My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life by Julie Wright

My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life Reviews

• 
  Ash

  Right off the bat I should probably mention that although I really liked this book, it isn't for everyone. The author is Mormon, so she obviously incorporates that into the book. I'm not a fanatically religious person (although I am religious), so I think that others who aren't really religious can read this too. Hopefully it doesn't bother most people because this really is a very good book. Still though, it's best for poeple who are somewhat religious or who are Mormon (also if your interested in the Mormon church).
  
  The story and the voice of the main character, Suzanna, is very honest. With this sort of subject matter and the changes the main character goes through it could have easily been bothed up, but I thought the author did a great job of making her sound like a believable person. Suzanna is in some pretty bad circumstances when the book starts off. Suzanna has been living a pretty harsh lifestyle of drugs and drinking. Now she's pregnant, and with an abusive mother and questionable "friends" she has no one really left to turn to except her brother who lives in Utah. I really liked seeing the relationship between Suzanna and her brother Sam, along with the other honest friendships she develops. Throughout the book you see her struggle through trying to find her true self and do the right thing.
  It's really a story of choices, forgiveness and love. I admit that at times it felt a little preachy and there were a few cheesy lines, but the comments and quotes carried truth in them. Suzanna annoyed me at the very beginning with what seemed to be her inability to actually be nice to anyone and she could have been easily made into a character that you hated, but she wasn't. She was funny with her sarcasm and I was desperately waiting for her happily ever after. Obviously I wasn't let down!
  
  Just one more thing that I want to mention that I really liked about the book was that Suzanna kept her personality even with her growing and changes. Usually people think that you turn into some brain washed, impossibly happy and optimistic person when you choose to believe in a religion. I'm glad that Suzanna still held true to her personality. She's still funny and dishes out the sarcasm at the end, although less rude. This is a really touching book and I could feel the love that Suzanna always mentioned.
• 
  Cara

  This will be the hardest review I've done so far. I know I won't find the exact words to express what this book is all about.
  
  First off I should mention that this book will probably be more appreciated by someone, like me, who practices the Mormon faith, but don't by pass up the book because of that. I genuinely believe anyone can enjoy this story.
  
  Suzanna (who prefers to go by Cue) is...well, for lack of a better word, broken. Life has thrown her some heavy things to deal with, like an abusive mother. She has done some questionable things and for the most part she doesn't really think about seriously changing anything until...she finds out she's pregnant. At twenty-two years old with a mother who is selfish, a father who is passive, and her friends who actually don't fit the descriptions of real friends, she has nowhere to go but to her brother's place. Sam, her brother, lives in Provo, Utah. As you can already tell it screams that he is a Mormon. On her way she meets yet another Mormon who's name is Rion (as in the constellation Orion). Rion would have to be my favorite character of the book (you'll see why when you read it). I don't want to give the whole plot away but I'll tell you this, I was satisifed with how everything turns out.
  
  I struggled so much to figure out how many stars to give it. In the beginning of the story I didn't think Suzanna's character always acted in the way I thought she would. It's not so much what she would do but what she would say that didn't seem to fit her all the time. It probably was more the preferences I have than the actual style being untrue to the character though. At times it was hard for me to like Suzanna but I never hated her. The author did a superb job of making sure to separate the sin from the sinner, but without trying to deflect blame. I imagine that's very hard to do. The plot is predictable but I don't think the point was to be unpredictable, but to be a story about finding yourself.
  
  In the end I decided it really did deserve to get 5 stars. At two parts I even got misty eyed, granted no actually tears fell but I'm not a person who cries over what happens in books. I'll feel sad and sympathize with characters but I never feel like crying. This book did it to me. They weren't sad tears though, they were happy tears. I loved how the author also made Mormons look "normal" because we really are. It made me feel so proud that I'm a part of something like this, and it was cool to see how someone looking from the outside in would see things.
  
  Like I said my words won't be enough, you just HAVE to read it.
  
  
  
• 
  Valerie

  You'd think that this book is an old song. Girl is raised in a broken home, girl gets pregnant, she is on her own or at least she thinks she is until she discovers that she has so many people rutting for her. But the truth in this story is unmistakable. Suzanna grows so much during the course of the book. At first I couldn't get her but as she becomes more of who she wants to be I see why she was so critical of everyone in the beggining.
  
  The people around her don't seem to be just secondary characters, the author does a great job in developing every character. Though I have to be honest, some of the characters seem to good to be true. I think its safe to say that Rion is prefect.
  
  Although you should be warned that there are some sappy parts. Most of the book is takes place in Provo. I think that speaks for itself. If you have no problem with that then by all means read the book!
  
• 
  Yara

  I know, I'm in shock, too. Five stars for an LDS novel :o! I promised the author I would read this last February and it finally "called" to me from my pile. This is a must-read for every young person facing an unwanted pregnancy, and all those who care about them. I was very touched by this story!
  
