Odd Mom Out
Jane Porter
Released September 2007
5 Spot
Summary: Unmarried Marta Zinsser and her nine year old daughter Eva have recently moved from diverse New York to a wealthy--and snooty--section of Washington state. While in New York, it was perfectly normal for Marta to drive her motorcycle and dress in camouflage clothing and combat boots. However, she is totally out of place in Bellevue, where the suburban housewives dress in designer jeans and shoes. To make matters worse, her daughter is snubbed by her classmates, mostly because of her mother’s abnormal appearance and behavior. Will Marta ever fit in with the other country club mothers or will she forever remain an Odd Mom Out?
Review: I have always heard about Jane Porter and her “fabulous” novels. However, I have not read any of them other than Odd Mom Out. And frankly, I do not plan to read any of her other titles after forcing myself through 400-something pages of boredom.
I was very excited about receiving Odd Mom Out from Book Divas after reading an online summary and awesome reviews; however, I was deeply disappointed. In my opinion, the story took way too long to get into. By page 100, you'd think a reader would be hooked. I just kept asking myself, Is it over yet?
In addition, it was so unrealistic (very over-exaggerated). While I understand that every woman is not a Stepford wife, Marta seemed very extreme and her daughter was more like a 40 year-old best friend than an elementary school child. I don't think I've ever read a book in which I disliked all the characters--until now!
At first I thought maybe I was being biased because I very seldom read books outside the YA genre; but, I have been very pleased with most adult books that I have read--especially those that have been praised as much as Jane Porter's books. For some reason, I just did not click with Ms. Porter's writing style and characters.
If you are looking for good chick-lit, I do NOT recommend this title! (Sorry Jane!)
So what about you guys? Have any of you read Odd Mom Out or any of Jane Porter's other books? If so, should I give her another try or did you dislike her book(s) as well? Have you read any other adult chick-lit titles that you enjoyed?
8 comments:
That's too bad! I hate having to struggle through a book like that!
I joined Book Divas a few months ago and tried to figure out the site but I never really did. I think I'm missing something, like the forum where all the cool stuff happens or something! People said hi to me when I joined though, which was nice!
Alea: I hate forcing myself to read something. If I hadn't made a commitment to review it, I would have given up on it!
That is definitely a hard spot to be in, and for a book that long!
Oh gosh, I'd hate to be forced into reading something that long that was THAT boring, like Alea said.
Sorry you didn't like it! I've never read anything by Jane Porter, so I can't help you on that front.
Hmm...Chick-Lit that I liked? I don't know if this is chick-lit or not, but Anchors Aweigh by...Jennifer Bascus? Or something...it was cute and funny. I enjoyed it.
-Lauren
Alea: You're right! And you know, I felt a little guilty about writing this review. That whole "if you don't have anything nice to say" thing really started getting to me.
Lauren: After reading the summary and reviews on Amazon, I was expecting FUN, which was why I selected it. I just need to listen to you all instead of all those other Amazon reviewers. Sometimes they're right on, but not this time. Thanks for the book recommendation! When I read chick lit, I like cute and fun, so I'll look for it.
Oh my gosh, I totally know what you mean!
From what you've said about this book , I don't think that I'll read it.
And yes, a link exchange would be wonderful.
http://www.kayleesbookshelf.blogspot.com
-Kaylee.
I felt guilty the first time I wrote a bad review. I actually have an easier time writing them because I have so much to say. When I really love a book I'm like uhhumm.
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