51 Weeks

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. From the publisher --- On a family day out, Amy Richards – mother, wife, fan of scones and Pinot Grigio – has a brainwave on how best to celebrate her fiftieth birthday year: “I must experiment and experience ... challenge myself and get to know myself better. It’s time to break out of my comfort zone and try out new things ... when I am old, I must be able to shout 'Je ne regrette rien!'” 51 Weeks tells the story of Amy's hilarious voyage of adventure, growth and self-discovery. Every week, for one year, she must select and undertake a mystery challenge chosen by her best friends, Cate, Claire and Bea. What starts as harmless fun soon develops into an exciting, yet frequently turbulent and sometimes profound, experience. As the weeks pass, friendships are forged and broken, infatuation tests morality and ethics, and the revelation of dark secrets changes Amy's life, and the lives of those she loves, in unexpected ways. 51 Weeks is much more than a series of challenges. A sassy, highly relatable novel, dealing with the realities of ageing we all face, it's also an inspirational and empowering journey of self-discovery. It prompts readers to put together their own set of challenges, get off the sofa and try everything they’ve ever wanted to do, learning something surprising about themselves along the way.

I wish that I had done this when I turned 50 last year, although I am worried about what challenges would have been given to me. I found myself wondering out loud as I went on Amy’s journey with her and that darn Edith Piaf song has been in my head for hours now. I am planning on doing my own 51 weeks but it MAY mean I can read and review less #NetGalley books as I will be busy doing things (gasp) than reading books and writing reviews. I imagine the possibilities and I thank Amy (and Julia Myerscough) for the chance of opening up my agoraphobic world…this will be a fun (but safe) journey!