Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around

Return To Vieques. As it turns out, this book is a sequel to Life And Other Near Death Experiences. I didn't know that going in, but I've read a couple of Pagan's other books and had to read this one too. (And yes, I *have* Life already, I just haven't *read* it yet. :D) But this is a "sequel" in that it follows some of the same characters years later, rather than being an "immediate aftermath" type sequel. So in that sense, think of it more along the lines of Nicholas Sparks' The Wedding ("sequel" to The Notebook, years later) or maybe the new Saved By The Bell reboot (which I haven't seen yet, but have seen the premise of). In other words, not knowing the first tale might have *slight* detriments here as far as getting the full show more potential impact of certain scenes, but overall this book is closer to being a standalone book rather than a "you MUST read this other book first" type.

Within this tale itself, you get a strong look at what life in the Caribbean (and, technically, nearby Atlantic) can do for a "mainlander" - but also a view of what life there is *really* like, specifically in the aftermath of storms like Irma and (specifically used in the text) Maria. Potential real world spoiler sentence: (Indeed, it seems that Pagan uses a fair amount of real life observation, as she herself is married to a Puerto Rican native and they regularly go back with their kids to Vieques - much as the characters in the book do - and were there during a storm as she was writing this book.) And we're back: Overall, this book is what I've come to expect from Pagan: Tackling solid, hard hitting issues with enough humor to be enjoyable and enough heart to be heart wrenching. So read it, enjoy it, and consider the possibilities. Very much recommended. show less

A witty, humorous and light read about mid life, children, marriage and all the crap that comes with it! The main character is easy to relate to, full of sarcastic positivity, who learns that sometimes you just need to feel your feelings and let the hard stuff in so you can deal with it.
There are adventures both tropical and harrowing, but Pagan steers her characters through to become better versions of themselves. An easy, fun summer read that I looked forward to picking up each time I had to put it down.
*I received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review

I have loved this author’s previous books, so I was super excited to dive into this one, and I obviously couldn't wait until closer to its spring 2021 publication date...oops!

Camille Pagan has a knack for writing for unputdownable reads with strong and relatable characters and Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around is no different. This book follows Libby, a middle-aged mom of tweens, a cancer survivor, and a wife who is concerned that her relationship has started “coasting.”

The family decides to take a spontaneous vacation that ends up bringing one disaster after another. What initially seems like an epic fail, ultimately brings them all closer together. I especially loved reading about Libby’s awareness of her “charmed” life show more while simultaneously learning to admit she wasn’t feeling like herself. While it's important to have perspective, it also important to remember that we can all have hard times.

I loved how this engaging plotline shared the powerful connection of being honest and vulnerable with one another while also being such an enjoyable weekend read. I really enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend it!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest feedback. My full review will be posted on my website, genthebookworm.com, closer to it's May 2021 publication date. show less

Don’t Make Me Turn this Life Around by Camille Pagan
Chick lit.
Libby Velasquez has received her 10 year free from cancer diagnosis but before she can share the news with her family, there are many other life issues that she needs to deal with. A family vacation may be just the thing they all need.

The title made me think it would be more a humorous outlook but it was more a life story on learning to deal with death. At one point Libby is asked if she might be depressed which she empathetically denies. Yet she later admits to secretly crying everyday.
Ah, folks, that’s one of the signs of depression. Don’t feel ashamed to talk to your doctor if you can’t seem to move beyond a death or feel like you need to hide your everyday show more crying.

In the whole, it was a woman’s story of surviving life and learning to live to the fullest.
Anxious and worrying through most but an uplifting message at the end.

I listened to the audio version narrated by Amy McFadden. The performance was well done and easy to listen to with the emotional tension and voice variations. show less

Storms, the literal variety, and the symbolic type, as in tempestuous relationships, mid-life crises, and health challenges, are the premises of this story. Catastrophes, big and small, force Libby to reassess her life, marriage, and parenting style. She misses her parents and slowly realizes that she should adopt some of their simple words of wisdom and ageless advice to manage her struggles with her twin daughters, Isa and Charlotte.

As she celebrates being ten years cancer-free, Libby is questioning whether Shiloh, her second husband, is still in love with her. She learns that her twin brother Paul is divorcing his husband, Charlie. Her career becomes rocky when Rupi, an employee at the Foundation she founded, suggests changes that show more seem to be at odds with its mission. Charlotte, one of her twelve-year-old daughters, is struggling with diabetes management. She turns to her friend and surrogate parent, Milagros, for support. Although she receives appropriate support and age-old advice, like what she attained during her formative years, Libby struggles to accept it. Libby has difficulty changing her views until a series of events forces some serious consternation and reflection about communication and its inherent value in relationships.
https://quipsandquotes.net/ show less

Wow! I LOVED this book! Libby was such a relatable character and it made me feel like this could be the story of myself or one of my closest friends. Marriage is hard work to keep that spark alive and I don’t know anyone who has been married for more than 10 years that hasn’t felt the same way. The writing was invigorating and emotional and it made me physically feel! That is when a good book becomes great! Do not miss the opportunity to read this one, you will not be disappointed!

*Small Spoilers*
I liked where this one was going - a woman who was wondering why she wasn't more excited to learn that she's hit the mark of 10 years cancer-free. But.... 7% in and the token gay male character shows up. *Le sigh* I'm just not interested in reading further at that point. No judgements being made here, but some women I know don't read books with male main characters, some women I know don't read books written by male authors, some people don't read books if they don't like the cover art or if they contain the color blue... whatever their reason is, that's totally fine. This is the point I'm out. Sharing in case it helps other readers. No judgements made or discussions solicited.