , that's what made it for me,that's what gave me my ability to express myself in the only passionate, incredible, amazing, craziest way ever. Writing. My name name is Natalie Cidon and I write poems, but only because of this fantastic book.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The character was annoying and I wanted to throttle her. I liked the storyline but she was really just getting on my nerves. I mean how dumb can she be and let her boyfriend treat her that way. There were moments that I wanted to stop reading the book because she was really getting to me but then I realized that there are still girls that are just like her. Also I realize that was what the book was all about since the title is life as a doormat but she was just extreme. It's hard for me to rate this book because I liked the storyline and I liked Cinco but I really didn't like her so I will give it a 2 1/2.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I really liked this library find. I was more than frustrated with the main character at times, but I suppose that was the point. I liked the writing style of this author and will be looking for more by her.

[Christine Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny in Three Acts

Rene Gutteridge creates believable characters that are interesting and just a bit off center. This is just one of the reasons why her novels are so enjoyable. Her writing doesn't depend on graphic sex, violence or language to advance the story. As I get to know the characters better, I want to know more about what happens to them.

In "My Life as a Doormat" Leah Townsend has a predictable life with a predictable (read boring) boyfriend and together their predictable relationship has no surprises. When Leah shows up at a conflict resolution group that she thinks her boyfriend signed them both up for, she is shocked to find out that he expected her to attend by herself.

If you think being safe is the best you can hope for in life, join Leah to find out what can happen when you learn how to say no.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I saw the movie…in complete honesty, through the first half of the book I wondered how such a spectacular movie came from this book. The book does get better and starts moving along. I am a people pleaser to an extent, and I tend not to stand up for myself at times. I’m pretty sure my daughter views me as a doormat. I do however have my own set of standards and morals based on scripture that are my foundation. Those are non negotiable. I do hate conflict and tense situations.

Anyway the book wasn’t a total loss. I wanted into Leahs brain a bit after watching the movie. I still think those that pulled the movie from this book did a spectacular job..and not a horrible book either.

[Merwinna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Book Worth Reading More Than Once

This is a beautiful story full of life, romance and humor. It is a powerful story about relationships. The love and character of God is evident in some of the characters. It makes one look inward to examine where one lines up related to the love-walk. Do I love my neighbor in every situation?

There is nothing to dislike about this book. It's a treasure!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's twists can grow some testicular fortitude!

This is a fairly quick read as we follow an uptight young lady through her humorous journey to find her self worth and therefore her happiness. I came to read this book via a book club recommendation. I'm glad I read it and would recommend it for some lighthearted reading.

[Kristi Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Rene Gutteridge. It brought smiles and laughter--all good. It's always nice to find a clean novel, and this one won't disappoint. Hallmark movie made this one into a movie, btw. I recommended our local library purchase a copy. They're on it! :-)

[Pamela Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute fluffy read that made me laugh out loud at times. If I'd read this a decade ago, I probably would have given it four stars, but these days I'm paying more attention to writing style, and character arcs. There were several plot points, and character motivations, I just didn't buy in this one.

[Ann Stang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I kept it and read it again, which I rarely do. It was made into a movie, but they changed the title I love to Love's Complicated. Too generic. Any romance could be called that. It was a good movie, too.

[Cindy Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life as a Doormat Review

As I have trouble saying “no” like the main character, I could really relate to this story. All the characters are very believable and the story is hilarious. As always Ms. Gutteridge’s book is well worth reading.

[Yoursexylibrarian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not finish this book, because it moved as slow as a sloth.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Hallmark movie was better!

[Linda Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story.....I could really relate to Leah in some ways. Had been in a bit of reading funk the past few days and couldn't decide what I felt like reading....this book hit the spot!

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Leah. Goodness how I love this book! This is def going to be a book I keep and reread again and again to remind myself it’s ok to say no. Loved the humor in this book as well.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Rene Guttrridge writes great conflict filled stories

[Anca Piglesan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read

It is an easy and relaxing read.
The amusing story of someone who discovered gumption ;)
Perfect for a holiday or a travel.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my likings for enjoyable reading. About 85 % or more was very difficult to read over and over. Only the last 5-10% saved this from being a rating of 1.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Townsend is a struggling playwright who skyrocketed to instant fame with the surprise success of her first play, The Twilight T-Zone. Since then, her writing -- and her relationship with her ever-dependable boyfriend, Edward -- has gone downhill. She can't seem to recapture the "magic" that made her first play a success, and as far the relationship goes, well -- suddenly Leah finds herself wanting more out of life (she's just not sure exactly what "more" means -- and if "more" involves conflict, well forget about it). When Edward interprets her desire for change as an inability to cope with conflict, Leah finds herself enrolled in a conflict management class with Cinco Dublin, a man who's everything she's not...and to whom she finds herself increasingly attracted.

Much like Tamara Leigh's Stealing Adda, Gutteridge provides her readers with a fascinating (and often humorous) glimpse into the life and career of a writer -- dealing with agents, writer's block, and self doubt -- and of course there's the inevitable romantic entanglement. There's even hilarious input from Jodie Bellarusa, the main character in Leah's work-in-progress. Leah's voice is fresh, funny, and oh-so-honest. In Leah, Gutteridge has crafted an incredibly hilarious, relatable, very real heroine. Leah's transformation from a pushover and a doormat to outspoken self-assurance is both incredibly entertaining and inspiring. This is the perfect summer read -- light and engrossing, with characters so real they'll stay with you long after you close the novel. Highly recommended.

[Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh it was ok. I hate to start a review like this, but I was left with a semi ok feeling. Nothing was super wrong with it. I guess my main area of concern was the main character - I found her to be super whiny and beyond believable. It took her way to long to discover that a changed needed to happen in her relationships and decision making.

