In Her Shoes: Read This Book & Why You’ll Want To

This book review for In Her Shoes started with its film adaptation. I’ve been meaning to read this book for years after falling in love with the movie long ago. Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette starred as the main characters, a pair of personality clashing sisters, Maggie and Rose.

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Therefore, when I came across a copy at a second-hand shop, a little dog-eared and rough around the edges — like most meaningful relationships are — I saw it as a sign and snapped it up at once.

I WASN’T DISAPPOINTED

In Her Shoes is a fictional family drama by Jennifer Weiner set in Philadelphia. It follows the strong, volatile relationship between two sisters as they navigate their lives and try to come to grips with their past, present, and future.

Other than their shoe size, the women are polar opposites; Rose the somewhat mousy over-achiever, and Maggie the femme fatale under-achiever. They pull and push on each other like only sisters can; each equipped with all the answers to solve the other sister’s problems.

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

As they argue, harangue, and push each other away, they realize truths long ago buried about themselves, their family, and each other.

The secondary cast of characters provides enough comic relief to balance the drama. This includes a couple of cool book boyfriends and offbeat residents in “a retirement community for active seniors.”

As you can imagine, the story arcs go much deeper than the movie, revealing frailties and triumphs not expressed in the film.

DIFFERENCES & DISCOVERIES

I must include in this book review that In Her Shoes pulls on delicate heartstrings, reminding me of my own sister and our crazy, loud, impetuous, but incredibly loving relationship. It reminded me of some seriously ugly fights, but also the make-ups, and how as we matured the fights lessened but the love prevailed.

The story also showcases the importance of extended family members, grandmothers to be exact, and the crucial role they play in our lives.

To top it all off, I cried…and by cried, I mean sobbed. It came all out of left field, completely unexpected and I'm not usually a crier. But there I was, moved to tears, which for me is an indicator of a great story. Share on X

I should add that overall I could’ve used a little more roller-coaster in the story. The pace seemed slow. But that’s only my opinion and in family dramas, in life for that matter, what carries us through is rarely dramatic.

It’s often seemingly inconsequential discoveries that change our perspective over time = growth. Much later, in hindsight, we’re able to see them for their greatness = wisdom.

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In Her Shoes would be a great addition to the following book club themes:

• Sisters Only Book Club
• Read it & See it Book Club (read the book and watch the movie)
• Food & Fiction Book Club
• Summer Reading Book Club
• Female Authors Book Club

At the very least, curl up with it all by yourself and enjoy it like I did.

If you’ve also read In Her Shoes, what are your thoughts on the story?
Do you recommend any of Jennifer Weiner’s other titles?
Please feel free to share your comments below!
If you liked this post, I’d surely appreciate a share on Pinterest or FB, thanks!

Happy Reading and Be Well!

Cynthia
385Life
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