Helpful Score: 10
This novel by Jennifer Weiner is a "straight from the headlines" story involving a married politician's wife named Sylvie who finds out that her husband has been having an affair with his much younger assistant. The story becomes a scandal and Sylvie is forced to re-examine her life and the years she's dedicated to her husband and his career. The scandal also impacts their grown daughters, Lizzie and Diana. Diana is a married doctor in an unhappy marriage. She also is embroiled in an affair with a much younger man. Lizzie has a troubled past as an addict with an arrest record. For most of her life Lizzie has been a screw up. Finally, she gets a chance to redeem herself and forge a new life. Honestly, I don't think this is Weiner's best effort. The story is interesting, but at times it is slow reading and the characters are somewhat dull. The character of Richard (the politician husbandd) is merely backdrop and it is somewhat startling that his motives, feelings are not explored. The story suffered with it's ending. It was all too predictable. Honestly, I wouldn't rush to read this book. It's average. There was a lot of name dropping in this book about all the various political scandals of the past decade or so...the author would have been better served to have delved into the pain and humiliation aspects of the characters.
Helpful Score: 3
I'm not a big fan of V.E.R.B. books. Victim, Entitled, Rescue, Blame types of books, or people for that matter. So I surprised myself when I picked up Fly Away Home and read it in two days. This isn't your typical woman trying to find herself type of book, it's more of a woman trying to get back to who she was all along. I know that sounds like a slight twist of words, but all Sylvie Serfer-Woodruff wanted was to go back to the simple girl she was in college before Richard Woodruff swooped into her life and turned her into the perfect political wife.
A fulfilling life should not entail having to stay twenty pounds thinner than when you were twenty and to fix your husband's breakfast plate while he runs off to do important work and you are left to struggle into yet another pair of stocking to give yet another unimportant speech to yet another group of self involved people.
In one quick moment Sylvie's life is changed when Richard's extramarital affair makes headlines and she and her two daughters, Lizzie a recovering addict and Diana an emergency room physician - who is trapped in a loveless marriage, and beginning an affair of her own, all converge and with the strength of family these three women come through their own torment to find a strength and purpose that they didn't know had existed.
Those who say you can never go home again have never had the blessing of actually going home. Going home to a place that is both a sanctuary and a reprieve. This is the gift that Sylvie has given to both her daughters and through them, to herself.
I have never read a Jennifer Weiner book before, I didn't think that an offering like this could actually resonate with me, but I was wrong. I don' t know if all her books will hit me this way, but this was definitely the right book at the right time.
A fulfilling life should not entail having to stay twenty pounds thinner than when you were twenty and to fix your husband's breakfast plate while he runs off to do important work and you are left to struggle into yet another pair of stocking to give yet another unimportant speech to yet another group of self involved people.
In one quick moment Sylvie's life is changed when Richard's extramarital affair makes headlines and she and her two daughters, Lizzie a recovering addict and Diana an emergency room physician - who is trapped in a loveless marriage, and beginning an affair of her own, all converge and with the strength of family these three women come through their own torment to find a strength and purpose that they didn't know had existed.
Those who say you can never go home again have never had the blessing of actually going home. Going home to a place that is both a sanctuary and a reprieve. This is the gift that Sylvie has given to both her daughters and through them, to herself.
I have never read a Jennifer Weiner book before, I didn't think that an offering like this could actually resonate with me, but I was wrong. I don' t know if all her books will hit me this way, but this was definitely the right book at the right time.
Helpful Score: 3
The book was good but not excellent as stars indicate. It is a story of a mother and 2 daughters who after a lifetime of distance finally learn to find refuge in one another. The book is written with many flashbacks and each chapter is about one of the three women. It was somewhat hard to follow.
