Book Review: In Her Shoes

I’ve been meaning to read In Her Shoes for quite some time, after falling in love with the film adaptation many years ago.

In the movie, Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette star as dual protagonists: a pair of personality-clashing sisters, Maggie and Rose. I, too, am part of a sisterly duo—at once very different and yet very much the same as my sibling—and so, I related wholeheartedly.

Therefore, when I came across the book at a secondhand shop—dog-eared and rough around the edges, like most meaningful relationships—I saw it as a sign and snapped it up at once.

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The Book Did Not Disappoint

In Her Shoes is a fictional family drama by Jennifer Weiner set in Philadelphia. It follows the strong, volatile relationship between two sisters as they navigate their lives and try to come to grips with their past, present, and future.

Other than their shoe size, the women are polar opposites: Rose, the somewhat mousy overachiever, and Maggie, the femme fatale underachiever. They pull and push on each other like only sisters can; each equipped with all the answers to solve the other sister’s problems, while forgetting an indelible truth…

Family is Everything

As they argue, harangue, and push each other away, they realize truths long ago buried about themselves, their family, and each other.

The secondary cast of characters provides enough comic relief to balance the drama. This includes a couple of cool book boyfriends and offbeat residents in “a retirement community for active seniors.”

As you can imagine, the story arcs go much deeper than the movie, revealing frailties and triumphs not expressed in the film.

Differences & Discoveries

I must include in this book review that In Her Shoes pulls on delicate heartstrings, reminding me of my own sister and our crazy, loud, impetuous, but incredibly loving relationship. I recalled some seriously ugly fights, but also the make-ups, and how, as we matured, the conflicts lessened and our sisterly love prevailed.

The story also showcases the importance of extended family members—grandmothers, to be exact—and the crucial role they play in our lives.

To top it all off, I cried! And by cried, I mean sobbed.

It came all out of left field, completely unexpected and I’m not a crier. But there I was, moved to tears, which for me is an indicator of a great story.

I will add that, overall, I could’ve used a little more roller coaster in the story. The pace seemed slow at times. But that’s just my opinion. Besides, in family dramas—in life, I suppose—what carries us through rarely occurs at lightning speed.

It’s often seemingly inconsequential discoveries that change our perspective over time. That’s the inherent beauty of growth. It’s not until much later—in hindsight—that we’re able to see them for their greatness, and that’s the grace of wisdom.

In Her Shoes would be a great addition to the following book club themes:

• Sisters Only Book Club
• Read it & See it Book Club (read the book and watch the movie)
• Food & Fiction Book Club
• Summer Reading Book Club
• Female Authors Book Club

Or, curl up with the story all by yourself, like I did.

If you enjoyed this post, share it with a fellow book lover—stories are always better when passed along.

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