Retreat by Krysten Ritter

This was the Teachers and Friends Book Club selection for April, chosen by Our Daily Bakes owner Roberta.

There was not a lot of meat and potatoes to this book.  In fact, the first 2/3 or so were totally unnecessary. The last part could have been a short story and been just as effective.  That last part is what we debated, and debated hard, about!

Liz is a professional con artist.  She infiltrates high society events and befriends the wealthy then steals their jewelry, credit cards, fine clothing, etc. After an art gallery event, she is hired by a wealthy wife named Isabelle to oversee the final decorating of a villa in Mexico.  Isabelle and her husband Oliver are on a retreat the far east. 

Liz resembles Isabelle so much, the hoity-toity residents mistake her for her employer, and she decides to run with the con (this was a lot of fluff that wasn't needed). But she learns Oliver and Isabelle's marriage is on the rocks, and when Oliver's estranged brother shows up looking for him, things go awry very quickly. 

As this is a murder mystery, I don't want to spoil too much. If you can get through all the added details in the beginning, the end is worth reading. 

All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. and do not reflect those of WHPS or WHHS.     

What in the World by Leanne Morgan

You've likely seen clips of comedian Leanne Morgan on social media.  The now 70s aged grandmother from Tennessee does stand up about motherhood, womanhood, aging, etc. Most of the clips I find, er, now found hilarious.  I wanted to see her live when her tour came to CT, but the dates didn't work out.  So naturally I pre-ordered her memoir.

I wish I hadn't.

I HATED this book.  And now I wouldn't spend a dime to see her live. 

I figured we'd get some insight into her life before comedy as a mom to 3, learn about her family, etc.  Which we do, and it's rather bleak.  In addition, what she makes as jokes on the stage (fighting over the thermostat, having another baby, moving for a spouse's job...) show her husband to be a jerk.  What I thought was exaggerated for the stage is actually under-portrayed.  He's a controlling and manipulative loser.  Once I had the money she does now, he'd be out on his behind.  He certainly wouldn't be driving a new truck, and he'd have zero say in how I spent my new found wealth.  Truth be told, I'd've ditched when I was poor.  Not worth it at all.  

All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. and do not reflect those of WHPS or WHHS.