in the same boat

I was elated just now to find this post by Sara Jones on A Severe Mercy and spousal book-sharing.

I don't have any comments on the spousal book-sharing part, but I couldn't agree more about the book review. I know that the book gets sad eventually, but idyllic picture-perfect romance accompanied by an idyllic picture-perfect couple who have idyllic picture-perfect stuff (mansions, country estates, snug little apartments, boats, pets, you name it) and who are favorably treated by weather and wars alike . . . I can't do it.

This book I promptly abandoned for Tolstoy's Resurrection and a happily depressing look at sin, consequences, regret, prison, and a lot of lecturing on political/socio-economic reform (it is Tolstoy, afterall).

(my apologies to any readers who happen especially to like this book [e.g., Nick, Crystal, and Alishia]; if Sara's case is any indication, healthy and vibrant friendships can exist even between persons who disagree about the virtue of A Severe Mercy)