Review: I Liked My Life
By: Abby Fabiaschi
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I judge books by their cover (who doesn’t?). I really enjoy the cover on I Liked My Life. The contrasting red and yellows are evened out by the subtle tone of the green and white background. I like the juxtaposition of the upside-down woman and the right side up flowers.
I Liked My Life starts after mother and wife, Madeline, commits suicide. Her husband, Brady, and daughter, Eve, are reeling after the sudden, unexpected loss. Both are realizing how much Madeline did for the family and how little they appreciated her. Madeline looks on as a ghost and tries to guide her family through subconscious suggestions. I was engaged by the first sentence: “I found the perfect wife for my husband.” Madeline’s goal is to find a new wife for Brady and a female role model for Eve. Which didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. If Madeline took her life because she couldn't deal with the lack of respect from her family, then why does she want to inflict that on another woman? Why wouldn't she spend her energies in trying to show them their mistakes and helping them be better people? The first third of the Brady chapters were Brady making all these “startling” realizations of how much he took Madeline for granted. And he's realizing that he's been a crappy dad. I was frustrated with Brady because he keeps making these realizations but what's he going to do about it? But I enjoyed the story, it had a great message and filled with poignant tidbits, urging us to love wholly and appreciate fully those in our lives. I liked Madeline; she's the mother I want to be. She's authentic, thoughtful, and loving.
