Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Drama Publication.Date June 14th 2012 Pages: 330 Published By: Create Space | Website Suzanne Jenkins |
Pam Of Babylon - Goodreads My review copy: A copy of the book received from the author in exchange for an honest review
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Warning readers! Mature content. Please read the entire description.
The first in a series of four books.
Pam Smith lives an idyllic life on Long Island, waiting for her husband to return home each weekend from the city, until she gets the phone call every wife dreads. Jack's had a heart attack on the train. She rushes to his side only to discover he's dead, and his girlfriend got there first.
Jack Smith's death opens up a Pandora's Box of secrets and lies, the worst not his infidelity. Themes of sisterhood and sexual abuse run through the book.
The new, re-edited edition of Pam of Babylon is now available in Paperback and Kindle. Less mistakes, more sex. Not really, just less mistakes.
(Goodreads)
Lately, Pam had been a little worried about Jack. There was a tiny, itsy bit of doubt, a niggling worry, an insecurity in the back of her mind. He was disconnected from her.
He was gone. She would never see him again, never hear his voice, never wait for his car to pull in the garage, never smell him, touch him, or feel him. How would this become real to her?
Her grief, compounded by guilt, paralyzed her. She lay on the floor in front of her door in the dark for the rest of the night.
When it comes to picking up self published books there is always a certain degree of reluctance on my part. Seems to me that the safest way to go is: hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Thankfully, Pam of Babylon proved to be way better a read than I ever dreamed it would be. Emotionally engaging, full of interesting observations, clever and ultimately moving, it's a tale of love and betrayal, death and how it affects those left behind, grief, pain, and finding strength to move on. With some truly heart-breaking moments and inspiring reflections on life and relationships, Pam of Babylon is sure to please a wide variety of readers, even the picky ones!
Pam's world crumbles to pieces when she receives a call from the hospital informing her that her husband died from a heart-attack. At the hospital she runs into a young and good-looking woman, who -- as it later turns out -- was Jack's mistress of almost one year. Along with that discovery comes the realization that Pam never truly knew her husband, and their seemingly peaceful and complete life was built around lies and deceit. What will she do when she finds out that what she just discovered is merely a tip of an iceberg?
Some parts of this book were really upsetting, others inspiring and heart-warming. In the end, I was left sitting in my room and thinking about what I just read for quite a long while. It's difficult to explain how much this book has affected me without giving away too much of the plot, but let me just tell you that there was a lot to absorb. The writing style was good for a debut novel, maybe a little bit too conversational at times, but overall very engaging and dynamic. Suzanne Jenkins did a fantastic job dissecting the soul of a newly widowed, middle-aged woman, giving the reader a phenomenal insight into her thoughts, feelings and motivations. At times I questioned some of Pam's actions, they seemed erratic to me, improbable even, but in the end all those little things that might have seem a little bit crazy or bizarre added to her interesting personality. She felt very real, with all her worries, doubts, fears, dreams and needs. And while I can't say I sympathized with her, I certainly got a very good understanding of what her life was like and how she got to that point in her life.
Jack, too, was a fascinating character. All the glimpses into his past helped me understand some of his decisions, and while I can't say that there was a redeemable quality to them, they definitely made him seem more human. More of a lost soul than a heartless, lust-driven cheater. If there is one thing I loved about this book, it's that all the characters were complex and brilliantly fleshed out, and the difficult situation they found themselves in was not by any means a black-and-white one. There is no good guy and bad guy, just a group of people who made some bad decisions in their lives. And that makes this story all that more tragic and depressing.
Overall, while I often shook my head at the way Pam reacted to the discovery of her husband's triple life (yes, triple!), I also found this book to be quite fascinating and exciting to read. Observing the dynamics between Jack's wife and his two mistresses, seeing them turn to each other for comfort and support - that was just as unexpected as it was intriguing, and just as moving as it was weirdly disturbing. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading Pam Of Babylon. It's truly a great read!
Join Suzanne Jenkins, author of the contemporary women’s fiction series, Pam of Babylon (Pam of Babylon, Don’t You Forget About Me and Dream Lover), as she tours the blogosphere July 2 – September 24 2012 on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book! The Pam of Babylon Virtual Book Publicity Tour is part of huge Kindle Fire giveaway. See details further down on how you can win one for your own!
