Customer Reviews

The Way Life Should Be: A Novel

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author has written a story about a woman whose life was making her numb and who wanted to change that. Angela took a huge leap of faith to begin a new life in a new place; her willingness to risk it all for love, leaving her comfort zone far behind, is admirable. Although this is an engaging story, Angela's willingness to risk may the most charming part of it.

Following her instincts caused her real disappointment in the love arena, but it was the beginning of a wonderful adventure in new ways of living her life. Cast adrift on Mount Desert Island, ME, Angela digs in and creates a life for herself, minus the guy who was the catalyst for her move to Maine, and yet rich with friends and acquaintances who make up her new family. After a few setbacks, Angela begins to experience the joy and freedom of doing her own thing teaching Italian cooking, which is a major improvement from her mind-numbing life in the city. You will enjoy sharing her ups and downs as she creates for herself, a new life in the wilds of Maine.

This is a very enjoyable book which anyone who has also taken a great leap of faith in her own life, will appreciate. It's full of warmth, humor, great recipes, and a spirit that you will find enchanting. This book is highly recommended.

She nails it. From the Impressionist view of land and sea from atop Cadillac Mountain on a foggy day, to the librarian who takes such an interest in one's reading habits that it borders on invasion of privacy, Christina Baker Kline's third novel paints Mount Desert Island, Maine with such accurate detail that some of its inhabitants might wonder if they sat for the portrait. This is a novel about family, about food, about sense of place. Ultimately, it's an examination of what it takes to make a life. At one point, Angela Russo, the protagonist of the story, muses on Maine's state slogan - "The Way Life Should Be." She turns it upside down, reading it as an existential question: what is the way life should be? The answer, of course, is one each of us must puzzle out for ourselves. But in the telling of her tale of one woman's wrestling with this universal concern, Kline provides a roadmap for us all.

Once you start this book, you won't want to put it down! The Way Life Should Be is not only a fun, fast paced summer read, but also a subtly crafted message on living life to the fullest...with fantastic recipies to boot! You will laugh, flinch, and cheer as Angela Russo and her realistically flawed group of friends maneuver their way through life. Christina Baker Kline gives hope to those of us that, like Angela, are asking ourselves that elusive question; What the heck am I going to do with my life?

Mrs. Kline is a wizard with words. This story captures your heart and takes you on a ride of a lifetime. Along the way you laugh, learn, and ( of course) love. She shows you the beauty of Mount Desert Island, and how being true to yourself solves all your problems. And the recipes truly rock!

I drove into Delaware to Barnes and Nobles to find your book. None of the stores here in Pa had it but Barnes and Nobles on Route 202 in North Wilmington had four copies. I bought this book on Tuesday Aug 13, 07 and finished it today 'Aug 16' at work 'shh, don't tell anyone, I had to read it'. I have to say... I loved it. I'm not really much for reviews on a book. But I really hope there will be a second book to this, I would love to know what happens to Angela. If Angela opens that restaurant, if she and Tom get together... and if Nonna and Angela goes to Italy! Love the characters, love the setting in Maine! Can't wait to read it again!!!

Christina Baker-Kline is one of my very favorite writers, and it's been too long a wait since her last novel appeared. This one is clearly her best. The story, the characters, the setting, and not least the fabulous cooking imagery are all food for the soul, the heart, and the mind. I only wish the book was 600 pages long. Now I'll just have to start over and read it again.

I know I've already written about this book; but Christina Baker Kline nails the way NOVELS should be in this story of great risk, great heart and BTW, great prose.

Jacquelyn Mitchard, author, 'Still Summer' and 'The Deep End of The Ocean'

I read this book in 2 days and absolutely loved it. It is the 23rd book I have read this year and one of the top two on my list of favorites. Like the author, I am a busy mom to three great kids, so getting time to read (especially at the rate I have been reading the past 2 days) is such a treat. This novel brought me complete enjoyment and utter pleasure...the characters and dialog were wonderful. As an added treat, the author interweaves Italian recipes throughout the novel. They are mouthwatering (and have inspired me to try my hand at a few!).

As I read the novel, I could not help but picture this novel on the big screen. There were so many moments I smiled as I imagined characters coming to life...the fire eater, Flynn, MaineCatch, and most nobably, Nonna. The busy New York City setting, along with the bucolic Maine landscape...the cottage, the coffee shop, the cooking classes/dinner parties...all came to life so vividly through her wonderful prose. Many times as I was reading, I wished to visit the coffee shop for one of those divine muffins and a latte! Hopefully, it will be made into a movie someday....or perhaps the author will treat us to a sequel???

As the year draws to a close and I reflect back on the books I have read this year, The Way Life Should Be is definitely at the top of my list. It is funny, heartwarming, engaging, and a complete delight!

I love books with what appear to be a simple premise -- you can even kind of guess how they will end. The key to making them great reads is just what Ms. Baker Kline has managed to do -- taken a simple premise -- early 30s young woman wonders about life, hopes to find love, and takes off to in order to do it, and turns it into a lovely, complex novel not only about finding love but finding oneself using, as tools the people and things in your life. Any woman, married or single, with children or without, twenties, thirties, forties, etc. will relate to this quick and pleasurable read.

I just finished reading Christina's book and I LOVED IT. I don't buy many books, but this book enticed me into buying it. I can relate to Nonna. I met someone, left my family and moved from Montreal to Florida, and now as I get older, I miss my family tremendously. I am raising three children, and the two oldest would never want to leave their schools and friends, so I feel sort of trapped here now as my parents get older. It's become very difficult in many ways, although I love florida and my life here. So "listening to" Nonna describe the same life pattern brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks for the wonderful reading experience.

Keep on writing.