What do readers think of The Stuff That Never Happened by Maddie Dawson? Write your own review.

The book held my attention, but it was upsetting at times...probably because the whole sexual revolution thing always bothered me. I think those, who went through that, would be more likely to understand what Annabelle was going through than I was. I could never imagine living in a situation like she was, either. I did like the book, but it had it's ups & downs for me.

This is a good read with more depth than I had expected. Great use of humor. I especially liked the views of the different generations of women. Definitely a book for women, probably the "over 40" crowd.

'The Stuff That Never Happened' turned out to be a much better book than I initially thought it would be. The first few chapters were unpromising; the characters seemed one-dimensional and thinly written, but luckily it turned a corner, and developed into an engaging read. In retrospect, the initial flatness of the characters turned into a well-thought out technique--capturing the way people who know each other over a long period of time can reduce each other to well-worn tics and mannerisms. This book might provide interesting fodder for book groups as it nicely probes different relationships and the expectations that come with them.

"The Stuff That Never Happened" starts off well. I adored the first chapter; it was smart, funny and a good introduction to the character. Then the novel begins flipping back and forth between 2005, when Anabelle and Grant's marriage is floundering with their children now grown, and 1977, when they met. Initially, this alternation helps build suspense and provide an interesting take on the characters. As the novel progresses, however, it starts to fall flat because it becomes more obvious what must happen. The characters begin to fall flat as suspense evaporates.

There are strengths to this novel. Dawson writes conversation quite well, and it is a fast read. I imagine fans of women's fiction will enjoy this thoughtful, but uneven, take on a modern marriage.

I had a hard time getting into the novel. The book went back and forth between the present and the past, from the time Annabelle met her husband and then married him etc.

I found the relationships between Annabelle, her mother and her daughter interesting. These relationships touched on the dimensions of relationships that women have over the years and how some things change and some things remain the same.

I feel that it takes a mature person to understand the decisions that Annabelle made and why she might have made them.

I should have known that a book with the word "Stuff" in the title would be just that - "Stuff." This book goes beyond chick books and fairy tales. It is a quick, shallow, derivative read with characters that you would like to throttle. I laughed out loud when I read that while living in an apartment of a couple (with twins!) the guest wife was having a torrid affair with the host husband. And no one was the wiser. Really? However, the plot thickens when the two lovers run into each other again - 25 years later! - in a Manhattan market! And, goodness, the spark is still there. Imagine that! What WILL it take for these two to get over one another?? The big mystery in the book is the absent Whit - a shallower character yet - if that's possible. SO - I could go on, but why bother. I wouldn't recommend this book - it's silly.