Helpful Score: 3
Fans of Jennifer Weiner will love her latest novel, Fly Away Home. I dont know how she continues to do it, time and time again, but Jennifer Weiner can keep you enthralled in a story and engaged in the characters on every single page. She continues to be one of my favorites that Ive also been fortunate enough to meet on two book tours: last summers Best Friends Forever tour as well as this years Fly Away Home tour.
As a Washington, D.C. area local, it seems all too familiar. The tale of the wandering politician. The one who thinks the rules dont apply to him, who indulges in temptation and his selfish desires, and who ultimately ends up making a public statement of apology with his disgraced wife standing by his side. Yet its rare that we get an inside glimpse at the wife and familys views. The ones who were betrayed and shamed in public. The ones who have to figure out what to do with their lives and how to protect each other from public opinion and interest.
Jennifer Weiner does just this in her newest novel. Exploring the family side of the typical political scandal, we follow Sylvie (the scorned wife), Diana (the over-achieving and perfect oldest), and Lizzie (the younger, more rebellious child.) Told from all three points of views (which is one of the things I love most about Weiners novels- you get more than one side of the story!), other trials rise in every characters life. From work to parenting to relationships to family, there is so much going on in Fly Away Home, I never lost interest! (Though to be fair, Ive never lost interest in a Weiner novel.)
Written with the authors usual humor and wit, youll laugh out loud with these women. Youll root for them as individuals and as a family as they try to piece back together their lives after their world(s) are turned upside down. Each one has her own desires, her own passions, and her own relationships to reconcile. And I think this book definitely leaves some doors open for a sequel.
I can say Im happy with the ending, however I do find myself wondering what happens next for Diana and Lizzie! Particularly Diana. Both of their stories and lives were so interesting and, a couple of times, unpredictable. (Maybe we will find out in an upcoming sequel?) Either way, Fly Away Home, is another fantastic Jennifer Weiner novel that will leave you considering your family and appreciating them all the more. After all, isnt family what its all about?
Congrats to Jen on signing a four year-four book deal with her publisher! Im looking forward to meeting new characters and seeing you on tour again! Thanks for supporting our blog after your stop in the D.C.-area. Enjoy the rest of those cupcakes this summer!
As a Washington, D.C. area local, it seems all too familiar. The tale of the wandering politician. The one who thinks the rules dont apply to him, who indulges in temptation and his selfish desires, and who ultimately ends up making a public statement of apology with his disgraced wife standing by his side. Yet its rare that we get an inside glimpse at the wife and familys views. The ones who were betrayed and shamed in public. The ones who have to figure out what to do with their lives and how to protect each other from public opinion and interest.
Jennifer Weiner does just this in her newest novel. Exploring the family side of the typical political scandal, we follow Sylvie (the scorned wife), Diana (the over-achieving and perfect oldest), and Lizzie (the younger, more rebellious child.) Told from all three points of views (which is one of the things I love most about Weiners novels- you get more than one side of the story!), other trials rise in every characters life. From work to parenting to relationships to family, there is so much going on in Fly Away Home, I never lost interest! (Though to be fair, Ive never lost interest in a Weiner novel.)
Written with the authors usual humor and wit, youll laugh out loud with these women. Youll root for them as individuals and as a family as they try to piece back together their lives after their world(s) are turned upside down. Each one has her own desires, her own passions, and her own relationships to reconcile. And I think this book definitely leaves some doors open for a sequel.
I can say Im happy with the ending, however I do find myself wondering what happens next for Diana and Lizzie! Particularly Diana. Both of their stories and lives were so interesting and, a couple of times, unpredictable. (Maybe we will find out in an upcoming sequel?) Either way, Fly Away Home, is another fantastic Jennifer Weiner novel that will leave you considering your family and appreciating them all the more. After all, isnt family what its all about?
Congrats to Jen on signing a four year-four book deal with her publisher! Im looking forward to meeting new characters and seeing you on tour again! Thanks for supporting our blog after your stop in the D.C.-area. Enjoy the rest of those cupcakes this summer!
