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Time Off for Good Behavior
THIS VERSION OF THE TIME OFF FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR EBOOK IS NO LONGER LEGAL TO SELL. Amazon hasn't taken it down yet. Please go to Lani Diane Rich dot com for a link to a much cheaper, up-to-date version of this book. Thank you!
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 16, 2009
There are two things you need to know about this book: 1) Lani Diane Rich can write snark and kick ass heroines with the best of them. Who knew?; and 2) I was predisposed to disliking this book because it is (more often than not) categorized as chick lit. But honestly, it had warm romantic undertones and an ending that left me feeling very emotional. (In other words, I cried.)
Ooey gooey brownie points to the author!
The book opens with said kick ass heroine, Wanda, hauling off and punching a sleezy lawyer (a/k/a "Pencil Face") who is unfairly drilling her on the witness stand. She ends up in a coma for several days. She loses her job. Her ex-husband, George, calls her daily to either tell her he loves her or he threatens to kill her. Basically, her life is a big ole' pile of crap.
Along comes good attorney and beta hero, Walter, to rescue Wanda. Walter is described as looking like Jimmy Stewart - to the point of overkill - but I really liked him. He is patient. He is kind. He is perfectly lovable and sexy, altho I'm obligated to point out to you that the book has a PG rating.
The rest of this book is about Wanda's personal growth, self-realization, and romance. It is cleverly written with events and characters that add to the storyline. Not to mention the book is freakin' hilarious!
Wanda's thoughts and one-liners are worth reading the book alone. She is one of those characters you will either really love or really hate. Think Jen Crusie's Min in Bet Me or Cat in Jeanine Frost's Night Huntress series. Out of curiosity I had to look up other reviews on Wanda. Here is what the Smart Bitches had to say about her character ...
"Wanda is a fabulously faceted character: she’s got at least six dimensions, and is what I call a Cilantro Person. People either love cilantro in their salsa and Mexican food, or think it tastes like soap. I’ve never met anyone who thought, “Meh. Cilantro.” I’m sure no one in the backstory of this novel ever met Wanda and thought little about her afterward."
So there ya have it!
Ooey gooey brownie points to the author!
The book opens with said kick ass heroine, Wanda, hauling off and punching a sleezy lawyer (a/k/a "Pencil Face") who is unfairly drilling her on the witness stand. She ends up in a coma for several days. She loses her job. Her ex-husband, George, calls her daily to either tell her he loves her or he threatens to kill her. Basically, her life is a big ole' pile of crap.
Along comes good attorney and beta hero, Walter, to rescue Wanda. Walter is described as looking like Jimmy Stewart - to the point of overkill - but I really liked him. He is patient. He is kind. He is perfectly lovable and sexy, altho I'm obligated to point out to you that the book has a PG rating.
The rest of this book is about Wanda's personal growth, self-realization, and romance. It is cleverly written with events and characters that add to the storyline. Not to mention the book is freakin' hilarious!
Wanda's thoughts and one-liners are worth reading the book alone. She is one of those characters you will either really love or really hate. Think Jen Crusie's Min in Bet Me or Cat in Jeanine Frost's Night Huntress series. Out of curiosity I had to look up other reviews on Wanda. Here is what the Smart Bitches had to say about her character ...
"Wanda is a fabulously faceted character: she’s got at least six dimensions, and is what I call a Cilantro Person. People either love cilantro in their salsa and Mexican food, or think it tastes like soap. I’ve never met anyone who thought, “Meh. Cilantro.” I’m sure no one in the backstory of this novel ever met Wanda and thought little about her afterward."
So there ya have it!
December 5, 2014
If you are thinking about this book, I urge you to get the audiobook - not the physical book.
I believe some of the 3 star reviews by others would have been higher if they listened to the audiobook instead of reading the paperback or ebook. The audiobook narrator Hillary Hawkins is a COMIC GENIUS!!!!! Hillary emphasized different words and interpreted things differently than I would. If I were reading the book I might say a line one way which would make the heroine unlikeable, but the narrator read it in a way that made me laugh.
Bottom line: I laughed many times!!!!
It also had one of my favorite tropes: Main character on a journey of changing herself.
There is a lot of swearing. But it’s not like some books where a guy says the f-word in every other sentence as his regular way of talking. Wanda swears in response to things like when she is angry or insulting someone. I’m not a fan of swearing but I’m usually ok reading it. So, you need to be open to it.
I kept thinking how did the author come up with this character? And then I kept thinking how does she come up with so many funny lines? (But remember, if I were reading the line it would not be as funny as Hillary reading it.)
THE STORY
is about a smart competent woman who made stupid choices, including marrying a loser abusive husband. (She had a reason and I could kind of buy it.) She is divorced, meets a great guy, but delays a relationship until she can get her life fixed. There is a nice romantic ending, but most of the story is about Wanda and various people in her life.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Wanda. Unabridged audiobook length: 7 hrs and 36 mins. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words frequently used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: one, referred to no details. Setting: current day mostly Hastings, Tennessee. Book copyright: 2004. Genre: humorous contemporary romance.
