Heart of the Matter

I found this a difficult book. The female characters were well developed, and I sympathized with both of them. The narrator did a fine job. My problems with this book were the long exposition and rising action. A train wreck in slow motion. The reader can see where it is heading, and because both female characters are likable, it is painful to watch the story unfold. The end is acceptable and understandable. The male character is underdeveloped during the beginning. Almost stereotypical in his workaholic disconnect from the family and his attraction to the "other woman." I found myself thinking that were I a man I would be angry with the portrayal. I'm thinking it must be well written because I had such an emotional response to it, but it was not pleasant or entertaining. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they were toying with having an affair. This book makes a great case for patient confidentiality as well.

I love stories about moral dilemma, and while this book doesn't exactly fit that category, it does have you asking what you would do and trying to decide who is right and who is wrong. I gave the book a 5, when I think it was more a 4.5 because it's not a book men will read and enjoy. But it certainly deserves more than a 4. Cynthia Nixon does a great job with narration. Highly recommend.

While the characters are nicely developed and the reader does a good job, the book is formula all the way. No plot. Once I realized nothing was going to take this book out of the rut, I was really disappointed. Trite.

I am a man, and overall I did enjoy this book. I have read Giffin's other books, and this - in parts - had more substance. Where she got it wrong, all wrong ( I write as a courtroom lawyer and a father of a six year old) was her description of the young boy Charlie ( more like 16 than 6) and Valerie, a corporate litigater, giving not much thought of suing, or when she does, only briefly (" it will not help Charlie"). Um, yes, it would, and - more to the point -corporate litigaters do not think, or talk, or act this way. When Giffin gets away from these depictions and focus on the relationships( the second half of the book)she knows her stuff much better; the dialogue rings more true, and therefore, the book became more enjoyable

Cynthia Nixon is does s great job reading

Sadly many people break their marriage vows. Handsome attractive doctors are high on the list (up there with rock stars) as far as opportunity.
The book is well narrated and produced.
I ultimately agreed with how it was handled and the book's "message" which should also be a key part of good marriage vows.

This was the first time I’ve listened to Emily Giffin, and I can see why so many readers and listeners love her books. Heart of the Matter is a bit more dismal than Something Borrowed (which I’ve seen in theaters), but draws on the same type of what-would-you-do-if-you-were-in-this-relationship situation.

That is, what would you do if you loved your husband but discovered he was cheating? Or on the flip side, if you were in love with a married man…who was having trouble with his wife? In true Emily Giffin fashion, the answers aren’t always clear as she presents the viewpoints from both sides. Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon expertly captures both women’s voices and emotional confusion in this unsettling – yet unstoppable – listen. I had a hard time looking at my husband in the same way after finishing the novel (for awhile, at least).

This book is every bit of good as Something Barrowed and Something Blue. Emily Giffith has again written an amazing story. Cynthia Nixon makes the book come alive and makes it so easy to listen to.

I knew within the first 2 minutes of listening that I had made a great choice. The story was well written, and the insights into female friends, male / female relationships, marriage, etc were spot on. And I never knew that Cynthia Nixon would be so good - great narration choice.

Bravo Emily Giffin. Tugged at my heart strings for both lead characters. I was totally enthralled with the book --- totally drawn in to the story line. The alternating voices between chapters worked beautifully. One of the few books I'm thinking of listening to again.
Double bravo to Cynthia Nixon for a brilliant read.
I hope Emily Giffin is working on her next book because I can't wait.

It is great to hear a professional actor reading this book. The life in the voice makes all the difference and keeps the story interesting and alive.