debstubb's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
webbhkg's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Like Desperate Housewives
msrose's review against another edition
It was okay but I had so many holds come in at the library!
jaw417's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a fun, quick(ish) read with a little bit of depth, but not too much to drown in.
There is a clear change in voice between the various perspectives we get in each chapter. That said, it does feel sometimes like those perspectives are merely Frances and not-Frances (as opposed to the other half dozen characters we regularly hear from). That said, Frances is funny. The narration was laugh-out-loud funny on several occasions, and though I'm not a parent in the burbs myself I could still relate to the sheer humanity this book displays.
Much of this story felt more like a glimpse through the window at people living their lives, rather than an actual story with plot. That said I enjoyed the image of a neighborhood as the proverbial "village" it takes to raise a child, or as an organism of sorts where what happens to one piece naturally impacts the other. Funny, enjoyable, with something to say but without too much complexity.
There is a clear change in voice between the various perspectives we get in each chapter. That said, it does feel sometimes like those perspectives are merely Frances and not-Frances (as opposed to the other half dozen characters we regularly hear from). That said, Frances is funny. The narration was laugh-out-loud funny on several occasions, and though I'm not a parent in the burbs myself I could still relate to the sheer humanity this book displays.
Much of this story felt more like a glimpse through the window at people living their lives, rather than an actual story with plot. That said I enjoyed the image of a neighborhood as the proverbial "village" it takes to raise a child, or as an organism of sorts where what happens to one piece naturally impacts the other. Funny, enjoyable, with something to say but without too much complexity.
sadie_reads_alatte's review against another edition
4.0
This makes it official: I have read all of Abbi Waxman's published works in the last year and have yet to be disappointed! Her characters are quirky yet relatable. Their stories are interesting and funny.
In this instance Frances Bloom; she is just your typical carpool mom, gives off "hot mess" vibes and is absolutely charming. The chaos she gets wrapped up in is devastating yet somehow her involvement is humorous. I also really enjoyed getting surprise glimpses of a character from one of Waxman's other books; such fun FINALLY getting the answer to "What happened to so-and-so after their book ended?" when there isn't an actual sequel.
Truly, this year needs more joy and you can easily find it in the pages of any of Abbi's books. 100% recommended.
In this instance Frances Bloom; she is just your typical carpool mom, gives off "hot mess" vibes and is absolutely charming. The chaos she gets wrapped up in is devastating yet somehow her involvement is humorous. I also really enjoyed getting surprise glimpses of a character from one of Waxman's other books; such fun FINALLY getting the answer to "What happened to so-and-so after their book ended?" when there isn't an actual sequel.
Truly, this year needs more joy and you can easily find it in the pages of any of Abbi's books. 100% recommended.
victoria_sponge's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
3.0
Contemporary realistic fiction like a warm cup of your favorite tea, goes down smooth and sweet and occasionally may scald you with its all-too-realistic character flaws and numerous ways people continue to mess up their lives.
Part of the joy of Abbi Waxman is the vicarious thrill of gossip, banter, and savvy survival of the everyday terror of childrearing. These novels are a winking reminder that everyone is fumbling towards goodness, trying to get through their days one witticism or one tantrum at a time.
Part of the joy of Abbi Waxman is the vicarious thrill of gossip, banter, and savvy survival of the everyday terror of childrearing. These novels are a winking reminder that everyone is fumbling towards goodness, trying to get through their days one witticism or one tantrum at a time.
randina's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
Abbi Waxman's Other People's Houses provides an entertaining and oftentimes thought-provoking peek into the intimate lives of neighbors.
Frances Bloom is the neighborhood carpool queen and ultimately, keeper of one of her neighbor's secrets. She ferries her three children, 14 year old Ava, ten year old Milo and four year old Lally back and forth to school every day along with her neighbors' children. When the truth finally comes out about her neighbor's indiscretion, the rest of the neighborhood feels the reverberation of the destruction on Anne and Charlie Porter's marriage in the wake of infidelity.
Frances and her husband Michael have been married for over twenty years. Their marriage has fallen into a comfortable and deep friendship as they navigate through Frances' now tenuous relationship with Ava. Frances enjoys feeling needed so she sometimes overextends herself through volunteering for her children's various schools and activities.
After Frances's discovery, Anne recommits her to her marriage but it is too little, too late once Charlie becomes aware of what she has been up to. He is devastated, furious and the aftermath is not his finest hour as a husband, parent or neighbor. Although Anne and Charlie try to present a united front, ten year old Theo and six year old Kate are confused and upset about the changes to their lives.
Neighbors' Iris Carter and Sara Gillespie are facing their own hurdles as Sara's acting career means long hours away from home and their six year old son Wyatt. They are very happy and communication is one of their strong suits yet Iris is worried about broaching a subject because she is unsure of how Sara will react.
Another neighbor, Bill Horton, is dealing with the absence of his wife, Julie, and trying to ensure their son Lucas remains connected to her while she is gone. He keeps to himself so everyone is a little curious about where Julie has gone and why. They keep their questions to themselves and Frances is more than happy to assist whenever Bill needs a little extra help.
Other People's Houses is a humorous novel that offers an engrossing and honest glimpse into parenting, friendships and marriage. The characters are well-developed with true to life strengths and weaknesses. The storyline is engaging and Abbi Waxman brings the novel to a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion.
Frances Bloom is the neighborhood carpool queen and ultimately, keeper of one of her neighbor's secrets. She ferries her three children, 14 year old Ava, ten year old Milo and four year old Lally back and forth to school every day along with her neighbors' children. When the truth finally comes out about her neighbor's indiscretion, the rest of the neighborhood feels the reverberation of the destruction on Anne and Charlie Porter's marriage in the wake of infidelity.
Frances and her husband Michael have been married for over twenty years. Their marriage has fallen into a comfortable and deep friendship as they navigate through Frances' now tenuous relationship with Ava. Frances enjoys feeling needed so she sometimes overextends herself through volunteering for her children's various schools and activities.
After Frances's discovery, Anne recommits her to her marriage but it is too little, too late once Charlie becomes aware of what she has been up to. He is devastated, furious and the aftermath is not his finest hour as a husband, parent or neighbor. Although Anne and Charlie try to present a united front, ten year old Theo and six year old Kate are confused and upset about the changes to their lives.
Neighbors' Iris Carter and Sara Gillespie are facing their own hurdles as Sara's acting career means long hours away from home and their six year old son Wyatt. They are very happy and communication is one of their strong suits yet Iris is worried about broaching a subject because she is unsure of how Sara will react.
Another neighbor, Bill Horton, is dealing with the absence of his wife, Julie, and trying to ensure their son Lucas remains connected to her while she is gone. He keeps to himself so everyone is a little curious about where Julie has gone and why. They keep their questions to themselves and Frances is more than happy to assist whenever Bill needs a little extra help.
Other People's Houses is a humorous novel that offers an engrossing and honest glimpse into parenting, friendships and marriage. The characters are well-developed with true to life strengths and weaknesses. The storyline is engaging and Abbi Waxman brings the novel to a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion.