What do readers think of Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman? Write your own review.

For every reader who has ever had more epic Pinterest fails than successes, Abbi Waxman delivers the delightful novel "Other People's Houses." Centered on Fran, mother of three, the book slyly and humorously shows us the underside of the other three families on the street. Fran drives the car pool for the families' seven children, though she is the only driver. She is that kind of woman, generous to and beyond a fault. While my kids are grown now, Waxman took me back to my 30s when I endlessly compared myself--usually unfavorably--to the other moms who seemed to have it together in a way I could never achieve. As an added bonus for readers of her first book "The Garden of Small Beginnings," Waxman delivers a cameo appearance of Lili and her Danish love. More than a take-down of suburban family life, "Other People's Houses" brings sympathy and affection to the real struggles of four families. And adds a good dose of humor to boot.

Boy, when I started reading this, I knew almost immediately I was in for a treat. Reading the summary of the book, I knew immediately this was going to be a winner. However, after reading the first few pages, I was hooked. This book was a real page-turner for me. I could not put it down. I knew I had other responsibilities, e.g., the laundry, dishes..but I put it all on hold. I felt like that can wait..the book however, cannot.

I am really excited to see what Ms. Waxman has in store for us in the future. I would definitely read anything that she is serving up.

The character development was expertly crafted. The writing was effortless. If not for a few, minor...really minor...things, I would have given this 5 stars. As it stands, this book for me gets a 4.5.

I enjoyed this book as very real depiction of a close knit neighborhood when someone makes a foolish mistake. Most mothers may find it very accurate it the reaction of the children. Recommended.

I've never read anything by this author before, so when I started this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Maybe it's because I don't read a lot of women's fiction or chick lit books, but I was disappointed in this book. The lengthy list of characters at the very beginning of the book should have been my first clue that it wasn't going to be my cup of tea.

I'm glad for the opportunity to read the book, but I'm not sure how willing I'll be to read another by this author.

Maybe if you are a "soccer mom" with school age kids you might find this book mildly entertaining but, if you are looking for a read with substance, ideas, or character development pick another book. Waxman devotes large sections of the book describing car pooling, an adulterous affair, and Frances' boring middle class neighborhood. This theme and cast of characters has been done before. I would not recommend this book to serious readers. Sorry!

"Other People's Houses" by Abbi Waxman reads like a morality play. One of the major characters, Frances, despite her frumpy appearance, is cast as the saint. She is all wise and all giving and seems to be the glue that holds the neighborhood together. Claire and Charlie are given the roll of sinners: Claire for having an affair and Charlie for kicking her out and withholding forgiveness. In addition, the neighborhood contains a gay couple and their son as well a wife seeking cancer treatment away from her husband and son.

For me, the plot was weak and the characters unoriginal and uninteresting. I found this novel unremarkable and not to my taste.

Abbi Waxman's new novel, "Other People's Houses," is one that I wish I liked more than I did. In this story of four Los Angeles area families, Waxman attempted to take a tone of irony on her reflection of suburban life. However, she is a bit too obvious in some of her references and does not allow the readers to deduce the irony on their own. Of the four families, only the characters of Frances Bloom and her husband, Michael, and their three children really come to life. The other neighbors are presented as caricatures and Ann and Charlie are plain obnoxious. This isn't a bad novel, just one which could have used fewer & more clearly defined characters. The ending did pull up loose ends and come together nicely.

The first 300 pages of this book were entertaining-- not great but very readable. It was easy to identify with the characters and situation. However the author, while setting up a believable situation, did not seem to know how to bring the story to an end. All of the characters were tied together in a convenient, but not entirely in keeping with the story, conclusion. I was left wanting more and disappointed in the quick "let's try to tie it all together" method the author used. A good quick read on a rainy afternoon, but nothing more.