Review of 180 Days
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- Stephanie Runyon
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Review of 180 Days
Alfredo Botello’s 180 Days features Naomi Curran and Tomas Araeta. The pair has spent seventeen years in a relationship. They were even planning an adoption and were on the waiting list. Tomas was an architect who dreamed of being known for his work; he had even started his own studio. Naomi works at Macy’s and designs the displays for the stores. Then Tomas made a mistake that caused Naomi to insist on filing for divorce. While at the courthouse, the clerk tells them that the divorce will not be final for 180 days.
Tomas has 180 days to convince Naomi that they can save their marriage. However, Naomi refuses to listen. After eight days, Tomas starts sleeping in his studio. On day eleven, Tomas calls Naomi to see if they could meet for coffee. Naomi tells him to never call her again. After prodding from Abbie, her mother, to seek a therapist, Naomi relents. Tomas and Naomi meet with Dr. Riordan. Naomi throws every bit of her anger at Tomas and claims she doesn't want to work anything out. Outside the doctor’s office, Tomas has a breakdown. Depression overtakes him, and he contemplates suicide. Then a radio announcement made him pause.
The character development of Tomas and Naomi was exceptional. As the story proceeds, the vulnerabilities of both characters are fully explored. As the days count down, the suspense builds in intensity. My favorite supporting character was Tomas’ assistant, Billy. In one of his texts to Tomas, he comments on a project and then follows with, “Now get thee to a shrink.” The engaging dialogue and interactions with friends and family made the story intriguing.
I was frustrated with the formatting of the story. Instead of being in chronological order, the days jump around in order. Starting with day one, it continues with day ninety-four, then jumps back to days seventy-six, day eight, and day forty-two. While helpful in building suspense, it seems as though there are two timelines to follow. I would have preferred to read the story with a countdown of the days in order instead of jumping back and forth in time.
I rate 180 Days four out of five stars. I deducted a star for the timeline issue as it could alienate some potential readers. The book is edited professionally. The realistic portrayal of the pain that both characters feel as divorce looms over their relationship adds depth to the plot.
Readers who like psychological stories of how people see importance in life will find 180 Days a great read. There are some profanity and explicit scenes that make this book more appropriate for mature readers.
******
180 Days
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Now I need to know what the announcement said!Tomas has 180 days to convince Naomi that they can save their marriage. However, Naomi refuses to listen. After eight days, Tomas starts sleeping in his studio. On day eleven, Tomas calls Naomi to see if they could meet for coffee. Naomi tells him to never call her again. After prodding from Abbie, her mother, to seek a therapist, Naomi relents. Tomas and Naomi meet with Dr. Riordan. Naomi throws every bit of her anger at Tomas and claims she doesn't want to work anything out. Outside the doctor’s office, Tomas has a breakdown. Depression overtakes him, and he contemplates suicide. Then a radio announcement made him pause.
I think I would have preferred a linear timeline, too.I was frustrated with the formatting of the story. Instead of being in chronological order, the days jump around in order. Starting with day one, it continues with day ninety-four, then jumps back to days seventy-six, day eight, and day forty-two. While helpful in building suspense, it seems as though there are two timelines to follow. I would have preferred to read the story with a countdown of the days in order instead of jumping back and forth in time.
I like narratives that broach personal everyday struggles. And while I don't believe divorce should be the go-to solution for a disagreement, I guess it depends on what kind of mistake Tomas made.
Thank you!
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Naomi refuses to listen, and after eight days, Tomas starts sleeping in his studio. On day eleven, Tomas calls Naomi for coffee, but Naomi refuses. After her mother's advice, Naomi seeks a therapist, and Tomas has a breakdown, contemplating suicide.
The character development of Tomas and Naomi is exceptional, with the suspense building as the days count down. The engaging dialogue and interactions with friends and family make the story intriguing. However, the formatting of the story is frustrating, with the days jumping around in order instead of chronologically. The book is edited professionally, and the realistic portrayal of the pain that both characters feel as divorce looms over their relationship adds depth to the plot.
180 Days is rated four out of five stars, with a deducted star for the timeline issue. The book is edited professionally, and the realistic portrayal of the pain that both characters feel as divorce looms over their relationship adds depth to the plot. It is a great read for psychological stories about how people see importance in life, but there are some profanity and explicit scenes that make it more appropriate for mature readers.