Time of My Life

by Allison Winn Scotch

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - "A clever, entertaining look at the compromises women make--and the dangers of getting what you asked for."--People

Jillian Westfield has a life straight out of the women's magazines she obsessively reads. She's got the modern-print rugs of Metropolitan Home, the elegant meals from Gourmet, and the clutterfree closets out of Real Simple. With her investment-banker...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307408582
• ISBN13: 9780307408587
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A Fantastic Read

Allison Winn Scotch is a fabulous writer with a wonderful new novel. The characters are relatable and endearing. It's a great, absorbing story. At the same time the book delves into the curious relationship between choice and fate, something I think many of us wonder about. This book makes a great gift for every woman you know. Everyone will enjoy it.

Best book I've read in a very long time

This book wowed me in a way that I haven't been wowed in years. I read a lot, and don't say that lightly. What's so great about this book? So many things. At first it seems very high concept, that a woman who seems to have it all, slips back in time after a relaxing massage and then has the chance to reconsider choices made earlier. So, you might expect a light and fluffy read like a Sophie Kinsella story. Not that there's anything wrong with that, as I enjoy her books too. This is not light and fluffy. The high concept falls by the wayside as we get into the real meat of this story, looking at what's most important in one's life and how every action has a ripple effect on the lives of others. This books flows along like a fast moving current, pulling the reader through. I don't remember the last time I raced through a book so quickly, feeling such a sense of urgency to know what would happen next, yet enjoying the ride so much too. I think many people will relate to different moments and scenes in this story, all of which feel very real and not at all romanticized. There were a few things that felt a bit too predictable, but that's a minor quibble. Overall, this was a satisfying story, and one that stayed with me so much that I've raved about it to a handful of people already. Prediction, this is the kind of book that makes an author 'break out'. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she hits the New York Times list and stays there for awhile, as I expect word of mouth on this to be very strong. Final word...if you liked Emily Giffin's novels, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and her most recent one Love the One you're With, you'll enjoy this book.

What Ifs

Time of My Life may be initially thought of, chosen and read for its "what if" fantasy, yet the story is actually grounded in diverse and discomforting universal issues that are not limited to marrying the right man. Writing in a strong, confident and smart voice, Allison Winn Scotch is in total control of her protagonist's indecisiveness and this is what gives the book a well-earned reality check mark. Whatever time of life you may be in, this novel is a reminder that the past holds the lure of potential but the present is where all things are created possible for the future. A most entertaining and thoughtful read, you'll enjoy the escape into second chances

Add to your read pile

If you've ever wondered what could have been if you took a different path in life then this is the book for you. It combines humor and heart and gives the reader the chance to reflect on their own life and choices. The characters feel real and multi-dimensional. If you want a book that can keep you up late so you can read just one more chapter- then be sure to grab this one.

Second Novel a HIT!

I read Time of My Life while on vacation and I had to keep sneaking away to read because I HAD to finish it! It's one of those books you cannot put down because you're dying to find out what happens next. I was expecting the book to have alternating chapters of the then and the now, but most of it does take place in the THEN. While I was tearing through the pages of Time of My Life I kept thinking, "This so has to be made into a movie!" It reads just like a movie on the big screen as it unfolds before your eyes. Allison Winn Scotch's characters are so real, the plot so believable, you may just be making an appointment to get your chi unblocked very soon as well! (Read the first chapter and you'll know what I mean!)