Piece of Work, Laura Zigman
Piece of Work, Laura Zigman
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Piece of Work

Author: Laura Zigman

Narrator: Emily Durante

Unabridged: 7 hr 21 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/25/2006

Categories: Fiction, Women


Synopsis

Toddlers, Julia remembered hearing someone say, were like big tyrants of tiny countries. Demanding, insatiably needy, and all ego and id, her son was still by far the best boss she’d ever had.Julia Einstein knew that being a stay-at-home mom had a lot in common with her former job as a celebrity publicist—endless, irrational demands, little to no appreciation, and constant hustle. But it isn’t until her husband is laid off from his job and she’s forced to go back to work and resurrect screen legend Mary Ford’s career that Julia realizes how very much she prefers an actual child to a formerly famous client.For example, her child doesn’t steal ten-thousand-dollar leather coats from photo shoots. Nor does he require a constant, fresh supply of a soda that is no longer in production. He doesn’t curse at Julia, pronounce her name “Einstein” with a thick layer of disdainful irony, or incessantly poke at her with his index finger while reciting odd variations on childlike rhymes like a psych patient on day pass. With a mortgage looming and three years out of the business, however, Julia knows she has no choice but to make Mary’s comeback a success. Even if it kills her.Which, at this pace, is a possibility. But if there is one thing Julia has learned from her time off from the office, it’s that sheer determination can solve almost everything. After all, if she can get through suburban living with its uncontrolled clutter and playground politics, how hard can it be to resuscitate the career of an aging, desperate has-been? And get over the fact that her husband is a better stay-at-home mom than Julia ever was?

About Laura Zigman

Laura Zigman is the author of Animal Husbandry, Dating Big Bird, and Her. She spent ten years working in book publishing in New York. Her pieces have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today. She lives outside of Boston.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Walid on July 02, 2019

Quick pleasant read with no surprises Like the faded oversized yoga pants that Julia Einstein never did yoga in, this chick-lit novel does not assume to be more than the vicarious feel-good wish-fulfilment vehicle it is. An altogether pleasant read, masterfully done by the reigning mistress of the th......more

Goodreads review by Rebecca on May 27, 2009

did not keep my interest very well so I only read about half the book.......more

Goodreads review by Jennifer on August 16, 2020

While this is another book about the conflict women face when they have to balance work life and family life, Julia Einstein is a likable protagonist and Zigman does a fine job of introducing some quirky characters. The old-time movie star on the road to a comeback, Mary Ford, is terrifying in her i......more

Goodreads review by AJ on June 03, 2023

Very funny and engaging. 10/10 beach read!......more

Goodreads review by Daomi on March 08, 2017

I loved this audio book. Just what I needed and with a great narrator. It was a light, fun chick-lit with a happily married couple who were forced to change roles due to the husband losing his job. Fun, and refreshing!......more