SEPTEMBER 2018 - AudioFile
Fiona Hardingham narrates this personal-growth audiobook masquerading as a novel. Paris native Camille is on a quest to find happiness, as opposed to mere contentment, putting the author’s philosophy of “routinology” into action. In the dialogue, Hardingham’s French accent is believable, and she gives each character a unique voice and tone. Camille’s handsome mentor, Claude, has a calm, non-judgmental voice that gives her the courage to act. Camille’s own voice gains confidence as she succeeds in slowly changing her focus and attitude. The glossary of routinology terms and the author interview that end the book reinforce the impression this is, in reality, a self-help book pretending to be fiction. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
[A] charming, feel-good story...funny, sweet, and not without a few important happy-life tips.”—Good Housekeeping
“This charming novel is perfect for anyone who feels they aren’t living the life they could be. Plus, once you’re finished, you can gaze lovingly at the cover, which is basically the motivational poster your desk needs.”—Hello Giggles
“A good pick for readers who are looking for a lighter take on Eat, Pray, Love. A fast, feel-good story about finding happiness.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A one-sitting read, because we all resemble Camille to some degree, and we’d all love to do what she does. So, what if we gave it a go...?”—Femme Actuelle (France)
“A delicious feel-good novel.”—Marie France
“Giordano teaches us how to come up for air and to fall in love with life. We say yes!”—Madame Figaro (France)
Kirkus Reviews
2018-05-01
A woman attempts to overhaul her life with the help of an unconventional therapist in Giordano's debut.Camille is a 30-something Parisian woman with a husband, son, and a good job. She has security, love, and everything she needs—so why does she feel bored and unhappy? When she has a minor car accident during a storm, she stumbles into the home of a man who, conveniently, offers to help her fix her life. Claude deduces that Camille is suffering from a case of acute routinitis, a "sickness of the soul" that means she's dissatisfied, unmotivated, and unhappy even though she has everything she needs. Claude, as a routinologist, devises an unconventional course of treatment for Camille, one that has her completing some tasks that are simple (such as spring cleaning her house) and some that are slightly odder (such as riding in a hot air balloon) to transform her life. Although Claude's methods are unusual, Camille hopes they will help her find a deeper connection with her husband and son and perhaps even a better understanding of herself. Giordano has created a quick and light read, but without much information about Camille's backstory, it's hard to get invested in her transformation. Claude presents interesting ideas about philosophy and personal growth, but none of them are explored with much complexity. Although it lacks depth at times, it may be a good pick for readers who are looking for a lighter take on Eat, Pray, Love.A fast, feel-good story about finding happiness.
