Multiple Choice by Claire Cook – a funny, quick read

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up "Multiple Choice" by Claire Cook*. In fact, to be honest, the reason I picked it up was to sell in on eBay®. It had been lingering on my bookshelf for quite some time and I didn't think I was interested in reading it. But, like most people addicted to books, I had to at least glance at the first page, which looks a little something like this:

"During your child's senior year in high school, it is most important for parents to try to

1. remain positive
2. set firm, consistent limits
3. save money
4. live through the experience"

And then the story began:

"My daughter, Olivia, and I were going to college. Not together at the same school, thank goodness, just at the same time. And I knew she was going, naturally, since we'd just made our first exorbitant tuition payment to Boston University, but she didn't exactly know about me yet. …"

I chuckled… in the first paragraph. That was a good sign. So began my journey with March Monroe through her slightly tired marriage, difficulty with Quantum Physics and You, a little midlife crush and all the perils in between. March doesn't exactly get around to telling Olivia that she's gone back to college. Unfortunately, they end up running into each other at a radio station where they've both applied for an internship. Ouch!

That scenario, and others that are just as funny, got me to thinking about what would happen if I went to college at the same time as my daughter. Scary! "Multiple Choice" is written in such a light and funny manner that it's hard to put it down. I was so caught up in the story that I finished the book within 24 hours.

If you're looking for a well-written, funny book then "Multiple Choice" is the perfect choice for you!

*Cook, who is the author of "Must Love Dogs," lives in Scituate, Massachusetts, with her husband and teenagers.

Penguin Group, June 2004 (hardcover), $23.95
Penguin Group, June 2005 (paperback), $14.00