Book Review - Co-Opted by Joan Bigwood

Co-Opted by Joan Bigwood follows a woman named Francesca through her life. In the beginning, we learn she is a rather plain-looking character who is very career-oriented. She comes from a family of five and has a small circle of very good friends. We meet her parents, a mother who is dramatic and a father who is very laid back. We learn how she discovers the man she wishes to marry and how she goes about capturing the man of her dreams. The book chronicles Francesca's transition to motherhood, while trying to juggle a highly demanding job. We see her and her husband work through the issues that many families face, including job loss and gain, moving from place to place, issues with childcare and schools, family illnesses.

As Francesca hurtles through life, she finds herself morphing from career-woman to full-time-motherhood to caretaker of parents. Francesca's lifelong friends are meanwhile pulling her into their problems, compounding the challenge of simple day to day existence. The title Co-Opted becomes clear when Francesca discovers her journeys have landed her at a co-op preschool, where she begins to grow in a whole new direction. This book, although a bit fractured at the beginning, pulled together to become a very good story. I laughed out loud; I got choked up a couple times; and I cheered for Francesca. The author Joan Bigwood has written a story that will intrigue you and entertain you. Purchase this book Co-Opted through Amazon.com.
Disclosure: I received this book at no charge for this review. My opinions are always true.