My take on: It's a Waverly Life

Waverly Bryson needs to grow up. No she is not a real person, but she is the main character of It's A Waverly Life by Maria Murnane. This is the second time around for this character. I didn't read the first book, Perfect on Paper, but I don't think that matters.

After a failed engagement and a career change, things are looking up for Waverly. She has a dating advice column and a greeting card business. She's also started dating the handsome Jake McIntyre, a physical therapist for the Atlanta Hawks. The relationship isn't perfect with Waverly living in San Francisco and Jake in Atlanta. She likes Jake, but she is afraid to let him into her inner circle. That job belongs to her two best friends Andie and McKenna. They know everything about Waverly. They can knock back a few cocktails and gossip about their relationships. Their friendship brought me back to the days of Sex and the City. Waverly is the writer (a la Carrie Bradshaw), McKenna is married and pregnant (paging Charlotte York), and Andie moves from relationship to relationship (a watered down version of Samantha Jones).

Every time Jake gets too close, Waverly just freezes. She's too afraid to get hurt. Waverly can tell men and women how to overcome their dating disasters, but can't follow her own advice.

"It was amazing how inarticulate I could be at times, given that I was being paid to use...words." (Pg. 57)

Her relationship with Jake is always filled with awkward silences, missed phone calls, and e-mails. All the while I'm thinking, "You idiot!!" Many women would love to be in her position. Friends, a man who is actually interested in you, and a fun career. Things like that don't just fall off trees. I kept thinking how many ways can you keep sabotaging this relationship? She has a pregnancy scare, but does she tell Jake right away? No. I can understand somewhat. Why speak until you're sure? But if you're so scared about the future, why not tell him? At the time, even Jake was going through some personal problems. Wouldn't it be good for your relationship if you could comfort him face-to-face. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to talk to? But Waverly is afraid to have deep conversations with Jake. Once the small talk is done, what else can Waverly say?

I wasn't sure if this book was trying to be chick-lit? Funny beach read? Or something deeper. There are the light-hearted moments with her friends, but then Waverly is constantly struggling with her confidence. I also thought she was afraid to grow up. It takes a while to get there, but Waverly does take control of her life. There is hope for her future.

Rating: Give it a try


Note: I received a copy of the book from the author's publicist (Little Bird Publicity) in exchange for an honest review.