Official Review: It's Complicated by Izzie Bebe

[stacie k]

Nice job with your review. Perhaps the author will seriously consider your thoughts for improvement and engage a professional editor.

Thank you for your comment!

[stacie k]

Even with the editing problems, this sounds interesting. I admire Izzie for taking something negative and turning it into something positive. Adoption is not easy. Thanks for sharing this one with us.

Thank you for commenting!

[stacie k]

I've had terrible luck with memoirs in the past months, as most seem inundated with self-congratulatory (not-really-hidden) messages. That's why I'm really drawn to the honesty and candidness by which the author related her story here. Still, the editing would be a turn-off for me. I do hope the author incorporates your suggestions in a future edition. Thanks for this review!

I hope you are finding books you enjoy lately! Thank you for commenting!

[stacie k]

It's good that she is honest about her struggles, including with faith. This makes her more relatable as you say - I'm not sure I'd want to read about someone who thinks of themself as a saint.

I agree with you! Thank you for commenting!

[kfwilson6]

The thing that I liked least about this story has nothing to do with the writing style, characterization, or plot. My trouble, instead, is found in Izzie’s spiritual journey. Izzie shares about her wonderful, loving father who lived his religion through service and kindness. In contrast was her broken mother who exhibited conditional love and rejection until her last days. Izzie, of course, had to find her own way spiritually. She often prayed at difficult times throughout her life (Von’s birth, her own miscarriages, her husband’s struggle with alcohol). God was confusing to her. She never came to any definitive conclusions. While this was sad and frustrating to me, as the reader, it also highlights a strength of the story: realism. The story wasn’t wrapped up in a tidy bow. It related the real struggle that a real woman lived.

I really like that you pointed this out. You were fair in your assessment stating both that it bothered you but that it was realistic. Some people WANT to believe but struggle to do so. It is very sad for the person struggling and for believers who want to see them commit to their faith. I hope that Izzie eventually finds comfort in God.

[stacie k]

The thing that I liked least about this story has nothing to do with the writing style, characterization, or plot. My trouble, instead, is found in Izzie’s spiritual journey. Izzie shares about her wonderful, loving father who lived his religion through service and kindness. In contrast was her broken mother who exhibited conditional love and rejection until her last days. Izzie, of course, had to find her own way spiritually. She often prayed at difficult times throughout her life (Von’s birth, her own miscarriages, her husband’s struggle with alcohol). God was confusing to her. She never came to any definitive conclusions. While this was sad and frustrating to me, as the reader, it also highlights a strength of the story: realism. The story wasn’t wrapped up in a tidy bow. It related the real struggle that a real woman lived.

I really like that you pointed this out. You were fair in your assessment stating both that it bothered you but that it was realistic. Some people WANT to believe but struggle to do so. It is very sad for the person struggling and for believers who want to see them commit to their faith. I hope that Izzie eventually finds comfort in God.

Me, too! Thanks for commenting!

[revna01]

You did great at highlighting the pros and cons of the book. I love inspiring stories and true-to-life depictions, but anything involving a tough life for kiddos is usually too heavy for me. I'm at a loss regarding the quotes without credits. I'm glad you mentioned it. Thanks for a wonderful review!

[Helen_Combe]

Great review. It sounds like an emotionally complex book.

[Sanju Lali]

nice review about the book in which the character Izzie Beebe who adopts children and brings them up smoothly yet in her old age uncertainties crop up into her life , story sounds good to read

[Nmesoma]

I generally love books with quotes, doesn't matter if I know where they come from. As for the review I'd say it's great and the way you mentioned about the target audience, is wonderful.