I believe some of the 3 star reviews by others would have been higher if they listened to the audiobook instead of reading the paperback or ebook. The audiobook narrator Hillary Hawkins is a COMIC GENIUS!!!!! Hillary emphasized different words and interpreted things differently than I would. If I were reading the book I might say a line one way which would make the heroine unlikeable, but the narrator read it in a way that made me laugh.
Bottom line: I laughed many times!!!!
It also had one of my favorite tropes: Main character on a journey of changing herself.
There is a lot of swearing. But it’s not like some books where a guy says the f-word in every other sentence as his regular way of talking. Wanda swears in response to things like when she is angry or insulting someone. I’m not a fan of swearing but I’m usually ok reading it. So, you need to be open to it.
I kept thinking how did the author come up with this character? And then I kept thinking how does she come up with so many funny lines? (But remember, if I were reading the line it would not be as funny as Hillary reading it.)
THE STORY
is about a smart competent woman who made stupid choices, including marrying a loser abusive husband. (She had a reason and I could kind of buy it.) She is divorced, meets a great guy, but delays a relationship until she can get her life fixed. There is a nice romantic ending, but most of the story is about Wanda and various people in her life.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Wanda. Unabridged audiobook length: 7 hrs and 36 mins. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words frequently used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: one, referred to no details. Setting: current day mostly Hastings, Tennessee. Book copyright: 2004. Genre: humorous contemporary romance.
October 27, 2013
Wanda. What a protagonist. She’s spicy, saucy, and damn if she doesn’t keep hold of your interest. I feel so pleasantly rewarded with this book. This is Lani Diane Rich’s first novel and it sizzles. I picked it up for two reasons: one, I’m trying to get some more traditional “chick lit” under my belt, and two, it’s a NaNoWriMo novel, and I have a special place in my heart for those. I didn’t even need to keep that special place open, though, the character Wanda stole it all on her own.
Wanda’s luck goes from bad to worse and, I have to say, a lot of it is her own damn fault. She’s the kind of character who draws you in right away. The plot keeps you going. I was definitely drawn in by one after another event and with Wanda staying strong, wisecracks flying, it wasn’t hard to keep the pages turning.
This book, for me, was an up and over winner. I love Wanda and her sassiness. Towards the end of the book, though, as much as I loved Wanda, I felt my appreciation for the book start to wane. Wanda is a great character for the reader because she is a pain in the butt. She perpetuates problems, she’s eccentric and erratic. The problem is that I loved her –and so did the rest of the characters in the book. For such a catty attitude, there were far too many people who enjoyed her company, who fell over themselves to help her out. It just didn’t quite fit. For as screwed up as her life was, she had so many people who were willing to take her in. To me, the answers were just a little too easy and, at times, super cliché.
Still, there was enough about this books and the characters that I loved to keep the rating up. It’s a story that made me laugh, snort-laugh (which is more on the evil side), and feel downright tender. And feels are good.
Pick it up!
Read more of my reviews at: The Roaming Reader
Wanda’s luck goes from bad to worse and, I have to say, a lot of it is her own damn fault. She’s the kind of character who draws you in right away. The plot keeps you going. I was definitely drawn in by one after another event and with Wanda staying strong, wisecracks flying, it wasn’t hard to keep the pages turning.
This book, for me, was an up and over winner. I love Wanda and her sassiness. Towards the end of the book, though, as much as I loved Wanda, I felt my appreciation for the book start to wane. Wanda is a great character for the reader because she is a pain in the butt. She perpetuates problems, she’s eccentric and erratic. The problem is that I loved her –and so did the rest of the characters in the book. For such a catty attitude, there were far too many people who enjoyed her company, who fell over themselves to help her out. It just didn’t quite fit. For as screwed up as her life was, she had so many people who were willing to take her in. To me, the answers were just a little too easy and, at times, super cliché.
Still, there was enough about this books and the characters that I loved to keep the rating up. It’s a story that made me laugh, snort-laugh (which is more on the evil side), and feel downright tender. And feels are good.
Pick it up!
Read more of my reviews at: The Roaming Reader
July 8, 2015
I took Jane Stewart's advice and purchased the audio version of this book. The narrator was great and I enjoyed her reading very much.
Quick Rundown: Chick is on a path to becoming a bitter shrew and she knows it so she tries many things to set her life straight and to get a better attitude.
I don't recall laughing out loud but I'm not prone to. But I did find the book very amusing and might listen to it again a couple years from now. I connected with the Chick on a certain level. I don't like to think that I'm bitter but i do have my days where stupid people just piss me off and others just make my life harder. So, maybe that's why her attitude didn't bother me like it did some other readers. And I have a potty mouth myself so that added some realism to this CHick's character.