Helpful Score: 2
I liked this book. typical chick-lit the sisters were well drawn, and the mother Sylvie was too. I loved her mother the Judge, wanted more of her wit and wisdom. seemed a bit 'ripped from the headlines' but that is okay. Nice peek into the poloticians family. Good read, love Jennifer Weiner.
Helpful Score: 2
Good summer reading!
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book immensely! The characters are so true to life. I actually felt like the Mom in the book - so proud of the one daughter; so fearful for the other one - expecting the worst but hoping for the best. Sometimes, mothers have to deal with their own demons, as well as those of their children. Overall, a super read for the beach or for a cold wintery afternoon in front of the fireplace!
Helpful Score: 1
I was bored. The author leaves nothing for me to do as a reader and describes every single thing. The jacket blurb gives everything away.
Helpful Score: 1
An engrossing read with wonderful descriptions of family dynamics.
I was bored through the entire book. I kept thinking it would get better so I finished it. What a waste of time. Nothing the least bit interesting about it.
I bought this book new because i did not want to wait on the wish list. I am so glad i did. This was a wonderfully written book. This story was never a messy feel sorry for myself story. Three women, mother and daughters all going thru trials in life. Ms. Weiner actually started this book 10 years before all the cheating on wives in polititical circles became "popular". It was so well written i found myself believeing everything i read as truth & had to keep reminding myself this is fiction. The stories of these women were so well blended that i could not put the book down, honestly. There is alot to learn and alot to love with this novel and in a heart beat i'd read it again, but my rule is "trade" not save, "share" the good things in life and this novel was one of my more enjoyable finds i have found in life.
Fly away home is the beautifully written story of Sylvie, a politicians wife, and her two daughters Diana and Lizzie. In the wake and aftermath of scandal these three women are forced to face the truth about themselves including who they are, who they want to be and what they want out of life. The women deal with past issues as well as present. Weiner does a wonderful job of taking the serious issues of commitment, self-esteem, identity and choices and mixing them with comical moments.
Meet the women of Fly Away Home:
Sylvie: Wife of Senator Richard Woodruff. Sylvie has spent her life in her husbands service, helping him, guiding him and focusing on him. After his affair is brought into the open, Sylvie must re-evaluate who she is and who she wants to be. She must make the biggest decision of all. Will she be able to trust and forgive?
Diana: The eldest daughter of Sylvie and Richard Woodruff. After watching her parents marriage, Diana has a very clear path for her life and how she wants it to be. While everything makes sense on paper, Diana forgets about the heart and love. When she is reminded her world is turned upside down and she must choose to love or not to love? Will she be happy?
Lizzie: (Elizabeth) The youngest daughter of the Woodruff's and the family screw-up. Returning from rehab, Lizzie is determined to be better, to make something of herself, and to stay clean. It seems the world doesn't want to make this easier for her, and her family isn't in the best state to help. Will she be able to overcome of one the hardest parts of her life? Will she learn from the rehab and will she survive the shock and surprises she will encounter along the way?
The novel is divided into three sections. Each section skillfully sets up the next and smoothly transitions into it. Each section is divided into chapters, entitled by the woman who narrates the chapter. The first section focuses on past memories as well as current happenings. The second section dives deeper into the issues of the women, each leading to the point of no return. The third and final section brings the three women together. They face the past, present and future together and discover where home truly is.
Jennifer Weiner did a wonderful job with this novel. Fly away home quickly moved its way up the list of my favorite novels by Weiner. She encompasses so many relationships and focuses on them throughout the book. It is skillfully written and will make you laugh as well as feel the emotions of each character. You will find yourself relating to each character in your own way and rooting for them to find comfort and happiness. Fly Away Home is a heartbreaking, insightful novel, full of humor and interpersonal relationships. It will easily become a novel you will not want to put down, a novel that will carry you through many emotions, a novel you simply wont want to end.
