The onset of summer always starts out much needed and refreshing; I wake up early (because I am inherently incapable of sleeping in), make a gigantic pot of coffee for myself, settle down in my purple thrown and read for a couple of hours, go to the gym at noon, and come back and read more.
Yes, it all sounds lovely…in theory. But after almost a full week of unscheduled bliss, I’m beginning to get antsy and am thinking of all the things I’ve pledged to be productive about this summer (and haven’t yet started).
At the forefront of the crap I need to handle? CONTINUING TO WRITE MY BOOK.
Sweet baby Jesus, it’s not a joke when authors advise novice writers to just put your thoughts on paper, especially on days when inspiration is fleeting. So my new motto for my morning writing routine (which will encroach on my regularly scheduled binge reading) is, “Do it anyway.”
Don’t fret though (7 people who read this blog)! Reading is still at least 43.5% of what I plan on spending my time doing this summer. And frankly, The Cactus by Sarah Haywood was worthy of my uninterrupted attention.
Before reading this book, I perused reviews that touted it as comparable to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. If you haven’t had the pleasure of indulging in Eleanor Oliphant, I HIGHLY recommend it – darkly funny and Eleanor’s a gem protagonist.
The main character of The Cactus, Susan Green, is a staunchly regimented, scheduled, and practical woman. She wields her independence like a shield to ward off any chance of others disappointing her. Painfully jaded by the world around her because of the constant let-down of her family, Susan clinically assesses those she comes in contact with for the benefits and flaws that they bring to the table as they relate to Susan’s needs. The most jarring example? Her twelve-year “romantic” relationship with a man named Richard, that has specific guidelines contractually agreed upon. The gist? No strings attached; the relationship can be ended at any time without warning AND Susan pays her own way, always.
There’s one thing Susan’s diligence didn’t prepare her for though – an unplanned pregnancy at 45 years old. Assured of her own ability to raise a child as a single woman (but completely delusional about the personal sacrifices a newborn baby will demand), Susan begins planning the future for herself and her child.
But when it rains, it pours…
An unexpected familial loss opens a can of worms, paradoxically filled with tragedy and opportunity.
Susan’s mother, of whom she’s never been favored by, passes away suddenly after two strokes. In her will, Susan’s mother states that Susan and her wayward, unemployed brother Edward are to split the profits from the sale of the family home.
However, there’s a condition: Edward is to be allowed to live in the house for as long as he wishes, with no time limit stipulated. Edward shows every inclination that his plan is to ride this pony ’til the very end.
Realizing the financial significance the sale of the house will play in bettering the life of the baby and herself and being completely aware of Edward’s lack of moral fiber, Susan goes on the war path to prove her brother played an underhanded game to influence their mother’s decision. Needless to say, things get very, very sticky for the entire family and skeletons begin jumping out of closets.
Along the way, Susan makes an unlikely friend and finds the attentions of a (supposedly) uninvited admirer. Her boundaries are pushed, her lack of trust in others is brought to a head, and her determination to control every aspect of her life is put to the test.
Will Susan learn to let her guard down? Can she create a comfortable domestic situation for her new family? Is everything as it appears in the world Susan thinks she’s figured out?
You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out!
Side note: I’ve joined a new Book Club, which I’m super excited to be included in, and the title that’s been chosen for this month is And Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. If you’ve read it, let me know how you liked it and give some suggestions about conversational questions for our group!
Happy & healthy reading!
Lexi
