Swimming Lessons

Quick read, good story. I just...it bothered me how Gil was SUCH a shit and got to live and die on his own terms no matter that he screwed over everyone in his life. Also, Louise. What a cunt.

This book flew by, but mostly because I wanted to see if there were redeeming qualities. Unfortunately, I found all the characters unlikable and unbelievable, and the plot tired. Fuller's writing is excellent though, and she has a good way of describing time and place.

It was a really good book, and I enjoyed the structure of the story with its two time periods and one extra time period nested inside one of them; it was a treat to read.

****SPOILERS******

I did feel a mix of sadness and frustration as the mom ended up living the exact life that she never wanted, just basically checking everything off the list one by one. And the frustration came in because it's not like she actively chose any of those things, she just failed to make a decision and let herself be carried along with things - which is in itself a decision process, but a piss-poor one to live your life by.