Love and Other Impossible Pursuits Paperback – January 9, 2007

If you read the reviews here, it is pretty easy to figure out who truly appreciates Ayelet Waldman's writing and who has a vendetta against her (the reasons are elaborated below). I am updating this review since the book is now the basis of a movie "The Other Woman" starring the talented actress Natalie Portman (as of this writing she has gotten buzz for her role in "The Black Swan" and promises to bring equal passion to "The Other Woman") I discovered one of Waldman's mystery books years ago, one set in suburbia with a heroine who managed to set things right in spite of dealing with all the usual distractions of parenting, from car pools to household disasters. I liked the book a great deal as well as the author's writing. I knew very little about the author but I did receive a nice letter from her after I wrote a glowing review of her mysteries. At the time, I had no idea Waldman was about to be at the center of a controversy, especially after she spilled her guts on her website, "Bad Mommy", writing about suicidal feelings, abortions and other issues which made some parents attack her viciously. You may still be able to see some of her posts at that site, although I believe she is about to end that blog and move on to writing for Salon, the online magazine. At this point in time, she may have moved on to other pursuits. Controversy aside, I DID like this new book (Love and Other Impossible Pursuits). Many readers may not find the idea of a mistress who steals another woman's husband to be to their liking but it is to Waldman's credit that she doesn't turn away from the messier aspects of life or from presenting characters who are less than noble. Parenthood also is seen as both challenging and, at times, absolutely horrendous. I can relate to that. I love being a parent but have days when I fall into bed absolutely exhausted, glad the day has ended. Thankfully, those days are in the minority. But anyone who writes about parenthood or any relationship (marriage, dealing with older parents...take your pick) and leaves out the bumps in the road isn't the kind of writer I find believable. Anyway, I urge you to stick with this book because you won't be able to predict where it is going and you'll get much out of learning how the main character evolves...and evolve she does. I actually found myself drawn to her....or, at least, somewhat sympathetic for a person who suffered that much. Now, HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THE OTHER REVIEWS and why some of them may not have given her a fair shake: As noted above, Waldman has been the center of some controversy due to her "Bad Mommy" blog, a place where she actually writes openly about subjects which set some parents on edge, even to the point of hatred.Some are quite sanctimonious and judgmental, even though I have a feeling more than a few of them have some painful secrets of their own, ones they aren't so willing to share. Many people do. Waldman was also a regular visitor to UrbanBaby, something that won't be a secret once you start reading Love and Other Impossible Pursuits, since it is mentioned in the book quite a few times. She is hardly a rabid fan of the site and she passes judgment on some of the other parents there. Fans of UrbanBaby may take offense from this. Because of this, I caution readers to give this book a fair shake. Waldman is a good writer and she strives for integrity and honesty. Love this book or hate it but do so because of the book itself, the writing and whether it truly engages you. Separate that from how you may feel about Waldman herself. To do anything less is to be unfair to the work itself and to the world created there.

I saw the movie version of this story first. The movie starred Natalie Portman as the second wife. Lisa Kudrow as 'Carolyn'. Of course the parts when the Natalie Portman character gets fat was NOT in the movie,☺️ The movie was briefer as was necessary... We don't want our movies to be too long! As far as the book being WAY better. As many a reader would suspect .... It was better in some way not WAY better though. Hard to beat watching Natalie Portman and Lisa Kudrow star in a film. It was interesting seeing Lisa Kudrow playing it straight as an elite Manhattan neurotic.... Oh, the character actor who plays William is PERFECT.... he is just how he is described in the book. Overall this is not a a bad read at all maybe watch the movie after. The film is the perfect visual enhancement to the book... If enjoyed in the correct order.... Had I KNOWN there is a book version... I would have read that first 😃.

Love and Other Impossible Pursuits is a novel I wish I had loved. I have deep respect for the author, for being brave and controversial, for voicing her own view on parenting/step-parenting in a culture that sadly is still so hypocritical when it comes to these topics. I also appreciate a story written from a flawed character's point of view. Not because Emilia Greenleaf is the proverbial "other woman", but because she is a genuinely selfish, immature young woman in search of the perfect fairy tale scenario, and obviously set up for failure. I see a lot of negative criticism here for Ms. Waldman's depiction of a terribly unlikable character and her abuse of cliches. Well, this isn't a fairy tale novel, I must warn you, but the characters are very close to reality, one that may be even easy to relate if you look close enough.My only problem with the story, however - and I hate to say this, Ms.Waldman - is the writing. Some of it. I am no writer myself, and I don't expect the wife of a Pullitzer prize winner (which is the case of Ms. Waldman) to write brilliantly like one either, but let's just say the author could benefit from the use of a good proof-reader/editor. Her style although pretentious at times (which I can forgive for she has big shoes to fit) is equally gripping and captivating. I thought the narrative was interesting, especially the clever use of flashbacks. I enjoyed reading a story where the main character (and narrator) is so close to becoming the antagonist. For those who were outraged and annoyed by some of the characters, those feelings were only possible because the author was able to develop that in writing.But please, Ms. Waldman, please, proof-read your future published works. Something as simple as making sure one of the main character's names is spelled correctly on the very last sentence of your novel. Thank you.

This book is well-written and in places quite funny. The main character, a woman who struggles with being a stepmother and who just lost her infant daughter to SIDS, is by turns sympathetic, then annoyingly self-absorbed. And I wanted to beat her husband with a Clue Bat because he had ridiculously unrealistic expectations of his wife in a difficult and painful situation. But the characterization makes for a stew of angst and drama, hence my quick turning of pages to see what would happen next.My favorite character is William, the precocious and smart-alecky stepson. To my mind, William is the star of this story.

I love any books about New York. The tribulations Emilia Greenleaf faces are heartbreaking and endearing. I hear there's a movie out and found it on imdb but I can't find a copy of it anywhere. READ if you can.

A very moving account of a young woman's tentative and precarious relationship with her young stepson; made more difficult by the loss of her own newly born baby. It is insightful and understanding of fallible human beings; beautifully and sensitively written,combining poignancy with humour. I laughed and cried throughout.Every stepparent or prospective stepparent would gain from reading it.

Wonderful book

Ordered this book after seeing the film and have found that I made a good choice as the book is soo much better!

A beautiful, interesting story, a good cry and a good laugh at times.