When it comes to BIG birthdays, I can understand hyperventilating and going a bit koo-koo now and then…. Not that I ever did anything like that – LOL It is a lot to take in. Growing older; the ticking clock; kids are growing up; have I done things I wanted to; am I really happy with my life? I had a chance to review a lovely novel about a women facing one of her BIG Birthdays and I know you will enjoy this one!
Happy Any Day Now
by Toby Devens
Pub Date: August 6, 2013
NAL, Accent
ISBN: 978-0-451-41898-2
Judith Soo Jin Raphael was going to be turning 50! Every five years her Korean mother had her fortune read by Lulu Cho, owner of the Golden Lotus Massage Club for Men. Now mom has convinced Judith to get hers read too and Lulu predicted one interesting and crazy future. But Judith does not know if she really believes in this crazy fortune stuff. Really?
Judith Soo Jin Raphael had her life shaped by her hardworking, immigrant mother and her father who left them when Judith was just a young girl. She struggled fit in as a half-Korean, half-Jewish kid in the tough urban neighborhoods her and her mother had to live in. Thankfully, music lessons gave her a purpose and passion and helped shape her adult life. Now, as THAT birthday nears, she has a career as a cellist with the Maryland Philharmonic, an enthusiastic but uncommitted lover, a fun, lesbian neighbor who tells it like it is, and a quirky but close relationship with her mother.
It is all wonderful, until Judith’s first true love shows up in her life again and she finds herself falling for his dazzling charm, even though he had dumped her 25 years prior because her blood was not blue enough for his mother. To make matters worse, Judith’s father shows up and is charming her mother right off her feet again. Judith cannot even bear to look at him for his past betrayals and her mother is love struck all over. Then her mentor and friend at the orchestra falls ill and she has the opportunity for advancement, but stage fright and anxiety are rearing their ugly head.
With all of this pressure, her best friend, decides she really need a big birthday bash. No wonder Judith thinks she is losing it. Facing a tough decision with work, romance and her parents, Judith needs to seriously find peace and love. But can she find it through all of the chaos?
My Thoughts:
I think my toughest birthday was 30. I was not married and was having major issues about that. It took about 3 weeks for the funk to finally lift and embrace my life as it was. I loved being single and enjoyed many more years of single life until I met my hubby and decided to give it up. Judith has one crazy life. With the stress at work and in the romance department, that in itself will throw you a ringer. Then when her father comes back in the picture after 40+ years, it can be too much to handle! Poor Judith! I can relate, girl!
This novel is a great read! I love the humor that the author invokes into the story line. This poor girl is stressed out and her mother is insistent that it is all in the fortune. Her mom is a funny woman and right on when it comes to the advice she gives her daughter. But Judith has too much going on to see the tree instead of the forest.
I love the Korean and Jewish heritage twist in this book. It is a unique blend that the author does a great job in sharing with you and it really make Judith WHO she is; unsure and vulnerable. And really, who would have Jewish and Korean food in the same meal?
This book is a great story that has Judith wound up about everything in her life. Old boyfriends, hurt feelings, new men, parent issues, work and so much more. The story is beautifully written and the characters are well developed. You find yourself involved in the story and cheering on Judith as she deals with stresses. In the end, thankfully all is right with the world.
If you love to read, this is a great storyline that will keep you involved and enjoying this book to the very last page. It is a fun, witty and definitely a page turner!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Wow! Sounds like Judith is in for a lot of changes….Poor girl! Aren’t best friends great though to step in a throw you a big bash. It’s great when people are just there for you. I’m interested in reading about the two cultures and how your heritage really plays a part in who you are. Thanks for sharing your story. I am going to show it to my daughter. She is unmarried, about to be 32, having big health issues, and recently had a separation from her best friend. I’m glad that you found peace and happiness in being single, and I hope it will help her too. Thanks again.
This book does sound like a fun read with all the twists and turns in the story and the mixed-up heritage and background of Judith herself.