A Most Uncommon Degree of Popularity

I love novels, but I find I'm increasingly drawn to non-fiction; fiction often leaves me with a "Eh...so what?" feeling because it didn't really happen. But this bright, readable novel felt very real to me. To use a cliche, I'd say it "spoke" to my life where I am right now: a mother with teen and preteen sons, who is esquisitely (obsessively?) attuned to every social in-and-out in their lives. Especially, oh the agony, of the inevitable "outs." Highly recommended.

This book was simply pure joy to read. The facts that I'm not affluent or Ivy League or East Coast or even raising children anymore did nothing to lessen that joy. And that's how good a writer Seidel is.

I know most people would not. Seidel has long been one of my favorite authors because she is very thoughtful and wise about human behaviors. Her characters are very real and go through an arc of self-exploration and self-discovery that seems true, and their small-scale successes and believable triumphs of the spirit. They make you want to get your own life--or at least your own dwelling--in order and perspective. Not much happens in this novel of four suburban "soccer moms" and their daughters' entrance into the world of middle school socialization--if we're talking about action. Instead, we see what it means for well-educated, career women to focus their considerable talents on motherhood, how it impacts their marriages and their self-esteem and their priorities, not to mention their concept of themselves as women, wives, and mothers. The issue of popularity and teenage girls is the ostensible focus, but this tale of manners covers far more ground than you would think. I should note that the title is taken from Jane Austen's Emma, and Seidel is, like Austen, quite the sharp and observant mistress of her little bit of ivory. I docked the book a star because it is not a book you can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone...not in our action-oriented society. But you don't have to be a mom of a certain class to enjoy it--I am neither--you have to care about insight-driven novels. I do and I loved A Most Uncommon Degree of Popularity, even though it is unlikely that the book will achieve that status.

If you are familiar with Kathy Seidel's other works this latest one is a departure from her usual romance novel but will not disappoint. This book is all about relationships, and Kathy has a way of not only understanding these complex creatures but of writing about them in a clever, humerous and novel way. The characters were all well-developed, and I found myself cheering for some and hissing at others. I found myself as caught up in the lives of the various characters as the "heroine" is caught up in the lives of her children. A great read.

I am a long time fan of Ms. Seidel's romances! What a delight to get my hands on her latest book dealing with a topic that is so near and dear to many hearts: mothers and daughters. Ms. Seidel stretches her golden literary wings soaring into the vivid and perfectly real lives of her characters. This is what she does so very well. I was absorbed and captivated by the web of relationships which tugged at my deepest emotions, making me crave more. I felt a close connection with Erin. As a teenager I had worn her shoes. As a mother, I trembled at the many connections I made to the phenomenon of "Helicopter moms" put forth so lucidly in Ms. Seidels sparkling and often edgy prose. I know many readers will identify with many aspects of these characters. Ms. Seidel has an honored place alongside my favorite literary ladies: Jane Austen, Judy Blume, and Harper Lee.