• 
  Elizabeth Midgley

  I actually really enjoyed this book. And it was an LDS romance without being Lds preachy. A great fiction book that addressed adoption.
• 
  Mommywest

  Wow! This is one of my very favorite books. I picked this book up off the bargain shelves at Deseret Book, and hesitated when I read the description on the back cover, but decided to buy it. Boy, am I glad I did! It deals with a very sensitive, but very timely subject--unwed pregnancy, and the decisions that accompany that choice.
  
  Suzanna Quincy, raised by an abusive mother and an apathetic father, has chosen a life-style of drugs and alcohol and ends up pregnant. Suzi has to decide if she's going to abort the baby or allow it to live, and has to decide what she's going to do with her life. Some other characters of note: Suzi's brother, who joined the Church as a teen; his wife, who used to live Suzi's lifestyle, but converted to the Church; and Rion, a return-missionary who makes Suzi more closely examine her life and what direction she should go.
  
  This book has so much great stuff in it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good, thought-provoking read, but I especially recommend this for moms and teen daughters. Reading about someone who has experienced so many of the things we are taught to stay away from will really help girls understand the lasting consequences of certain choices. If you are looking for a book that will make you think, cry, laugh, and understand others better, this is the book for you!
• 
  Tausha

  Honestly...I am having a hard time rating this one. It was so good, but tough too. I really struggled with the main character "Cue" at first. I really sympathized with her situation and what she had been through...so in that way she had my heart. But, she was also mean, selfish, and rude. I kept wanting her to snap out of it and recognize others were trying to help her. I really wondered how Rion stuck with her at first. It honestly would be so hard to try and remain friends with someone as bitter and cynical as she was. I loved how she stayed true to her character throughout the book. Her heart changed, but her personality did not. It was amazing to feel her change her belief system...to recognize she is not alone and is a daughter of God. I cried through many parts as I felt my heart break for her. Having had a new baby not to long ago I ached for her as she made the sacrifice she did for her baby girl. I truly believe it takes an angel to give their baby to a family through adoption. That part of the story was very touching. So...great book, but definitely not a light read.
• 
  Renna Mira (AKA Enna Isilee)

  I don't usually read LDS fiction, but after meeting the [adorable] author of this book I decided to read it.
  
  I'm SO glad I did. I felt for the main character deeply. It was odd even, there were places in the book where the author would describe places I've seen a hundred times, and yet I felt myself tearing up. I honestly couldn't put this book down.
  
  A totally unexpected delight.
  
  ADDED 7/11/08
  
  Even better the second time.
• 
  Jessica

  This is such a perfectly wonderful book. I couldn't put it down, and by the end I was sobbing. I emailed Julie (I'm lucky enough to know her) right away to a) tell her how much I loved it, and b) demand to know if it was in any way based on her life. (It isn't.) Suzy, the main character, is so REAL and what she goes through is so heartbreaking and yet inspiring, I simply could not believe that someone (even someone as talented at Julie) could make this stuff up!
• 
  Lacey

  I really loved this book. I loved the story of adoption and the incredible journey this young woman went through to not only find herself but give the most precious gift to some who are unable to give that to themselves. This really touched my heart because I have an aunt that has adopted and a sister in law and many friends and I have seen the joy first hand these sweet blessings have brought into their lives.
• 
  Johnie

  REALLY REALLY GOOD BOOK!!
• 
  Whit

  I cried my way through this book. It was a very emotional read. I think it was well written and good LDS fiction. It was remniscent of Josi Kilpack to me.
• 
  Dianna

  this was an odd book for me. but you may enjoy.
  the story is about a young woman whom just wants to not get past what her brothers choices are and what her mother has done.
• 
  Leanne

  Nice, easy LDS escape lit. I really liked Wright's portrayal of her main character, Suzanne, who is so snarky on the outside, while feeling vulnerable inside.
• 
  Julie

  I love that I was given the chance to edit this a little and FINALLY spell Jane Austen's name correctly in it (not my fault that it was ever wrong, somewhere in typesetting, it was altered).
• 
  Katrina

  It's always interesting when you read a book about a character you really don't care for for half the book! But it was interesting to watch as Suzanna's life, ideas, and character changed throughout the story. And it was neat to see how the atonement of Jesus Christ can really wipe away so much sin and bad experiences through true repentance.
• 
  Darbie Vos

  This book moved me to tears. As a child that was put up for adoption and now knowing my birth mother I felt deep emotion while reading through this young woman’s journey. I am a member of this faith so seeing members of the church depicted as their true selves accepting and loving of someone that doesn’t quite fit the mold was so powerful and I’m grateful for that.
• 
  Tara

  I'm usually not a huge fan of lds fiction because it can be so corny, but I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. Both signs of a good story!
• 
  Heidi Pack

  Emotionally engaging and pro-forgiveness, life, and love. It makes one think of how they can be better.
• 
  Cindy

  3.5 stars. Not at all what I expected, but definitely interesting and enjoyable.
• 
  Linda

  A good read, although predictable. I liked the writing of Suzanne's character and her decisions and actions while dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
  
• 
  Maree

  While this book was thought-provoking, I did not like the main character at all. She was mean and rude to everyone the entire book—even to those who were helping her or doing her huge favors.
• 
  Garrett

  Oh wow! I had bought this for my daughter a couple years ago but never got around to reading it myself. I have been missing out!
  
