This week’s CFBA book is These Boots Weren’t Made for Walking by Melody Carlson. I had the pleasure of reading this book and really enjoyed it. Here are my thoughts.

Cassie Cantrell invests in a pair of boots that should make the statement that she’s ready to move to the next level in her life and career. Instead, the first day she wears them, she’s fired. Her long-time boyfriend dumps her, and she decides to let her loser neighbor take over her lease – only maybe he’s not such a loser after all. Then she moves home and finds her mom wearing them on a date with a man Cassie went to high school with. At thirty-one, Cassie can’t imagine her life being any worse. She’s jobless, boyfriend-less, and homeless.

When she moves back home, she’s not sure what she wants out of life. Her mom’s convinced a make-over will do the trick. Cassie’s not sure she could survive the kind of make-over her mom has in mind.

This book was a chick lit with attitude. Sure, there were all kinds of references to shoes made by designers I’ve never heard of living here in the Midwest. And there were the day-to-day events that were blown into hysterical proportions. Frankly, that’s why I pick up a chick-lit. I want to be reminded that I can laugh at the insane events life throws my way.

I think everybody can find something that mirrors their life in Cassie’s story. Who hasn’t had serious body issues? Or experienced a mid-life crisis at the ripe old age of 31? Or wondered if this could really be what life is supposed to be about?

There were many times while reading this book that I laughed out loud. Other times, I was challenged to examine my sometimes bleak thoughts about life. We all have a choice to make. Will we curl up with a pile of junk food when life gets tough? Or will we strap on some boots and tackle the challenges? I know which category I want to be in.

There are job issues, romance (or lack thereof) issues, friend issues, family issues. All the issues that make life so much fun and a challenge all at the same time. And after awhile Cassie finds her stride and gets her life back on track.

This book was an enjoyable read, told from a sassy perspective.