Hello from the Gillespies!

Hello from the Gillespies by Monica McInerney is a very interesting book.  It tells the story of Angela, her husband, Nick, and their children (what a group they are too).  Every year Angela sends out a Christmas letter to all their friends.  She normally does what many people do around the world--she tells half-truths and embellishes wherever she can!  However, this year, Angela's heart is not into it.  The family has had a rough time and she feels like venting.  So for the fun of it, Angela writes a letter and tells the truth.  She never intends for this letter to be seen by anyone but herself.  Just as she is finishing the letter an accident happens with her son, Ig.  He cuts off his finger and she has to rush him to the hospital.  The family all shares one computer (something that would drive me nuts).  Her husband, Nick, goes to use the computer and sees the letter.  He thinks he is helping by sending out her Christmas letter on time.  Unfortunately, Nick never takes the time to read the letter. The book covers the year after the letter and how the family changes, copes, and comes back together as a family.  If I had this family, I think I would have run away screaming.  Angela has the patience of a saint and I can certainly understand why she has such awful headaches.  I love the ending of this book.  The author tied up all the story lines nicely and left us with a good ending. This book was a delight to read.  I hope you take a chance and read it and love it!   I did receive a free copy of this book through Penguin's First to Read Program.