A really fun, smart, well written book about two exes who come together 20 years after their divorce. David is gay recently single and floudering, Julie is in the middle of her second divorce, struggling with her teenager daughter, and also floundering. They reach out and rekindle their amazing friendship. Smart and funny writing combined with good insights into friendship and marriage and relationships.

I really, really, really liked this book which started very humorously, but ended up tackling some really serious issues. Divorce, sexual identity, teenage angst and trying to keep true to oneself when all the rest of the world has its nose in your business. Daily, real life.
I love McCauley's writing. He does not rely on trite phrases, rather he is always fresh and innovative.
I have to catch up with the rest of his works.

David Hedges life has been upended after his partner leaves him for another man, his house he can't afford to buy is getting sold, and he's put on weight. He reconnects with his ex-wife Julie whose own life is in shambles after a second divorce when he agrees to help her daughter with the college application and selection process. Amidst the reminiscing about their old lives, secrets 30 years old come to light and threaten their current relationship. There's much to like with all 3 of the characters and plenty of poignancy, humor, and questioning of selves as well as others. Overall, an enjoyable read

This is one of those books that’s a bit difficult for me to rate/review. There were parts I loved. There were parts that made me roll my eyes. I didn't find it as amusing as some reviewers did. But I ended up glad I read this one and gave it 4 stars both for the overall story and for most of the writing. I love how 3 quirky, damaged people were able to ultimately come together and form an unconventional family. I loved many of McCauley’s observations about people and places. Most of my eye rolling happened when McCauley inserted what I suspect are his own political/religious feelings into his characters. That ended up being a bit heavy-handed - yet oddly served to show just how intolerant people who love to tout their tolerance often actually are. So while it’s probably not a book for everyone (and really, what book is?), those who can overlook a bit of preachiness may well enjoy this one, as I did.
Thanks to Netgalley and Flatiron Books who provided a copy for an unbiased review.

When I began this novel, I wasn't sure I would finish it. However, I'm so glad I do! It begins a bit slow as David Hedge tries to come to grips with several changes in his life - desertion by a lover, eviction by a landlord, and a general sense of discontent. When he hears from his ex-wife Julie, life takes a sudden shift, and "My Ex-Life" gains speed and rhythm that continue until the last pages.

Julie needs help with daughter Mandy, a young lady lacking life structure and purpose. Helping teens with college applications is what David does best, so Julie turns to him. It's a move that rekindles memories of security and a more carefree time. As David and Julie work together at her crumbling bed and breakfast, they realize that strength comes singularly as well as in numbers.

The author has done an exceptional job capturing a depth of character for all those in this novel. He's created a cast that you can't help but cheer for.

It has been over twenty years since David Hedges and Julie Fiske were married. They ended up divorcing when David realized that he was gay and now Julie is divorcing her second husband. Her daughter, Mandy, is getting ready for her senior year and college applications are high on the to-do lists. She tracks down her mom's ex-husband, not just for his assistance, but because she is a little curious. David has just split from his long-term partner and has been floundering, getting out of San Francisco is just what he needs. When he gets to Julie's fabulous seaside house he finds a floundering woman who may or may not have a pot problem and is renting out her extra rooms via Airbnb. The two of them easily fall into an easy relationship, much like that of an old married couple. Together they help each other heal their broken hearts and start to put their lives back together. David helps Julie with Mandy and projects around the house and Julie helps David get in shape and helps him to feel like he is part of something - a family. The summer has been magical and comfortable and exactly what they both needed, but what happens when summer is over? Will David go back to the West Coast and say goodbye to Julie yet once again?


My Ex-Life is a book about two damaged people with a history. Julie sought out David in an effort to keep her second ex-husband from trying to seek custody of Mandy. She knows that they will never be compatible romantically, but the comfort level she feels with him is that of a true soulmate. I really loved the way their relationship was so easy, it was like they picked up right where they left off. Both David and Julie were kind of a mess at the start of the book. I hated the way Mandy's father treated Julie and it was obvious that she didn't really care for it either. Both David and Julie had completely changed from the first part of the book. There was a storyline for Mandy that was absolutely terrifying for me, as a stepmother to a teen girl, but thankfully David was able to step in and help her see the error of her ways before it was too late. The end was a little predictable, but it made me happy. The story ended just the way I wanted.

Bottom Line - My Ex-Life is one of those books that is perfect for those of you getting ready for the second act in life or recovering from a broken heart. It is a book that I can see giving hope for life after... With diverse characters and excellent writing, you are guaranteed to enjoy it as much as I did!

Details:
My Ex-Life by Stephen McCauley
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Pages: 336
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: 5/8/2018
Buy it Here!

I really enjoyed this book. Intriguing characters and a cleverly set up situation combined with excellent writing to keep me turning the pages. I've been a fan of McCauley for years, and this book builds on the success of his previous ones, putting a gay man and a straight woman together and exploring the depths of their ties to each other.

This book was engaging and fun to read -- and a reminder that a new day is always an opportunity to reinvent oneself and one's life.

What a delightful read! I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this galley copy of My Ex-Life on Kindle. The story follows David, a gay man, long divorced from Julie. David is feeling in a bit of a rut with his career, advising students of wealthy parents on their college applications. He is threatened with being routed from his carriage house when the owner decides to sell.. On the other coast, his ex-wife, Julie, is a teacher and is running an Air Bnb property and going through a divorce while attempting to raise her teenage daughter, Mandy.. David and Julie's life intersect when Mandy contacts David and asks for help with her college planning. Julie, who never had any discord with David, other than a brief marriage and his discovery that he was gay, agrees to let David stay with them and help Mandy. The story is funny and smart. I felt as if I had a vested interest in the character's lives - that is how real they felt. I couldn't wait to find out how their stories would end. A good read for adults and older teenagers alike.

