Book Review: "Odd Mom Out" by Jane Porter

Advertising executive Marta Zinsser is no poster child for her wealthy Seattle suburb-and nothing could please her more. This former New Yorker wears combat boots, not Manolos, and drives a righteous Harley hog instead of a Mercedes SUV. Now she's launching her own agency in this land of the Microsoft elite, even though her ten-year-old daughter wishes she'd put on a sweater set and just be normal. Can this ex-urbanite remain uniquely herself without alienating the inner circle of smug, cookie-cutter executive wives? And when push comes to shove, can she stop being the proud odd mom out and take a chance at something frighteningly-and tantalizingly-new?

Like I said in my previous review, I accidentally read Mrs Perfect before reading Odd Mom Out. However, I am glad I did because it allowed me to understand Taylor's character better in this book. I really liked Marta. She shared the same views that I have about not wanting to change the way you are just to fit in. I am glad that she didn't compromise her beliefs in order to fit in and glad she stood her ground against Taylor and the other moms. I think they had never been challenged before and therefore were threatened by her. Marta is a very likable and admirable character for choosing to live as a single mom, running her own business and having to deal with a mother who's going through Alzheimer's. However I am glad that she realized that being professional and being true to yourself are different things and that is possible to be both at the same time.

I totally felt for Eva. I remember what it was like to be that age and wanting to fit in with the popular crowd but no matter what I did, I could never fit in. The pain of constantly feeling left out and rejected was all too reflected in Eva's feelings. Even though now I can look back and realize that it was just a waste to even try, I could totally understand why she kept going after this goal. Although I wasn't fan of that book (which sounds suspiciously like a training manual of how to be a Mean Girl), I probably would have read myself in desperation. Trying to fit in with the in-crowd always seems so crucial at that age and anything that makes you stand out

My one complaint isn't really about the book but more so the cover. While the figure which is supposed to portray Marta is fine, the other female characters highly disappoint. It's due the outfits they are wearing. The women look like 50+ year olds and those shoes are absolutely horrid especially since it's described how much the characters spend on expensive shoes. I just think better artwork could have been done to represent the Stepford wife lifestyle.

Many questions were raised in this book that don't have answers yet but are worth questioning. The talk about there being a double standard between working men and women is very true and needs to find a solution. Also the cost of being a stay at home mom as well and the lack of appreciation she gets. Once again, this is another hit from Jane Porter. I'm really sad that now I've read all her books out currently and have to wait until August for the next one. If you haven't discovered her books, I HIGHLY recommend them.

Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter is published by 5 Spot (2007)

This review copy was provided by the publisher