The wonderful Sarah Pekkanen is at it again. She’s about to release her 4th book, “The Best of Us” and its sure not to disappoint. If you’ve read any of her previous books, you know how Pekkanen’s books are. They are anything but boring and they always have a twist or turn that leaves you thinking “what??!”
THE BEST OF US begins as a group of college friends (and spouses) head on an exclusive to Jamaica for Dwight’s 35th birthday…
An all-expense paid week at a luxury villa in Jamaica – it’s the invitation of a lifetime for a group of old college friends. All four women are desperate not just for a reunion, but for an escape: Tina is drowning under the demands of mothering four young children. Allie is shattered by the news that a genetic illness runs in her family. Savannah is carrying the secret of her husband’s infidelity. And finally, there’s Pauline, who spares no expense to throw her wealthy husband an unforgettable 35th birthday celebration, hoping it will gloss over the cracks already splitting apart their new marriage.
Languid hours on a private beach, gourmet dinners, and late nights of drinking kick off an idyllic week for the women and their husbands. But as a powerful hurricane bears down on the island, turmoil swirls inside the villa, forcing each of the women to re-evaluate everything she knows about her friends – and herself.
THE BEST OF US is one of those books that makes you want to lay on the beach and just enjoy a good vacation. Since its freezing cold here (literally 7 below zero), this book helped me escape the dullness of January in Wisconsin. It also had me itching for a fun getaway. If you are planning a fabulous escape, you need to reserve your copy of THE BEST OF US to take for the ride. Its really worth it. The story isn’t all about the vacation, either. Like all of Pekkanen’s books, she takes the time to dive deep into these women’s relationships. Each person going has secrets about themselves that even their closest friends (and spouses) aren’t aware of. Time away from their family and daily routine gives them the opportunity to realize what is important to them and what secrets need to be made known and which are better left alone.
I really could relate to the complexity of these women and their friendships. I could really understand Tina, the stay-at-home mom the most. She just needed to sleep in and take time for her. I rejoiced with her as she relaxed without worrying about the needs of her kids and then empathized as she missed them after just a short few days away. I’ve been there and get it. Each of the women in the book seemed so real to me, its obvious Sarah writes from her own observations. The women’s dynamics (successful Ali, a childless-by-choice & free Savannah, and the perfectionist Pauline) between the women on this vacation really drew me into the story and kept me wanting to know more.
Sarah has definitely become one of my favorite authors. She writes her stories with such elegance, that I never find myself thinking “when is this story going to get interesting?” like I have with other novels. I also started following her on both Twitter and Facebook and its made me love her even more. She is really hilarious and always has a funny story or situation that only Sarah could get herself into. When she agreed to an interview with us here at Fabulous Won, I jumped at the opportunity.
Here’s a few questions we asked her…
1. Snow or Sand (and why?).
Oh, absolutely sand! I’m a warm-weather creature and I love all the sensations a beach conjures up: the sound of waves crashing, the feel of the sun against my (SPF-clad, of course) skin, the smell of coconut-infused suntan lotion…
2. After reading THE BEST OF US, you’ve made me want to hop on a plane to somewhere warm and just soak up the sun and drink pina coladas. Where is your ideal vacation spot and what’s your drink of choice?
My family took a trip to the Atlantis in the Bahamas this year, and it was wonderful because my kids could do the things they love – water slides and games – while we adults watched from the sidelines with a frothy drink in hand. With young kids, beach vacations aren’t always relaxing because I need to stay constantly vigilant around the water, but in an enclosed environment, with life vests, lifeguards, and shallow water, it was much safer – and easier.
3. When writing books, what usually triggers a plot idea for you? Is it taken from life experiences or do you have a muse?
I’ve never been able to identify exactly where ideas come from. They seem to spring from some dreamy, subconscious place and sometimes they appear fully formed, and sometimes they’re just a glimmer that needs to be captured and explored before I can put it down on a page. My books have very different settings and characters, but they do share a common theme: They all explore the relationships in women’s life, from sisterhood to friendship to marriage.
4. If I was to open your top drawer right now, what would I find?
A few books, some face cream with wild promises of erasing lines around my eyes, a pen, a notebook (for capturing late night ideas), and probably some random things like coins and a squirt gun belonging to one of my sons, and placed there so he can launch a sneak attack on his brothers.
5. Did you read any favorite books for 2012 (besides your own?)
Too many to count – I read whenever possible. I loved THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD J. FRY and I got to read an advance copy of Jen Lancaster’s new novel, HERE I GO AGAIN, which is fantastic.
6. Which of your characters (from any of your books or short stories) can you relate to the most?
There’s a small piece of me in each of my characters – the trick is, I need to access it to lend authenticity to that character’s voice. But none of my characters is completely biographical. I weave in traits I’ve observed in others, and snippets from conversations I’ve had with friends, too. At different times in my life, I’ve related more to one character than others. When my kids were young, I’d compare myself to Tina in The Best of Us, who gave up her career to stay home and care for her four kids. I did the same, with my three kids, but it’s funny, because it somehow led to a new career, one I probably never would have stumbled upon otherwise – writing fiction!
7. Finally, I know you love chocolate. What’s your ultimate chocolate treat?
A hot, gooey, fresh from the fireplace s’mores. Or two!
Thank you so much for having me here today, and if anyone reading this would like to find me on Facebook or Twitter, I’d love to keep discussing books and writing with you there!
THE BEST OF US will be available on April 9th but can be pre-ordered today on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Sarah Pekkenan is giving away an advanced copy of THE BEST OF US to one lucky reader!
I was not paid to write this post, I did receive a copy of the book for this review at no cost to me. These are my honest opinions.
JAMIE
About the author: Jamie View all posts by Jamie
My name is Jamie and I'm in my mid-30's living in the Midwest. I'm a mother to BBG toddler triplets, known on our blog as "The Riplets". I'm also a Christian wife, who loves photography, fashion, cooking, and reading. My children keep me on my toes and my husband is my best friend. I'm also a bargain shopper, always looking for the best deals and the right times to buy things. Two of my favorite things are blogging and Etsy for all of their unique finds. I really enjoy the hunt Etsy offers, especially now trying to dress three kids. Although we're living in the Midwest, we still have roots in Massachusetts and spend summers back visiting family and friends. I love the ocean and would choose a beach vacation over any vacation, any day.
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Sounds like a really good story, and a book I would like to read. Love the pretty cover.