May 20, 2022
Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman
Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, RomCom, Mental Health, Los Angeles
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
My Summary:
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyWritesStrongWomen #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary eARC of #AdultAssemblyRequired by Abbi Waxman upon my request. All opinions are my own.
Laura arrives in Los Angeles hoping to start over but as a result of an apartment fire, she finds herself homeless after one week. Fortunately, she meets Polly and her friends including Nina (The Bookish Life of Nina Hill) and impossibly handsome Bob. Polly takes her in and invites her to rent a room at the boarding house where she lives. Laura joins a trivia team, struggles with PTSD (from a tragic car accident), finds courage, and appreciates support and encouragement from her new “found family.”
My Thoughts:
Beach Bag RomCom: Readers depend on Waxman for witty banter, writing that sparkles, and some quirky characters, and a side of romance. Adult Assembly Required doesn’t disappoint and might be an ideal choice for poolside or beach reading this summer.
Characters: I adore the eclectic, colorful, quirky cast of characters (boarders who become friends) that Waxman brings together for this story. Although Nina, from The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, makes an appearance, Lauren is the focus of the story. She is in Los Angeles to escape her overprotective family, a possessive ex-fiance, and difficult memories of a car accident that has left her with physical scars and PTSD.
Themes: Thoughtful themes include starting over, taking risks, acceptance, supportive community, healing, encouragement, friendship, trust, and mental health.
“I thought being a grown-up meant not needing help with anything.”
“No,” said Nina, being a grown-up is accepting help when you need it.”
Recommended: I’m warmly recommending Adult Assembly Required for fans of Abbi Waxman, for readers of women’s fiction who appreciate a smartly written romcom with substantial themes, memorable characters, and a heartwarming story. This heartfelt story might be perfect for book clubs and for your beach bag!
Content Consideration: references to a car accident, PTSD, mental health
Adult Assembly Required Information Here
Meet the Author, Abbi Waxman
Abbi Waxman is a chocolate-loving, dog-loving woman, who lives in Los Angeles and lies down as much as possible. She worked in advertising for many years, which is how she learned to write fiction. She has three daughters, three dogs, three cats, and one very patient husband.
QOTD:
Is Adult Assembly Required in your beach bag or have you read it?
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This sounds like the perfect weekend read! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carol.
You’re welcome Gina! I like my chick lit with some substance so this is a just right read for me!
Sounds good Carol!
A nice brain break! 🙌
This sounds like a fun read – and we all need a break from the heavy stuff. Thanks for reviewing it!
It has the right balance of thoughtful themes, as well! Thanks for commenting!
Sounds like a good premise.
Waxman is a good storyteller!
The characters sound very memorable!
Definitely! 🙌
I enjoy Abbi Waxman’s books so I have this on my TBR. After reading your wonderful review, I will add it to my poolside reading, Carol. It sounds delightful.
Enjoy! 🙌
[…] 4 Stars. (ARC) Contemporary Women’s Fiction. My review of Adult Assembly Required here. […]
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