UPDATE: BECAUSE AMAZON NO LONGER SELLS THE KINDLE FIRE, WE WILL BE AWARDING $200 TO THE WINNER PAYABLE BY PAYPAL.
ENTER VIA RAFFLECOPTER BELOW!
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ABOUT SUZANNE JENKINS
Suzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore with her husband, two dogs and two sheep. Her latest books are Pam of Babylon, Don’t You Forget About Me andDream Lover.To get your copy of PAM OF BABYLON by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon: click hereTo get your copy of DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon: Click hereTo get your copy of DREAM LOVER by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon: click here.Pick up your copy of PAM OF BABYLON by Suzanne Jenkins at Barnes & Noble: click here.Pick up your copy of DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME by Suzanne Jenkins at Barnes & Noble: click here.To learn more about Suzanne Jenkins, visit her website: http://suzannejenkins.net/Drop in at Suzanne Jenkins’ blog: http://2sheepinthecity.comVisit Suzanne Jenkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/suzannejenkins3Like Suzanne Jenkins on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannejenkinswriter
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About the AuthorEvie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and chatting with fellow book-worms.
You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing
121 comments:
I just don't know if I will read this one or not, but I loved your review! As always. I just don't deal very well with sexual situations in a book, even though I am 30 and I really shouldn't be embarrassed by such things. But I blush redder than a tomato. I also really can't stand cheating. It is something that makes me so angry, along with mental and physical abuse. All of these things are in this book, so I just don't know if I could keep it in my hands or if I would break my poor Kindle. Regardless, I love your review!
This sounds like a great but conflicting read! I think I wouldn't have given it another glance if not for your review...
as for the questions! I LOVE eReaders, like... more than paperbacks, really!!
I would love a kindle because I love to read and watch movies. I read an average of four books a week and don't have anymore space on my bookshelves. Plus, snooks are less expensive and I can get more for my money. Thanks for the giveaway!!!!
This sounds like a great book for me. I love your review.
This book sounds good and the fact that it is part one makes it better I think since I love to read books that is in a serie:P
Your review as always are good and I hope to get as good as you on review books since I'm new to review in English:)
This really does sounds like a fantastic book. Great review as always!
I'd like to win a Kindle Fire because I keep buying up ebooks and I need a better device to read them with than my smartphone! I'm up to a dozen ebooks needing to be read! My birthday is coming up on the 24th and I would LOVE to get a Kindle Fire as a gift.
Love my ereader and would like to upgrade...thanks :)
debi01760@hotmail.com
It sounds like a really great read. I'll have to add it to my list!
Wow Evie, you really know how to find the interesting books! I love books that really leave you thinking about things and that delve deep into the emotional aspects of relationships. This definitely sounds like a book right up my alley, beautiful review (as always).
What gets me is that you said you couldn't really sympathize with her. Makes me wonder more about her too. I couldn't see myself going to seek comfort from the women who cheated with my husband. So don't know if emotionally I could handle this book or not!
Thanks for all the lovely comments, darlings! I really did enjoy this book a lot and I highly recommend it to everyone. It's better than I expected and I was surprised how quickly I got sucked into the plot.. Some parts did upset me, and yes - for the most part I did not understand how the main character could so easily accept everything that was going on - but that was a very important part of her personality.. and in a way added to this book's incredible pull! Check it out!
I'm like you when it comes to self-published books....hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Its awesome to hear though that this one exceeded your expectations! The plot definitely sounds intriguing! And a Kindle Fire!! WOW! Considering I'm a library student and have yet to purchase an e-reader I'll be keeping my fingers crossed to win! Great review! :)
This isn't the type of book that would normally appeal to me, but after reading your review, I think I might give it a try! I actually like when main characters are flawed and irrational, because, like you said, it makes them feel more real. Thanks for the review and giveaway! :)
I love a book that can draw strong emotions out of me, and this one sounds like a real tear-jerker. Thanks for the review!
I don't generally read erotica or books featuring sexual abuse, so I don't think this book is for me, but I thought the review was interesting.
Evie, I am so glad that you read and loved it! I can't even express how much I loved this book (or apparently even think of a more interesting word than "loved"), it is one that I KNOW I will read again and again. There was just so much emotion in it I can't wait to explore further! Your review is truly beautiful, and captured the essense of the book so well! :D
Also, thank you for the interview questions at the end no wonder she got it SO RIGHT!
