Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Audiobook

I love a quirky heroine - one who is not perfect and who struggles just a bit with the world around her. The Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood checked those boxes for me with a flourish. The throughline is 40 something year old Grace is desperately attempting to get a special cake to her daughter’s 16th birthday party. She deserts her failing car, fights with a pharmacist, steals a golf club, and uses it to assault the headlight of a car. She is exhausted and injured and yet…determined somehow to reach out to the daughter who wants nothing to do with her.

So of course - as her day advances, Littlewood gives us the flashbacks and weaves together the back stories that have led to this tumultuous day. She does so masterfully - I am surprised more than once. Quite honestly, when I think I’m done with Grace - like she’s a little too perimenopausal or self involved, then boom, I’m back and cheering her on and admiring her focus. The book balances a kind of humor with powerful and poignant moments that will take your breath away. I was unprepared for the emotion, but it was that emotion that kept me coming back and rooting for her. The narration was delightful. Claire Skinner adds dimension and insight to Littlewoods words.

As we age, it is easy to feel unheard and discounted. I often feel like I am losing control of everything - my internal thermometer, my weight, the structure of my hair, my ability to think clearly. I guess that’s why I could relate to Grace so quickly. I enjoyed seeing her find her voice. While I doubt I would ever embark on a journey with quite so much aggression, a part of me admired her refusal to stand down; the community service was likely well worth it. And while you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover - this book’s does a perfect job of capturing her spirit. If you need a little boost, some humor, and to see someone coming back from the brink, take some time to get to know Grace.