Take It From Me by Jamie Beck: Judgement is the harsh overlord that seems to disrupt normal life 
across all facets in this ditty, or at the very least, the overarching theme suggests as much. Moving to suburbia as a way of researching and hopefully saving her writing career, Harper is forced to construct an identity that never really sits comfortably with her.
Alternatively Wendy, grieving the loss of her best friend and neighbour Peg, is yearning for a friendship to replace it and looks to new renter Harper to fill the void. As an unlikely duo, things grow interesting as each woman lets the other in and a steady, if not fabricated friendship ensues wherein both women end up trusting the lies they have created.
Initially I was pulled to Harper; her inherent antagonism and slef-doubt spoke volumes. And yet, as the novel unravels, Wendy became the more sympathetic character. Starting with Wendy seemed a tad beige and a little passé, until of course, she isn’t, and no aspect of her is and she grows into this absolute dynamite that I never saw coming; her resilience, her optimism and her gratitude all excellent traits in one whose life struggle is real and forever.
Harper, interestingly enough travels the other path, becoming increasingly self-entitled and self-absorbed with a narrow lens with which to view the world. For my money however, it was the clever ironies that hit like a cold mop, including an ending that was foreshadowed with clever literary references that were the true winners.
Exploring friendship, family, mental illness and the unlikely bond between women, Take it From Me packed a lot of punch in terms of self-discovery, honesty and how powerful it is to be able to trust in the love of those around you.
Book Info:
Publication: 22nd September 2022 | Montlake |
Wendy Moore hides her collection of pilfered bric-a-brac from everyone, including her husband. He thinks she licked her kleptomania in therapy more than a decade ago. Therapy did help, as did focusing her attention on motherhood. But now Wendy’s gardening and furniture-refinishing hobbies fill up only so much of the day, leaving the recent empty nester lonely and anxious—a combination likely to trigger her little problem. She needs a project, fast. Luckily, Harper Ross—a single, childless younger woman in desperate need of highlights—just moved in next door.
The only thing Harper wants to change is the writer’s block toppling her confidence and career. Then a muse comes knocking. Sensing fodder for a new antagonist, Harper plays along with Wendy’s “helpful” advice while keeping her career a secret so Wendy keeps talking. Sure, she’s torn about profiting off her neighbor’s goodwill—especially when Wendy’s matchmaking actually pans out—but Harper’s novel is practically writing itself.
Just as a real friendship begins to cement, their deceptions come to light, threatening Wendy’s and Harper’s futures and forcing them to reconcile who they are with who they want to be. Easier said than done.
