Select one of the keywords
Little Earthquakes    by Jennifer Weiner Amazon.com order for
Little Earthquakes
by Jennifer Weiner
Order:  USA  Can
Washington Square, 2005 (2004)
Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, CD, e-Book

Read an Excerpt

* * *   Reviewed by Tarah Schaeffer

Jennifer Weiner does it again with her third novel, Little Earthquakes. She gives us a glimpse into the world of the everyday day woman, that has become her trademark. What makes Weiner's books interesting is that, unlike many others in this genre, the emphasis is on real problems that all of us can relate to on many levels. This time around the setting is Philadelphia and the subject is young mothers' trials in dealing with their new bundles of joy. Becky, Ayinde and Kelly meet in a pregnancy yoga class one afternoon and decide to go for coffee. They become fast friends, sharing walks and the occasional play date.

Becky is juggling both the care of her daughter Ava and her career as a chef at popular Ma's restaurant. Ayinde is the trophy wife of 76er player Richard, who is a bit of a philanderer. And Kelly is a career woman who plans events for a company called Eventives. Life is stressful once the babies come into their lives. Also, Becky has to deal with an overbearing mother-in-law. Ayinde has to cope with a young woman who claims to be having Richard's love child. And Kelly tries to overcompensate for her own sad childhood, while her out-of–work husband would like nothing better then to sit around making a permanent groove in their couch rather then job hunting. Another character who impacts the story is quiet Lia, who at first seems somewhat of a stalker. This once famous actress is running away from her life and from her husband, Sam. It's not till later in the story that we find out why she is watching the others.

Little Earthquakes is a great read for anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction. The true to life story and thoroughly engrossing characters combine into an adventure you won't soon forget.

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.

Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews