I like the cover for Beth Morrey's new book - Clover Hendry's Day Off. The title immediately brought Ferris Bueller's Day Off to mind. In the author's notes, Morrey alludes to the movie as well.
Clover is a middle-aged mom, daughter, sister, wife, friend and beleaguered employee. What would happen if for one day, she just did what she wanted and said what she wanted? Over the course of a day, Clover does just that. I think everybody has felt this way at some point and time. And how does that work out for Clover you ask?

Well, that's the fun in this book. Clover hasn't really thought about her actions, instead she just jumps in. Some of her behaviour is fun, but some is a little darker and hurtful. So, the book isn't all 'Ferris' fun. There are some family and past issues that finally see the light. Clover's job is also a large part of the day. She works as a television executive. Morrey has a similar background and these parts of the plot benefits from that insider knowledge. While I appreciated the details 'behind the scenes', I found my attention start to drift.

Overall I enjoyed the book, but I do think it could have been shortened up a bit ( )

This book made me laugh out loud several times. I could not be more delighted with this hilarious story of our heroine Clover Hendry and her twenty four hour romp of finely getting to do exactly what she wants for once in her life. Clover is a busy woman. She is a wife, a full time television producer, a mother with teenage twins who never says no to anyone. She has always put her needs last. She even bakes cookies for school bake sales that her children do not attend anymore! On her last day off she took her cat to the vet, browsed a Co-op and bought some AA batteries, Not exactly the spa day that she really needed. Riveting stuff? Not so much. Clovers mother raised her and her sister to be compliant so that along her life's path other people could continue this process. Clover's mantra has always been: "It's not easy making a fuss. Standing up for yourself can be awkward and embarrassing. Causing a scene is mortifying. Saying no is hard." All this mental baggage has held her back.
However all that changes when on her way to work one day she gets clipped in the head by a fellow passengers briefcase. She is helped to her feet by passersby but something has clicked in her mind, she feels different, powerful and full of chutzpah. Her inner snarkiness has been awakened! And all in a very good way. In the next twenty four hours Clover takes back her world by storm. And most importantly she learns to say no to others who want to monopolize her time, but also learns to say yes to herself.

Cheers to Clover, may she live long and prosper.! Very highly recommended. Five Stars.

Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read this AC. ( )