I loved this book and I think the difficult subject matter was handled well – definitely a must read. Although this wasn’t the experience in my family, I can acknowledge that there are others with different dynamics that will resonate with this story’s theme and characters.

If you’re looking to read something about cultural and personal identity, the importance of relationships (familial, platonic, romantic), as well as the importance of discovery and change, then you’ll enjoy this one. A. Cool takes readers through Clare's journey and inspiration: from her childhood in Minnesota and years in Paris, to the creation of an iconic female-owned American company that responds to women's needs today. Allow yourself to be angry, be tired, be silly, be passionate – to give yourself a break, and just simply be.Narratives which overlap or compete are the substance of this book,’ he states in one his several introductions. The art heist story line could probably have been left aside in favor of more time with Marine and Marco, but overall this was an enjoyable read about becoming who you want to be and laying aside insecurities and the expectations of others so you can reach for your own happiness. However, "The Life Before Us" was banned again during the tenure of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Having recently been orphaned, the narrator is struggling with where she’s at in her life – despite having a great apartment and a good job.

By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file. As she adventures, she meets several characters who help to move her closer to who she is meant to be as a woman, a daughter, and a sister while also managing her difficult family relationships and a new "friendship" with a classic con man. She didn’t stand up for herself until the very end of the novel and it made the pacing drag out too long only to feel rushed at the end. There were times when I really enjoyed the book but there were moments when Rose's insecurities and family issues (and family) got on my nerves.