The Switch is my first time reading a book written by Beth O’Leary. I picked it assuming a book about an adult granddaughter, Leena, and her grandmothThe Switch is my first time reading a book written by Beth O’Leary. I picked it assuming a book about an adult granddaughter, Leena, and her grandmother, Eileen, doing a life change would be a fun, light read. I was right and wrong. It was fun. Absolutely as entertaining as I expected. Leena was a young woman like many I know. Stressed out, overworked, boyfriend issues but added to that is a deep grief at her sister’s passing that results in a employer requested 2 month sabbatical. Eileen has lost her husband, not to death but to another woman. So the story had a lot more going on than just a light read. Leena decides to visit her grandmother and that visit turns into a switch of homes for the two. Leena decides to take care of her grandmother’s house, family and community duties while Eileen goes to Leena’s London home. London has a much wider selection of eligible men. Yes, at 79, Eileen is diving into the London dating scene! You are never too old for love. Listening to this book had me emotionally everywhere. It tackles some heavy issues but balances them out with love and humor. The ending had me good crying. The narrators, one was Leena the other Eileen, were just what this audiobook deserved. It honestly felt like I was a part of it. A friend listening in, a nosy neighbor eavesdropping. That was me. It is marketed as a romance but it offers so much more. Real happens in this book. It’s messy, it’s painful, the characters aren’t perfect and, it is at times, incredibly hilarious and touching. Eileen is the grandmother everyone wants to have. Honest, caring and at the stage of life where she will do as she pleases. Leena is not as strong. She is still discovering who she is and who she wants to be, in my opinion. The strong bond of love between them will warm anyone’s heart. The supporting cast of characters were just as awesome. This book gave me laugh out loud moments and tears streaming down moments. It left me emotionally satisfied.
The audiobook is due for release August 18, 2020. I received an advanced copy for review consideration from MacMillan Audio through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and written based on my experience with this audiobook. ...more
“Oh what a tangled web we weave when we first start to deceive.” Shakespeare’s warning about lies describes this book in that it is a tangled web inde“Oh what a tangled web we weave when we first start to deceive.” Shakespeare’s warning about lies describes this book in that it is a tangled web indeed. However the author does an amazing job with deception and the ever widening web. I was caught so tightly in her web, I had no idea who to trust at all and the final chapters were just one shock after another! I am definitely not going into talking about the book at all. I would advise you to stop reading the reviews and start reading the book. Many reviewers try not to give away any hints but it is hard with books so well done. We all love to talk about what we read. This book, though, is one you really want to walk into blind. The characters are well done. The plot twists and turns. The ending was shocking. That’s all you need to know. To enjoy this book to the fullest, please just read it. Thank you Goodreads, Alice Feeney and Flatiron Books. I won an advanced copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I voluntarily reviewed it and my opinions are based on my enjoyment of this book. ...more
This was one of the most riveting books I have listened to this year. The three narrators did an awesome job with this book. They brought the characteThis was one of the most riveting books I have listened to this year. The three narrators did an awesome job with this book. They brought the characters to life for me. I feel the need to put a warning here. If you are a survivor of rape, there are areas that might be intense for you. I did not know to expect that and was taken by surprise. It took me back and I’ll be dealing with that, at the least, tonight. I don’t know if it was hearing it that hit me so hard or if it would have anyway if I was reading an ebook or print. I think with E-book or print I could have skimmed ahead but I don’t really know. In case someone is thinking the author was unnecessarily graphic with the rape, it wasn’t that part. The author describes what happens after. I didn’t even realize how much that stayed with me until today. Even though it affected me so much, I think it was important for the story. I think it plays an educational role for those who haven’t gone through it and may help with understanding and helping survivors. It’s kind of double edged for me. What is this book about? A popular podcaster, Rachel, is covering the trial for the rape of a teenage girl. In doing so she uncovers another rape and suicide, that may be a murder, of another girl from that town years earlier. No one was convicted in that case as the victim was deceased. Rachel is covering the recent rape while also trying to unravel what happened with Jenny 25 years prior. The story was riveting for me. I listened to it all day, only stopping when I was triggered. I took a breather and kept pushing through because I needed to know how it would all end. There were some surprises along the way. I do think it’s an important book as it brings up just how difficult rape trials are. I don’t have an answer on how to address that while insuring the accused gets a fair trial. I am grateful for the advances in DNA. Perhaps we can move forward to a place where survivors have options on how to testify that won’t be so traumatic. I was given an audio copy by MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for review purposes. My review is my honest feelings and thoughts about this book....more
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