Helen of Pasadena
by Lian Dolan Paperback, 288 pages
Prospect Park Books (November 1, 2010)
Source:
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, for my participation in the Manic Mommies Book Club
Summary from the author's website:
Summary from the author's website:
Helen Fairchild, is leading a privileged Pasadena existence: married to a pillar of the community; raising a water polo- playing son destined for the most select high school; volunteering her time on the most fashionable committees. It only bothers Helen a tiny bit that she has never quite fit in with the proper Pasadena crowd or finished that graduate degree in Classics or had that second baby. The rigid rules of society in Pasadena appeal to Helen, the daughter of Oregon “fiber artists,” even if she’ll never be on the inside.
And then along comes a freak accident, killing her philandering husband and leaving Helen broke, out of her “forever” house, and scrambling to salvage her once-rarefied existence. Enter Dr. Patrick O’Neill, noted archaeologist, excavator of Troy, and wearer of adorable nubby sweaters. A job as Dr. O’Neill’s research assistant is the lifeline Helen needs to re-invent herself professionally, personally, and romantically. Helen’s world widens to include a Hollywood star, a local gossip columnist, an old college nemesis, a high-powered Benefit Chair, an unforgiving admissions director, the best real estate agent in the biz, and, of course, the intriguing Patrick O’Neill. While uncovering secrets about Ancient Troy alongside her archaeologist, Helen discovers something much more: a new sense of self and a new love.
And then along comes a freak accident, killing her philandering husband and leaving Helen broke, out of her “forever” house, and scrambling to salvage her once-rarefied existence. Enter Dr. Patrick O’Neill, noted archaeologist, excavator of Troy, and wearer of adorable nubby sweaters. A job as Dr. O’Neill’s research assistant is the lifeline Helen needs to re-invent herself professionally, personally, and romantically. Helen’s world widens to include a Hollywood star, a local gossip columnist, an old college nemesis, a high-powered Benefit Chair, an unforgiving admissions director, the best real estate agent in the biz, and, of course, the intriguing Patrick O’Neill. While uncovering secrets about Ancient Troy alongside her archaeologist, Helen discovers something much more: a new sense of self and a new love.
My Thoughts:
Helen of Pasadena was a very enjoyable read. I have to admit that I cracked up at the beginning of the book when the demise of Helen Fairchild's husband was explained. Although the aftermath of his death left Helen in horrible circumstances, I was still pleased with the way that Karma stuck it to him. Helen herself, was portrayed as a very strong woman - forced to pick her self up and recreate a life for herself, both personally and professionally. She was fortunate to have very solid friendships to rely upon after her husband's death.
Lian Dolan was successful in weaving a bit of archeology into the story. I'm always happy when I feel that I learn a bit from a novel, instead of it being self-indulgent. In all, I found the story very well thought out, while it still managed to be a light and easy read. I think that Dolan did very well as a first time novelist. Her sense of humor was critical to making Helen of Pasadena a success. I'm looking forward to reading future novels by this author!
was a very enjoyable read. I have to admit that I cracked up at the beginning of the book when the demise of Helen Fairchild's husband was explained. Although the aftermath of his death left Helen in horrible circumstances, I was still pleased with the way that Karma stuck it to him. Helen herself, was portrayed as a very strong woman - forced to pick her self up and recreate a life for herself, both personally and professionally. She was fortunate to have very solid friendships to rely upon after her husband's death.Lian Dolan was successful in weaving a bit of archeology into the story. I'm always happy when I feel that I learn a bit from a novel, instead of it being self-indulgent. In all, I found the story very well thought out, while it still managed to be a light and easy read. I think that Dolan did very well as a first time novelist. Her sense of humor was critical to making Helen of Pasadena a success. I'm looking forward to reading future novels by this author!
has become a valued companion. I often can't bring myself to boot up my laptop during the three hour flight between D.C. and Houston, so I read instead. I'm also usually pretty spent after a 12 hour day at the office, so I unwind with a book in the hotel room. Packing up two or three extra books a trip can be heavy - especially, when I prefer to sneak in an extra one or two pairs of shoes into my already overpacked luggage. I've found my Kindle to be the perfect answer.
, 
and 
- these were recommended by fellow Manic Mommy Tracy during 
- Every once in a while (like lately), I feel the need to get grounded and hear stories about how other's made an impact in the world, or in their own life. 365 Thank Yous was a very touching memoir about how one man made a pact to write a personal thank you each day for an entire year. It reminded me about the importance of being grateful for the little things in life, and how a handwritten note can still mean a great deal.
- I was blown away by Lisa Genova's 
last year and couldn't wait for her next book. Left Neglected was downloaded as soon as it came out and was one of those books that I couldn't put down. Genova has a way of describing a medical condition with such clarity, but I'm most amazed by how she can capture the impact to the surrounding family members while still writing in the first person. She has become one of my favorite authors.
- I had to see what all the hype was about. Is a 4 hour work week really possible? The suggestions in this book are really good, but just like author Timothy Ferriss suggests, a four hour work week requires the ability to completely alter your interaction with others and how you process your work. As a person who is required by my corporation to capture every hour of my time for billing and audit purposes, a four hour work week wouldn't really be feasible in my current position. I did capture a few time saving ideas, but overall I couldn't see myself implementing the ENTIRE approach.
- Another one where I had to see for myself if a book was up to all the buzz. When I downloaded, I was in Houston and had just received an email from our daughter's teacher about a behavior issue. Guilty-Mom Syndrome kicked in and I started to question whether we were being to soft and accommodating in our child-rearing. Amy Chua's book was really enlightening and I was happy to see that she was able to describe the ups and downs of her approach. While I didn't rush out to buy a violin for J, I think that I needed a little more Tiger Mother thrown in to balance things out.
by Meg Waite Clayton
was a word-of-mouth sensation and book club favorite. Now the beloved author is back with a page-turning novel that explores the secrets we keep, even from those closest to us, and celebrates the enduring power of friendship.