You Made Me Love You

This book was very hard to put down. I would have read it in one day if not for the fact that the next day was Thanksgiving and I had stuff to do! Needless to say, as soon as I could, I picked up where I left off. Very well written, great characters. Looking forward to reading her other books.

This book was thoroughly addictive and I could not put it down once I started. The journey of the Zarr sisters was one to which I could relate as the characters were immensely rich and real. I found myself reflecting on my own life as I travelled their path with them. What a fabulous story of life, family and the choices we make. Kudos, Joanna! When is your next book coming out?!

Estelle Zarr dreams of making it in Hollywood as a highly regarded movie director and to find her soulmate, but so far has failed on both fronts. Having never left their hometown of Toronto, her sister Jessie worries about everything involving her two children Levi and Ilana as her marriage fails. The third sibling Erica lives in New York where she dreams of becoming writer, but instead lives her aspirations through her live-in lover, novelist Paul. Their parents also living in Toronto, Lilly and former songwriter Milton, struggle with the ennui of their golden years that seem tarnished lately. When Milton's former partner Gladys dies, he feels his mortality. His two daughters living in the States join the third sister in Toronto to attend the funeral of a person who was like an aunt to them and to offer their condolences especially to their father. Each of the sisters looks at how green the grass is under the feet of their siblings, how jealous of the attention their mom showers on the other two, and makes decisions about their future. Estelle decides her film career needs her attention not finding a husband; Jessie seeks warmth in an affair that further deteriorates her marriage; Erica and Paul break up as both need breathing room. This is a terrific family drama as Joanna Goodman manages to keep the five Zarrs and their lovers and offspring unique and totally different from one another. Each of the three siblings and their parents face a personal crisis filled with doubts as to the best course of action. YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU is a strong character study that rotates first person perspective so that the audience gets deep inside of the cast to understand what motivates them. Ms. Goodman has provided a fascinating contemporary tale. Harriet Klausner

Joanna's natural ability to capture the feelings, relationships, and lives of three sisters is unmatched! I felt like I was right there with them as they navigated through their separate worlds. Joanna does a fabulous job of depicting many real women's issues without being 'just like the others'. I couldn't put the book down, but at the same time I didn't want it to end, so I savoured it for as long as possible. Each sister was relatable and loveable in her own way. This tale should be destined for the big screen! Can't wait until the next one is ready!Stephanie Fulford, Toronto

This book should come with a warning: once you begin reading, you won't be able to put it down. At times hilarious, sometimes painful, it depicts three women who so honestly capture the reality of relationships. Such an excellent read I searched for anything else I could find by the authour.