Forty Days: 09/05/08

"Forty Days" by Jill Smolinski follows Donna Dawson as she tries to revitalize her dull life in the last forty days of being 39. She is living at home with her parents and her daughter from a failed marriage and worries that she hasn't done enough with her life.

Her plan is simple in concept but exhausting to execute. She vows each day to do something:

1. She'd never done before
2. Been afraid to do
3. was just for herself

Some of the things she does are small things like trying to sell one of her paintings on eBay, going skinny dipping or sleeping in late. Some of them are more complicated like the speed dating she tries.

Her forty day experiment helps her meet a number of interesting eligible men. As with "The Truth About Nigel", Donna comes to realize that "Mr right" isn't always the first pick.

I think "Forty Days" is one of my favorites from the book. Donna comes across as an interesting and believable character. From looking at Jill Smolinski's website, she has a novel out that builds on the same concepts of this short story. I'll have to add The Next Thing List to my wishlist.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Saturday, September, 6, 2008 at 06:00:51

Of Cats

Seems to be quite interesting ~ wonder what I'll be doing when I reach forty!

Comment #2: Saturday, September, 6, 2008 at 08:47:42

Tracee

Sounds like a great book:)