My second book that I have read that had been written by this author.

I’m vaguely surprised, in the end, by where I ended up rating this book. I have many a review wherein I make comments about the age of the participants, in a manner suggesting that if they hadn’t been so much younger (or, occasionally, older) I’d feel a closer connection to the book and/or possibly like the book more. Well, I should have just loved this book here, eh? I mean, it ‘starred’ a woman of my own age, not near, not slightly older, slightly younger, but my own age. And the setting was my own city.

Before I go further, no I didn’t assume that I’d love a book simply because of these characteristics (age of characters, setting). Just hadn’t run across the specific characteristics much and figured I’d like it more than I did.

Hmm. I just noticed that the book is listed as a first in a series. The other book I’ve read by Schorr is/was also the first book in a series. That one, the other first in a series book, actually either having the second book just now appearing or appearing shortly. Considering how this story unfolded, well . . . not important. (hmm. Rereading this . . . I had some point. I've no idea what that point is now).

The book opens with one Maggie Piper, 38 and with the love of her life, Doug. She works in a law firm as the marketing person. But not staff. I’ve no real idea what that means, where she actually is in the hierarchy, just that there was this big point made over and over again that she was ‘not staff’. As in, perfectly acceptable to turn up at an ‘attorney-only’ party. But whatever that means, she’s that. She loves her job, her man, and seems to like her family and friends too. She’s about to turn 39 though, days away or something like that, I forget now how close. And that reminds her of how close she is to 40. So she freaks out.

Did I mention she loved her man? Well, they’ve been going out for a while now, three years or so, live together even. Well, those aren’t just words she bats around. The love one I mean. She does in fact love him. The stuff they do the life they live. Etc. But . . . she isn’t really sure if he really and truly is ‘her one true love.’ So, she asks for a moment or to think about things. Instead of a break, like she requested, he breaks up. ‘If you don’t know now if you really love me, you won’t know after a break!’ he screams (or, actually, mutters with shiny eyes). What an asshole.

So. She’s now 39 and single. I mentioned 38 before; they broke up on her day of birth. So, 39 and single. Starring at the dating pool again. Naturally she does a second stupid thing. She dates her boss. Not literally the next second. Months are going by in this book. It’s set over slightly more than a year 39-40. But, yeah, she dates her boss. Because he’s so . . . um . . . something. They appear to have nothing in common, but at least she’s not stuck with a guy she loves, likes being with, and even likes watching television (which the boss doesn’t like doing; nor like amusement parks, another thing both Doug and Maggie love).

I’ve no inherent problem with reassessing where you are, what you are doing with your life. But the way she went about it with her man was like kind of stupid. Then to go off and date your boss? That’s just . . . icky. And no, I’m not picturing my own boss and shuddering – putting us in place of Maggie and whatever the guys name is in this book. No the icky part was getting involved with someone either higher up or lower down the chain of command. Getting involved with a coworker is kind of iffy enough without adding layers of power one way or another.

So, the book unfolds. Doug is off dating others. Maggie is dating others. Life continues. Her friends drift in and out of her life. She drinks a lot. Talks to her television. Spontaneous breaks into victory dances after guessing correctly about stuff occurring on the television. You know, life moves on. A slice of her life has been scooped up and offered for people to peer at. To a certain extent, reminding myself that this is a slice of a person’s life, helped keep me interested and moving on instead of focusing on some of the ‘dumb’ decisions made.

Not a bad book per se. Just odd. Maggie had read a lot of romantic books. She just knows there’s supposed to be angst and conflict and stuff, so it just must mean something if there wasn’t any with her relationship with Doug (pre-break up). Interesting twist. Not sure I particularly liked any of the characters as people, but meh.

December 28 2015 ( )

Maggie is a year away from turning 40 and starting to freak out about it. She has a nice boyfriend, supportive friends and family, and good job in marketing for a law firm - but wonders if she needs more oomph and excitement. Looking for a change, she makes some wrongheaded decisions and spends the next year trying to get over them. Maggie is a generation younger than me, so I was a little slow warming to her story. It eventually took off, and I avidly read the second half of the book, anxious to see what happened. i already have another book by this author, and look forward to reading more of her work. ( )

In How Do You Know?, author Meredith Schorr weaves a wonderful women's fiction story that is a must read for every woman.

Maggie Piper is on the cusp of turning thirty-nine, and as she takes stock of her life, she realizes that her biological clock is ticking loudly, and wonders if the various life milestones are out of reach. Realizing that she is at a crossroads in her life, and only has a year until she hits the Big 4-0, she embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery that will teach her a valuable lesson that life milestones don't happen on schedule, and that age is just a number.

I absolutely loved following Maggie's story, she is a sassy lady that anyone can relate to. I saw so much of myself in Maggie, I found myself smiling as she pondered the various life milestones, I too once found myself in her shoes, so I couldn't help but cheer for her as she embarked on her year long personal journey of self discovery. Author Meredith Schorr weaves a lovely story that is like a breath of fresh air, it flows so smoothly that you can't help but find yourself immersed in Maggie's story.

There is enough drama, humor, laugh-out-loud moments, and even a bit of food for thought that makes you stop and ponder your own life's journey. How Do You Know? is simply a refreshing food for your soul kind of story that will stay with you long after the last word has been read.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I love the fabulous book cover featuring the famous landscape of the city that never sleeps, I wouldn't expect anything less from a true New York girl.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-do-you-know-by-meredith-sc... ( )

Maggie is 365 days away from turning 40 and she isn't happy about it at all. Even though she has a live in boyfriend who adores her, it just isn't enough and she us too unsettled with her life. So she breaks up with him and spends the next year trying to figure out life. The book was funny and I enjoyed the scenes with Maggie and her friends but I just plain didn't like her. I thought she was a self absorbed spoiled brat. I will put part of the blame for not liking her on the fact that I am well past 40 and I just don't remember being like this at 39...29 yes but not 39. But it was a fun quick book and I think that younger women will love it. ( )

I've read four of Meredith Schorrs books now and really enjoy them. I feel like they are a good slice of life.

This book was about a woman turning thirty nine and realizing that she's getting older. She is in a relationship, living with her boyfriend but has the feeling that she's never been in real deep love.

I like that this book really talks about love as more than the romanticized, Hollywood version and that it's more about comfort and feeling good with the person.

This was a great book to read as I enter my current stage of life. ( )