Overall: A very amusing read/listen and well worth the credit on Audible. I might recommend for when you are just pissed at the world and can't vent or if you are just tired of so many of the Mary Sue characters out there.
Quick Rundown: Chick is on a path to becoming a bitter shrew and she knows it so she tries many things to set her life straight and to get a better attitude.
I don't recall laughing out loud but I'm not prone to. But I did find the book very amusing and might listen to it again a couple years from now. I connected with the Chick on a certain level. I don't like to think that I'm bitter but i do have my days where stupid people just piss me off and others just make my life harder. So, maybe that's why her attitude didn't bother me like it did some other readers. And I have a potty mouth myself so that added some realism to this CHick's character.
Overall: A very amusing read/listen and well worth the credit on Audible. I might recommend for when you are just pissed at the world and can't vent or if you are just tired of so many of the Mary Sue characters out there.
December 19, 2012
I didn't fall in love with this book right away; in fact I was typically bored early on and wanted to just chunk it mainly because I don't think I liked Wanda and her smart ass mouth and attitude but after taking a moment to step back and re-evaluate my way of thinking I saw her in a new light and my whole perspective of Wanda changed and I began to enjoy the book a bit better.
Initially I was thinking of her as crabby and foul mouthed but then I took into consideration some of the things she had been thru, even though alot of it was her own doing, and that she wasn't always this way and after a while it genuinely seemed she wanted to change but had no clue where to start. I went from hating her character, to feeling sorry for her, and by the end of the book I was all "You go girl!"
If you've ever had an identity crisis or just plain out felt there was no help for yourself then I think you will totally enjoy this one.
Initially I was thinking of her as crabby and foul mouthed but then I took into consideration some of the things she had been thru, even though alot of it was her own doing, and that she wasn't always this way and after a while it genuinely seemed she wanted to change but had no clue where to start. I went from hating her character, to feeling sorry for her, and by the end of the book I was all "You go girl!"
If you've ever had an identity crisis or just plain out felt there was no help for yourself then I think you will totally enjoy this one.
February 3, 2018
If we're being anal about ratings this would be a 2.5.
So, the good:
Wanda is a pretty great protagonist. No bullshit.
The narrator of the audiobook brings some humour into the reading.
Some sensitive topics e.g. domestic violence are dealt with here quite well.
The not so good:
The plot- I just couldn't find anything here to hold my interest. Romantic fiction isn't my usual choice of genre so this is more likely an issue of mine than the book's. It won't stop me from trying more of Rich's works in the future, though.
So, the good:
Wanda is a pretty great protagonist. No bullshit.
The narrator of the audiobook brings some humour into the reading.
Some sensitive topics e.g. domestic violence are dealt with here quite well.
The not so good:
The plot- I just couldn't find anything here to hold my interest. Romantic fiction isn't my usual choice of genre so this is more likely an issue of mine than the book's. It won't stop me from trying more of Rich's works in the future, though.
December 28, 2013
Reinventing oneself is a slow and gut-wrenching endeavor. Wanda Lane, the heroine of this novel, only resorts to this painful method when she hit the rock-bottom of her life.
Since college, she has been hiding behind the mask of a rude, abrasive, non-caring broad with anger management issues. She has let the sensitive feminine side of her almost disappear. Constantly in terror of her abusive ex-husband, lest he finds her again, and the abuse resumes, she calls herself a ‘wiseass’, which is as good a definition as any. Hating herself and unable to believe that anyone could like her, she meets any friendship overtures with derision, invariably driving people away. Only a chance encounter with a charming single lawyer William forces her to reevaluate her priorities and attempt to revert to what she could’ve been, if her traumatic marriage didn’t occur.
The complex, controversial theme of this novel is emphasized by a number of truly frightening situations and humorous little vignettes. Some of them made me chuckle. Others cause shivers of dread. All of them kept me turning the pages.
But… I can’t truthfully say that I liked this novel or enjoyed it. I didn’t. And the reason for that: I disliked Wanda. She is a rebellious, self-destructive bitch, and I don’t like or respect such women. I don’t understand her drive to self-ruination.
For half the book, Wanda either wallows in self-pity or drowns her grievances in whiskey. Hers are real grievances, I’m sure, but her troubles are not the worst in the world, and there are several solutions to her problems, none of which she even attempts. At least at first.
Until a perfect guy comes her way – suave, handsome, wealthy (he is a lawyer), and in love with her into the bargain. Only then does she make a push to clean up her act. As if a guy is a necessity for a woman to live with dignity.
Besides, William is not real. He is too good to be true. I’ve never met such men in real life, and I’m certain no one has. He is a ‘prince charming’ of the author’s dreams, almost a metaphor. Why does Wanda need this Disney-style knight in shining pink armor to put her life together? As if her life is meaningless without a penis to enrich it. It doesn’t feel right to me.