BUT I loved the premise of the story - the sibling of the prodigal son and learning how to cope with not being the star child in the family. At times I felt a few commonalities between me and Leah - we were both the children of the family that followed the rules to a T and rarely bucked the rules our parents laid down. The big lesson comes when the sibling becomes the child that is in the forefront. Although this hasn't happened in our family, J and I have taken turns needing our parents attention for good and bad reasons.

Now after some negative comments, I would definitely pass this book along to the women in my life, but I would preface it that they should be read on the beach or huddled in during a quiet vacation. This isn't one of those "smart" reads.

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty fun book, even though it was definitely light reading. I will admit, though, that I got annoyed (a lot!) by the protagonist, Leah, for being such a doormat! It was almost painful to read at times. But at the same time, I liked seeing her growth throughout the book, although admittedly the majority of her personal growth occurred in the last 40 pages or so.

Honestly, Leah was likable, aside from her doormat-ness. Cinco was probably my favorite character, though, just because he is Leah's opposite. Edward was definitely my least favorite character (which is odd considering I didn't really care for Leah's parents that much); I can attest that although his character may have been exaggerated a little bit, there are guys like that out there (love -- and need -- routines, very science- and detail-oriented; almost Asperger-ish actually). I guess he was a bit of a stereotype though.

If you're looking for a quick, light read, then I'd recommend this. Definitely not a masterpiece, but it's enjoyable, and there are some characters in the book that are likable.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like and connect with the main character, Leah, who is so concerned with keeping the peace that she goes along with anything and everything anyone else wants. She has zero regard for her own self-interest. It is not entirely altruistic either - even if she wanted to, she lacks the courage and gumption to stand up for herself. So when this doormat of a woman lands in a conflict resolution class, things get pretty interesting. On top of it all, she has a character from her most recent play like a second personality in her mind, and Jodie is Leah's complete opposite. The situations Leah gets herself into as she tries to learn to assert herself are rather funny. The ending loses a little of my attention, as it gets slightly corny. (This is also where the author's Christian themes really come out, which, depending on my mood, I can find annoying). Still, the overall theme of the idea that taking care of yourself is not selfish is a good one, and the author delivers it well.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! I really enjoyed it. Admittedly about halfway through I almost didn't finish it because the author did such a great job of making Leah feel uncomfortable in confrontational situations that it actually made me anxious! Seriously I kid you not, I almost couldn't finish. But I think that says old great deal about the authors talent and making the characters relatable and real. I really liked hearing about the family and the dynamics in that family as well as about the dynamics in the therapy group. Situations brought up in the plot for not only unique but also funny. This was a great book and it makes you want to go back and find other books by this author. I highly recommend this book but I would think that those who are non-confrontational should be aware that you might find yourself vicariously anxious when reading some of the scenes. I wouldn't let that turn you off though because if I can get through it so can you!

[Kelci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Inspiring. And hilarious!
To find a book like this makes reading all those mediocre and sometimes down right boring books worth it. I was trying to think of a reason to give it one less star but it deserves every one of them. The characters leaped off the page, the writing was a joy to read, and the story was both thought provoking and laugh out loud funny.
There wasn't a moment that I felt preached at, which for those of us who consume lots of Christian fiction know, is beyond rare. Whenever God is mentioned it's in a real, honest way, and runs smoothly with the story instead of feeling forced in like a splinter to make you cringe.
A beautiful story, light yet engaging, with an amazing message with many unexpected twists and laughs. What a joy to read!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read, about a woman who hates to cause conflict/make waves, and who has to be true to herself to be happy. I can relate to that -- if there's a conflict, I'm sooo out of there -- and I really appreciated the character growth. On a side note, if you've ever done the personality study on whether you are a choloric/leader; meloncholy/perfect; phlematic/peaceful; ??/popular, this main character is definately a meloncholy perfect (Sunday School class just had a month long session on this, and this book fit into the study almost perfectly). Nobody but Lee will get that, but had to post it anyway.

[Yolie Gachelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you are an advent reader when you go to the library and pick out a book not because of the title, not because of the author, not because of the book cover, but because you just randomly went down that isle and picked up the book to read. That is what I did with this book. And the funny thing to me is that this book is like that. While reading this book, to me it didn't fall under any real gene. It didn't really have a beginning middle end. It did have a climax and a resolution. But the book was a book for someone to read. With no purpose no great desire, but just to read. This was an enjoyable easy flow good reading book!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading - quite interesting in a lot of unusual ways. I'm enjoying it much more the 2nd time around. I just finished reading this for the 3rd time since it was published in 2006 it is now 2024. As I've grown older and parts of my life changed I connect more and more with the main theme of this novel, you can share love with others even if you don't agree but in no terms do you have to let the conflict control you or your memories. Still a great read. Love how humor is sprinkled throughout and honest down to earth, not glossed over events like 'crying to the point you have a snot bubble'.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book bugged me right from the start. I couldn't get into it, when normally I'm hooked by Rene's books from the first line. The main character, Leah, drove me nuts - I couldn't stand her and how much of a doormat she was. There was no flow between chapters. At the end of a chapter something happens, but then it doesn't flow on to the next. You eventually find out what it was, but I always got the sense that I was missing something from the story. At least at the end of the book Leah stops being a doormat.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

2021 reread. It was interesting to see this book through the eyes of a 12+ year older me. Still enjoyable in many ways, but I feel a bit more jaded. 😂 And some of the references are dated and that felt like a blast from the past (limited cell phone minutes! Democrats and Republicans that talk to each other! 😂). It did make me reconsider yet again how much I still avoid conflict, even if I have grown in this area.