Happiness Sold Separately

Last night I unexpectedly came to end of Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston. I say "unexpectedly" as there were several more pages, which turned out to be book club questions, Q&A of Winston and Acknowledgments.

I still am not even sure if I liked this book or not. I mean I finished it so that has to say something, I suppose, but I can only think of one book that I have failed to finish and that was The Pelican Brief by John Grisham. Even then I think that was only because I was like 14 at the time and having a hard time getting into anything aside from the relationship between Darby Shaw and her professor, Thomas Callahan. I did watch the film years later and I think I recall I enjoyed it somewhat, but that it was rather lengthy. It did, however, star one of my favorite actress (as a guilty pleasure, yet she has proven to be able to break her typical barrier somewhat) Julia Roberts.

In fact, when searching for the photo for Happiness, I came across a blog dated Dec 13 2006 which stated that Julia had signed on to produce and possibly star in the film version of Winstons' second novel.  I intend to research that further.

The subject of this book is certainly conversation provoking. Infidelity is never taken lightly and the notion that forgiveness can be sought after such a hurtful act is definitely something to brainstorm on. It also gets you to thinking about the different kinds of love. I've always related a difference between loving someone and being "in love".

I find it interesting how in this read and in life I get so angry with men who commit adultery, but somehow not as furious with women who commit the same act. Why is that? I should explore this further. I've never been cheated on, that I know of, but I have always had that fear. That fear has lead me to be irrational in my relationships. I don't want to be jealous. Jealousy is not attractive. Confidence is attractive. I lack confidence.

Anyway, back to book. I like Elinor (not her name mind you, although I do like the nickname El). It almost makes me angry how not upset she gets in regards to her husbands actions. I think she's feeling just as out of "in love" as Ted is.

It is interesting to read through each of the characters point of views. I'm not sure if it makes me sympathize with some of the characters any more so though. I suppose it does make me understand the situation more. Gina's son, Toby, pisses me off toward the end. He does have balls though or maybe his behavior simply comes from his lack of a stable family environment.

It's not a bad read. I'm curious to see if a film is made and if in fact Julia is in it.

Now off to the library over lunch to get my next book. I'm thinking something thrilling/suspenseful in light of it nearing Halloween.