A Secret Word

I'm not one to write reviews for books, not even those I really like, but I feel compelled to weigh in on A SECRET WORD. I read it weeks ago and told my sisters and my mother and some friends at work about it, telling them that they would have to read it, and some have, and those who did loved it, too. But what I have to weigh in on is its remarkable story, or plot, which couldn't be more energized or more thorough in its representation of all aspects of female life, or maybe all life in general really. Between the plotlines of the three main characters, we've got two tragic deaths (one accidental, one intentional), a multitude of failed love affairs, love-at-first sight, a good marriage, a bad marriage, divorce, mother/daughter relationships, father/daughter relationships, brother/sister relationships, girlfriend friendships, a gay guy/straight girl friendship, drug use, rock 'n roll, tennis, dance, acting, abortion, depression, 9-11, and countless coming-of-age situations that are immensely funny or sad and always memorable and inspirational and which occur in locales as diverse as Florence, Italy; Destin, Florida; Washington, D.C.; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and New York, NY. Yet, somehow, with all this activity and diversity, the plotlines merge and develop in subtle ways that some readers, if they read too fast, won't be able to appreciate. If you're wanting to race through this book, and think you can or you should because it isn't long and because the language is clear and conversational, be warned: you will be missing out on much beauty, much music, much art, much real life. Be good to yourself, is my advice, and take in everything. If you race through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you might think a Monet is just a simple blur of color and not much else. This book, I assure you, deserves either to be read slowly or to be reread. I opted, incidentally, to do both.

The writing in this book is just beautiful, and the story reminded me of my own life, how some friends and family who I don't see often still remain important and influential parts of my life. I loved how the three storylines worked together, and though the girls are different people on different paths, they still seem remarkably similar. I really liked the plot of this book--a lot of different things happen, but at the end of the book the characters are all at turning points in their lives and ready for a change. It's not a typical plot, with a final ending, but more life-like, with a surprising, moving ending that feels like it could also be a beginning.

Although I found this book in the "chick lit" section of a local bookstore, A Secret Word is much more than that designation would indicate. It is a beautifully written, compelling story about friends (who happen to be women), but it is much more. Don't miss this terrific debut by a very talented writer.

Plan to read this book in a single sitting because Paddock pulls the reader immediately into the lives of the book's three characters. Every woman will find an experience or a personality in the book with whom she relates. It took me back to that same time in my life--those college and post-college years--of searching. I found myself wanting to offer the characters sisterly advice and a shoulder to cry on as I shared their disappointments and cheered their triumphs and successes.

This is a wonderful, beautiful, fun, sad, seductive book. I can't think of another novel that captures the female experience as this one does, and so perfectly. There are three main characters, three friends with three very different backgrounds, and their lives are intricately and poetically woven over the span of fifteen years--between ages 15 and 30. Leigh, Chandler, and Sarah strive and struggle, but when the novel ends, it seems they know everything that they need to know, or can be known. That's the amazing trick to this book. There's rare honesty, and wisdom, in Jennifer Paddock's writing. I read it straight through in one day and one late night.