Meet the women of Fly Away Home:
Sylvie: Wife of Senator Richard Woodruff. Sylvie has spent her life in her husbands service, helping him, guiding him and focusing on him. After his affair is brought into the open, Sylvie must re-evaluate who she is and who she wants to be. She must make the biggest decision of all. Will she be able to trust and forgive?
Diana: The eldest daughter of Sylvie and Richard Woodruff. After watching her parents marriage, Diana has a very clear path for her life and how she wants it to be. While everything makes sense on paper, Diana forgets about the heart and love. When she is reminded her world is turned upside down and she must choose to love or not to love? Will she be happy?
Lizzie: (Elizabeth) The youngest daughter of the Woodruff's and the family screw-up. Returning from rehab, Lizzie is determined to be better, to make something of herself, and to stay clean. It seems the world doesn't want to make this easier for her, and her family isn't in the best state to help. Will she be able to overcome of one the hardest parts of her life? Will she learn from the rehab and will she survive the shock and surprises she will encounter along the way?
The novel is divided into three sections. Each section skillfully sets up the next and smoothly transitions into it. Each section is divided into chapters, entitled by the woman who narrates the chapter. The first section focuses on past memories as well as current happenings. The second section dives deeper into the issues of the women, each leading to the point of no return. The third and final section brings the three women together. They face the past, present and future together and discover where home truly is.
Jennifer Weiner did a wonderful job with this novel. Fly away home quickly moved its way up the list of my favorite novels by Weiner. She encompasses so many relationships and focuses on them throughout the book. It is skillfully written and will make you laugh as well as feel the emotions of each character. You will find yourself relating to each character in your own way and rooting for them to find comfort and happiness. Fly Away Home is a heartbreaking, insightful novel, full of humor and interpersonal relationships. It will easily become a novel you will not want to put down, a novel that will carry you through many emotions, a novel you simply wont want to end.
I had never read anything by Jennifer Weiner prior to this book, but I will do so in the future. I enjoyed the book and its premise. I enjoyed the transformation of the main character back to someone who could enjoy her life after the tragic circumstances of finding out of her husband's infidelity.
What happens to a family when a political figure has an affair? We often see the public side of such actions but do not understand how it affects the family. This author tells a story through their eyes, three women who must continue their lives and protect each other from media exposure. When Senator Richard Woodruff makes the news with a pretty young woman on his arm, his wife and daughters can scarcely believe what they see.
Sylvie, his wife of thirty years, has loved her husband since they met in law school. How can he betray her and their daughters? Diana, the oldest and most determined to succeed, is trapped in a loveless marriage. When a young medical assistant comes on to her, she welcomes the "love" and escape he offers. Lizzie, younger, never met the standards her sister set, has made mistake after mistake including drug use that led to rehabilitation. Now recovered her family members view her actions with doubt.
Each woman views Richard's actions differently. Sylvie needs to think about it. How did she fail when she devoted years to helping achieve his political ambitions? She is strong and finds comfort in living alone and doing things for herself. Diana has her own issues and thus ignores her father. Lizzie is hurt but wants to help him.
This well written tale explores how a seemingly simple public action can damage a family. These interesting women from Richard's family have complex personalities and lives. Even Sylvie's mother, a retired judge, adds much to the story with her crytic takes on the situation.
Sylvie, his wife of thirty years, has loved her husband since they met in law school. How can he betray her and their daughters? Diana, the oldest and most determined to succeed, is trapped in a loveless marriage. When a young medical assistant comes on to her, she welcomes the "love" and escape he offers. Lizzie, younger, never met the standards her sister set, has made mistake after mistake including drug use that led to rehabilitation. Now recovered her family members view her actions with doubt.
Each woman views Richard's actions differently. Sylvie needs to think about it. How did she fail when she devoted years to helping achieve his political ambitions? She is strong and finds comfort in living alone and doing things for herself. Diana has her own issues and thus ignores her father. Lizzie is hurt but wants to help him.
