Do Me, Do My Roots

Rating:
Summary: Great "deep" chick lit
Review: I have to say, I don't think the cover does this book justice. It's about so much more than the cover implies: family relationships, deep wounds, love of those around you, and yet all told in humorously REAL form. There are a few chick lit authors who have the ability to delve deep into your psyche, and still make you laugh and have a good time. I think this author is there, and has a long future ahead of her. YAY! She's a humorous Maeve Binchy!

Rating:
Summary: Engaging relationship drama
Review: In spite of journeying down different paths in the Seattle area, the three sisters, all in their thirties, remains close as they get together quite often but at least once a month to do each other's hair. The youngest Emily is a widow of eighteen months raises her seven year old daughter Abby with the help of her parents, siblings, and her deceased spouse's pal Jake. Middle daughter Claudia has two sons while oldest daughter Leah has never married as she usually scares men off by the fourth date.

When their dad suffers what first appeared to be a heart attack, the three siblings become concerned but do not go as nuts as their mom. Though the tests prove he is okay, mom insists on healthy food like tofurkey for Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, a horny Emily encouraged by her sisters decide a brief fling with Jake would be helpful, but he has loved her from the moment they were introduced to one another, but loyalty to his best friend, her husband, even in death, keeps him from acting on his feelings.

This is an engaging relationship drama that, though told predominantly from the perspective of Emily, provides insight into the lead character and her extended family. The amusing story line can become overwhelming as the three siblings share their confidences, woes and render judgment while seeking the root of the problem. DO ME, DO MY ROOTS contains a wonderful cast struggling with life's ups and downs (more of the latter), but the sisterly trio remain optimistic even when putting men down throughout.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Pitch perfect
Review: This book is exactly what I was in the mood for. It was funny, but it also dealt with more serious issues. That's often my favorite kind of chick lit. Eileen is a talented writer and I look forward to more of her work.

Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable!
Review: This book is light and entertaining, while at the same time tackling some big life issues. A perfect "summer read"!

Rating:
Summary: Engaging and well written
Review: This is an astonishingly good book. It is well written, and the reader is drawn into the lives of the characters. It made me laugh, and it made me cry as well. The emotional content rang true to life, and I was deeply impressed by how well the author handled the very serious emotional progressions through which her characters moved.

In addition to covering some very serious emotional topics, including widowhood, aging parents, cancer diagnoses, and single parenthood, the book made me laugh. I loved the hair diary entries that began each chapter. I also loved the chapter titles, an unusual thing to notice in a novel.

This book is absolutely excellent. While it shares a couple of attributes of "chick lit," such as its dating plot-lines, to classify it as "chick lit" would be to underestimate its status as a novel worthy of attention from a range of readers, from those who enjoy chick lit through those who like to read novels of emotional growth.

Rating:
Summary: Chick Lit at it's best
Review: This is one of the most emotionally satisfying chick lit books I've ever read. Easy to read, very well written, 3-D characters in a realistic, identifiable situation. The author's voice and personal experiences shine for a very entertaining read.