Helpful Score: 4
I thought this was going to be better. I didn't feel like the characters and their relationships were really fleshed out enough for me to really care about any of them. It annoyed me that the author would show what Wife 22 was answering to questions we did not see. It wasn't until I finished that I saw she listed the survey questions at the end of the book. I think it would have had more impact to list the questions and then the Wife's answers together. I give this 3 stars overall - I kinda wish I had spent my time on a better book.
Helpful Score: 2
3.0 out of 5 stars - Entertaining but predictable, fun read for vacation or commute!
Although a savvy reader can see the end coming from the first chapter, this novel is written using various styles that will likely hold your attention and keep you turning the pages. This is not a complex piece of literature, but mindless fluff for those times when you want something totally effortless.
Alice Buckle, married with two children, hits a sort of crisis when she is about to turn the same age as her mother did the year she died. She and her husband seem to be drifting apart and things at work and home just aren't satisfying anymore. One day, while surfing the internet, Alice receives an email asking her to participate in an online study about marriage in the 21st century. She accepts the invitation, is assigned a pseudonym for confidentiality purposes (Wife 22), and begins an unusual relationship with Researcher 101. I found the characters to be somewhat stereotypical and wasn't particularly fond of any of them, but the narrative moves along to its inevitable conclusion with equal parts humor and angst.
Although a savvy reader can see the end coming from the first chapter, this novel is written using various styles that will likely hold your attention and keep you turning the pages. This is not a complex piece of literature, but mindless fluff for those times when you want something totally effortless.
Alice Buckle, married with two children, hits a sort of crisis when she is about to turn the same age as her mother did the year she died. She and her husband seem to be drifting apart and things at work and home just aren't satisfying anymore. One day, while surfing the internet, Alice receives an email asking her to participate in an online study about marriage in the 21st century. She accepts the invitation, is assigned a pseudonym for confidentiality purposes (Wife 22), and begins an unusual relationship with Researcher 101. I found the characters to be somewhat stereotypical and wasn't particularly fond of any of them, but the narrative moves along to its inevitable conclusion with equal parts humor and angst.
Helpful Score: 1
I was reading this book thinking it was predictable, then it turned out I was wrong. It was a quick, easy read. I found the story line to not be entirely believable but it was different and interesting. I didn't like the main character much. I'd recommend this book if you're looking for a fast read that isn't very compelling.
