Book Review

      In the novel "A Scattered Life" by Karen McQuestion, Skyla Plinka has found the love and stability she always wanted in her reliable husband Thomas. Settling into her new family and roles as wife and mother, life in rural Wisconsin is satisfying, but she can’t seem to overcome the feeling of restlessness that she has. Skyla's only way to unwind and positively get through the day is by her continuing a friendship with her neighbor Roxanne. Roxanne lives a completely opposite with five kids, a life in constant disarray and unconditional love. Just to please Skyla's mother-in-law, Audrey, Skyla takes a part-time job at the local bookstore and slowly begins to rediscover her voice, independence and confidence. Throughout the year in the life of Skyla, Audrey and Roxanne, all three very different women learn what it means to love unconditionally. 

       This story is about basic life situations and the regular people living them day in, day out. A Scattered Life is narrated from three points of view, Skyla's a shy, free-spirited young wife, Audrey is an intrusive mother-in-law and Roxanne is an outspoken mother of five. As you read through this novel it is like being a fly on the wall in the lives of these women. McQuestions writing style is very descriptive, but drawn out. The aggravating part is, the further i read into the novel she would leave me questioning why she is talking about certain topics or I would wonder if anything was ever going to happen in the book rather than reading about the ladies going to the grocery store.  Don't be totally discouraged to read this novel by the drawn out way McQuestion writes though, because, just as the urge to put the book down and put this one back on the shelf she throws you a bone and you have to keep reading.A Scattered Life is a slow read but it is because she is trying to set a foundation for the three main characters, and making the last ten chapters extremely juicy.  For most of the novel the reader needs to push through the boring stuff because once the end is near, things start to happen and by the last chapter the reader may have a different perspective on people.  I loved reading this book. I was able to get away from my life and jump into eventful situations that Skyla, Audrey, and Roxanne were ecperiencing. Instead of watching a chick flick, I read a chick book. If you want to feel emotion during a book, this is a great choice. It is not only a good read but A Scattered Life teaches you how to appreciate everything in your life, and that not everyone can be judged by their first impressions.