This well written tale explores how a seemingly simple public action can damage a family. These interesting women from Richard's family have complex personalities and lives. Even Sylvie's mother, a retired judge, adds much to the story with her crytic takes on the situation.
Fly Away Home was surprisingly sad but entertaining. It is the story of three women (a mother and her two daughters) at three different crossroads; Sylvie- the politician's wife, Diana - the overachieving (super freaky) older daughter, and Lizzie- a recovering addict with good intention.
I got a little bored with Sylvie about half way through; however, Diana and Lizzie more than made up for that. On the surface, this will remind you of several scandalized politicians, their fractured home lives, and their public humiliation. But underneath you will find an emotional story of longing, lust and self-discovery
I got a little bored with Sylvie about half way through; however, Diana and Lizzie more than made up for that. On the surface, this will remind you of several scandalized politicians, their fractured home lives, and their public humiliation. But underneath you will find an emotional story of longing, lust and self-discovery
Some spoilers ahead... The plot could be taken from headline with which we're all too familiar. A Senator's wife is ashamed when a scandal erupts. Her powerful husband has cheated on her with a much younger aide. The infidelity affects not only his political ambition and the decades long marriage, but their two grown daughters as well. Each daughter has her own issues. The eldest is perfect child who ultimately became an ER doctor. The younger daughter is the troubled child in recovery from drug addiction. The wife sacrificed her own legal career to be the dutiful political wife and perfect aide to her husband. I didn't find the heroine all that sympathetic. She seemed clueless and stupid even though she is clearly well-educated. I felt sorry for the two daughters who seemed to have just been photo-ops in their father's career.Even so, the two daughters felt like caricatures. Their characters and the heroine's needed much more development as did the wayward husband's character. I didn't fully understand why he cheated and his remorse wasn't all that obvious. I would have loved to have discovered whether the heroine ultimately reconciled or not. The heroine's mother, a brash retired Judge from NYC, was one of my favorite characters in the book. I'd love to read a book where she's the focus!
Starts a little slow, but after the 1st couple chapters it picks up & was one I didn't want to put down. If the 1st couple chapters don't grab your attention - keep reading. Very enjoyable. Weiner has another winner!!!
The book is about 3 women, Sylvie, the senators wife, Diane, the perfect daughter and Lizzie the embarrassment. When you are always in the medias viewfinder and a scandal hits, what do you do? What if you planned your life out so perfectly that it is not perfect? Can you ever prove to others that things can change?
I have enjoyed Jennifer Weiners other books. This story was very hard to get into and I found myself not caring for the characters and I could not wait for the end. The ending was even more disappointing. It seemed that the last 25 pages were rushed to finish the book. If you are waiting for a climax and some drama it is not in this book. The book needed more Selma.
I have enjoyed Jennifer Weiners other books. This story was very hard to get into and I found myself not caring for the characters and I could not wait for the end. The ending was even more disappointing. It seemed that the last 25 pages were rushed to finish the book. If you are waiting for a climax and some drama it is not in this book. The book needed more Selma.
Very good book
A quick and easy read.
Good chick-lit.
I agree with Regina C She said "I have enjoyed Jennifer Weiners other books. This story was very hard to get into and I found myself not caring for the characters and I could not wait for the end. The ending was even more disappointing. It seemed that the last 25 pages were rushed to finish the book. If you are waiting for a climax and some drama it is not in this book."
I alsocouldn't wait to finish. Never found it interesting. Also felt it was rushed.
Disappointed! Not worth the read.
I alsocouldn't wait to finish. Never found it interesting. Also felt it was rushed.
Disappointed! Not worth the read.
I actually started to read this book when the 'Arnold' love child scandal broke-but I guess I could have started it just about any time and something like that would have happened. I enjoyed it-but found the ending to be a little too 'we can all just get along'. It's a quick read.
Pretty good, wished for a little better ending.
