Best Day Ever

 SPOILER ALERT! 

Good story, was a little disappointed that I seen where the story was going. Predictable what was Paul's game. And Mia what she had to go through with husband Paul was terrible.

I liked the idea that the story was within a day. The timeline aspect of it was interesting. Toward the end it came together for what Mia's role was doing while Paul focused on his idea of Best Day Ever!

If it wasn't brought up many times I wouldn't of known Mia and Paul had kids. Mostly in Paul's mind was how much he had, how many women, and what he thought he gave Mia.

A bit disappointed of how Paul got the upper hand of Buck at the end. But all worked out with Buck, Mia, and the kids.

Question is Paul Strom is an unreliable narrator at what point of the story did I realize he was telling me what he wanted me to know? Almost immediately. I believe the narrator puts across their point of view. And that's where the reader forms their views of story. I didn't know right away of Paul's actions of poisoning his wife. But as Paul droned on about how she wasn't feeling good, changing her diet. All now can see what he was doing. So I guess Paul had me there. Toward the end of book I see.

I thought of Mia just a woman who wanted someone to share her life with, have kids, and just be happy. Mia thought she had that. Being that her family had money I believe had nothing to do how she felt. If Mia knew what was happening and who Paul really was, yes she should of/probably would of made different choices with Paul.  

In Paul's mind he really did believe he was a good father and husband. I think he is trying to fool both reader and himself. He strived of having that perfect family. His own, did a number on him.

Gretchen sees a man who makes her special. It's hard to walk away from someone that plays that they need and are happy with you. For that I think Gretchen was a victim. Very hard to see pass the charade that people play.

Paul was on a downward spiral from the beginning. He really wasn't right. Caroline rejecting him just sped up the process of him doing damage around him. Almost in a childlike manner.

The idea of Paul would not be interested in Mia if her family wasn't wealthy is correct. That is what fueled him in his hunt of money and adoration for himself.

We now know Paul was abused as a child. It answers the question of why he was the way he was. But it doesn't justify his behavior. Even though we have choices we do need to follow some set of rules. And if Paul goes off, without answer for what he did, people would be in chaos. And justice wouldn't prevail. As it did for Paul at the end.

It's hard to say if I feel sorry for Paul's mother. I almost forgot about her. Since Paul does talk about his father mostly. She did go through mental and physical anguish. Its easy to say she should of stood up for herself and Paul. Again Paul punishes her for something she couldn't control..

Buck is motivated by doing good. I didn't know his background was so intense til later on. But he saw that Mia needed help, she was his neighbor and he helped her. Didn't hurt that he had feelings for her. Losing his wife is terrible and lonely. To find happiness twice, rare. Buck symbolizes the link to put right what is wrong. The knight in shining armor. He was the calm effect.

I give Best Day Ever 4

Predictable but good! There is another story in there with them all. Especially the kids. Kind of creepy that one of the boys say the same thing as his father. Best Day Ever!