Playing House Review and Giveaway

Playing House by Fredrica Wagman From the FSB Publisher: When Playing House appeared in 1973, Publishers Weekly hailed it, "A probing descent into madness that will fascinate the same audience that appreciated I Never Promised You a Rose Garden." This nationally bestselling story of one woman’s struggle with the lasting effects of a childhood sexual relationship with her brother shocked American readers; it remains a literary work of enduring quality and value. In his foreword Philip Roth writes, "The traumatized child; the institutionalized wife; the haunting desire; the ghastly business of getting through the day -- what is striking about Wagman's treatment of these contemporary motifs is the voice of longing in which the heroine shamelessly confesses to the incestuous need that is at once her undoing and her only hope." This story struck me fast and hard. It left my heart aching for these young children who were left on their own to play house. It saddened me to see how the parents over looked what was happening with their children. I had full empathy for the child narrator. I carried that all the way to the end of the book. She had to deal with adult issues and situations when she should have been living her childhood. That is enough to make anyone have mental issues. I can see where someone would think she was crazy because of the repetition of her thoughts and events. This really drove home that she was a victim of childhood incest and abuse and that her wanting to play house was not something normal. She never knew any different. I admire her strength and desire to keep going. A story on such a topic with these strong descriptions has to come from someone who has deep ties to this subject with first hand knowledge. The author did her work and made the characters very real. There is so much more I want to tell you about this book but I really want you to read it for yourself. After you read it feel free to come back here and post your thoughts. I would love to discuss it with you. The book includes A Reader's Guide! I love books with a reader guide! The author, Fredrica Wagman, is the author of five novels, including His Secret Little Wife and The Lie!. She has four grown children and lives with her husband in New York City. Check out my review of The Lie! Thanks to Julie at FSB for allowing me to review and offer 2 copies of this book for a giveaway. I really hope that you will enter to win this book. If you don't win please buy it. It is a heart wrenching, passionate story that you won't want to miss. *************************************** 2 winner will get a copy of Playing House To enter visit FSB Media and tell me another book that you would like to read from there. Make sure you leave your email addy. Extra entries if you subscribe to my blog, tell me your favorite author, tweet the giveaway at least once a day, tell me what you are reading now and/or follow me on twitter as @susieqtpies. One entry given for each comment you make! Do all or none! Thanks! Giveaway for U.S. readers only. Ends October 10th.

The Lie: A Novel Book Review

The Lie is about a woman's quest for authenticity in a world of lies, brutality, and pretend.

By Fredrica Wagman
Published by Zoland Books
April 2009;$14.95US/$16.95CAN; 978-1-58642-157-1

From FSB Associates:

Ramona Smollens has a chance meeting on a park bench with an older man, Solomon Columbus. The two became lovers, and soon Ramona is leaving the home of her mother and recently deceased father for marriage and the trappings of adult life. She takes with her a dark family secret, the sort of secret one simply did not talk about, one that would stalk her as she matured into her role as wife and mother. Coming of age in 1950s America, Ramona gets her cues about a woman's role from the world around her, and about female sexuality from the silver screen. But when experience teaches her that Hollywood's ideal is in fact "the lie," truth and desire collide with a force that is deeply moving and unforgettable.

Author Bio
Fredrica Wagman is the author of six previous novels. They are Playing House; Magic Man, Magic Man; Peachy; and Mrs. Hornstein and His Secret Little Wife. She has four grown children and lives with her husband in New York City. For more information please visit www.fredricawagman.com

My take on the book:
This little book of 224 pages had many hidden treats and treasure. How appropriate today to read such a book where we all seem to be hanging on to every word, every style, every action the "Hollywood" types do and say! Ramona, who was coming of age in the 50s did exactly the same thing with Rita Hayworth! I wonder if the stars really want us to worship them? Are we to only worship their public appearances or is it ok to dig in head first and be in their daily life at home behind closed doors? Some times I don't think they "get it". They want privacy yet they flaunt their stuff for all to see at their choosing.
I love Ramona! You will know her when you read this book. She will be someone you recognize. It might be you! So what is The Lie? Is it Ramona's Lie? I would love to tell you but I don't want to ruin the book for you. You have to get to at least page 198 to begin to really realize what it is all about!

Thanks to FSB Associates for the review copy!