29: A Novel (Literary Feline)
Touchstone, 2010
Fiction; 269 pgs
Sometimes I come across an unexpected gem of a book. In this case, it’s a book I never would have given the time of day had the publisher not sent it to me for review. I hadn’t requested it, so I could have easily passed it over for the next book. But in the moment I picked it up, it seemed like the right thing to do. And it was.
Adena Halpern’s novel, 29, is funny and charming. It’s the story of a 75 year old woman, Ellie Jerome, who wishes on her birthday to be young again for a day. She longs to live the life her granddaughter is living, to start over and make different choices than she had the first time around. When she wakes up the next day, she discovers her wish has come true. Suddenly, she is young again and she can’t wait to live life to its fullest.
Wrapped up in a story about taking chances and having fun, this is also a novel about family, friendship, love and regrets. It is about growing old–the way we see ourselves and others. It is also about appreciating what one has, while at the same time, not being afraid to make changes. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Ellie.
Ratings: 
(Very Good)
For more information about the author and her books, visit her website.
Source: Received book from publisher for review.
Printed with permission by Wendy Runyon (aka Literary Feline); © 2010, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.
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