Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he’s promised today will be the best day ever.But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?
My Thoughts: Our first person narrator throughout Best Day Ever is Paul Strom, husband, father, and a man intent on controlling everything about the day…and their lives.
In the beginning, his narrative seemed almost sweet, like someone wanting to have that perfect getaway. But the more we followed his monologue, the darker things seemed. It didn’t take long for me to feel the angst of a day and a life that would surely unravel.
As Mia reacts, and then as Paul reads her reactions, the intensity increases. Soon I am beginning to feel the fear and suspense of someone watching lives crash and burn.
The neighbor Buck adds to the intensity, as he shows up constantly, interrupting the two of them, but soon it begins to feel pre-planned. What is going on, and what will happen next?
A story of power and control, and breaking free of that control and regaining one’s power, kept me turning pages in this brilliant study of dysfunctional family dynamics. 5 stars.
***
CURL UP AND READ 
Oh yes. Love it when characters fight against something bad and win through.
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Thanks for visiting, Kathryn, and I loved this one! It was a total power struggle, and I couldn’t stop rooting for my favorites.
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I really liked this one – the audio is great! Glad it was a winner for you as well, Laurel.
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Thanks, Mary, I’m glad you enjoyed it, too!
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Is this an unreliable narrator situation or is he perfectly frank about his intentions etc?
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Oh, yes, he is fully intending to do what he says…and it gets worse! Thanks for stopping by, Karen. I couldn’t stop reading this one.
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My library has this on audio so I’m really looking forward to listening to it. I love an unreliable creepy and this looks like a good one!
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Thanks, Katherine, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Very creepy/good.
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Slightly off kilter isn’t it?
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Definitely! But it kept me thoroughly glued to the pages. Thanks for visiting, Mystica.
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Sounds so intense! Well, your review convinced me to read it.
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Thanks, Laura, and I hope you enjoy it. I couldn’t put it down!
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I liked this one too.Its kinda funny how Paul thought he was so perfect lol. His narration was great though. Fab review.
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Yes, sadly I’ve known people like Paul. Delusional. Fun to read about, though. Thanks for stopping by, Diana.
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Okay, this is interesting. Great review too. Gonna add this one on my TBR. 🙂
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Thanks, Lili, I was so happy to find such a great and riveting read. Enjoy!
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I will read it as soon as I got it. 🙂 Have a great day> 🙂
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YES!!!! I loved this one as well. Have you read YOU by Caroline Kepnes? OOOOHHHHH SO good and much like this one but creepier 🙂
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Thanks for visiting, Sheila, and I started to read You, but really hated Joe soooo much. But as I read this one, I could see the similarities…and may eventually go back and read You.
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