This definitely sounds like something that I would love to read! I love books that have erotica! Very sexy! Would love to win!
I love, love, love fleshed out characters! But I'm not into erotica. I think I'll have to pass on this one, but I'm so glad you liked it. :)
After reading your review, I maybe even read this book evetually. It looks like it's work reading.
Sounds....different. I'm not sure how I feel about reading about cheating men, besides YA boys, but I think this book might be something. :)
I'm really glad you enjoyed this book. It certainly sounds unique. Generally, I'm the same way about indie books. Angelfall by Susan Ee is one of very few that stuck out to me and, admittedly, blew me away. Like you, I go into them hoping for the best but expecting the worst and most of the time, unfortunately, I have been delivered the worst. I'm hoping that this book can be one of the best.
Thanks for sharing!
Wow! That sounds like a really good book! It sounds like something i would be interested in. I'd love to also win the Kindle Fire! I have over 1,000 books and no more room to fit anymore! A kindle would be the perfect solution
Would love to give it to my sister :)
I didn´t hear about this book before, but it seems like something, that I would love to read. :)
This book sounds pretty cool and the cover is nice, I think I'll read it soon. Thanks for the review!
A Kindle Fire would be an amazing help! I have no e-reader so right now, all my e-books are read on the computer and the eye-strain really gets to me sometimes :/ This book does sound awesome, even though I never heard of it before.
Thanks for the giveaway and review <3
This looks like an emotional rollercoaster of a book! Seems very captivating! Great review, thank you for sharing. :D
This isn't my type of book, but it sounds intense, which is good.
I am still not sure If I want to read it but it seems there are quite a lot of things I like to read about so I might give it a chance.
Thank you for the review :)
Your review is great, but this isn't my type of book. :(
I'm not sure if I would enjoy this book or not but your review made it sound intriguing. It's definitely a touchy subject and bold to write about, great review though!
Sounds like a great book! Looking forward to it!
Would love a kindle so I don't have to carry all my books with me everywhere...
What an interesting sounding book. Not sure if it would be something I would have found on my own, so thank you for that :)
I don't really read books in the contemporary genre, but I have nothing against self-published books. I've found quite a few that I liked, so if this book is for you, then you should give it a chance.
Great review Evie!! You know I am trying to read more contemporary! So seeing you enjoy this I should totally be adding it to my TBR list!!
Why would I like a kindle... Well the fact that the screen on mine is shattered and it only works when it feels like it is a good one I think lol Especially seeing many times that is how I get review copies of books!
I love my kindle fire and if I won one, I'd give it to my dad
I love these types of books! It's also great to see that you were open to the idea of self-published novel, and ended up liking it! I feel like everyone deserves a chance like that, especially from a book blogging guru.
Great review! I will definitely be picking up this book.
Not sure if I'd want to read the book, but I am glad you liked it. And, I appreciate the giveaway.
I'm always iffy about Indie books because they are either absolutely amazing or rather horrible. I'm trusting you on this one...
Thanks for this giveaway. I would love to win a kindle because I would be able to carry books everywhere I go. Bringin 5 books to school take a lot of my bag's space...
I want to read all those e-book that I have on my computer.<3
The book reminds me so much of One Moment! I am not so into emotional books, but that doesn't mean some aren't amazing!
This sounds like a really interesting book :) Great review!
I like reading books with real life conflicts, you learn so much while reading and experience through books situations you'll never or maybe thing you are going to experience. You live other life through the pages and for me that fantastic! Like Forrest says: Life is like a box of chocolates! You never know what you are gonna get! I'm really looking forward to read Pam Of Babylon. Thanks for the review Evie
The reason I would love a Kindle Fire is because I have a friend that reads on her Kindle and we can't share due to my Nook. So having a kindle would mean sharing books! Plus I could use it for eText books at college since this semester they just started adding ebooks for courses.
Sounds interesting! I'll have to take a look see :)
Great review!!
Sometimes I quite enjoy picking up a book like this...
Helps me break away from all the YA I read.
Sounds like a great debut for this author.
The plot made me think of that George Clooney movie, The Descendants :]
THE KINDLE FIRE IS THE BEST! ^^
This seems interesting. The conflict is so complex I think. Thanks for showing me this book since I've never heard about this book before
Great review, sounds like an interesting book.
