The Theory of Opposites: A Novel by Allison…

The Theory of Opposites: A Novel (edition 2013)

by Allison Winn Scotch

Members	Reviews	Popularity	Average rating	Mentions
109	9	249,581	(3.25)	1
"What happens when you think you have it all, and then suddenly it's taken away? Willa Chandler-Golden's father changed the world with his self-help bestseller, Is It Really Your Choice? Why Your Entire Life May Be Out of Your Control. Millions of devoted fans now find solace in his notion that everything happens for a reason. Though Willa isn't entirely convinced of her father's theories, she readily admits that the universe has delivered her a solid life: a reliable husband, a fast-paced career. Sure there are hiccups - negative pregnancy tests, embattled siblings - but this is what the universe has brought, and life, if she doesn't think about it too much, is wonderful. Then her (evidently not-so-reliable) husband proposes this: a two-month break. Two months to see if they can't live their lives without each other. And before Willa can sort out destiny and fate and what it all means, she's axed from her job, her 12 year-old nephew Nicky moves in, her ex-boyfriend finds her on Facebook, and her best friend Vanessa lands a gig writing for Dare You!, the hottest new reality TV show. And then Vanessa lures Willa into dares of her own - dares that run counter to her father's theories of fate, dares that might change everything...but only if Willa is brave enough to stop listening to the universe and instead aim for the stars." --P. [4] of cover.… (more)

▾Book information

Member:	scoutlee
Title:	The Theory of Opposites: A Novel
Authors:	Allison Winn Scotch
Info:	Camellia Press (2013), Paperback, 312 pages
Collections:	Your library, To read, Kindle, Own and unread
Rating:
Tags:	None

Work Information

The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch

all members

▾Members

Recently added by

hmonkeyreads, Doodlebug34, JillHannah, grassynowell, Karenbenedetto, TheHobbyist, cher_tom, ShanLand, Tiffany.Hobson, relorenz1064

▾Tags

▾LibraryThing Recommendations

▾Lists

None

▾Will you like it?

▾Conversations (About links)

No current Talk conversations about this book.

» See also 1 mention

▾Member reviews

date ▼ | votes

Showing 1-5 of 9 (next | show all)

This was one of those rare books that, although I didn’t particularly hate anything about it, I just could not force myself to continue. I could not connect with any of the characters in any way, and none of them were interesting, except one fringe character, a 13 year old boy who exploits his father’s death in the 9/11 attack with a sort of cynical pragmatism. Even the plot was uninteresting, because who cares about developments in relationships between boring characters?

DNF at 40%. Audiobook, purchased via Audible, based on a recommendation from Books on the Nightstand, who seem to be hit and miss for me. Christina Traister does try to infuse some liveliness in the characters. (

)

Doodlebug34 | Jan 1, 2024 |

I would give this 2.5 stars. I read this for "52 Books-52 Weeks" book 4 for this group.

pg. 299 "There's always more than one path, and to think otherwise is what resigns you to fate."

This is a book first, about a father who believes that everything happens for a reason. Second about his daughter and her friend who set out to dispel her fathers beliefs but turns into a journey of not really needing to do this but to realize we can have our own beliefs.

Read this one on my Kindle. (

)

yvonne.sevignykaiser | Apr 2, 2016 |

Willa Chandler-Golden grew up in the shadow of her famous father, a renowned scientist and self-help author whose advice about just leading your life and giving into your fate has basically taken over Willa's entire life. Case in point: she is actually named William, since she was "supposed" to be a boy and her father assumed it was her fate to be named William. Willa is now married, but her life seems to be falling apart at the seams - she's been let go from her job and her husband, Shawn, wants a "break" from their seemingly happily married life. Willa needs to decide if she's really on board with her Dad's laissez faire theory, or if she's ready to take charge of her own life.

I stumbled across this book on the library's ebook website and it was basically exactly what I wanted/expected - a simple, fun, easy read. Willa is a frustrating character at times - girl has absolutely no ability to stand up for herself or take charge of her life sometimes! However, as you get to know her family, it does make a little sense. The book is silly at times and a little crazy and fantastical, but it's fun, and the outcome isn't entirely predictable. A good, quick read. (

)

justacatandabook | Mar 9, 2016 |

I am only giving this a 3 star, as listened to the audio and after a while drove me nuts, so much drama, cursing, and continued problems--always negative. I look to reading as relaxing not stressful.

Appears there are many good reviews out there on behalf of the book, and I tried to like it as Allison is a good writer and read some of her other books. I possibly would have a different take if I had read versus listened. It was definitely out there and just not my cup of tea.

Willa seemed very needy and wanted to blame everyone else for her issues. I think a younger married woman may relate to this as it had humor mixed in as well; however, I am divorced and single with grown children – so I am done with all the drama and enjoy books which are engaging. Of course we all have different needs and wants-- as why there are so many books and genres out today.

I do feel the book of course has a message about inner strength and stepping up and taking ownership to change your life. The grass is always greener. Seemed typical with the Facebook, old boyfriend, midlife crisis, wife obsession, family issues, etc…. PS Every time I heard Grape Wine Bar, I thought of The Grape in Atlanta which is very popular and one of my favorite spots.
(

)

JudithDCollins | Nov 27, 2014 |

Allison's best book so far--I loved it. Willa was frustrating, but you find yourself rooting for her to get her act together the whole book. Recommend. (

)

GovMarley | Oct 7, 2014 |

date ▼ | votes

Showing 1-5 of 9 (next | show all)

▾Published reviews

no reviews | add a review

▾Other authors

» Add other authors

▾Series and work relationships

▾Awards and Honors

view history

▾Common Knowledge

You must log in to edit Common Knowledge data.

For more help see the Common Knowledge help page.

Canonical title

Original title

Alternative titles

Original publication date

People/Characters

Important places

Important events

Related movies

Epigraph

Dedication

First words

Quotations

Last words

Disambiguation notice

Publisher's editors

Blurbers

Original language

Canonical DDC/MDS

Canonical LCC

▾References

References to this work on external resources.

Wikipedia in English (1)

Allison Winn Scotch

▾Book descriptions

"What happens when you think you have it all, and then suddenly it's taken away? Willa Chandler-Golden's father changed the world with his self-help bestseller, Is It Really Your Choice? Why Your Entire Life May Be Out of Your Control. Millions of devoted fans now find solace in his notion that everything happens for a reason. Though Willa isn't entirely convinced of her father's theories, she readily admits that the universe has delivered her a solid life: a reliable husband, a fast-paced career. Sure there are hiccups - negative pregnancy tests, embattled siblings - but this is what the universe has brought, and life, if she doesn't think about it too much, is wonderful. Then her (evidently not-so-reliable) husband proposes this: a two-month break. Two months to see if they can't live their lives without each other. And before Willa can sort out destiny and fate and what it all means, she's axed from her job, her 12 year-old nephew Nicky moves in, her ex-boyfriend finds her on Facebook, and her best friend Vanessa lands a gig writing for Dare You!, the hottest new reality TV show. And then Vanessa lures Willa into dares of her own - dares that run counter to her father's theories of fate, dares that might change everything...but only if Willa is brave enough to stop listening to the universe and instead aim for the stars." --P. [4] of cover.

▾Library descriptions

No library descriptions found.

▾LibraryThing members' description

Book description

Haiku summary