Official Review: First Friday by Tory Hartmann

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 17 Aug 2017, 21:17

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "First Friday" by Tory Hartmann.]

4 out of 4 stars

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First Friday is a captivating romance and thriller story, set in San Francisco. The story is written in first person narrative and it centers majorly on Agnes Anne O'Neil and her weird family, it takes the readers on a journey of how she discovered her self-worth.

This witty and sidesplitting humorous romance and thriller by Tory Hartman has 472 standard pages and brings us over to San Francisco where we meet the O'Neil family, staunch Catholics who emigrated from Ireland. They are religious to the boot. The story zooms in on Agnes Anne who was the only remaining child living at home with their parents, and at 28 years old, she was a virgin and had no boyfriend. She also stutters. She decided to reinvent herself by overcoming her deep-seated insecurities. Meanwhile, her knavish and cunning brother-in-law who is obsessed with the fact that she is a virgin, constantly spins out new schemes to rid himself of his wife and bed Agnes Anne. It's a story ladened with intense family drama. Agnes Anne only wants to have a life and a career, Brunor wants Agnes Anne at all costs. I hope the O'Neil family is ready for the turbulence ahead.

The author touches on sensitive issues of life and diverse results of daily human interaction. Issues like self liberation and self worth, courage, alienation, duplicity and scheming, guilt and spirituality, were explicitly explored in the book with a healthy dose of humor which translated to a well balanced story. I was deeply moved by the internal conflicts, emotional upheaval and the interpersonal struggles experienced by the protagonist.

First Friday is a story that stays with the readers long after they might have finished reading the book. It brought out a wide range of emotions in me. It made me laugh, angry, sad and at some point, I was happy! The writing style is articulate, expressing the ideas and arguments effectively. The story was presented in an easy to understand manner even though it was couched in a funny Irish brogue. It is chatty. The story started slowly but picked up pace and became faster and faster. Strong characters and an intricately weaved plot made this a great page turner. The characters were distinct. I see some as outright stupid and naive, wondering if that is possible in reality. Otherwise, they are mostly relatable. The humor is exceptional and I found that it works just fine. The title was well chosen and it relates to the story.

This novel was exceptionally written and presented, the story is flawless and the humor is out of this world. I therefore rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Nothing else would do. I would recommend it to people who love family drama, humor and romance. It would encourage people who are struggling to make positive changes in their lives to fight for what they believe in.

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First Friday
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juliusotinyo · Post by **juliusotinyo** » 22 Aug 2017, 21:04

Ayosinmi,
Great reading, not my kind of story though. The sub-heading How Virginity almost Killed Me is interesting enough. Nice to see that you enjoyed it.

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 23 Aug 2017, 00:37

Hey dear.. Thanks for your comment. It is a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. You will be surprised that you will really enjoy it if you read it. Have a great day.

juliusotinyo · Post by **juliusotinyo** » 23 Aug 2017, 06:11

Ayosinmi wrote:Hey dear.. Thanks for your comment. It is a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. You will be surprised that you will really enjoy it if you read it. Have a great day.

Enjoy it... Maybe next time. Congrats on your first official review ?

Am also doing my first right now.

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 23 Aug 2017, 07:16

Thanks dear friend. I'm so happy and excited. Well, I am anticipating your first official Review too.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 23 Aug 2017, 08:20

Family is an interesting (and sometimes volatile) thing. Thanks for a good review. I'm not sure this one is for me, but I'll keep it in the back of my mind.

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 23 Aug 2017, 08:30

Hey Kandscreeley. Thanks for the comment and your time too. Believe me, it's a good book for unwinding. It would make you laugh and furious at the same time. Do pick it up in your free time. Cheers

ritah · Post by **ritah** » 23 Aug 2017, 08:31

The book sounds interesting and kind of controversial - with the Brother-in-law trying to bed his sister-in-law lol I know I'd be mad at that. Thanks for the review.

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 23 Aug 2017, 08:42

Hello Ritah. Yes it is an annoying concept especially when you find out the naivety that exists in the book. But it is a very interesting book. You will laugh and tear up, I'm sure. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. I appreciate it

ritah · Post by **ritah** » 23 Aug 2017, 09:12

Ayosinmi wrote:Hello Ritah. Yes it is an annoying concept especially when you find out the naivety that exists in the book. But it is a very interesting book. You will laugh and tear up, I'm sure. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. I appreciate it

I like books that can inspire such emotions - whether that results in tears or laughter...it says a lot about the author's skill in narrating a story. I'll definitely pick this one up. Thanks.

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 23 Aug 2017, 09:19

Definitely. It brings out honest emotional responses in the reader. The family dynamics too is awesome. Meanwhile, these people are so spiritual, it's crazy. Thanks a lot. I appreciate your input

Zelinda · Post by **Zelinda** » 23 Aug 2017, 23:17

Great review! I wish you didn't make the book sound so good - yet another one I have to read. I can't believe how many good books I am discovering on onlinebookclub.org. Thanks.

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 24 Aug 2017, 00:18

Awww Zelinda. Thanks so much for your comment. I appreciate it a lot. Meanwhile, the book is actually that good. You should give it a shot. Take your time and just note it down as one of the books you have to read. Cheers dear. Once again, thank you.

charlesjr2 · Post by **charlesjr2** » 24 Aug 2017, 05:26

This is the type of book I like reading! Family drama, self development. I think I'll have this book in my list. And by the way Ayosinmi, great first review.

Ayosinmi · Post by **Ayosinmi** » 24 Aug 2017, 09:25

Awww. Thank you Charlesjr2. It means a lot to me that you said that. I'm sure you would enjoy the book. All the way... ?. I have to say this again, I appreciate your comment and your time. Cheers dear