Putting Alice Back Together. Review and Giveaway

I read another book.

Actually, at first I had done something I rarely do, I went to the bookshop and rather than buying more kids books (ok, so maybe a couple) I actually bought myself a book.

Then I received one to review.

It was interesting to receive a review copy because the cover is not on it. Not the nice pretty, much thought about, how to maximise sales cover anyway. I totally admit I pretty much always judge a book by its cover.

I thought I would read a few pages to see what it was like, but ended up ditching the book I had purchased for myself and reading Putting Alice Back Together instead.

I couldn't put it down.

I would describe this book as chick lit, but chick lit of substance (not the substance abuse kind even though Alice sure does a lot of drinking and her Valium habit is interesting).

Alice is the girl who has her shit together. Or not.

The book goes through a number of themes but one aspect I think it discusses well is that of an anxiety or panic attack, how they can come on for what seems like no reason at the most oddest of times. If you have had a panic attack I am sure you will relate, and if you haven't it will really explain the weirdness it feels to be the person having one.

Now that I see the cover for the book I am not sure it is a good match. This is not what Alice should look like to me.

Putting Alice back together is well written by Carol Marinelli.

If there was anything to drudge up as a negative it would be the relationship with the psychologist which just seemed a bit too predictable for me, it's written pretty accurately but I could see where this was going from the start. This in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the book.

I did like that as a character, Alice, is just 'normal', she has a job, but just an average one. She is not a model, but not unattractive, she is not dealing with cheating boyfriends or some of the usual issues in chick lit books.

I never keep my books, I don't really understand the need to read the same book over and over, so I have already passed my review copy on to my sister...BUT I do have a copy of the real version to giveaway.

To enter, just leave a comment here telling me a book you think I should look out for to read next. It doesn't have to be new...even better if it is from the library. But if you suggest something with vampires, hobbits or mention the name Wilbur Smith, I promise you that you will not win.

Fine Print is thus:

Enter as many times as you like by simply making a new comment.
Only Australian postal addresses will be sent to.
Include a way to contact you.
Giveaway closes Thursday 22 march at 8pm.

Winner will be announced on Facebook, with an update to this post and via their own email address if you leave one. If I don't hear from you within 5 days it will be given to someone else.