Our rating was actually 2.5. We did not dislike the book but didn't feel that it rang true in some ways. It was exhausting to read about how Alice handled her full time job and her responsibilities as mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. It was hard for us to reconcile the subtle message of questioning the advisability of seeking a career while raising a family and our own experiences as working mothers. Ultimately Alice makes a decision that makes sense for her family's survival and her personal need to cultivate a career that fits her passion about books.

While the title is a jumping off point, Egan does not belabor the aphorism. I thoroughly enjoyed this read about how life changes when we least expect it. Alice, the main character, is a true example of the "sandwich generation" placed between raising a young family and aiding aging parents - while attempting to remake herself in a new, hip professional life. The family dynamics are realistic, but not daunting, and the growth of the characters is encouraging. An added dimension are the references to favorite books and authors, as well as the glimpse into the publishing world. I highly recommend this title.