I’ve read everything this writer has written so far, in both her incarnations – Lani Diane Rich and Lucy March – and I intend to continue reading her. She is a great writer, even though her novels are uneven. Some of them I loved dearly. Others left me indifferent. This is one of the latter variety, but I hope the next one would be better. She can do it; I know she can do it. Can’t wait.
Since college, she has been hiding behind the mask of a rude, abrasive, non-caring broad with anger management issues. She has let the sensitive feminine side of her almost disappear. Constantly in terror of her abusive ex-husband, lest he finds her again, and the abuse resumes, she calls herself a ‘wiseass’, which is as good a definition as any. Hating herself and unable to believe that anyone could like her, she meets any friendship overtures with derision, invariably driving people away. Only a chance encounter with a charming single lawyer William forces her to reevaluate her priorities and attempt to revert to what she could’ve been, if her traumatic marriage didn’t occur.
The complex, controversial theme of this novel is emphasized by a number of truly frightening situations and humorous little vignettes. Some of them made me chuckle. Others cause shivers of dread. All of them kept me turning the pages.
But… I can’t truthfully say that I liked this novel or enjoyed it. I didn’t. And the reason for that: I disliked Wanda. She is a rebellious, self-destructive bitch, and I don’t like or respect such women. I don’t understand her drive to self-ruination.
For half the book, Wanda either wallows in self-pity or drowns her grievances in whiskey. Hers are real grievances, I’m sure, but her troubles are not the worst in the world, and there are several solutions to her problems, none of which she even attempts. At least at first.
Until a perfect guy comes her way – suave, handsome, wealthy (he is a lawyer), and in love with her into the bargain. Only then does she make a push to clean up her act. As if a guy is a necessity for a woman to live with dignity.
Besides, William is not real. He is too good to be true. I’ve never met such men in real life, and I’m certain no one has. He is a ‘prince charming’ of the author’s dreams, almost a metaphor. Why does Wanda need this Disney-style knight in shining pink armor to put her life together? As if her life is meaningless without a penis to enrich it. It doesn’t feel right to me.
I’ve read everything this writer has written so far, in both her incarnations – Lani Diane Rich and Lucy March – and I intend to continue reading her. She is a great writer, even though her novels are uneven. Some of them I loved dearly. Others left me indifferent. This is one of the latter variety, but I hope the next one would be better. She can do it; I know she can do it. Can’t wait.
May 3, 2015
I have to say I really enjoyed Wanda and all of her Idiosyncrasies. Honestly, the woman is just a little crazy for most of the book and the situations she finds herself in are patently absurd. So you do just kind of have to role with it to a certain extent. I think her terse relationship with Father Hard-Ass is my favourite. There is so much witty sarcasm, what someone else called snark, in this book that I couldn't help but be constantly amused.
True conversation:
My husband sauntered into the living-room chuckling.
Me: "What?"
Him: "Nothing. I'm just laughing at you sitting there grinning to yourself."
Me (waving my Kindle at him indignantly): "But it's funny."
Him (shaking his head knowingly): "I'm sure it is."
Me (lovingly to his departing back): "Bastard"
Yep, that's how it goes. Wanda's journey of self-discovery is one I think a lot of women can relate to. If we're all as lucky as her and can finally come to not only understand but accept ourselves life will surely improve. Of course she is helped along by a whole cadre of new friends and one AMAZING new love interest. Yes, Walter (aka Jimmy Stewart) is just far too good to be true. So of course it's impossible not to love him. It only took me an evening to read the book and I'm glad I gave it the time.
True conversation:
My husband sauntered into the living-room chuckling.
Me: "What?"
Him: "Nothing. I'm just laughing at you sitting there grinning to yourself."
Me (waving my Kindle at him indignantly): "But it's funny."
Him (shaking his head knowingly): "I'm sure it is."
Me (lovingly to his departing back): "Bastard"
Yep, that's how it goes. Wanda's journey of self-discovery is one I think a lot of women can relate to. If we're all as lucky as her and can finally come to not only understand but accept ourselves life will surely improve. Of course she is helped along by a whole cadre of new friends and one AMAZING new love interest. Yes, Walter (aka Jimmy Stewart) is just far too good to be true. So of course it's impossible not to love him. It only took me an evening to read the book and I'm glad I gave it the time.
June 19, 2010
I bought this book on a whim when browsing the clearance racks. I always am looking for a new twist on chick lit, and in reading the back of the book I thought "I never read a book about THAT before!"
The first thing that grabbed me was the author's acknowledgements. Discovering that she wrote the first draft of this book during NaNoWriMo inspired me to join in this year (I've always wanted to but make excuses every time). The part that really grabbed me and made me start reading the book though was when she thanked the readers. "You may not realize it, but every time you read a book, you're validating every author who ever thought up a story and, despite the overwhelming odds, said, "I'm gonna give this a shot."" Awwww - you sucked me in!
