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Book Report: Truly Madly Guilty

January 19, 2017 by Cassie 10 Comments

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Hi guys!  I am back with another book review for you.  I’ve been a fan of Liane Moriarty ever since I was introduced to her through Big Little Lies a couple of years ago. (You can catch my review of that here).  Because I enjoyed that one so much, I have also read The Husband’s Secret, The Hypnotist’s Love Story, and Three Wishes; I’m hoping to read What Alice Forgot and The Last Anniversary soon, too.  Basically, I am a fan.  I love Moriarty’s wit and easy conversational writing style, and I love that within each book, we see many different character’s points of view.  When I came across one of hers I had not read at the library a couple of weeks ago, I snatched it up and read it quickly.  Today I am sharing my thoughts on it in my book report: Truly Madly Guilty.

Book report: Truly Madly GuiltyPinOut of all of the Moriarty novels I have read, this one is my least favorite.  That being said, she set the bar high for me with all of the others and this one just didn’t have the same pull.  The story revolves around 3 couples and a barbecue.  Erika and Oliver are the childless, uptight, Type A, responsible couple.  Their friends Clementine, a cellist, and Sam, are the more care-free creative couple, with two little girls.  They appear to have a relatively normal married life.  Erika and Oliver’s neighbors, Vid and Tiffany are a little older, with a tween daughter, in addition to Vid’s grown daughters from a previous marriage. They’re the life of the party, always up for socializing.  Vid and Tiffany invite Erika and Oliver to an afternoon barbecue, which results in Clementine and Sam coming as well.  In the first 3/4 of the book, we read backgrounds, learn a little more about the less than domestic bliss happening in the homes, and we hear all about something that happened at the barbecue.  3/4 of the book!!!!  There is just so much build up to the events of the barbecue that the novel is written around, and honestly, what actually occurred was just not as exciting as I thought it would be.  I kept pushing through waiting for this big thing, and it was like…. “womp womp.”  The storyline was disappointing.  That being said, the book was written in Moriarty’s humorous and casual style that I enjoy.  If you’ve already read much of Liane Moriarty’s books, then you might want to give this one a try.  However, if you have never read a novel of hers, I suggest you don’t start with this one because you’re sure to never pick up another again.  And then you’d be missing out.

For the record, I really dislike writing harsh or negative reviews, but I want to be honest with you and don’t want you wasting your time on something you’re not going to love.  Life is too short for that!

I’m already onto the next book, The Girls, by Emma Cline. I had heard a lot of buzz about this one, so felt like I should give it a whirl; it’s a novel about a girl in a cult in the 60’s.  I’ll be sure to share my thoughts on it in a week or two. Have you read Truly Madly Deeply?  Any other books you’re reading that are simply a must?  Spill!

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Comments

  1. [email protected] says

    January 19, 2017 at 8:23 am

    Oh my, I still haven’t read the red queen. I need to really start reading again.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 19, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      you really will love the red queen. i couldn’t get into the sequel, but that’s just the way sometimes.

      Reply
  2. Shell says

    January 19, 2017 at 8:58 am

    I agree with you 100%. This was my least favourite novel of her’s by far. I did enjoy What Alice Forgot; hope you do too : )

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 19, 2017 at 6:57 pm

      my mom said she thinks she might have it and is going to check! can’t wait to get my hands on it!

      Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    January 19, 2017 at 8:58 am

    Good to know. I have heard similar things from everyone who has read this book. I have loved her other books though. Too bad….

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 19, 2017 at 6:56 pm

      i know, it really was too bad. i had high hopes despite what i’d heard.

      Reply
  4. Ellen Shook says

    January 19, 2017 at 10:52 am

    I read it, didn’t like that literary device either — in fact in drove me insane! We talked about it at book club, and I think some of them didn’t bother to finish it. LM is one is my favorite writers, and maybe she was just trying something new?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 19, 2017 at 6:56 pm

      YES! it was like… enough already! what happened! just get to it!

      Reply
  5. Tricia @ Suburban B's says

    January 19, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    Totally on board with your assessment – my least favorite but I do love her writing. I found Jojo Moyes to be in the same style and enjoy her too for a quick entertaining read. Currently reading The Rosie Project and am loving it. Have you read that one? Let me know what you think of The Girls. Just haven’t been able to get myself to pick that one up.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 19, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      it’s intriguing but i wouldn’t say a great book… i am reading though because i find it interesting. i haven’t heard of the rosie project so now i need to check it out!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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