You're Leaving When?: Adventures in Downward Mobility

Rating: it was amazing

You're Leaving When: Adventures in Downward Mobility by Annabelle Gurwitch is an entertaining book. It is a look at a life with all of its disappointments, surprises, funny times and sad times. Gurwitch shares details about her divorce, post divorce dating, being the parent of a nonbinary boomerang child and renting out part of her house to a pot smoking young man from France, among other things. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts but then at others was a little sad at the author's financial and emotional "downward mobility". The author addresses some tough contemporary problems but she does it by sort of poking fun at how she herself has handled these same problems. More than anything, this is a story of resilience and the ability to keep moving forward regardless of what life throws at you. I highly recommend this book and thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: really liked it

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was around 3.5 stars for me.

Gurwitch opens up about her life including her divorce, renting out her house, and being a parent. She talks about raising a nonbinary child and downsizing her life in middle age. It's funny and sometimes sad. Gurwitch also talks about housing houseless youth and does some examination of her own privilege.

It's an interesting look at life in the US as many parents and adult children are living together and trying to navigate life.

Rating: liked it

NOTE: Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book which I received in exchange for an honest review.

A look into the life of gig actor Annabelle Gurwitch after her husband leaves her and her child goes off to college. Come along as Annabelle takes in boarders, experiences her first Thanksgiving solo, and explores the world of wellness coaching. Having read other of Gurwitch's books, I expected a bit more humor. That said, some parts were really very entertaining, including her dissection of Hollywood's portrayal of women facing downward mobility in film.

Rating: liked it

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Annabelle shares her honest experiences of life post marriage and post child going off to college. Annabelle decides to open up her home to tenants to help cover the costs. Through this process she meets many unique people and tells her stories with a comedic approach. I also appreciated her honesty in sharing her thoughts as her son explores his gender identity and how her family recognizes the changes. I enjoyed this read by Annabelle and how she is navigating and reinventing herself later in life.

Rating: really liked it

The title and the cover photo caught my attention immediately but what kept it is the honesty and humor within the pages of Gurwitch's book about reinventing---or re-establishing---yourself in midlife when you never anticipated doing so. She details real life solutions in a humorous manner, described risks she took as she made her way through her 'new normal', whatever that is, and along the way, makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. She really does make the poor decisions, silly mistakes, goofy risks and all the good stuff we do feel just right.

Rating: it was ok

Maybe I misread the premise of the book, but I was expecting to be more entertained than I was. Real life for sure, but didn't laugh much. A bit disappointing.

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.