Recalculating

An eShort Story

By: Jennifer Weiner

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

On the surface, Maureen’s life appears no different from any other stereotypical 54-year-old housewife's: a suburban home in a small Pennsylvania town, two loving kids, grandchildren, and a husband to dote on at the end of the day with a home-cooked meal and a crisp martini.

Fat bitch, dumb bunny, slut, tramp: these are just a few of the cruel words that echo in Maureen’s ears every day and define the harsh reality she actually lives in. For years, Maureen has harbored a dark secret known by only one other person: her husband, Tommy.

After Tommy dies, Maureen imagines that the years of physical and mental abuse are over. But just six months later, while looking for the Halloween decorations in the attic, Maureen finds a gift-wrapped GPS with her name on the box: an early birthday present from her late husband. When the voice from the machine starts giving her sinister directions, she learns that sometimes the dead are restless... and she's locked in a battle not just for her life, but for her soul.

©2011 Jennifer Weiner (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Great narrator, okay plot

This creepy little short was good. I’d never read any of her stuff before, and honestly, I picked it up from Audible simply because Susan Bennett narrated it.

For a .99 cent book, it wasn’t a bad read. The plot is pretty straightforward. Maureen, a victim of domestic abuse throughout her long marriage, finally gets the courage to off her husband, Tommy, as he slowly wastes away from cancer.

Several months later, she discovers a gift he left her stashed away in their attic. It’s a GSP. But Maureen quickly discovers her GPS is haunted by the spirit of her dead husband, and he wants revenge.

I think Weiner wanted this to be a goofy-yet-slightly creepy Halloween short, and it sort of works. But there are times when Maureen is extremely slow on the uptake and that detracts from the overall story.

If you want to be a little entertained and just want something that’s a quick read, you’ll probably like this book.

railroad

This book kept me wondering and didn't disapoint. It was a fun book but kept you wondering and thinking about it for days later

Unexpected great read

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

enteraining

Any additional comments?

Short story, didn't have high expectations but the story was well done and well presented.

so so good

one of the easiest short stories I've listened to in one sitting in a while.

Good story, nothing life changing

Enjoyable short story. Nothing earth shattering, but an interesting spin on an old problem. Enjoyable listen.

Good read for a short story.

This was not my favorite Jennifer Weirner book. However, for a short story it was entertaining. I actually listened to it twice.

Short and Unsweetened

Ah, marriage. Such promise, such disappointment. Especially when you have to fight your husband for control of your soul. Yes, he gave you a lovely life but at what cost? When a gift becomes a threat, would you be able to hold out? Read this short. It's glorious.

Mindblowing and uber frightening!

Jennifer Weiner is one of my all-time favorite authors. I enjoy her pieces because her characters are quirky and original and Jennifer is hilarious in her authorships. This story was something entirely different and it actually makes me grateful that she does longer, funnier works because this one really got to me.

Loved it!

This short story was great. I listened to it while I was out on a long walk. It was so nail bitingly spooky that I made sure I finished the whole thing! Quick entertainment that made my afternoon!

Surprisingly Spooky

This was the first short story I have read by Jennifer Weiner. I have read a couple of her novels, and this work surprised me as its content turned mysterious and increasingly spooky after the first few chapters. I have enjoyed this author's other works I have, and this one was no exception.
I am not usually the biggest short story fan (preferring novels, memoirs, etc.--particularly in Audiobook format), however, this story captivated my attention quickly and built momentum from there on out! listened to this whole work straight through in one setting. The narrator was fabulous, she really added to the work in my opinion, and I tend to be very picky about the narration with my audiobooks...this exceeded my expectations and I am glad I chose to experience this story in audiobook format!
I do not want to give the plot away, but the story itself was also wonderful in a delightfully creepy, surprising way. I definitely recommend this, it was practically a steal for the price-worth every penny and then some!