The Push - My Review and Thoughts

Wow! Just wow! I cried through chapters 44 and 81. I don't normally bawl when I read books. At least, I can't remember when it's happened before. I also can't recall the last time I read a book this quickly, cover to cover, without wanting to put it down. My first ever marathon when I was youngish was "Thorn Birds"...no crying, just non stop reading after having my wisdom teeth removed. 

I ordered the book "The Push"  by first time Canadian author Ashley Audrain many months ago. I was 12th in line on the library waiting list for what appeared to be a coveted title. I couldn't remember why I wanted to read it, probably a book review in the newspaper or a suggestion from a friend. It's not everyone's "cup of tea" as I learned while looking over some Amazon reviews. I quickly discovered, however, that it was mine.

I immediately appreciated the author's style of writing. It contained numerous short, staccato like sentences, as well as brief manageable chapters (in case you need to "finish" a chapter as I do rather than stopping mid plot before falling asleep). I checked the back flap, read about the author, saw that there were about 300 pages and 85 chapters. Can't tell you why I do this, another habit of mine.

Without going into great detail and ruining the plot, I just have to say, this is definitely a book more of female interest. It's a psychological drama that makes you think about genetics, environment, changing roles of women, and ambivalent feelings that many mothers face. Basically, the theme throughout is motherhood with its stresses and strains. The title "The Push" refers to a number of occurrences throughout the story. 

If someone were to ask me what the book's about, I'm not sure how I would answer except to say, "It's about a woman giving birth...a couple having children."

Sounds boring. It's not. 

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NOTE - I read someplace this  book is being made into a movie. I won't be seeing it. I made that mistake several times before in recent times. The Girl on the Train...good book, awful movie. Also, The Woman in the Window...loved it. The movie was chaotic and confusing. Characters were left totally undeveloped. I read "News of the World"...good book, but would never have imagined Tom Hanks as the title role. I usually find the casting disappointing and nothing like how I imagined the characters.