emzleebee's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
invisiblejulie's review against another edition
4.0
Popsugar prompt: book that takes place in one day
xtinee's review
5.0
I’m obsessed with this book. I bought it because I liked the cover (it was kind of yellow) and the back said the protagonist embarks on a journey across Manhattan. The praise quote also called it: a love letter to a stylish and atmospheric city. I had really high hopes because I love books about New York and the premise seemed like something I’d relate to.
It absolutely did not disappoint. I love the main character so much and I love how I knew the intersections and city landmarks she was referring to. And I love how career driven they made her. Basically I loved everything about it. It might be my new favourite book. I can’t wait to read it again.
It absolutely did not disappoint. I love the main character so much and I love how I knew the intersections and city landmarks she was referring to. And I love how career driven they made her. Basically I loved everything about it. It might be my new favourite book. I can’t wait to read it again.
maryannc's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
teachingkids1982's review against another edition
4.0
i was disappointed in the ending... so it's closer to 3.5 ⭐ but i truly relished the journey up to the last bit.
alliepeduto's review against another edition
3.0
So while I didn't love this book quite as much as I wanted to, I still thought it was an interesting fictional look at an actual woman's (Margaret Fishback) life. Lillian is who I want to be at 85... still in love with her city and still willing to make human connections in an era that seems to have lost that ability. I loved the structure, it just didn't wow me as much as other books of the same type
kdaedwards's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Then learning the book was inspired by a real person made me appreciate it even more. While the book didn't have a plot exactly, reading the story of Lillian Boxfish's life was entrancing.
teresa_b's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, how I enjoyed this book! Ms. Rooney was able to create an experience for me that I don't remember having had in a very long time, if at all. Not only did I feel like I was right there with Lillian Boxfish as she took her walk, I felt like I WAS Lillian Boxfish, experiencing a life-world much different from my own.
Such a fascinating story, told in what felt like an honest and unfiltered way. I don't have a lot of, "I couldn't put the book down!" experiences, but this is one of them. Highly recommend!
Such a fascinating story, told in what felt like an honest and unfiltered way. I don't have a lot of, "I couldn't put the book down!" experiences, but this is one of them. Highly recommend!
melyssa57's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney was a monthly book club selection by Ginger from the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. When she introduced this older novel, she prefaced it by saying it's one she reads every year around Christmas/New Year's Time. The recommendation, synopsis, and nostalgia piqued my curiosity so off to the library I went for the audio copy.
I must say, I did enjoy meeting Lillian Boxfish, an octogenarian, who sets out on a walk in New York City on New Year's Eve and, as she takes that was, she reflects on a live well lived. As readers, we are put in the position of voyeurism, and as such, we learn about her childhood, her upward-moving career as an advertising copywriter, her indifference to becoming a wife or mother, yet she becomes both anyway. We learn about her struggles in those areas, some of which lead to her divorce, and finally where she's ended up several decades later. Like real-life professional women, Lillian is multi-faceted, complex, and alluring.
It's quite possible this is the case because her character is inspired by a real-life poet and advertising professional, Margaret Fishback, who was the highest paid female advertising copywriter in the world in the 1930s. Personally, I related to Lillian a lot - being a professional marketer who has chosen to prioritize my career over being a mother (gasp!). Additionally, Rooney through Lillian's voice, provides a lot of funny quips and thoughtful quotations throughout the story.
***NOTABLE QUOTABLES***
"Choice is an illusion promoted by the powerful." (page 214)
"No matter what first draws our attention, language is where we make our decisions. (page 229)
"...a dull and dogged reminder that I was just like everyone else in suffering the injustice of chronology: I could only walk through it facing forward, going in that one direction." (page 266)
(Most of the quotations I've highlighted here are in the latter part of the book because I snagged an e-copy as I fell more in love with the story. I do intend to mimic Ginger, and read this book again next year.)
I liked going back and reminiscing to a simpler time with Lillian Boxfish. The book would have been a solid 5-stars for me had it not included the stereotypical tropes of young men of color robbing on the streets of New York. But can I really be angry about something so real through the eyes of an 80-something white woman? I think I will just take it as it is so as to enjoy the story.
Recommendation: I recommend giving the audiobook a listen as the narrator really brings Lillian to life. A great read for Christmas break to discuss with family and friends.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney was a monthly book club selection by Ginger from the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. When she introduced this older novel, she prefaced it by saying it's one she reads every year around Christmas/New Year's Time. The recommendation, synopsis, and nostalgia piqued my curiosity so off to the library I went for the audio copy.
I must say, I did enjoy meeting Lillian Boxfish, an octogenarian, who sets out on a walk in New York City on New Year's Eve and, as she takes that was, she reflects on a live well lived. As readers, we are put in the position of voyeurism, and as such, we learn about her childhood, her upward-moving career as an advertising copywriter, her indifference to becoming a wife or mother, yet she becomes both anyway. We learn about her struggles in those areas, some of which lead to her divorce, and finally where she's ended up several decades later. Like real-life professional women, Lillian is multi-faceted, complex, and alluring.
It's quite possible this is the case because her character is inspired by a real-life poet and advertising professional, Margaret Fishback, who was the highest paid female advertising copywriter in the world in the 1930s. Personally, I related to Lillian a lot - being a professional marketer who has chosen to prioritize my career over being a mother (gasp!). Additionally, Rooney through Lillian's voice, provides a lot of funny quips and thoughtful quotations throughout the story.
***NOTABLE QUOTABLES***
"Choice is an illusion promoted by the powerful." (page 214)
"No matter what first draws our attention, language is where we make our decisions. (page 229)
"...a dull and dogged reminder that I was just like everyone else in suffering the injustice of chronology: I could only walk through it facing forward, going in that one direction." (page 266)
(Most of the quotations I've highlighted here are in the latter part of the book because I snagged an e-copy as I fell more in love with the story. I do intend to mimic Ginger, and read this book again next year.)
I liked going back and reminiscing to a simpler time with Lillian Boxfish. The book would have been a solid 5-stars for me had it not included the stereotypical tropes of young men of color robbing on the streets of New York. But can I really be angry about something so real through the eyes of an 80-something white woman? I think I will just take it as it is so as to enjoy the story.
Recommendation: I recommend giving the audiobook a listen as the narrator really brings Lillian to life. A great read for Christmas break to discuss with family and friends.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime