We all start out so damn sure, thinking we’ve got the world on a string.
If we ever stopped to think about the infinite number of ways
we could be undone,
we’d never leave our bedrooms.
I’ve had a plethora of women in my life expecting children. Some married, some not, some engaged, some first time mothers, and some expecting their second child. Being an only child I am completely enthralled with these little bundles entering my life. It gives me the opportunity to be an auntie to these little ones and an even better friend.
But sometimes things don’t always go according to plan. Some babies don’t get their first steps and some siblings don’t get that brother they’ve been patiently waiting for. Some relationships are tested, while others completely fall apart. Sometimes distances are too far to cross when a friend’s life is quietly unraveling.
During some of these trying times I’ve been running across material in the library that has soothed me and pushed me to examine my life, to hold tighter, and to let go.
Revolutionary Road, directed by Sam Mendes, shows us a more unpleasant 
side of marriage. Set in 1955 we meet April and Frank Wheeler, played by Kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicaprio, a seemingly perfect young couple filled with all the hopes and dreams that start out, but then quietly and silently vanish. Based on the novel by Richard Yates we see both characters give in and give up in order to live in their suburban confines, while having little satisfaction at home and work. When April suggests moving to Paris it reignites their hopes, but with skepticism silently stewing in Frank April attempts to make sure their dream comes true no matter how high the cost.
Away We Go, also directed by Sam Mendes, introduces us to Burt, played by John Krasinski, and Verona, played by Maya Rudolph. After Verona finds out she is pregnant and their only nearby relatives, Burt’s parents, are moving to Belgium they decide to find a home elsewhere by visiting friends and family from across the country. They travel from Phoenix to Tucson to Montreal and Miami to find the perfect fit, but rather than mold and change to fit into other people’s lives they discover just by looking at their own life how at home they really are.
Tessa King lives the life of a single, devil may care woman in the city, but 
with six godchildren Tessa begins to feel the need to settle down and begin the life all of her friends seem to be enjoying. In The Godmother Tessa finds that she doesn’t know everything: babies don’t stay babies forever, behind closed doors too many things can go unnoticed, and falling for your best friend isn’t the best idea especially when he is married. This novel comes to life by focusing on the humorous and complicated lives that many modern day women find themselves wandering.
This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper slated to become a movie in 2011 introduces us to the Foxman family through the eyes of Judd Foxman. After the death of his father and the decimation of his marriage Judd must join his brothers, mother, and sister to sit shiva. Now having this dysfunctional and distant family spend a week mourning under the same roof can either destroy the family forever or uncover truths to bring them closer than before especially when Judd gets the news that his wife is pregnant. Written with an amazing eye for family dynamics and insight into the inner workings of both men and women Jonathan Tropper has another brilliant novel in his repertoire.
The graphic novel Paul Goes Fishing by Michel Rabagliati follows the life of 
Paul from Paul Has Summer Job and Paul Moves Out who is now married and expecting his first child with his wife, Lucie. While Paul vacations with his in-laws on a camping trip he begins to reflect on his childhood, his romance with his lovely wife, and all the responsiblites and lessons to come when his child is born. Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told tale of the male side of the ups and downs of growing up, having a baby, and the work it takes to keep a marriage sustainable despite tragedy.
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