Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by Books & a Beat.
Today’s featured book is an e-ARC from NetGalley. Leave Me, by Gayle Forman, to be released on September 6, 2016, is about facing the fears we’re all running from. Gayle Forman is a dazzling observer of human nature. She has written an irresistible novel that confronts the ambivalence of modern motherhood head on and asks, what happens when a grown woman runs away from home?
Intro: (New York City)
Maribeth Klein was working late, waiting to sign off on the final page proofs of the December issue, when she had a heart attack.
Those first twinges in her chest, however, were more a heaviness than a pain, and she did not immediately think heart. She thought indigestion, brought on by the plate of greasy Chinese food she’d eaten at her desk the hour before. She thought anxiety, brought on by the length of tomorrow’s to-do list. She thought irritation, brought on by the conversation with her husband, Jason, who when she’d called earlier was having a dance party with Oscar and Liv, even though their downstairs neighbor Earl Jablonski would complain and even though keeping the twins up past eight upped the odds that one of them would wake in the night (and wake her up, too).
***
Teaser: She followed him down a long narrow hallway, the walls covered with framed photographs, through a dining room, the table piled high with mail and medical journals, and into a bright open kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and fire-engine red laminate cabinets. It looked like a showroom, pristine, as if the kitchen had never been sullied by the messy act of cooking. (45%).
***
Synopsis: Every woman who has ever fantasized about driving past her exit on the highway instead of going home to make dinner, and every woman who has ever dreamed of boarding a train to a place where no one needs constant attention–meet Maribeth Klein. A harried working mother who’s so busy taking care of her husband and twins, she doesn’t even realize she’s had a heart attack.
Surprised to discover that her recuperation seems to be an imposition on those who rely on her, Maribeth does the unthinkable: she packs a bag and leaves. But, as is often the case, once we get where we’re going we see our lives from a different perspective. Far from the demands of family and career and with the help of liberating new friendships, Maribeth is able to own up to secrets she has been keeping from herself and those she loves.
***
Would you keep reading? Does this book capture your attention? I know that I’m definitely eager to learn more about the characters.
***
This sounds like a good one. I’ve often wondered if I would know the difference between a heart attack and indigestion! Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a scary thought, isn’t it? The symptoms of a heart attack are different for women than men, and I posted a list of them on my fridge.
Thanks for stopping by, Heather, and have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This one is near the top of one of my piles. Can’t wait to start it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know how you feel! I am trying to time it just before release, but I might not be able to wait that long. Thanks for stopping by, Catherine.
LikeLike
Yes Laurel this does sound like my kind of book where the protagonist gains clarity from moving slightly outside her normal life. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks,Cleo, and I can relate, having done something similar at one point. Glad you could stop by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the intro and the author’s earlier books. I definitely want to read this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve only read two books from this author, but that was enough to reel me in. Thanks for stopping by, Diane…and for hosting.
LikeLike
Adding this to my list. I love the opening and would definitely keep reading!
Here’s mine:
http://monicasbookishlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too, Monica….can’t wait! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I think I’d keep reading. I’d like to know how her thoughts about her life and family are after time away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I am definitely looking forward to how it all unfolds, Vicki. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I’m not so sure about this one. It seems so sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, I’m sure it will be, Margot, but I love a good cry over a book or movie. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Oooh, this one sounds good. I think all of us working moms have felt the urge to do this at one point or another. I loved Gayle Forman’s other books, so I will definitely have to check this one out. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely, Denise! I remember the feeling well. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Nice teaser! Here’s mine https://keeanareads.wordpress.com/2016/08/16/teaser-tuesday-august-16-2016/
Happy reading
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Keeana…I am excited about this one!
LikeLike
This sounds like a good one! I’ve read Gayle Forman’s If I Stay and Where She Went and really enjoyed that duology so I’ll have to check this one out too.
Thanks for stopping by my Teaser Tuesday post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve read and enjoyed those as well, Kourtni. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hmm, this has some potential!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Emma…I am excited about it.
LikeLike
Sounds like an intense story – not sure I’d be brave enough to keep reading and possibly see some of myself in it! 🙂 Here’s mine: http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/teaser-tuesdayfirst-chapter-first_16.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to love it, Kym….thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Thanks! for sharing this, It really sounds good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so, too, Mary Ann…thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Sounds good. I have to admit to being tempted at times to just run away and leave all my responsibilities behind so love stories where someone does exactly that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, definitely, Ali….usually that feeling happens after a particularly stressful series of events. Sometimes we just need a break, but the urge for something more is very real. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got me hooked on this one. I’ve certainly fantasized running away a time or two.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love reading about characters following these fantasies, Alice Audrey. Can’t wait to read this one.
LikeLike
Sounds young to have a heart attack so I can see where she didn’t realize. But I could never leave my children, no matter if my spouse and loved ones didn’t have patience for my recovery. I’m curious how this ends up.
My TT from The Madonna Of Notre Dame
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel as though I could really connect with these characters. Thanks for stopping by, Laura.
LikeLike
I love the cover – what an effective, eye-catching design! This one certainly chimes with any hard-working mother juggling work and family. And you’re right about the different symptoms of heart attack in men and women – scarily, it seems doctors are far more familiar with the male version! I don’t think this one is for me, but I like the idea of the premise. Thank you for swinging by my site earlier, Laurel:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too, Sarah, so I’m eager to read this one. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Oh this sounds great! I think I already have this on my list, but I’m going to check to make sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Candace, and I hope we both enjoy it!
LikeLike
Definitely sounds like one I would read and enjoy. Thanks for sharing & stopping by mine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that’s what I thought when I first saw it….I’m eager to begin. Thanks for stopping by, Karen.
LikeLike