The story idea is definitely original to me and it grabbed and kept my attention through the whole book. It is a quick read. I could connect somewhat with the main character, Wanda, because I too keep trying to "do something meaningful." Here's hoping I'll figure out what that is.
The first thing that grabbed me was the author's acknowledgements. Discovering that she wrote the first draft of this book during NaNoWriMo inspired me to join in this year (I've always wanted to but make excuses every time). The part that really grabbed me and made me start reading the book though was when she thanked the readers. "You may not realize it, but every time you read a book, you're validating every author who ever thought up a story and, despite the overwhelming odds, said, "I'm gonna give this a shot."" Awwww - you sucked me in!
The story idea is definitely original to me and it grabbed and kept my attention through the whole book. It is a quick read. I could connect somewhat with the main character, Wanda, because I too keep trying to "do something meaningful." Here's hoping I'll figure out what that is.
August 21, 2011
No se por donde empezar. Pero advierto, quizás mi review es demasiado subjetiva. Demasiado subjetiva porque he pasado por tantas cosas que ciertamente me sentí un poco identificada con Wanda.Y es que este libro no tiene nada de fantasía, cuento de hada ni heroes con superpoderes, pero si un príncipe azul quizás. Este libro es real. Y amo eso. Se lo recomendaría a unas cuantas que se que le haría tanto bien este libro.
Al principio pensé que iba a tratar de como una chica alocada iba y destruía su vida bebiendo como loca, y aunque eso pasó, trató más bien de como construirse.Además, ni tan mala suerte tuvo, solo que nunca apreciaba nada de lo bueno que le pasaba. Es ingenioso, dan ganas de reir y tambien te conmueve. A algunos les parecerá melodramático?¿ Pero la vida real lo es. Me imagino a Drew Barrymore haciendo la prota y a un Keanu Reeves o Johnny Depp (quizas solo porque ellos son mis preferidos) acompañandola. Me recordó muchisimo a la pelicula "The Holiday" con Cameron y Kate. Diria que Lani Diane es la Nancy Meyers en libros. :)
Al principio pensé que iba a tratar de como una chica alocada iba y destruía su vida bebiendo como loca, y aunque eso pasó, trató más bien de como construirse.Además, ni tan mala suerte tuvo, solo que nunca apreciaba nada de lo bueno que le pasaba. Es ingenioso, dan ganas de reir y tambien te conmueve. A algunos les parecerá melodramático?¿ Pero la vida real lo es. Me imagino a Drew Barrymore haciendo la prota y a un Keanu Reeves o Johnny Depp (quizas solo porque ellos son mis preferidos) acompañandola. Me recordó muchisimo a la pelicula "The Holiday" con Cameron y Kate. Diria que Lani Diane es la Nancy Meyers en libros. :)
July 27, 2012
I don't know how I got this book. It was on my kindle and it must have been a promo or something because this is so far outside anything I would consider reading. I saw it on my list of books, wondered why I got it, opened it to find out and for the next two hours I read it cover to cover.
This is a fantastic personal redemption story. MIT doesn't matter that it's from a woman's point of view if your a guy reader. It's easily relatable and written in a great style that isn't super feminine but isn't non feminine. Just an excellent read
This is a fantastic personal redemption story. MIT doesn't matter that it's from a woman's point of view if your a guy reader. It's easily relatable and written in a great style that isn't super feminine but isn't non feminine. Just an excellent read
January 19, 2017
could only get through ~first 20% of this book & then had to stop. I didn't "get" the author's humor; seemed that she was trying way too hard (to either surprise readers or get a laugh).
Didn't care for the main character at all.
Didn't care for the main character at all.
May 9, 2018
Yesterday, I sat down at my altar, had a good cry and told The Powers That Be that I needed some effing help finding my way forward - it's not that I'm unwilling to do the work (I told them) but I simply couldn't see which way to go. Last night I picked a new novel to read and settled in to read this one. If anyone tries to tell you the Spirits don't have a sense of humour they aren't worth listening to on anything else because:
"Either life is full of coincidences, or there's no such thing as coincidence."
I haven't enjoyed a character as much as I enjoyed hanging out with (and being in the mind of) Wanda Lane since I read my first Stephanie Plum book. I was with Wanda the whole way through this book: I believed her and I believed in her. It was a sweet and charming read that had me laughing and crying at all the right moments and may have even restored my hope in my own possibilities just a little bit.
I'd tell you more about it but I'd rather go look up a few of Rich's other books now, and maybe dig out some post it notes for myself, so you'll just have to go read it for yourself.
"Either life is full of coincidences, or there's no such thing as coincidence."
I haven't enjoyed a character as much as I enjoyed hanging out with (and being in the mind of) Wanda Lane since I read my first Stephanie Plum book. I was with Wanda the whole way through this book: I believed her and I believed in her. It was a sweet and charming read that had me laughing and crying at all the right moments and may have even restored my hope in my own possibilities just a little bit.
