Mandy Reviews: Leftovers by Arthur Wooten

ISBN #: 978-0985052928

Page Count: 205

Copyright: April 2012

Publisher: Galaxias Productions

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

Vivian Lawson's fantasy of being the perfect 1950s suburban housewife is shattered when a uncontrollable event changes her life forever.

Destitute and left to fend for herself in a man's world, she searches her New England town unable to find a job. With nowhere to turn, Vivian takes the advice of her wisecracking best friend, Babs, and reluctantly becomes a Tupperware lady.

Vivian struggles with low self-esteem as well as stage fright but with the support of Bab's lovesick brother, Stew, and the creator of Tupperware's Home Party Plan system, Brownie Wise, she may just find the strength to conquer her inner demons and take control of her life.

A story of empowerment, Leftovers is a delectable romantic dramedy with an inspirational journey that reveals to us what can be achieved by using one's guts, determination and a little bit of a self-deprecating humor.

Mandy's Review:

I'll be honest ... When Mr. Wooten requested a review from me of this book, I was a little hesitant because of the cover. Admittedly, I am one of those who likes to be drawn in by the cover and then I'll read what it's about. If not for the quality of work that I am familiar with from Mr. Wooten, I don't know that I would've agreed to read this book.

I am glad that I did.

Vivian fell in love with a guy in high school. He was the ultimate girl's dream. Miraculously, Paul fell in love with her, too ... or so she thought. A marriage based on lies doesn't tend to last very long. Vivian and Paul's marriage lasted longer than it should have, but Vivian is still devastated when it ends.

For several months, Vivian is in daze: not paying bills, barely eating, smoking constantly, not answering the door, not answering the phone and staying inside her house. During her marriage, Paul took care of all the bills. Vivian hasn't a clue on how to even write a check. And, even though Vivian comes from a wealthy family, she doesn't have any inheritance left to support herself with. Asking her mother for money is no longer an option.

Penniless with no job and no home, Vivian packs a suitcase with some clothes and begins looking for work. Everywhere she goes does not need help, so she goes to sell her car for some money to survive on. She gets a little bit, but not nearly enough.

As she's sitting on the railing of the bridge over the river, contemplating suicide, her best friend and best friend's brother drives past. Taking her in, Babs and Stew introduce Vivian to the Tupperware industry. Hesitant at first, Vivian decides to give it a go since she has nothing else to lose.

What happens from there transforms Vivian into a self-confident, self-sustaining woman. She learns that there is life after divorce and, if one is willing to work hard enough, it can be a good life.

A story of survival, Leftovers is a book that I would recommend to all readers.