Saturday, February 17, 2018
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Sunday, January 28, 2018
2018 Book 1: The Actor and The Housewife by Shannon Hale
We have a family tradition of each getting a book for Christmas. Its part of our gift giving "Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read" mantra. Usually something 'to watch' is thrown in as a family gift as well. We are a family of readers and the kiddos get just as excited receiving a book they've been hoping for as they do for the bigger gifts.
Since the momma in this family does most of the gift planning and giving, I usually pick out a book for myself. This year I decided it was about time to actually own my favorite Shannon Hale book. It might actually be my favorite book ever. The Actor and The Housewife is Shannon Hale's unsung masterpiece. She's known for her children's books. They are miracles of modern storytelling. The Goose Girl and The Princess Academy are among the best written books of our time. Her other adult fiction books Austenland and later Midnight in Austenland are so popular a movie was made of the first book. I love them too, I can get lost in their pages over and over. But The Actor and The Housewife does not receive the accolades it deserves.
I've read this gem at least five times and each time I pick it up, its like reuniting with a best friend. I can turn to any part of the story and start laughing, or often crying along. But there's so much magic in its pages, no matter how often I read it, there's the excitement of reading the story for the first time.
This is the story of Becky, pregnant mother of 3.5, average housewife from Utah of all places. Yes, she's Mormon. Becky, as we discover, isn't as average as she thinks. She's talented, witty, and lucky enough, that she tried her hand at writing a screenplay and actually has an offer made on it from a Hollywood studio. Its when she visits said studio, that Becky meets her #1 Hollywood Crush, Felix Callahan. Imagine a 30 something Colin Firth, but even more charming despite the snarkiness. Felix finds himself platonically charmed by Becky and what follows is a friendship that spans years and attempts to pose the question, can a married woman and man be best friends? Or is it only Becky and Felix that were meant to be in each others lives.
The question is an interesting one and caused a stir among its Mormon audience when the book was first published in 2009. The author herself blogged about her reader's reactions and her personal viewpoint here. I'm sure that the reaction and opinion of readers on this question affected the popularity of the book which is a shame. Every time I've read the book, I read it from the viewpoint of Becky and her reality. It doesn't affect my core values. And Becky and Felix's friendship is so touching. I've never laughed, cried, and cry-laughed in another book before.
There is so much heart and real-moments in this book, and they all stem from Becky's viewpoint of the world. She delights in her children, she adores her husband, and she is so delighted with her friendship with Felix, despite the problems it sometimes causes. Her life would not be the same without him and I would have less joy in mine without this book!
I would recommend this as a 5 Star-Bookworm Book for all readers!
Language: Becky would not tolerate any bad language though Felix is such a rascal he does slip in a couple of mild bad words.
Sex: Becky and her husband Mike have a healthy relationship but what happens when the lights are off, stays where it belongs. There's nothing that would make me uncomfortable in recommending this.
Violence: Besides for some rousing tickle fights, violence is non-existent.
Mature Themes: Tears will be shed for events that happen in Becky's life, but all are a normal part of life and are not inappropriate.
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