I'd tell you more about it but I'd rather go look up a few of Rich's other books now, and maybe dig out some post it notes for myself, so you'll just have to go read it for yourself.
September 8, 2019
Ok. So I want to start off with I liked the book. I feel that when it was discovered that exhubby was dead ... that whole reveal was rushed. Going through her confused feelings was rushed. That whole part could have been better. But for the author’s first published book :•} it was good. LOVE the main character!!
Now I’d like to say the title is misleading. I really thought she was going to be in jail for a little while after what happened in the court room. There was no jail time so why choose that title?? And the cover image ... has me stumped. I don’t remember a scene of her dressed like that 🤷🏻♀️.
Now I’d like to say the title is misleading. I really thought she was going to be in jail for a little while after what happened in the court room. There was no jail time so why choose that title?? And the cover image ... has me stumped. I don’t remember a scene of her dressed like that 🤷🏻♀️.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2023
Quirky and fun
Oh Wanda Wanda Wanda Why are you such a mess?
This is the story of quirky heroine that will have you laughing crying and maybe even cussing a little. Will she get out of her own way and get the guy? Will she figure it all out before she gets herself or someone else hurt? Only one way to find out stick with her to the end of the book. Fair warning though if you have ever been through a “find yourself” moment in life this book will resonate and you might want to keep the tissues handy
Oh Wanda Wanda Wanda Why are you such a mess?
This is the story of quirky heroine that will have you laughing crying and maybe even cussing a little. Will she get out of her own way and get the guy? Will she figure it all out before she gets herself or someone else hurt? Only one way to find out stick with her to the end of the book. Fair warning though if you have ever been through a “find yourself” moment in life this book will resonate and you might want to keep the tissues handy
March 5, 2019
This starts off a little depressingly, but gathers momentum as Wanda tries to figure out her life. She builds herself a "family", while hoping, yet fearing to connect with her old family. Very sweet.
December 29, 2021
Wonderful Book
I loved this book and if this was her first book than I can wait to read the others.
The book was terrifically funny and warm.
I'm glad I found such a talented new author.
I loved this book and if this was her first book than I can wait to read the others.
The book was terrifically funny and warm.
I'm glad I found such a talented new author.
November 13, 2017
I wasn't shocked to learn that this was the author's first book but I still love her writing style and characters.
November 3, 2020
I've read a lot gym this arthritis, and you'd is one of her best. More ethnic diversity would be nice, but mistly a free story. ***Content warning for extreme domestic violence***
July 2, 2022
Good Read!!
December 23, 2024
This cover does a disservice to the book. I laughed so much, Wanda is a little bit crazy but also a wounded soul and it was so fun reading about her dealing with everything.
April 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The main character, snarky and funny Wanda, is trying to change her life around. She is very unlikeable at the beginning of the story - and I think that was the point - but she starts to grow on you throughout the story while trying to reconstruct her life. It’s a story that made me laugh and root for the characters. Overall, it was a very good read.
November 8, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wanda is so funny! Girl has more anger issues than I do! It's refreshing to see a character who doesn't always say the right thing. That makes it more real. You will not regret getting this book. It's not your typical read and that's what makes it so awesome. Wanda has such a cool relationship with most of the characters. I wish Elizabeth and Bones were in my life!
January 22, 2022
Me pareció un libro entretenido aunque no muy relevante, la personaje se me hizo bastante graciosa y divertida de leer, me gustó que se centrará más en ella y su superación y evolución que en el romance.
January 17, 2010
This novel is proof that the National Novel Writing Month method of writing 50k in 30 days can pay off. Lani Diane Rich's "Time Off for Good Behavior" came to be during NaNoWriMo 2002 and it is the first NaNo to be published. Kudos to you, Lani Diane Rich! You are definitely an inspiration to anyone who has suffered, er I mean enjoyed, NaNoWriMo and dreamed of it leading to publication.
The novel follows Wanda Lane, a wholly flawed and self depreciating woman who wakes up from a five day coma on her 32nd birthday after falling through a witness stand and smacking her head on a concrete floor covered in carpet while trying to take a swing at a sleazy lawyer, aka Pencil Face. Wanda found herself in civil court testifying against the company responsible for leaving the gas line open, which blew up the building she worked in and left her with burns to her face, hands, and arms and blown across a room. This is all within the first few pages of the novel, so it's quickly apparent that Wanda isn't having a great day, week, month, year, or even life.
At first, I wasn't sure if I would be able to sympathize with Wanda. She seemed too flawed for even the most empathetic and emotional person to identify with and/or care for, but I am happy to report that I was wrong. Deep down, she is a great person - full of spunk, love, and the will to change herself for the better, which she does over the course of the book. Sure, she does it so she can feel worthy of a man (her lawyer and Jimmy Stewart look-a-like Walter Briggs), which I did not like, but she does it nonetheless and reconnects with her parents, a long lost friend, while making new friends and helping her friend's son follow his dream.
