Watching Willow Watts by Talli RolandMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
We all know Talli Roland, right? Well, I finished her second novel over the weekend and just can't resist sharing my thoughts with you.
I received an advanced review copy of this at the perfect time. Right when I needed a good laugh and pick-me-up. Ultimately, this is a 'feel good' book. But woven into the intelligent narrative, dry humour, and moments worthy of good old a belly laugh, is a subtle melancholy. Of course, this melancholy is not prominent, and is often completely overridden by Roland's remarkable skill at bringing the funniest elements of a scene to the surface, but it's there--lingering in the background. And cleverly done so too.
There are moments in the book where you feel like you're at a big party, and all attention is on you, then someone says something insulting to you, that everyone else seems to think is funny. Of course, you try to save face by laughing along and pretending that the comment didn't hurt. But it did. Deep down. But you wouldn't dare let it show, would you? Because your reputation comes first, and if people knew how you felt inside, no one would like you anymore.
This book is ultimately about following dreams. But not dreams of success. Dreams of just being accepted for your plain old self. It really makes you realize that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be. And that happiness comes from being true to oneself.
Watching Willow Watts is a must-read. Because sometimes you can get a lot more than just entertainment out of chick-lit than one would typically think. Talli Roland is a talent to say the least. And I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Have you read Talli's first book, The Hating Game? If not, you're missing out. Seriously. I think you should before the second one comes out! Not long now ...
PS: I did yoga for the first time yesterday and I loved it! Anyone else do yoga regularly? What kind of benefits/results do you see?
PPS: Today is the last chance to win an advance copy of my debut String Bridge. All you gotta do is click HERE and leave a comment. Easy peasy.
Have a great day!
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Hey! I signed up for an advance copy of String Bridge. I also went to Amazaon and signed up for Watching Willow Watts. And I do yoga stretches everyday. They keep me limber. Very necessary when you have a younger lover. ;)
ReplyDeleteYAY! Thank you so much, lovely lady! I'm thrilled you got out of it exactly what I intended. :)
ReplyDeleteEm, thanks loads!
I loved The Hating Game and can't wait to read Watching Willow- hell ya there's more to chick lit than fun and games! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI read an ARC of The Hating Game, and loved it. I don't read straight romance, but I enjoy a good Rom Com. I thought The Hating Game was up there with Bridget Jones's Diary. I'm looking forward to reading Watching Willow Watts.
Hi Jessica and Talli - definitely sounds like a winner .. great review .. first The Hating Game is awaiting & String Bridge to buy .. and no I've never done yoga ..
ReplyDeleteCheers for now .. Hilary
Great review! I'll look out for this book. (Hi Talli! *waves*)
ReplyDeleteAnd I do yoga most days. I didn't realise you could get a younger lover, though! Must watch out for him, too.
Wow! Great review! I'll have to read it now!
ReplyDeleteI started yoga about a month ago. It kicked my butt. I won't lie. ;)
Watching Willow Watts sounds great. Will add to my ever-growing tbr pile.
ReplyDeleteYoga is phenomonal. The more you do the more you'll want to do!
Thanks, everyone, for the wonderfully kind comments. A big thanks to Jess again for reviewing my novel.
ReplyDeleteAnd hi Sue! Good to see you here! :)
Good for Talli!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until her book comes out, I plan to buy it.
ReplyDeletecan't WAIT to read this book. It looks fantastic. I used to do yoga pretty regularly and then stopped for whatever reason. It makes you super flexible...
ReplyDeletePilates is related but different, more challenging strength-wise. You might graduate~ :D <3