Whoaa.. Great review and I think I'll enjoy to read this book. Thanks, Evie ^^
I enjoyed your review and I'll have to check out Pam of Babylon.
This book sounds interesting. I would be devastated to find out that my husband was leading a triple life cheating on me with other women! I love when an author can create complex three-dimensional characters. evie, I also cannot understand how the three women were leaning on each other for comfort. Great Review. I got a good feel for the plot, characters, and what type of book this is :)
This book hasn't really caught my attention enough but it does look interesting. Great review.
Because I'm a book reviewer and don't have an ereader reading books would be so much easier if I didn't have to read ecopy off the computer!
Love your review but I think I won't read this. I don't feel anything when I read the blurb.
This quote from your review was totally right:
"There is no good guy and bad guy, just a group of people who made some bad decisions in their lives."
I can't agree more. This book may not look like my cup of tea, but I will probably give it a go. :)
I've never read that books before, your review is awesome..
and this qoute "He was gone. She would never see him again, never hear his voice, never wait for his car to pull in the garage, never smell him, touch him, or feel him. How would this become real to her?" so touch me, It made me remembering someone
Brzmi naprawdę ciekawie. Po przeczytaniu Twojej recenzji z checią chwyciłabym za tą książkę. Na razie nie mam możliwości, ale kto wie co będzie w przyszłości:D Lubię takie ciekawe książki z rozbudowanymi charakterami więc postaram się zapamiętać ten tytuł i w razie czego wydam na niego ostatnie drobne :]
This book really sounds amazing! I think I'll just pick it up and read it. I love books that speak directly to the reader, and from what I understood from your review, this one does just that. I guess it would be easy for me to identify myself with Pam because I'm in a relationship and he's gone most of the time. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened. So reading about Pam's reactions and the way she dealt with everything would be very interesting.
And I'd like to win a Kindle Fire because a couple of months ago I wanted to buy myself one but just didn't have the money. I still want it a lot. :)
Thanks for the great review and the giveaway! I would never have picked up this book before but now I've put on my TBR list!
And I'd like to win a Kindle Fire because I have a lot of books to go on a Kindle but unfortunately only have my laptop to read them on. It would really come in handy as I'm amassing a ridiculous amount of books and some e-books (and something to read them on) would probably save me from having to have a separate room for my books!
I don't know if this kind of book is something I would read, but I like your review so I will give it a try. Thank you for finding new books for us :)
You totally made me wanna read this book *_*
Thanks for the review! :D
I'd love to win a Kindle, any Kindle, Idon't have an e-reader and reading off my laptop is such a pain! I can't afford one yet as my kids keep spending all my money lol!
I will definitely be tryingthis book, I read a lot of indie authors and I like discovering new ones, plus this sounds like something I'd like :-)
Some very emotional issues raised. It sounds like a great read.
I want to read this! :))
maybe, or maybe not. It's a different book form the one I like to read, but I'll put it on my to-read shelf on goodreads.
Really thoughtfull and honest review! The book sounds great. I can't wait to read it!
I loved ur review though I didn´t hear about this book...
Wanna read this one...
Hope I could read this one someday...and hope it will be translated in Bahasa :)
I'm always a little skeptical when starting a self-pub book, no matter what. Can't help it.
But I'm glad to hear this was a more than pleasant surprise. Will I read it? ... Maybe. But I hadn't even heard of it before visiting your blog and now it's on my radar. Mission accomplished, Evie. : ) I'll also probably recommend it to my mom and future mother-in-law since this is right up their alley (all about the dramatic, those two).
Lovely review, as always. : )
WOW! From the title of the book I had no idea what the book was about! It sounds very good!
Thanks so much!
You totally rocked this review, and u have me thinking that I need to read this, like yesterday!
I <3 my fire so hard, but I want, need, have to have the new Kindle Fire HD coming out 11/20/12-just because I'm a nerd like that:D
I had no idea what the book was about from the title, but after reading your review, sounds very intriguing. What interests me the most is the way in which Pam finds out (and her reaction!) and deals with her husbands affairs, and the dynamics between her and his two mistresses.
A kindle dire would be wp awesome I'd love to give it to my coworker who does more for others than herself
I recently found out I like reading contemporary romance and I think I found another book (thanks to your review) to add to my wishlist :D
I will definetly check this story out! And I really loved the review.
