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Review by 5 Minutes for Books contributor Dawn Mooney:
To some, the label “chick lit” carries a negative or condescending connotation, bringing to mind a light and fluffy fare. This isn’t how I personally view the label, as I use it. For me, the “chick lit” label fits when the subject and characters reach out to women, often with contemporary settings and situations that many female readers can easily relate to. I offer this genre classification with less judgment than some, and more emphasis on the intended reading audience. That being said, The One That I Want, a new novel by Allison Winn Scotch will undoubtedly be shelved at bookstores among other well-known female authors offering stories about women for women.
The novel opens by introducing Tilly Farmer, a thirty-two year old guidance counselor, living in the same town in which she was born and raised, and even working in the very same high school that she attended as a student half a lifetime ago. Much of Tilly’s life hasn’t changed since her adolescence, including her relationship with Tyler, her high school sweetheart, the star baseball player to her popular cheerleader. Consistency in her life is something that Tilly has always striven for, especially since her mother’s death when she was a teenager, and the role of the person who always helps others is one that Tilly feels best suits her. Early in the novel, Tilly experiences something a bit unbelievable, but she soon finds it upending every aspect of her perfect, orderly life.
I have to admit that this book didn’t immediately draw me in, as the beginning parts felt a bit shallow and predictable. About halfway through, though, the story seemed to gain momentum, fleshing out characters with more depth and inspiring me to care a bit more about their journeys. Tackling the concepts of discontent in adult life- whether specific to marriage or career or in reference to life in general- is common fodder for many books written with a female reading audience in mind, and the second half of this book depicts a character finally ready to address issues that she may not have even been aware of earlier in her life. I believe I became more invested in this novel when Tilly began to be less one-dimensional and more self-aware and reflective.
Readers who enjoy a female-centric story driven by a quest for personal introspection and change, will enjoy The One That I Want, a quick read that will make for enjoyable summer reading at the beach or poolside.
If you’d like a win a copy, leave a comment here (U.S. addresses only). We’ll announce the winner on July 25.
Are you looking for a summer read for your kids? You have until Tuesday to enter our giveaway of Super Diaper Baby 1 and 2 by Dav Pilkey (of Captain Underpants fame). Click over to 5 Minutes for Books to enter that NOW!
The winner of our previous giveaway 15 ways to Zap a Bully is # 15 Raven in a Blue Room.
Dawn looks forward to the days in which poolside reading can be a reality. For now, she can usually be found with at least one small child within arm’s reach, at all times, even when she’s trying to blog away at my thoughts exactly.
Yvonne Butler says
I would love to win this book, Sounds like a positive emotional book.
Carol Wong says
I read trying to win this book when it first came out. I have been reading a lot of heavy books lately so I love the chance to win one more time.
Raven In A Blue Room says
thanks for the chance to win – would love to read the book
Emma says
Sounds like a wonderful summer read!Thanks for the chance!!augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.
katklaw777 says
Looks like a great summer read, thanks!
Mama Zen says
Sounds like a great summer read!
Sharon says
Would love to read this!
karenk says
this sounds like a great novel to read this summer 🙂
Kari says
I love love chic-lit!! Thanks for the review! 🙂
Nancye Davis says
I would LOVE to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance!!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Kim says
I’d love to win. Looks like a fun read. 🙂
June says
Sounds like very good reading.
Wombat Central says
I’d LOVE to read one of this author’s books! 🙂 Thanks for the chance.
Linda Kish says
I would love to win a copy of this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Krystal says
I love “chic-lit” and “chic-flics”. It sounds like a great book. I love stories like this. Thanks for the chance!
Staci A says
I love reading chick-lit. This sounds like it would be right up my alley.
Brianna Beers says
This would be a perfect summer read for me!!
Barb Z says
I like the to read my 2009 Daily Guideposts A Spirit- Lifting Devotional Book .
Because I get a lot of things out of it. And if I can I would love to get the 2011 Daily Guideposts A Spirit – Lifting Devotional Book. I think that it is good book to read in the morning and to start my day out right . I so like to read this book every morning and during my free time during the day.
Thanks
[email protected]
nan says
looks good for the beach
nannypanpan at gmail.com
Kristin G says
I need a good summer read!
Idaho Jill says
looks great, thanks for the chance!
Terra Heck says
I’d like to read this book. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Ruth Hill says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Vilmarys says
I’d like the chance to read this. Thanks!
Elizabeth says
Sounds like a good read!
Elena says
Thanks for the chance to win! I need a good read this summer, I have some spare time in the late evenings.
Tammy Gordon says
Would love to win this!
Stephanie says
Sounds like a fun summer read! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
angie says
looks like a great read
[email protected]
Ellen C. says
I’d like to win. Thanks for the chance.
Beth C says
Please enter me. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Anita Yancey says
Sounds like a great summer read. Thanks for this chance to win a copy.
Alison S. says
This looks like an interesting read.
Karen says
I’d love the chance to read this, thanks!
Cindy E. says
Whether “chic lit” carries a certain “stigmata” as to the fluff, or should it be deeply moving or provoking, I absolutely love it either way. I’m always looking for new books or authors so giveaway or no I’ll have to add this the the reading list. Thanks for all the wonderful posts.
Jennifer says
Ah! I want this one! I LOVED Scotch’s Time of My Life.
[email protected]
Thanks for holding this giveaway. 🙂
Lacey says
I’d love to read this one!
TawndaM says
sounds like a good read
Jen E says
Oh sounds good! I’d love to read this one!
debbie says
I would love to read it, it sounds reallyt good.
[email protected]
Kelly K. says
Great giveaway, thanks for the chance.
Julie G says
I’d love a chance to read this book.