I actually started this book on 12/12 it was not read all in one sitting. That being said, this book started out like gangbusters for me. The idea was clever and the writing spectacular...such great dialogue between Wynn (such a GREAT TITLE for this book) and Oliver as they wound their way to each other. The family dynamic, the humor with Wynn's sisters and parent, the unrest that Wynn felt at being a failure to thrive, so to speak, and the ultimate discovery that led Wynn on a journey that changed her life....all of those elements were very nicely laid out for the reader. The trip to the KY moonshine still was not only hilarious (I laughed OUT LOUD at 'he's got the catherax') but also poignant with both Eby's frailty and strength....plus the actual trek into the woods to see the old still, long since in ruin, was masterfully done. having gone to undergrad school in Louisville, the area was familiar to me and therefore more alive.The book began to lose steam for me with the diary (or 'dairy'). A neat way to tell the story of the woman who Wynn wanted to understand, I would liked to have had a bit more intervention between the pages of the diary and Wynn's thoughts. In addition, I kept getting confused as to who was who (or whom)...with four generations being discussed and dealt with, I often had to go back and trace them to make sure I was getting it.I am grateful to Ms Hemmer for her ending although I do wish we'd had more of Wynn and Oliver at the end. It seemed that the meat of the book was the discovery, diary and resolution of an issue thought dead and that's true. But also the meat of the book was Oliver, his own journey, discovery and resolution of self. I felt he got short shrift as did their meeting in Europe...which was completely predictable. As most of you who read my reviews know, I am a visceral reader and respond with how the writing, story, and characters make me feel. This books is a solid 4...not the best book I've ever read but certainly took me on a fun journey with witty repartee, lovely dialogue and clever plot. In my reaction, I never felt like I knew Wynn (other than poor me Wynn) and certainly not Oliver. This is no way will prevent me from reading Ms Hemmer again as her gift for dialogue is very present. This book deserves 4.5 stars! I'm not much of a chick lit type of person but I came across this one and was pretty intrigued. And then I read what inspired the author to write the story and I had to continue on. Now, don't get me wrong it was a rocky start for me because i couldn't connect to Wynn much at all. For her to be in her late 20's she behaved like a pre-teen or young teenager and it made me cringe to see how she was going to mess something up. But finally when she began on her adventure with Oliver she seemed to calm down and things developed nicely between the two. I definitely enjoyed being along on the adventure with them and I certainly couldn't wait to find out about Lola and Michael's story. I truly felt like I knew these people as we went along and rooted for them. It was a great book to read because I felt if flowed so well, some things were sad, some things were happy, but that is life and sometimes we have to make choices for ourselves. I'm so glad Wynn made the choice she did even though my heart cracked a little at the time, but all works out in the end. Thank goodness!!! Wonderful book!!
What do You think about Wynn In Doubt (2014)?
Loved! I devoured this book! Great story and flawless writing!
—michaelmc333
