A lot of people might not like this character or story - but I did. It shows how easy it is to let things that shake your foundation completely change you. It shows how it is to be stuck and not know what to do. And it shows you can come back from all that. One day, one step at a time. ( )

3.5 stars

Mary is obese and much of her thought is taken up with her weight and food. On their 25th anniversary, her husband “Gooch” (Jimmy Gooch) has left her with no notice. He just didn’t come home. Mary, although she has never or rarely left her small hometown in Ontario, takes it upon herself to follow clues first to Toronto, then to California, to try to find him.

The first half of the book was hard to read with all the moaning about her weight and food, etc. But maybe that is accurate for some people battling obesity? It’s nice to see Mary become somewhat independent (with the help of people in the small town in California she ends up in). The ending was left a little bit open, but I suppose in doing that, that might mean something, too. ( )

I enjoyed this tale, but felt it was left unfinished - I had questions about so many things at the end. ( )

Lansen is a great writer, but it is so hard to top "The Girls". Characters in this novel were not as loveable, or as engaging. Too many unresolved storylines, too many odd, unnecessary characters (prayer group?) etc. I finished with a million questions. It feels like Lansen dreamed up a character, and a beginning to her novel, but could not find a compelling ending. ( )

Read all on one day; it gripped me. I'd have given it a 4, but for me it weakened a bit at the end. Definitely a 3.5 at least. I didn't like her previous "The Girls", but am glad I gave her a second chance. ( )