Confession: I’m not usually drawn to books that are adapted for television shows, even if I haven’t watched the show. I think this is because I love imagining in my head and deciding for myself what the characters look like, and once I’ve seen even just the trailer for a show, that’s been tainted.
BUT, I gave this book a chance because I love Reese Witherspoon and Kerri Washington, and I’m down with characters represented by those stunning ladies.
The plot was interesting enough for me to blow through this book in just a few days. It’s centered on the Richardson family and their foil, the Warrens.
Elena Richardson has lived in the idyllic community of Shaker Heights nearly all her life and comes from a long line of SH residents. She is the epitome of the established woman with the “perfect” home, family, and career life-balance most strive for.
Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl, on the other hand, have grown no roots. Self-proclaimed nomads, they pick up and move on at Mia’s whim. One their moves takes them to the Richardson’s rental home, where they become tenants.
As the paths of these two ladies cross, things that once seemed settled and sure now become disturbed, leading to significant domino effects.
I think my favorite part of this book is how Ng establishes the dichotomy between black-and-white thinking vs. living in the “gray” areas. There’s one sub-plot in particular that had me truly questioning what I would do were I in these characters’ shoes.
While a couple of plot points seemed unrealistic/forced, overall I really enjoyed this read and would recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5