  This is a must-read for any teenager (especially LDS ones) who feels like they don't fit in or who find themselves feeling alone and in a dark place. It is equally important of a read for the parents of said youth.
  
  It has been awhile since a book has affected me this much. And it has more to do with things I needed to hear for me than with "understanding" a teenager.
  
  Setting: The first part of the book takes place somewhere on the East Coast (if it was said, I don't remember). But the majority of the time is spend in Utah. The culture shock alone is a great conflict for the protagonist. Not much time is spent on actually describing the scenery, but I think it works well with Suzanna's state of mind and her "world" of self. Gradually, as the book progresses, more and more of the setting comes into focus - a nice touch by the author to highlight the changes for the character.
  
  Plot: Suzanna is a troubled 22 year old girl who finds out she is pregnant. With no job, no real friends, and no parent support, she has to decide what to do with her life and the life of her baby. She decides to head to her newly-married brother's house in Utah where she has to deal with a critical sister-in-law and with having to go to a strange church.
  
  Conflict: Her family situation is full of conflict - from an abusive and selfish parent to a brother who expects more from her than she wants from herself. There is conflict about religion, and about love. There is conflict about abortion and about life choices.
  
  Characters: Suzanna is a great character. She makes some poor choices and acts out, but when seen against the backdrop of her childhood, we give her lots of sympathy. This is the brilliance of a first person narrative. It allows the reader to give her room to develop and grow instead of giving condemnation and judgment. I love the conflict in her interaction with her parents and with her brother and his wife. The relationship between her and the love interest is also quite sweet.
  
  Text: The first-person point of view is perfect for this story and the writing was excellent.
• 
  Shantel E Bertoch

  My not so Fairy-tale Life is one of the best books I have ever read. The story was entertaining. You could feel the spirit in the room as you read about her growing faith in the church, add in a lot of witty remarks and you have yourself a smashing story.
• 
  Taffy

  I enjoy talking with Julie but I always feel like the shy girl talking to the popular girl! I get tongue tied and flustered only because she is so fun, funny and wickedly cool!
  I rarely cry; not in movies and not while reading a book (well, sometimes those Hallmark commercials get me).
  This book got me.
  Probably because I am adopted.
  
  I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. I didn't want to read a YA sob story about sin and sinning and poor girl what ever will she do? Wringing of the hands...
  
  But the story took me places I haven't been and wasn't sure I could go. Thank you, Julie!
  
  Suzanna Quincy, or Cue as she likes to be called, is raised in a home where her mother lets her know she isn't wanted and father who bows to the mother. Her brother is the only person who understands her.
  To get away from her harsh life she abuses drugs and alcohol and surprise! Ends up pregnant. Now she must come to grips with living as an adult and with the consequences of her choices.
  After being kicked out of the house by her mother, she finds herself running to Utah in the hopes her brother and his wife will take her in; both are converted members to the LDS faith. On the bus ride to Utah (paid for by a kind stranger) a LDS boy named Rion sits by her and doesn't give up on her.
  Cue has attitude but it is a front for hurt that goes deeply. And the big question for her; what to do with the baby?
  
  Julie's book made me laugh out loud and quietly cry. I would recommend it to mothers who have daughters. Not only does the story show the consequences of choices, good and bad, it teaches how we should treat others. We don't know what everyone is going through. We should love each other unconditionally.
  And we should know, any person of any faith, that our Heavenly Father is real and loves us.
  
• 
  Julie

  I don't even know how to review this book. The story seemed so rushed. In the first 80 pages the main character went from being a party girl, to getting pregnant and scheduling an abortion, to cancelling the abortion and getting kicked out of her house, to deciding to take a bus cross-country to go stay with her brother and sister-in-law (members of the Morman church living in Utah). The characters themselves seemed shallow and undeveloped. The dialogue was sappy and it was very corny.
  
  The second half of the book actually was able to invoke some emotion in me. When Suzanna made a decision about what to do with her pregnancy it was emotional and it did touch my heart. But that was the only part of the book that did. After that, the story went off into the spirtual realm. This book was authored by a member of the Morman church and that became more obvious the further I read. It was all about whether or not Suzanna believed in God, whether she wanted to be baptized, her participation in Relief Society and Women's Studies, etc, etc. I felt like I was at church myself. This normally doesn't bother me in books, I mean--personally, I do go to church, but this story was way over the top. It seemed like the message the author was trying to convey was that your life would be so much better if you would join "the true church".
  
  I would rate this book really 1 1/2 stars. I reserve a 1 star rating for books that I set aside and don't finish. I guess I should pay more attention to the authors/publishers of the books I read. I probably won't be reading anymore LDS fiction if this is any indicator of it.