I hate to classify this as a cheese chick lit novel, even though it reads like it, is the right length, and can easily be read in a couple of hours. Why, might you ask? Because the author discusses domestic violence, which isn't a typical chick lit topic. Wanda's ex husband has beaten her, locked her up for three days, and even physically hurt one of her friends. And during the course of the novel, he is on his way from Alaska to Tennessee to finish her off. The author handles the issue lightly, to keep with the tone of the book, but does so in a way that you understand the severity of it in general as well as its impact on Wanda's life. Kudos to the author for tackling the topic.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that will leave you feeling good all over.
The novel follows Wanda Lane, a wholly flawed and self depreciating woman who wakes up from a five day coma on her 32nd birthday after falling through a witness stand and smacking her head on a concrete floor covered in carpet while trying to take a swing at a sleazy lawyer, aka Pencil Face. Wanda found herself in civil court testifying against the company responsible for leaving the gas line open, which blew up the building she worked in and left her with burns to her face, hands, and arms and blown across a room. This is all within the first few pages of the novel, so it's quickly apparent that Wanda isn't having a great day, week, month, year, or even life.
At first, I wasn't sure if I would be able to sympathize with Wanda. She seemed too flawed for even the most empathetic and emotional person to identify with and/or care for, but I am happy to report that I was wrong. Deep down, she is a great person - full of spunk, love, and the will to change herself for the better, which she does over the course of the book. Sure, she does it so she can feel worthy of a man (her lawyer and Jimmy Stewart look-a-like Walter Briggs), which I did not like, but she does it nonetheless and reconnects with her parents, a long lost friend, while making new friends and helping her friend's son follow his dream.
I hate to classify this as a cheese chick lit novel, even though it reads like it, is the right length, and can easily be read in a couple of hours. Why, might you ask? Because the author discusses domestic violence, which isn't a typical chick lit topic. Wanda's ex husband has beaten her, locked her up for three days, and even physically hurt one of her friends. And during the course of the novel, he is on his way from Alaska to Tennessee to finish her off. The author handles the issue lightly, to keep with the tone of the book, but does so in a way that you understand the severity of it in general as well as its impact on Wanda's life. Kudos to the author for tackling the topic.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that will leave you feeling good all over.
June 13, 2009
Wanda, the heroine of Time Off for Good Behavior, just can't seem to catch a break. She crashes through a witness box when she tries to take a swing at the defense attorney of the jerks who caused her office building to blow up (landing her in the hospital with severe burns), hits her head on the floor and ends up in the hospital again in a "light coma." She gets fired for missing too much work - because she was in a coma - and she falls in love with the attorney she hires to threaten her former employee for firing her under such terrible circumstances. And then her psychotic and abusive ex-husband - who has tried to kill her before - tells her he's going to kill her, with all signs indicating that he's headed straight to her town. All this and she has a phantom tune that keeps playing in her head that no one else can hear.
Because of all of this, or maybe in spite of it, she befriends a straight-talking therapist who helps her define what she needs to do in order to take back control of her life and, ultimately, prove to herself that she is good enough for the man she's fallen in love with. The reader learns a lot about all of the crap Wanda has been through - some of it her own fault, some of it not - and naturally pulls for her to get her shit together and come out on the other side as a grown-up who actually does something she likes for a living and likes who she is. Which, of course, she does.
I won't pretend that the story isn't a bit predictable and formulaic. But I enjoyed it nonetheless. I did get attached to Wanda as a character as well as some of the other secondary characters (particularly her friend Elizabeth's kids) and I got some catharsis. It was like watching a reasonably good Lifetime movie (I know, those are few and far between). Since I'm currently reading Middlemarch and A Short History of Nearly Everything with Infinite Jest in line to be next, I needed the mental break!
Because of all of this, or maybe in spite of it, she befriends a straight-talking therapist who helps her define what she needs to do in order to take back control of her life and, ultimately, prove to herself that she is good enough for the man she's fallen in love with. The reader learns a lot about all of the crap Wanda has been through - some of it her own fault, some of it not - and naturally pulls for her to get her shit together and come out on the other side as a grown-up who actually does something she likes for a living and likes who she is. Which, of course, she does.
I won't pretend that the story isn't a bit predictable and formulaic. But I enjoyed it nonetheless. I did get attached to Wanda as a character as well as some of the other secondary characters (particularly her friend Elizabeth's kids) and I got some catharsis. It was like watching a reasonably good Lifetime movie (I know, those are few and far between). Since I'm currently reading Middlemarch and A Short History of Nearly Everything with Infinite Jest in line to be next, I needed the mental break!
