How Hard Can It Be?: A Novel

The book is mean-spirited exactly like its author. Really awful.

I can’t really put into words how much I loved this book and it’s predecessor. So human and true. The things we are willing to tolerate with gritted teeth and a bright smile...all captured here. I did however want to remind Kate that she was raising Ben to eventually become like his father: spoiled, selfish and entitled but luckily Ben got the hint by the end. Emily’s struggles touched me to that deep part of my mother-of-daughter-who’s-been-thru-the-mean-girl-shit heart. I always thought Richard was a complete git and his sister a snotty bitch; this book confirmed it! Kate is pretty incredible and while I didn’t always agree with her actions, I still love her defiantly proud, strong yet insecure character. She reminds me a bit of myself and I loved that Allison Pearson wrote so vividly about a typical working mother and not some perfect Stepford wife. *sigh* I loved this book.

If you are a woman approaching any milestone in age, HOW HARD CAN IT BE? is a “must listen to” audio (or read).

Having said that, if you are a woman or man - no matter your age – this audio will provide hours of entertainment. Granted, women will probably appreciate the humor more than men.

Poppy Miller does a delightful job of bringing the various characters to life. Her mannerisms and dialect enhance the story. Miller hits the target with her timing and tones as the narrator of this story.

This is a hilarious story that will have you crying from laughter one minute and from heart wrenching events the next. It explores the highs and lows of life with zany outlooks. The author amusingly tackles raising kids, menopause, trying to recall events and names you know you should know but can’t, and getting bogged down with maintaining status quo in life.

After listening to this quirky tale, if you don’t relate to at least one or two moments, I’ll be amazed.

The author takes you on a journey of family life, loving, living and accepting one’s self. This is truly a captivating story that will amuse and inspire.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

I enjoyed this book and found it funny and could really relate to many things going on in Kate's life. Perimenopause, menopause, intimacy issues, kids, caring for an elderly parent with dementia, and just dealing with getting older. Yeah, I'd say I can relate. While there were parts that I found a little annoying, overall I found the book to be very entertaining with many laugh-out-loud moments. I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, but I feel this can be read as a stand-alone book. I may have to read the first one, though, as I did like Kate Reddy and would love to see what she was up to before this book.

I listened to the audiobook given to me by a friend, but began the book in digital format that I received from the publisher via NetGalley. The narration in the audiobook was very well done by Poppy Miller.