Thursday, June 6, 2013

Review: Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins


Title: Catch of the Day 

Author: Kristan Higgins

Rating: 4 Stars

Sometimes, one book is enough for you to tell that an author is about to become your favorite. Catch of the Day may not be my favorite romance book around, and really, it isn't much of a romance book at all, but Kristan Higgins may be one of my favorite authors, merely because she chose to step out of the typical bubble of romance and explore something entirely different with this book. If, as I suspect, she's done the same with her other novels as well, then the two of us are on the way to becoming fast friends. Quite simply put, Higgins writes a novel with heavy emphasis on family, with protagonists who are struggling to find their way, and hunks whose love stories are so very understated, but still manage to make you swoon.

From the very first page, Higgins has us laughing as she regales to us the tale of her protagonist, Maggie, and her woefully misplaced crush on the priest, Tim. As a protagonist, Maggie is hilarious. With her naivety and big mouth, she often finds herself in embarrassing situations, but she treats it all with a smile and serves the people of her small town, Gideon Cove, with a constantly cheerful face. Yet, despite her volunteering, successful restaurant business, and adorable dog, Maggie yearns to settle down and have children, much like her twin sister, Christie. Usually, I tend to turn all feminist on women - or characters - who have no ambition in life but to find a husband. Quite thankfully, Maggie isn't one of those ladies. Instead, she's a fiercely independent and headstrong protagonist who simply wants something a little more from her life. Although she hasn't had much luck in the romance department, she truly makes an effort and tries - for herself and not for the countless neighbors (or her mother) who remind her that her time is flying by fast. And yet, the reason I enjoyed this book so much is not so much because of Maggie, but more so because of her growth. As the novel wears on, Maggie slowly comes to realize that despite everything, she is perfectly content with her life just the way it is. Sure, she'd love it if she met someone and fell madly in love and married and had kids, but it isn't integral to her happiness. And I love this. I love books that assert the fact that us humans can find happiness in our lives, no matter our age.

Nevertheless, despite that prevalent theme, I won't deny that I adored the romance in this novel. Catch of the Day focuses primarily on Maggie and her relationships - whether it be with Father Tim, a good friend; her beloved sister, Christie; her parents, who are finding their own paths in life too, despite their age; her old neighbors; the staff at her restaurant; or just the people of her small town. As such, the true romance element in this novel doesn't jump out immediately and when it does, it remains muted and subtle, fading easily into the background as the interactions between Maggie and the strong-but-silent Malone are few and far between. Yet, this only creates an entirely realistic setting between these two. Maggie and Malone are not the young eighteen to twenty-somethings bombshells of New Adult who hook up and are surprised as they begin to fall for each other. No, the relationship between Maggie and Malone is unexpected, surprising, and awkward. It is filled with silences, but also with sweet moments. With truthful confessions, and even a little unnecessary drama. And yet, at the end of the day, I was wholly invested. One of the things I love about it is that Malone never enters Maggie's life and changes her or vice versa. Maggie and Malone retain their individual lives, but they make room for each other too. Although they fall in love with one another, despite Malone's long silences and surly glances, their lives change because of themselves and their own wishes.

Of late, I seem to be obsessed with novels where the protagonist finds themselves and what they want from life all on their own. And I love that that idea is repeated in this book not once, but twice. Sure, Maggie ultimately comes to terms with her life, but so does her mother. Higgins dares to explore the contentious relationship between a thirty-something woman and fifty-something mother. And while I myself cannot relate directly, I know for a fact that a woman's relationship with her mother is something that is constantly growing, constantly changing. I see it with my own grandmother and my mother and someday, I'll see it mirrored in my own life too. For me, Higgins broke so many typical barriers of romance and truly created a novel that was heartfelt, inspiring, and still ever-so-slightly full of swoon. While I will admit that the ending to this was too abrupt and a scene or two was slightly cliche, Catch of the Day was the perfect spring-into-summer read. Kristan Higgins, I will have more of you in my life. (Malone, you too!)

