A Mile in My Flip-Flops
by Melody Carlson
Water Brook Press, June 2008
ISBN: 978-1400073146
330 pages

Thirty-something Gretchen Hanover is stuck. Seeking solace from a broken heart, she traded her wedding plans for home improvement shows and ice cream—but she knows she can’t live on Ben and Jerry’s forever. She also knows that her enthusiastic Lab puppy has outgrown her tiny apartment.

Cute, cute, cute! I literally smiled my way through the last third of this book. If you like HGTV and home improvement television shows, this is your book. But even if you don’t, you’ll find A Mile in my Flip-Flops a fun read.

The story begins when thirty-two year old, recently jilted, Gretchen makes the bold move to become a “house flipper.” She’s watched people on TV do it, and is sure she can do it too! So with the help of her dad she purchases a fixer upper and gets to work. The book chronicles her journey to transform a dilapidated, crumbling house and turn it into a lovely family home. Gretchen’s funny antics are silly—but not over the top.

And of course A Mile in My Flip-Flops has a love story too. Now I’m somewhat picky about my love stories, and frankly I’m repelled by anything too sappy or phony. But the romance in Carlson’s book was really believable, appealing, and satisfying.

Overall, I very much enjoyed reading about the renovation of Gretchen Hanover’s fixer-upper—but even more, I enjoyed reading about the renovation of Gretchen’s life.

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Through the Storm
by Lynne Spears
Thomas Nelson, 2008
ISBN: 978-1595551566
211 pages

Britney Spears wanted to sing ever since she was a little girl. But the years of sacrifices, auditions, performances, albums, fame, and paparazzi left the little Louisiana family swept up and spun around, and nothing turned out the way anyone ever imagined or wanted. Now Lynne shares the inside story of the Spears family as only a mother can.

Through the Storm takes readers outside the narrow orbit of the Hollywood glitterati. Lynne shares how fame forever changed their family; her regrets letting managers, agents, and record companies direct the lives of her children; the challenges that shaped Lynne and Jamie's failed marriage and how they affected Bryan, Britney, and Jamie Lynn; the startling events that led to Britney's breakdown; the aftermath of Jamie Lynn's pregnancy; and how the family has tried pulling together to recapture a sense of hope and purpose.

When I received Through the Storm in the mail for possible review, I cracked it open with major reservations, an air of skepticism, and a bad attitude. I mean who wants to read any more about Britney Spears, right? I sure don’t. We, the viewing public, have already been subjected to endless “news” stories, video footage, and salacious photographs of this young woman’s sordid life. Why would I willingly subject myself to more information about her? (Told you I had a bad attitude.)

I will have to admit to being pleasantly surprised that Through the Storm is really more of Lynn Spears’ memoir, and chronicles her life from early childhood to present day. It’s interesting, humble, and touching. They say that everyone has a story—and Lynn Spears is no exception. Her story is compelling, and because of that, Through the Storm is definitely a page turner. Yes, the book does recount Britney’s younger years, her quick rise to fame, and her resulting troubles—but this information actually leads to more understanding and compassion for a family caught in the spotlight of notoriety.

The downside of Through the Storm is the occasional blaming and finger pointing that Lynn Spears does when it comes to her ex-husband Jamie. She also seems to spend considerable energy trying to justify and rationalize several unwise parenting decisions (i.e. leaving her son Bryan with his supposedly alcoholic father for weeks on end; allowing her youngest daughter, Jamie Lynn, to get involved in show business after experiencing some of the pitfalls of fame with Britney, etc). But, overall I enjoyed reading Through the Storm and found the author to be likeable. Like the rest of us she’s far from perfect—but she’s definitely got a story to tell. You may not agree with everything she says or does, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading about one woman’s story of fame and family in a tabloid world.

Copyright © by Paula Friedrichsen Share

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