Odds

I stumbled upon Patty Friedmann a few months ago. This is one of those books that you get consumed in and can't but down. I almost felt if I had to read it in one sitting. There are a few quirks about some of her characters(like the two Georges), but it does not take away if, not add to the theme for the book.

I didn't like any of the characters in Patty Friedmann's book, Odds, except for George Duffy, the fireman. The others were too mean (George Duffy, the lawyer, and his son, George); too good to be true (Gregor, Ella and her husband); too clueless (Anna and her mother-in-law); and too weird (Dorothy). All of them were predictable.What I loved about this little volume was Patty Friedmann's skillful use of humor in handling subjects such as adultery, drowning, compulsive gambling, and biological aberrations. That's a stupendous accomplishment. It kept me turning the pages.

ODDS is an amazing new book by a quirky New Orleans writer. Friedmann's writing is full of humor, wit and charm. The book centers around the life of Anna Riggs Duffy, and the after-effect of a choice that she is forced to make in the face of a tragic swimming pool accident. This book is a true rarity-- it will make you aware of the fact that we are all "dealt a hand" in some way or another, and it sheds light on our struggles to survive the odds that life gives us.

Odds should be the next Oprah selection. If not, you should definately choose it for your book club. It is filled with issues near and dear to everyone's heart: how do you react in a crisis? after a crisis? how much is your marriage worth? how well do you know your spouse? what's is the impact of your spouse's parents on your marriage? All these issues and more are raised through the tale of a woman and her children. While this book is a quick read, it is definately not a story you will soon forget. Buy one for yourself and one for your best friend. Then sit down and talk about it. Honestly.