All You Could Ask For

A Novel

By: Mike Greenberg

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

All You Could Ask For, debut novel by Mike Greenberg, cohost of ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning, is a tender and insightful story of friendship and love, heartbreak and renewal, played out in the lives of three unforgettable women.

Happily married Brooke discovers her loving husband has led a separate life with…another wife.

Newlywed Samantha learns of her husband's cheating heart when she finds the goods on his computer.

High-powered career woman Katherine works with heartbreaker Phillip, the man who hurt her early on in her career.

Brooke, Samantha, and Katherine don't know one another, but their stories are about to intertwine in ways no one could have imagined.

And all three are about to discover the power of friendship to conquer adversity, the satisfaction of unexpected delights, the incredible difference one human being can have on other lives - and that they have all they could ask for, as long as they have each other.

©2013 Mike Greenberg (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Wonderful

Would you listen to All You Could Ask For again? Why?

I loved this book. The only thing I am confused on is that in the details of this book it says that Brooke finds out her husband has been living a separate life, but the book NEVER mentions this. I looked online for other reviews of this book and their descriptions do not mention Brooke's husband being a cheater. Did anyone else find this weird?

Involved

I found myself becoming a fan for all three of the women in the story and rooting for all of them equally. Great listening, great job Mike.

Purposeful Friendship and Love

I was not eager to read a sappy book about women especially since it was written by a man. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The audio book was exceptional since the narrator did an amazing job and was among the best I have ever heard! Then, to find out the back story behind the book, was an extra bonus and extremely admirable. I too share the author's hopes regarding cancer and really admire and respect the foundation created for this cause!

Hard to Believe...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would. It was entertaining at first and then takes a somewhat emotional turn in the middle.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Samantha. She was tenacious in the story. I loved how she naturally connected with the other characters in the book and then carries on.

Which character – as performed by Tavia Gilbert – was your favorite?

Probably Katherine. I could also tell she was her. The others I needed to rewind some to be reminded of who was talking.

Who was the most memorable character of All You Could Ask For and why?

I would say Brooke, because I think she made me the most angry in the recording. Also, it never quite finished her story.

Any additional comments?

It's hard to believe that Greeny wrote this. I found myself saying that throughout the audio-book. I mostly listen to non-fiction, but I was looking for something different and I thought that since I like Mike & Mike in the Morning so much, I might like one of Greeny's novels. It was very good and very surprising coming from a sports radio guy. For me, the best part is the story behind the story. What a great story he told and dedicated it to one of his dear friends. I highly recommend.

Beautiful story!!!

The narrator was very good and the story just flowed! Fell in love with the characters!!!

Great story and great performance!

I found the story of these women's lives to be compelling. Though, I am a man, I have had similar experiences (avoiding spoilers), and I found their reaction believable, because I have walked in their shoes.

I also found Gilbert's performance to be quite good. I listen to tons of audiobooks (I might be singlehandedly keeping audible in the black!), and I would say her performance of the three different women, not to mention male characters to be quite outstanding. I also appreciated the interview she did with Greenberg at the end. It was nice to hear some of the background of the story and how it came about.

Not at all what I expected

Where does All You Could Ask For rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks at the top of the books I've listened to. I did not originally know about the subject matter, but I got it beause of a review I saw in the Wall Street Journal. I sort of expected a Sex and the City kind of book about 3 friends. I couldn't have been more wrong. I also wasn't thrilled abou the tone of the voie of the reader at FIRST. However, as the book prgressed and the characters became more clear to me, it occured that she was perfect. She perfectly captured the personalities of the 3 different women.

I really don't want to spoil the story because I'm afraid that if I reveal the topic some individuals might not decide to purchase this book. Please don't. It's an excellent book that should be read by anyone who has ever loved, known or cared for someone with Cancer.

AKA How Wealthy Women Cope with Crisis

I was not bored with the book and read it quickly but it needed more exploration of the emotions brought on by a cancer diagnosis. With the exception of Katherine, I found the characters one dimensional. There is nothing inherently wrong about writing a story that does not directly involve a plot line about wealth yet the main characters are wealthy, however, I found the story and characters somewhat difficult to connect with because of their wealth and privileged backgrounds. Finally, the story line about Brooke taking the nude photographs was just silly, unrealistic and unnecessary. I am probably being too harsh but I just finished reading Fates and Furies and that is a tough act to follow. The novel inspired one of my friends in my book club to stop putting off her mammogram. For that reason, I will recommend the book to friends and family.

Annoyed by Hidden Theme

I was really enjoying this book until it hit the "hidden theme" which has already been revealed here by others. I found this annoying, because frankly I would have avoided the book had I known about it which is probably why it is kept hidden in the publisher's synopsis. I stuck with it, however, mainly because I didn't have another book on reserve and had a long drive ahead of me. I really don't know what to think about how the three stories panned out, central theme wise. You can be the judge of that. However, I will say that the characters were interesting and the other aspects of the stories were engaging and entertaining. I agree with one of the other reviewers about the Brooke story - it did seem like something was missing and this must be the plot line mentioned in the synopsis that never materialized. It must have been edited out, which for me is probably not a bad thing because I like to think that there are marriages where the partners are happy and fully committed. Anyway, on balance, I would say that the book was not bad but not great.

All I Could ask for!

I LOVED this book and was shocked that it was written by a man! I could relate to all 3 women in this book and was sad when it was done. I want a sequel!