This book was recommended by a coworker and I listened to the audio via Libby. Overall, this book gave me a lot to think about regarding current comforts, personal physical challenges, and mental fortitude. While I may not follow through with all of the book’s calls to action, I do think I’ll try to embrace some of its spirit.

3.5 stars. This book seemed to have quite a bit of buzz when it was first released and made it back on my TBR with the recent paperback release (and Indie Next pick). I listened to this relatively short book on Libby. I struggle with rating this book because I have mixed feelings. A lot of the family interactions and loose plot fell flat for me. The timeline bounced around a bit, confusing me at times in reference to her daughter’s age for example. The humor around menopause was a highlight for sure! The discussion of motherhood, pregnancy and loss was complicated and thought-provoking.

I enjoyed reading this book. The story is really interesting and touching my heart too. The book is also illustrated nicely. I like the wonderful design of the characters in the book and the abundant details and colors.

For readers who have met New York author (and eventual resident of Maine) Lucy Barton in Strout’s other books, this is an interesting deep dive into her life. It focuses on a period in. Barton’s life where her children were young and she is in the hospital for nine weeks with a severe infection following routine surgery. Not sure if I would have enjoyed this story if I hadn’t read about Barton in Strout’s other books.

I like how her hair color changes and her feelings change when she is feeling different things!

Harry Potter is the best book series in the entire world. If you like adventure and Magic, this is the series for you. It’s amazing with twists and turns and how it the series all ties up at the end. It is the most incredible creative series ever written. J. K. Rowling is a genius! I AM THE NUMBER ONE HARRY POTTER FAN!!!!

I ?? this murder mystery! If it wasn’t so long I would read it over and over again! For those who haven’t read it yet read it!

A real thriller!

I love this book, it’s really given me support and has aided in me not feeling so alone in my adhd journey. Will totally read again and I definitely recommend.

Helen Cartwright, 83 y/o, has returned to her family home in a small village in England after 60 years in Australia to die. Not that she has a diagnosis beyond being old. She has been back for 3 years, but returned still actively grieving the abrupt loss of her husband and the tragic loss of her son. She is very lonely and isolated. She does the same thing most days and memories do not give her comfort. Then she unwittingly brings a 5” male mouse into her house. He decides to stay with her and she decides to care for him. (This is not a talking mouse or an anthropomorphic rodent). To care for him she starts meeting a few people she can connect with as she moves from removing the mouse by trapping to naming Sipsworth and hoping wildlife rescue group will take him to making Sipsworth a housemate. Eventually it is revealed that Helen has done significant things. Slow start. A comforting book. Perhaps this book raises awareness of long term grieving, loneliness, sadness and isolation in people in our lives (or in ourselves).