Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I know Maine, New York, and Oberlin, which added to my interest in reading this book. I enjoyed it and think it was an interesting viewpoint of a wandering disturbed man who would impulsively leave his two young children as well as his wife. The way the wife enabled her husband and her own confusion by this behavior of hers adds to the psychological appeal. It is a quick light read but certainly better written and edited than many a trashy novel, which this is not. But I imagine not that many men have or will read this so add me to the exceptions. The story is of course compelling (otherwise fairytale marriage felled by infidelity). Ms. Gillies' writing style is more of a chatty, loooong email correspondence. She breaks the primary "Show Don't Tell" rule by primarily "telling." Though when she does present scenes, they are to the point and interesting. But, all this said, I did sit and read it all in one sitting - with a great deal of skimming through the many paragraphs of diatribe, yammer narrative. So what Ms. Gillies does with great talent is keep the suspense and storyline throughout. She does not seem to unfairly portray her ex nor the mistress, but gives just the facts which certainly let's us (reader) decide on our own - difficult to find another side of the story of continuing a friendship (aka going after/fueling) an affection with a married man with 2 young kids. Honestly, I don't quite understand why this memoir has received the accolades it has. I read it hoping to gain some insight after having experienced my own betrayal. This book seems to be the best revenge and Ms. Gillies manages to do it with an almost slight of hand. Kudos.
What do You think about Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story (2009)?
Great little memoir - honest, sweet, sad. Looking forward to reading her next book.
—Veno
Unexpectedly good, considering the subject matter.
—Casey
