Saturdays at Noon by Rachel Marks

Title: Saturdays at Noon by Rachel Marks

My Ratings: 4 Stars

Publisher: Penguin Books

Source: Times Reads

Goodreads Synopsis:

Emily just wants to keep the world away.
She doesn’t want anyone to know all the ways her life is messed up.
Going to anger management every Saturday, talking to strangers, was not part of the plan.

Jake just wants to keep his family together.
He’s also messed everything up.
Going to anger management is now his best hope for bonding with his six-year-old Alfie.

Emily can’t understand why Jake – who seems to have it all – is even there.
Jake can’t understand why Alfie – who never likes strangers – lights up around spikey Emily.

Everything they think about each other is about to change.
But can they change how they feel about themselves?

This was a good book. It has interesting and realistic characters. The fact that I gritter my teeth and painfully endured the tough bits is a proof of how truthful this book was to today’s reality.

We follow Jake and Emily who are in anger management class. Jake is in a failing marriage and got to deal with Alfie who’s not normal like other children. He’s a full time stay at home dad, therefore he endures bigger pressure from Alfie and his tantrums. His wide, the breadwinner of the family took off one day, claiming she needs a break. Jake who’s struggling with Alfie and his anger was shocked to find solace in Emily who’s a skinhead, and one who didn’t fancy him too much.

It’s a book that reflects the harsh reality of today’s world. I can’t imagine coping or having a normal life with a child like Alfie. There are times I tend to get mad when my husband breathes a little too hard. Hehe. Just kidding, or am I?

A stunning debut for Rachel Marks, if you ask me. I enjoyed reading how the misfits in Jake and Emily coming together, by putting their differences aside when it came to Alfie. I particularly love how honest this book felt. Everyone deserves a break every now and then, even if it’s from the child they love.

Thank you Times Read for sending this amazing review copy in exchange of my honest opinion. I hope y’all will pick this gem up, it’s available in all good bookstores. Till the next review, stay tuned!