November 10, 2010
Another all nighter. I must remember not to start books in the evening thinking I’ll be able to put them down when I should go to sleep! Just to be fair I must say “Drat you, Lani Diane Rich, for keeping me up until the wee hours with your book!” (If you click Lani’s link you may discover that Lucy March appears instead of Lani. Lani is Lucy’s evil twin. Well okay, they are the same person, but still.
Time Off for Good Behavior is the story of Wanda Lane, a smart woman with a unfortunate and rebelious past. Her past comes back to bite her, of course. Isn’t that what unfortunate pasts are for? There is a lovely hero named Walter. Walter is a lawyer who looks like Jimmy Stewart. I fell for Walter, if I knew where Walter lived I’d be camped on his doorstep. I REALLY liked Walter, can you tell?
I liked Wanda too. She’s trying to clean up her act. Acomplish things. Be a better person. All this and avoid her murderous ex-husband too. It’s a lot for one woman to handle, but Wanda manages with a little help from a friend and a bottle of Scotch named Albert.
I admire Lani for her ability to tackle difficult subjects while telling a compelling story and making me laugh. She has more courage than I do. Wanda is flawed but she is able to rise above her past for her happy ending. As a pretty flawed person myself I like the thought that we can all achieve a happily ever after.
Time Off for Good Behavior is well written, compelling and well worth the time invested and the cranky next day. Two cranky days in the space of one week – I must be reading some really good stuff!
Time Off for Good Behavior is the story of Wanda Lane, a smart woman with a unfortunate and rebelious past. Her past comes back to bite her, of course. Isn’t that what unfortunate pasts are for? There is a lovely hero named Walter. Walter is a lawyer who looks like Jimmy Stewart. I fell for Walter, if I knew where Walter lived I’d be camped on his doorstep. I REALLY liked Walter, can you tell?
I liked Wanda too. She’s trying to clean up her act. Acomplish things. Be a better person. All this and avoid her murderous ex-husband too. It’s a lot for one woman to handle, but Wanda manages with a little help from a friend and a bottle of Scotch named Albert.
I admire Lani for her ability to tackle difficult subjects while telling a compelling story and making me laugh. She has more courage than I do. Wanda is flawed but she is able to rise above her past for her happy ending. As a pretty flawed person myself I like the thought that we can all achieve a happily ever after.
Time Off for Good Behavior is well written, compelling and well worth the time invested and the cranky next day. Two cranky days in the space of one week – I must be reading some really good stuff!
October 3, 2012
From the cover:
Expressing anger is healthy.
Wanda’s gonna live forever.
I can hardly improve on that as a summary of this book. Wanda Lane is someone I'd like for a friend, especially if it meant she wouldn't be an enemy.
When some people's lives get out of control, they sink into self-pity. Wanda fights back. After marrying a man who alienates her from her family and friends, tries to kill her once, and continues to threaten her, she manages to get him out of her life (somewhat), but she lurches along as if he were ruining her life at every turn.
When she's hit bottom, she meets a man who genuinely cares about her, but Wanda doesn't trust either love or affection. Despite her mistrust, she manages to find guides in the form of a priest, a psychotherapist, an elderly book owner, and others who recognize the Wanda she can't see.
These friendships help her see her life can turn around—if she does the turning. Slowly and with a lot of backsliding, she finds the road home.
Written with a heavier hand, this could have been self-help faintly disguised as fiction. Instead, Wanda's self-deprecating, angry, and always-hilarious voice makes it sheer entertainment.
Sure, it's uplifting, but never was being uplifted so much fun.
August 9, 2013
Again Lani Diane Rich weaves a story full of quirky characters, humor and at time heart wrenching scenes.
The story of Wanda Lane, a woman whose luck it seems goes from bad to worse. We are with her every step of the way as she tries to figure out why the choices she makes haven't lived up to the expectations that people had for her. Lani is sarcastic, hot-headed and has a hard time knowing when to keep her mouth closed but underneath all that we see that she is funny and quick-witted.
I loved the secondary characters that help her along the way. Like Walter the Jimmy Stewart-esque guy who Wanda doesn't think she's good enough for but who makes her feel warm inside. You can just tell he's a good guy wanting to help her even when she is not at her best.
The story has a romantic vibe woven through-out but I'd say the story has more to do with Wanda trying to figure herself out and the path she takes while doing it
The story of Wanda Lane, a woman whose luck it seems goes from bad to worse. We are with her every step of the way as she tries to figure out why the choices she makes haven't lived up to the expectations that people had for her. Lani is sarcastic, hot-headed and has a hard time knowing when to keep her mouth closed but underneath all that we see that she is funny and quick-witted.
I loved the secondary characters that help her along the way. Like Walter the Jimmy Stewart-esque guy who Wanda doesn't think she's good enough for but who makes her feel warm inside. You can just tell he's a good guy wanting to help her even when she is not at her best.
The story has a romantic vibe woven through-out but I'd say the story has more to do with Wanda trying to figure herself out and the path she takes while doing it
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