Possessions become a huge part of who we are. I look around my home at some of the things I have collected and often wonder why I still have it. Sometimes it is because of the cost of the item. Other items I hang on to are for sentimental reasons. I would love to do a huge purge and whittle everything down to just the basics. Some Day! Some Day, I say! The author of this new book I was able to review tells a meaningful story of a woman who found the strength to do a big clean out… and learned some things along the way.
A Hundred Pieces of Me by Lucy Dillon
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0425276730
Synopsis: Reeling from her recent divorce, Gina Bellamy suddenly finds herself figuring out how to live on her own. Determined to make a fresh start—with her beloved rescue greyhound by her side—Gina knows drastic measures are in order.
First up: throwing away all her possessions except for the one hundred things that mean the most to her. But what items are worth saving? Letters from the only man she’s ever loved? A keepsake of the father she never knew? Or a blue glass vase that perfectly captures the light?
As she lets go of the past, Gina begins to come to terms with what has happened in her life and discovers that seizing the day is sometimes the only thing to do. And when one decides to do just that…magic happens.
My Thoughts: How many items do we hang on to because they are too hard to throw away or sell? But then we end up sticking it in a box and never seeing or using it again anyway. Sometimes struggling through life’s lessons, we can be confronted with all of the stuff we hang on to – good and bad. This book is a great reminder that there are other ways to create memories and enjoy what we have.
The author created a wonderful story that flows beautifully well. You are transported between different times in her life as Gina is looking at particular memories during her purge. Inspired by her clean slate of a new apartment and the fact that her “stuff” does not all fit, she tackles the reason for the items, what it meant to her and how she feels now. She vows to keep only 100 of the most meaningful items and in many cases it is a tough choice. I wonder if I could do that…
The authors style of writing and the format of the book is good. Even when you go back into her memories, it is only for a short portion of the chapter. You are then brought back to present day. The author looks at not only the memories of Gina’s stuff but also the heroine’s relationships with men, parents and BFF’s . It is a good mix of who she is and where she is going in her life. There is even a bit of romance in there too.
I enjoyed reading this story. Free flowing and a pretty easy read that makes it wonderful for a cool weekend when all you want to do is curl up in your jammies and read a great chick lit book!
Disclaimer: Chris received product for the purpose of review. Please read our Official Rules before entering this giveaway. We must receive all entries by the end date of the contest and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter. Two Classy Chics is not responsible for prize fulfillment. All Content on this site is Copyright of the Two Classy Chics All Rights Reserved.
I would like to read it because it sounds like an inspirational book.
The story sounds interesting.
I am an avid book reader so this giveaway fits me.
i would like to read this book because it sounds inspriational
The premise of this book sounds very similar to what several of my mother figures have gone through in the past few years. I’d like to read this to get some perspective. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
This book woyld be a great read! Itll have me thinking about the important things in life, what would i give up?
I’m a book lover, so I love reading all types of books.
This sounds like a great read and I find it hard to part with things.
I have a great attachment to things of the past, but I live in a really small place. Perhaps this would help me deal with tossing some of these items.
I want to read the work of Lucy Dillon!
This just sounds like the type of book I love. I read a lot of books and with the dog included it is even more appealing. I am try a dog lover and love inspirational stories.
It sounds like an interesting read.
I simply love to read and enjoy most types of fiction. This story sound great!
I am just recently divorced and I think that I would find this book interesting. It has been hard to part with items and I often find myself asking “is it really worth keeping”.
I’m not recently divorced, but I have been through similar situations where I had to make major changes to my like, and one of the things I always decided to keep was my dog and/or cat. When it was difficult to get through some days, I always knew my pets would welcome me home.
I would be interested in the book’s 100 things that you want to keep.
i can’t imagine throwing away everything except 10o things
I love reading inspirational books about people who have overcome their struggles. You also learn a few things about yourself too. Sounds like a great read!
I liked the 10/6 Facebook comment: Who loves ?#?zombies?? I do!!!
This book sounds interesting. Remember life doesn’t exist in a vacuum & we must let go/ get rid of “stuff” to let new things/experiences/people in.
This Book looks Interesting.
It sounds like it has some lessons I am struggling to learn myself.
Oh my gosh! At the beginning of this year, I announced to my husband that I could not keep living the life I was living. I will spare you all the details…but my battle with depression had taken it’s toll. Things had become complicated and I was soooo unhappy with my life. I decided that I needed to uncomplicated things and the best way to do that was to do what I called a purge. Of things, people , bad habits. And I have been going through the house and my life and ridding myself of that which that no longer serves a purpose. It is not an undertaking that will be completed soon, but that is okay. And for anyone that is wondering, yes, my husband is staying 🙂 I DO hope I win, but if I do not, I will get my hands on a copy of this book anyway.
I have a tendency to hold on to things. I am interested to see how the person in the book comes to grips with letting things go. Maybe it will inspire me :).
I like the book about picking up the pieces after a terrible thing happens.
I commented on this facebook post; Here is a sneak peek at some of the things coming up this week!
It seems like she has to make some new and big choices in her life, get rid of the past and look strongly to the future. I would like to read this and then pass it on to my daughter.
I think that the idea of keeping only the one hundred things that are most important to you is really telling about your personality and background. The story sounds compelling.
I am a book lover and avid reader of all things.
I would like to read it because of the subject matter. This is something I am working on….but I seem to be making a bigger mess!
I want to read this book because I am having to start over and I think reading this would really help me.
The review sounds like a great read. Inspirational and motivating.
It sounds like it has a nice story to it
I would love to read this book; I feel like I collect too many things; I would like to see the author’s perspective.
I would love to part with most of my things, really, and get down to what is important. Want to get another rescue pup too so would love to read this.
I like the idea of getting your life together. Finding out what really is important.