Guilt-Free No-wledge

Don't we all feel overwhelmed at times by obligations? The push/pull of family expectations? Extra tasks at work? Friends who just want that bit more of you than you're comfortable giving? I was given this book by my daughter-in-law, who said she'd really enjoyed it. Since it was a gift, I had to read it, right? Truth be told, it's probably not one I would have picked up at a bookstore, despite it's diminutive silhouette. (I'm a sucker for any extreme in book construction, be it a pocket cutie or something more suited to be carted around by wheelbarrow.) Anyway, its cute little size and whimsical cover suggest a lighthearted finger-wag at people who can't set boundaries, and honestly, at first, I kind of thought that's what it would be. All it would be. But as the book progressed, I began to see the author's wisdom and "no"-nonsense (!) way of prodding the reader to learn to decline almost any invitation, directive, suggestion, etc. in an honest, kind, and unapologetic manner. She holds firm that recipients of said declinations usually rise to the occasion and act like mature adults, and if they don't, well, is that really an issue for which you are responsible? Nope. Although this book absolutely gave me permission to quit reading at any point, I found myself enjoying every little bit of it.

Wish I'd RSVP'd "No"

The blurb on the back cover teases with these lures: " . . . a dark, shaply observed debut that thrillingly unravels into family secrets and tragedy." It also tosses out the ever-powerful bait of "family secrets". Well, I think I was duped. Unless you've grown up in a Hallmark movie, you've experienced sibling strife and bickering. For those who want to know all about that, read on. For the rest of us, it's a long b#$%h-fest, culminating in a thud. Also, the author needs to learn how to use reflexive pronouns. I'll pass on her next invitation.

Pretty Groovy

An antihero from China--looked down upon by kin as hailing from a bad branch of the family tree--makes his way to the U.S. with a loan from his father's boss and the security of a rich uncle awaiting his arrival. Nothing quite turned out the way he'd been informed, and Shelley has to find his own way, counting on the "Chinese Groove" to help him along. There are many bumps in the road, happy surprises and disappointments, too, but Shelley turns out to be someone very much deserving of happiness and admiration. Some humor, some drama--an easy read.