Books Tasted - Everything bookly (and a few other things)

I loved Lolly Winston's novel Good Grief, about a woman recovering from her husband's death. It was moving and felt real, and I've been watching the New Releases shelf at the library since then waiting for her next book.

Which finally came out! Happiness Sold Separately was published in June and I just read it from the library (hooray, libraries!). Happiness Sold Separately starts with Elinor learning that her husband Ted has been having an affair. Like in many marriages, the affair is more a symptom of rather than the cause of marital problems. Elinor and Ted have been trying to have a baby, unsuccessfully, for several years and it's put a serious strain on their relationship. The book explores their life and their issues as each tries to figure out what is best for their marriage and their partner.

I liked this book, although it seemed bleaker and less realistic that Good Grief. Isn't that kind of odd, that a book about a failing marriage is bleaker than a book about death and grieving? But that's how it is. Winston continues to show good introspection and avoid stereotypes as she delves into their thoughts and actions. There are a few "twists" to the plot that I could see coming from a mile away, but overall I liked this book. Don't pick it up thinking it's typical chick lit, though. It's definitely more thought-provoking and depressing than a quick throwaway book. Recommended, but Good Grief recommended more.