13 comments:

  1. I just adore your review, and I've never even heard of this book before! You've told me everything that I need to know, and now I'm more than convinced that I'll enjoy this one. Maggie sounds like the sort of character that I could fully invest in and whose story I could completely get behind. I'll definitely need to check this out. Wonderful review, Keertana!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great review, Keertana! I think it's such a brilliant thing when an author can bring a romance alive through the truth and realistic aspects of human nature. This sounds wonderful :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, what a beautiful review Keertana! Maggie sounds absolutely fantastic, and as much as I love romance and know I'll read this one wanting more, I do like that Maggie finds happiness on her own. It's a fabulous message:) As a thirty something with a fifty something mother, I think I'll really be able to relate to their relationship as well!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I still need to read one of her books. I actually don't mind the cliche and actually expect it with books like this. I also love that Maggie is a good strong character. This does sound like a good summer read.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ohhh I've seen this author's other work floating around goodreads. I think her latest one is called The Best Man? The synopsis caught my attention because I've heard of so many stories of men and women being in that situation. I like the fact that the novel focuses on strong women who aren't perfect, but are independent and have a good head on their shoulders. Also the fact that's not one of those books that immediately has the main character dropping everything they value and changing in the name of love. I'm not sure if I'll pick this up anytime soon-I'm trying to keep my TBR at a number that I can read, but I'll let you know if I ever pick one another book by Kristan Higgins.

    Lovely review Keertana!
    Cheers,
    Savindi

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, this sounds truly original, in terms of really breaking out of the box with normal romance stories. I really do love how the focus isn't on the romance, yet it's still present and beautiful. The feminisit in me would be very excited by reading this book, I think, because it seems like the MC decided she doesn't have to be married for happiness. And that's something that I think so many YA novels misrepresent- you CAN be happy and not be in a relationship. I'm glad that is portrayed through this book, even with older characters.

    Gorgeous review, as always, Keertana. Your writing and ability to convey your thoughts and emotions so well is still breathtaking, no matter how many reviews of yours I read.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've never picked up a book by Kristan Higgins before but Catch of the Day sounds like a gorgeous read. I love it when a book delves much deeper than just focusing entirely on the romance, but most of all I love it when a character shows great growth over the story. I will definitely be adding this to my tbr! Another wonderful review!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I haven't read any of Kristan Higgins' books because I've mostly heard that her books are typical romance book and chick-lit and I run away from them all the time. Still this one sounds like something different. Maybe I could give it a try. Great review Keertana :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I know I have friends who are a fan of her so I'm excited to read her one day! Maggie sounds like a fantastic character and I like that this doesn't sound like your typical romance book.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the strong and silent type so Malone sounds wonderful to me! Nice to hear this resonated so much with you, Keertana! It sounds like a wonderful mix of life. Great review. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh, it's great that Maggie wants a husband and a family, but has goals that are only her own too. Small town romances are my favorite kind, I dislike angst and unnecessary drama, so IF I choose to read a romance, I'm likely to pick up something like this. I've never read a book by Higgins before, but this seems like a great start, and lately I've been in the mood for feel-good romance anyway. I blame summer.
    Lovely review as usual!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes! I've actually had a hard time with the bulk of contemporary romance that I've tried to read because for one reason or another, I just cannot connect with the heroine. Knowing that this one had a girl set out to be happy on her own, whether or not romance fits into her life down the road is kind of huge for me. I've been meaning to read some Higgens forever--I actually was going to pick up her latest at BEA, but the line was huge and for 5 authors, the other 4 of whom I wasn't familiar with so I didn't bother. Still, I push her on people looking for good contemp romance all the time, and hopefully will read her soon myself!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I haven't read anything by this author, though everyone raves about her! And I know she's written a lot of books. I really like the messages in this story - the girl finding herself first, and not because of a guy. Looks like I need to read a Higgins book sooner than later.

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from my readers and I read, reply, and appreciate every one of the comments I receive!(: If you're a fellow blogger, please leave a link to your blog - I'd love to drop by!

Unfortunately, this is now an award-free blog. I simply do not have the time to respond and forward on the award, but I truly appreciate the nomination regardless.