Review -- American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

American Wife
by Curtis Sittenfeld
Random House, 2009
592 pages
*I borrowed this book from the library.

Summary: American Wife tells the story of Alice Blackwell, a woman who would overcome a tragic event in high school to marry the rich and charismatic Charlie Blackwell. Charlie eventually becomes president of the United States and Alice struggles with the decisions he makes as well as her role as first lady.

Review: American Wife is a slow, steady read that takes the reader into the life of a woman who accidentally becomes first lady. Alice is an interesting character, with her tragic past and need to make amends by being the best person she can be. Unfortunately, she meets and falls in love with Charlie Blackwell, a man who refuses to grow up and wants to make his mark on the world at any cost. It is at this time that our heroine becomes somewhat of a doormat and you wish she would chuck the good manners and Charlie to the curb. Instead, she marries him. Gripping at times and interesting at others, American Wife is a great read. Rating: *** out of 5

3 W Wednesday -- 3/17

To play along, just answer three questions:

1. What are you currently reading? I am reading American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. Great book, I am about half the way through.

2. What did you recently finish reading? I just finished Powers by John B. Olson. Let's just say that this book was not my cup of tea. Review to come.

3. What do you think you will read next? Either The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger or The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.

To join the fun, click on the picture above and go to Should Be Reading!

Friday Finds -- 3/12

My Friday Finds is the library book club's selection for April, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. Here is the Barnes and Noble description:

A kind, bookish only child born in the 1940s, Alice learned the virtues of politeness early on from her stolid parents and small Wisconsin hometown. But a tragic accident when she was seventeen shattered her identity and made her understand the fragility of life and the tenuousness of luck. So more than a decade later, when she met boisterous, charismatic Charlie Blackwell, she hardly gave him a second look: She was serious and thoughtful, and he would rather crack a joke than offer a real insight; he was the wealthy son of a bastion family of the Republican party, and she was a school librarian and registered Democrat. Comfortable in her quiet and unassuming life, she felt inured to his charms. And then, much to her surprise, Alice fell for Charlie.

What did you find this Friday? This meme is hosted by Should Be Reading.