‘Early Morning Riser’ Is a Perfect Beach Read
Bittersweet, funny and comforting
I started reading this book after seeing it mentioned in national bestsellers and in recommendations for authors. Eventually, I couldn’t disagree that authors should read this one. It is unputdownable even if it is not a fast-paced book.
In fact, 150–200 more pages would have made me happier. Yes, that’s how comforting Katherine Heiny’s writing style is in Early Morning Riser. It’s not a thriller, intense romance or dystopia, but simply the portrayal of the lives of the main characters Jane, Duncan and Jimmy. Indeed, it feels like you are reading a part of your lives through them.
The author described Jane’s insecurities about work, love, money, life, children, mother, and everything else exactly as how we feel in our daily lives.
For example, I could see myself in Jane’s place when she realized her neighbor or friend was better at cooking. In addition, I sighed when she tried to find faults in herself to conclude a mismatch with her and her lovers.
These descriptions are bittersweet, humorous and relatable at the same time making it an endearing read.
The book presented the portrayal of Jane’s life from 2002 to 2019. She lived in Boyne City, had an affair with Duncan, who had slept with almost every lady in town (Boyne City was a small place and everyone knew each other). When she was trying to find her happiness in a relationship, life and friends, an incident happened that completely transformed her life. She started living with guilt and tried to do everything she could to compensate for a small decision she made that changed the course of her, Jimmy and Duncans’ lives.
It moves further with her constant efforts to have that perfect relationship and life, and will the end show whether Jane will comprehend the meaning of true happiness in life?
I enjoyed the author’s writing style, as I could see everything right in front of my eyes.
For example,
“She had been in such a hurry that she had slammed the car door shut on one corner of the full skirt of her dress, and it fluttered in vain, like a handkerchief waved by a departing train.”
When I read this, my eyes grew big and my lips widened. I whispered inwardly, “Yes, I have seen that.” This book is full of giving you moments like that.
Besides, the section that I liked the most was when she described Jane’s feelings, thoughts, fears and happiness during her pregnancy. It was an eye-opener, and it felt like I could feel Jane’s pain and happiness at the same time, that’s how powerful her descriptions were.
I will read her other books, for sure.
When it may be trickier to read this book:
1)If you haven’t read many books, you may need to take some time, read other books, and then pick this one up.
2) If you have a deadline that you need to meet by reading, then I wouldn’t recommend picking up this book due to the reading time required.
3) If you are a hardcore mystery lover or intense romance fan, it may not be the best option for you.
Who I would recommend this book to:
1)If you are on a vacation and want peace in the world with sun and sand around you, or in the mountains with a chilly breeze, tea and snacks, then this is the book for you.
2) If you are a writer and going through writer’s block, then pick up this book and it will give you tips on how to move your story forward.
3) If you are a book reviewer, read this book to see how wonderful descriptions can be.
Happy Reading!!
Check the book here.
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