I liked this story of a woman who left her husband and home in New Jersey to move on her own to Pawley's Island. She made new friends and discovered a new career (journalism) while caring for a terminally ill woman who provided her a free apartment at her beach front home in return for her services. During this time, her husband also changed and discovered that he did not want to travel and work all the time and move frequently as he had done before his wife left him. She had an affair and also found a new interest in monitoring loggerhead turtles nesting, laying eggs, and hatching their babies. The book had a satisfactory ending. I have had this book sitting on my shelf for a few years now from a win and just got around to reading it. I've mentioned several times before that I enjoy reading about women who have changed their lives and realize how important they actually are. Joanna is in her 40's, her two children are on their own in different states, and her husband is always gone- traveling with his job. He just got a promotion and tells her they will be moving once again. She doesn't want to move, feeling like that is her home finally. The next day, she packs up and heads to South Carolina. A place she visited once a long time ago. She has no idea what she will do or how long she will be there, but knows she needs to get away.After taking a live-in position for a widow, Joanna tries to settle in and find purpose in her life. Getting along with Grace isn't always easy and leaves Joanna with a lot of free time, so she gets a part-time job waitressing. Not only does this open her up, but encourages her to try new things. Grace is renting the house for reasons she doesn't want to tell anyone, but knows that eventually she will have to tell Joanna. Along the way, she takes up painting again- something she gave up after having children. And finally, Paul loses his job after Joanna leaves. He thinks she is being immature and selfish, but after weeks alone, he realizes that he may have been the one that was selfish. He begins gardening and using his father's woodworking tools, which makes him happy for the first time in years
What do You think about El Verano De Mi Vida (2011)?
I really enjoyed this book and enjoyed Joanna's Journey.
—Danielle
I loved this book - could not put it down.
—FridaAlonso
