The Ten Year Nap

Book Bag Rating: Skip it

I was excited to read it since my daughter is 9 years old and I haven't worked in that many years. The story is about a group of women who have put their careers on hold for ten years to raise children. Ten years later they realize the kiddos don't need full-time care any more -- so now what?

One character, a lawyer, is star struck by another who works and seems to have an exciting life. Her story line follows this woman around while she herself resents having to rejoin the work force and practice her profession. Another is married to a man who takes a job because his "career" of puppetry is not paying off...yes puppets. (Spoiler alert--he ends up making it work!) The most pathetic moves to the burbs for her learning disabled child whom she doesn't seem like. I really disliked these woman and hope to God that I am not like any of them even though I've taken a 9 year nap...one that I'm not so ready to wake up from. I like being a stay at home mom, but heck that's me.

I disliked this book. The characters are whiny and pathetic. Only one of the women seems happy with her choices. The others seem to merely exist in some kid limbo dreaming about what could have been. Sure we all sacrifice for our kids but in my experience we do it willingly and without regret.

One of my friends said "I read it quickly because I kept thinking something has to happen and nothing ever really does." The author's style is to describe things ad nauseum. Some people enjoy that kind of detail. I do not. I can picture a child waking from sleep without being described the funky smells!

I found myself sympathizing with the children in the story which I'm sure was not the author's intent.