Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

I will admit; when we were told we needed to be doing social distancing/social isolation, I thought that this would be a great time to get ahead on my reading for the year. Boy, was I wrong! I feel I have fallen behind on the last week! My children and I escaped the city (which I believe I mentioned previously), and are currently ensconced in the safety of my Mother's home. Any of you with small children (or that have had small children) can understand what a trying time it is on a whole different level. We have spent a fair amount of time going on adventures outside (my Mother is in a new build, and there are workers and heavy vehicles lining the street five days a week. So! Off we go to try and discover something new).

Please. Don't think I'm complaining. Though my littles can be a hassle to get out the door, I truly enjoy our little jaunts. Quality time is lovely. It does tend to cut into reading time, however. I also find myself watching tv and chatting with my mother in the evenings once they are asleep. (Again, I am blessed to have this time.) What it comes down to? Less reading time; more family time. A silver lining to this terrible COVID-19 situation.

So. I couldn't tell you exactly what I was expecting from this novel. I suppose from a cursory glance (yes, judging a book by its cover) I had assumed I would be getting some version of your typical Chick Lit. Something light and fluffy, with amusing parts and some sort of romantic subplot. I added it to my reading list simply because it was the first book on the "Hello Sunshine" book list. (Again, scoff if you must; but I have still yet to be disappointed by any of the books on Reese's list). Alright. So, shame on me for judging a book based on the cover alone as to the contents within. I often will choose a book at a glance alone... it's almost like a little surprise when you open it up and get reading.

Anyways! Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is definitely not your typical Chick Lit. In fact, I don't think I would lump it in there at all (despite having seen it on lists for that genre). Eleanor is a complete loner who seemingly thrives on routine. I was smiling to myself through most of the first few chapters; picturing her looking like Amy from Big Bang Theory, but with a lot of Sheldonisms. How's that for a character summary? Interested yet? Add in a dark past that only fully comes to light in the remaining chapters of this charming novel, and I am sure your curiosity might be slightly piqued.

To watch Eleanor grow and come out of her shell throughout this novel makes you feel nearly proud for this awkward woman. She goes through many changes; physically, socially, and even emotionally. I feel like you wouldn't recognise her as the same woman from the beginning of the novel. The other characters Honeyman portrays bring light and warmth into this story, and into Eleanor herself.

I feel like it is a friendly reminder that none of us in this world are alone because we have to be.. it is a choice on some level. Circumstances arise that make you think you aren't worthy, or that you just aren't likeable; and eventually you think there is a reason for it. We are all worthy of laughter, hugs, and connection. Sometimes you can find that in the most surprising places.

Remember through this difficult time of social isolation that you are all loved, and that we should all be trying to check in with those we care about. The smallest gestures could have the deepest meaning. Above all, stay safe.

All The Missing Girls

Alright. I'm a bit late (okay, a lot) with this blog post. Amid all the craziness with COVID-19, it kind of got put on the back burner. I'm sure all of you can relate, as I have been spending more time watching the news than reading of late. I hope you all all staying safe during this time, enjoying time with your families, and staying positive. We will get through this, and hopefully at the end? The world is a bit of a better place for the changes that have occurred since this terrible virus began its spread.

Okay!! All The Missing Girls. A book I finished a week ago, and have not yet discussed. A thriller written in a completely different style than I am (personally) accustomed to. The book begins in present day, with the protagonist (Nic) receiving a call from her brother (Daniel) indicating that her father (who is residing in a nursing home) requires extra care, and they need to sell their family home to manage the financial upkeep his continuing care will require.

Nic makes the hours long journey to the small town she escaped during her teens, after her best friend had gone missing, and never returned. Making only short visits, and distancing herself more with the passing years, it's as if she both dreads and requires a reunion with some of those she as left behind; many of whom she lost contact with after Corinne's disappearance. 

Shortly after Nic returns home, she encounters her ex (Tyler), and shortly after that, the woman he is seeing goes missing. This book goes back day by day through the investigation, and provides all the answers as to how these two identical situations are tied together. Each character that the author rounds up has their own secrets about the night Corrine went missing; and Nic feels it's only a matter of time until some connection is made and all of their secrets come to light.

Each chapter goes back to "the day before", which is at first slightly disorienting, but I think kept you guessing on a whole different level. Seeing the pieces come together in reverse is a whole different experience. You don't wonder "what will happen next", you wonder what had happened previously. If you are a regular thriller looking to mix it up a bit? Give this one a whirl. While it isn't the most provocative thriller I have read, it did keep me engaged the entire way through.

Once again, dear reader; stay safe.

The Beantown Girls

I have read a few historical fiction novels in my literary adventures. For some reason, generally concerning the Holocaust. I suppose for some reason, I find these books to be quite important, and I feel like we should all have some understanding of the horrors people endured. Many of these books have been loosely based on true stories, and all have been thoroughly researched. (One you must read if you are also someone who shares this interest is The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, which is based on a true story, and is truly, truly heart wrenching.) However! I am not discussing one of those books today. Today, I am sharing my thoughts of The Beantown Girls, which is also a work of historical fiction taking place during the second World War.
This book, however, follows the travels of three women from Boston who have been shipped to Europe to work with the Red Cross as Clubmobile girls. Perhaps you have no idea what a Clubmobile is? I didn't until I picked up this book and read over the back cover.
These girls are essentially packed up in a truck to make doughnuts and coffee for the Allied troops and boost morale. Seems like a simple idea, and one that was likely a great help to the soldiers during a very difficult time. To see these girls (who were all volunteers) put themselves into a dangerous situation to bring a taste of home to the camps as they played their music and served up smiles and charm is something I imagine was appreciated beyond measure during such a dark time for thousands of men.
The protagonist in this novel; Fiona, has volunteered after receiving news that her fiance has been listed as missing in action. After months of hearing no news, she decides that she needs to become a Clubmobile Girl, and get herself to "the Continent" so she can track him down herself. Last she heard, his plane went down in Germany, and she is beside herself with worry and grief. I just imagine the bravery one would need to volunteer to go to the front lines - and the depth of love she surely felt for her fiance to put herself at risk. Her best friends, Dottie and Viv also volunteer, and the three are shipped off to England; where they learn they may never actually make it to Germany.
I must admit, this is the first book I have ever read that had me welling up - several times. You can't help but feel the heartbreak of so many different characters. The loses they have endured; made all that more realistic knowing that so many went through these difficult situations during that terrible war. The hardships these girls face are actual hardships that were faced by Clubmobile Girls during the war (some events actually did involve Clubmobile Girls, and have been fictionalized to include Fiona, Viv, and Dottie). You feel the highs and the lows as you follow these girls throughout the duration of their deployment. The highs will make you smile, the lows will make you really think.
This book has left me very grateful. Although the world is not entirely at peace; I do not have to suffer any of the difficulties these girls faced; let alone the soldiers that are depicted. It has left me thankful; for those that did fight. For the volunteers who put their lives on the line. Who knows where we would be without the bravery of everyone involved in the war effort.
Bottom line here? READ THIS BOOK. Jane Healey really hits it out of the park (in my humble opinion) with this work.

**Black and white images have been pulled from a google image search of actual Clubmobiles**

clubmobile.org/history.html - contains a brief history of the Clubmobiles, and includes more pictures. Definitely worth a look.