I don't think I'll have problem with the mature content! ;)
Nice review! I've been seeing this book in some blogs already, but I'm not sure if it's my genre. Glad you liked it, though.
And oh, what a wonderful giveaway! Thanks.
Why I'd like to win?? Um... BECAUSE IT'S AN AWESOME PRIZE!
I would love to win a Kindle Fire so that I could read my favorite books on my way to work (I take a bus). Thank you for the giveaway!
Your review of this book makes me really want to read it. It sound really interesting and I really want to know what other secrets the husband was hiding!
I read your review and I want to read this book someday. Is pretty awesome!
If I find out at my husband's death that he has a girlfriend. I would still smack him. That's a lot to deal with and not have someone to scream at. I'm going to check this book out on amazon
This sounds like a really good read! I'll have to add it to my to-read list :) This was a great review.
Great review! I haven't heard of this title before, but it sounds interesting - even though it's not my usual genre of choice.
Thank you for introducing this book to me. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and even though it isn't my type of book normally, I may give it a chance. Thanks again.
That book looks very interesting. I love that it came with a video as well(:
being able to read books on a kindle would save me so much money and time<3
Good review, sounds like this book was very thoughtful provoking for you. I'd probably enjoy it too. I'm going to add it to my to-reads list and enter your contest for it!
I'd love to win a Kindle Fire so I could stay up late and read on the Kindle while my husband sleeps, hehe, I'm a night owl reader :)
great review! I haven't read this book, but it's sounds fantastic, gonna put it to my TBR.
This book sounds like what I call a light read. Very interesting!
Nice review, I hope I have the chance to read it someday soon.
Happy reading!
I'd love to have a Kindle Fire to take on the road when I go on trips~ hate not having a way to read in the car at night! And trying to pick which books to pack in my suitcase.
I gotta say Evie, I love your review style. The way you review a book makes me want to read a book, even if I may not agree with the subject matter.
I really liked how you put: "More of a lost soul than a heartless, lust-driven cheater" in your review because even though I haven't read the book, if I ever picked it up I would keep in mind your words.
Thank you for being so awesome!
Loved the review. Definitely added to my "to read" list.
Awesome blog, btw.
This book seems for older adult but I'll still add this to my TBR list. Thanks for the great review!
-Karina @CouchPotatoReader
This book sounds interesting! Added to my TBR!
It seems like an interesting book, great review!
It's a tablet that also supports Kindle books. Sounds like a pretty fab combination to me.
Sounds like a great book! I like the trailer :D
-Dannielle
It sounds like a great read and it was a cool review!
This is not the type of book I read much of, but that is a pretty convincing review. I might have to look into reading this one. It sounds like it could be interesting : )
Definitely added to my "to read" list.
Great review!
I liked this review, I think this book is very realistic and it made me curious to read it, especially since you told us that Jack has a triple life(how greedy!)
Sounds like it could be a good book. Added to read list.
Wow! Sounds like a good book! On my TBR list!
Interesting review. A triple life does sound crazy. I think I would wonder if the guy was nuts.
Thanks.
I haven't read it yet but it sounds pretty captivating. Your review made wanna read it like right now, I mean Jesus! Who was this guy? A triple life no less! I can't wait to put my hands on it :)
This sounds like a great book. Thank you for the review :)
This book sounds really good, but I'm not sure if it book for me. However, thank you for your review, this book is now on my radar. :)
This book sounds really interesting. Too bad I missed the giveaway, though.
Not my kind of read, but still, thank you for the review. Review-writing is not easy.
How come I haven't heard of this book until now?! Definitely going to my TBR pile!
Never heard of that book before but it sounds quite interesting and I really like your review.
Hmmm, the book look very good :)))) And you review really lured me :)))
This one looks interesting too! I'll put it into my TO-READ pile.
Sounds Great! I was thinking about reading it but this convinced me!
It looks like such an intense book! And I'm curious about how Pam deals with all the information about her husband's secret lives.
it is difficult to enjoy life triple times 8D
book looks good 8) trailer too
Good review! I actually have had this book for a while - got it on a free day! - but haven't yet read it. It sounded good when I got it, but I wasn't really feeling the "urge" to read it, ya know? But reading your review definitely has me much more intrigued! Glad I read this :)
Wow, seems interesting. Great review, I will look into this one :)
While I haven't read this book, your review sounds amazing <3 I think I might try it out (:
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