The Position
By Meg Wolitzer
Rated: 4/5
Published in 2005
307 pages
Owned – Advanced Reader's Edition I got ages ago
This book has such an amazing premise. What happens to the children of parents who write a sex-tell-all/instruction-guide (think The Joy of Sex) after they discover The Book? What happens after their “so in love” parents get divorced? In 1975, the Mellow parents, Paul and Roz, write a book that celebrates their love, and their love-making. The international bestseller features the Mellows in various poses straight from the Kama Sutra in all their naked glory; including the Position they created themselves. Holly, 15, Michael, 13, Dashiell, 8, and Claudia 6, all sit down one afternoon after Michael finds The Book. And the discovery of The Book leaves the four young Mellows changed forever.
What is interesting is how it changes them all in such different ways. This is a fascinating look at how sex, love, divorce, and marriage can effect the oldest and the youngest in such varied ways. At first, I didn’t think I was going to like this book, but as I continued, I became to empathize with the characters and even grew to like them. Wolitzer writes with a deft hand, giving her characters sympathy but not becoming so over handed that it grates the nerves. No sentence out of place, no plot unturned, this book is highly recommended.
Yayy! Ok, first, I LOVE the new look. Fab-u-lous, and velly velly creative!
As for this book, I was terribly interested to hear your thoughts because Wolitzer was the one who wrote the "Pink Ladies" article several months back on Beatrice.com (somewhat condescending look at chick lit), and Jennifer Weiner, in turn, labeled Wolitzer and others The Grey Ladies. I'm gonna have to see if I can find some of her stuff. This one looks great!
Thank you! I did it all by myself too!
I remember that article and it colored my view of this book at first. But the writing was just so darn good! And the story just sucked me in. And the characters were so jaded, yet so hopeful, it was kind of heartbreaking. I really think you would like this book.
Very good! I posted a quickie at Projectile. Finally. This non-reading has got to stop.