Daughter's Keeper

by Ayelet Waldman | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 140220096x Global Overview for this book
Registered by O-Jenny of Temple, Texas USA on 9/26/2003
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1 journaler for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by O-Jenny from Temple, Texas USA on Friday, September 26, 2003
This is an excerpt from an email I sent to the author after reading her book:

I'd put off reading Daughter's Keeper for a few days. We all had a nasty stomach virus, and I wanted to wait until I was feeling better before reading it. Anyway, I picked it up yesterday. And finished it. Yesterday. Compelling stuff. I'd always thought our drug laws were ridiculous in a vague, "I-think-I'll-vote-Democrat" sort of way, but I never knew how completely insane they were. Now I do. I'm going to have to process this a bit and then learn more about what I can do.

As far as the rest of the book goes, I thought your characters were extremely well done. I didn't like very many of them, but I think that's probably because they were so realistic and I was so thoroughly frustrated with them. What frightened me most is that I see a lot of myself in Elaine. I think my kids are going to get a few more hugs and snuggles over the next few days.

I'd also forgotten what it's like to be someone like Olivia -- young, headstrong and idealistic. I never really was that way myself. I've always been practical and sensible. People like Olivia drove me nuts (see, I told you I was Elaine) because they just created big messes and as soon as their passion died out, someone like me had to clean them up. I'm glad she and Elaine were able to find peace together. I'm also glad you didn't throw in a deus ex machina happy ending. It would've been a letdown.

Was the courtroom your favorite part of being a lawyer too? You wrote the scenes so well, and there was so much energy there, it made me wonder.

It's a good thing I didn't read it while I was sick. I was pretty emotionally drained afterwards.


If you haven't read Ms. Waldman's books before, I suggest you go out and get one now. Her Mommy-Track series is lighthearted and funny, but still explores deep issues. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. I think Ms. Waldman has grown with each book she's written, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next.

This copy is staying on my shelf. I'm going to hear Ms. Waldman speak at the Jewish Book Festival in Austin in November, and I'm going to ask her to sign it for me there.


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