I am a huge fan of Stephen McCauley and have been for decades. This book fits right in with his others. What makes his books so great is that he’s a masterful storyteller. His stories aren’t scary or suspenseful. There’s no need to suspend reality or have a box of tissues by your side as you read. The characters are likable, complex and funny. The story is like all his others, a lesson in what makes a family isn’t always DNA.

Exes David and Julie are both at a crossroads in their lives. David's young boyfriend has left him for a more successful older man to whom David's landlord has decided to sell the cottage he has been living in for years. Julie is undergoing a divorce and is faced with the prospect of losing the home she has built for her and her daughter Mandy. Can these two put aside their past history and build a better future together?

My Ex-Life was a sweet novel. I found most of the characters endearing and enjoyed McCauley's unique twist to the typical dysfunctional family storyline. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking sfor a book to cozy up with this summer.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron books and Stephen McCauley for access to an advanced reader's edition to this novel.

My Ex-Life is my first exposure to Stephen McCauley's writing, and I liked it - a lot! His writing flows freely and naturally. His characters ranged from fully developed to caricatures, but his descriptions of them are sharp and crisp.

What I liked most though is the way he captures the various relationships throughout the book; ex-partners, friends, lovers, family, even those who don't seem to belong anywhere or to anyone. Some of them were humorous, some antagonistic, some unsavory, some very sweet and sentimental. It showed how complicated our emotions can be, that perspectives change through time, that love is where you find it, and that we each must decide for ourselves what and/or who makes a place a home.

Well done! A very enjoyable read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

My Ex-Life was an interesting, witty, and drama filled novel that explores how we define family. Julie's life is falling apart- in the middle of a volatile divorce, with a teenage daughter that has no goals or motivation for college, and she has started running a B&B out of her ramshackle home for extra money but has no clue what she's doing. Her daughter finds a box from her past life and on a sentimental whim, Julie calls her ex-husband David. His life, clear on the other side of the US from her, is also falling apart. His boyfriend has left him, his friends are failing him, and the home he rents is being sold. Her call comes at the perfect time and he flies across the country to escape his life and help Julie out with hers. Once married, and now best friends, old hurts and secrets arise. The reader watches them muck through this new stage of life for them, both individually and as friends, and help her 17 year old daughter find her path in life. For me, this was ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars (rounded up from 2.5). Thank you @flatiron_books for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

Julia and David were once married and went their separate ways. Now David works with High Schooler on helping them get into college. Julia gets into connect with David on helping her daughter with college applications. When David gets to Julia's he sees that she needs help with the airbnb that she is running. She is trying to buy the house from her ex-husband. They work together and she finally is able to buy it. I really wanted to connect to the characters but I couldn't. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

I fully enjoyed this light and witty novel. David and Julie married 30 years ago when Julie became pregnant. The marriage didn't last, however, when, in quick succession, Julie lost her baby and David came out as gay. The couple divorced and lost touch. Now, David lives in San Francisco and is a successful private college counselor to the rich and bratty. His long-time boyfriend just moved out and is buying David's home out from under him. On the East Coast, Julie is divorcing, trying to keep her house and her head above water. Her pot smoking is getting a little out of control, as is her teenage daughter, Mandy. Mandy learns that her mom was once married before and reaches out to David to help her with college and he comes to Julie's Airbnb for a visit. A clever and fun summer read that has some great commentary on internet porn, college admissions, Airbnb and weed. It releases May 8th -- on the scene just in time to pick up and put in your beach bag.

When a book keeps you up to three in the morning reading, you know you have a great story. My Ex-Life is simply a page turner! Reading the author Stephen McCauley for the first time, this novel will encourage me to read more of his books. My Ex-Life is beautifully written with excellent character development. We have all known a Julie, whose marriage is crumbling and whose life is simply a hot mess. This story has real emotion and real situations, that linger far past the read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this novel prior to publication in exchange for my honest review.

Julie's life is falling apart - her husband is divorcing her, her high school daughter has no direction, and if she doesn't come up with a huge sum of money her house will be sold. Across the country her ex-husband is facing a similar dilemma, he is losing his lease and his ex-boyfriend is getting married. When Mandy, Julie's daughter, reaches out to David he finds himself moving in with Julie and together they get their lives back on track..

I love Stephen McCauley. He has a great wit and ability to capture the dynamics of friendship and love between men and women, even when sexual preferences preclude that kind of relationship. So, ever since "The Object of My Affection," I read EVERYTHING he writes. This is a quick read and enjoyable, but sadly a little formulaic and "lighter" than hoped for and expected. Still love him, still a fan, but this is not the first book of his I would recommend if I wanted to turn someone onto his writing.

Very fast paced and very intriguing. I enjoyed how it kept me hooked and it was an original story. Nowadays so many books read the same. Highly recommend

Like any JEWEL, this beautiful novel has many shining facets. It is a tribute to love, friendship and kindness. The reconnecting of David and Julie many years after their doomed marriage failed becomes the catalyst for a very lovely story about the ways love can change and mature.

I will be urging all my book clubs and educators to make this book a must. No small part of my love for this book is the way it depicts Mandy, the troubled outsider child of Julie and her second husband Henry.

David faced his future as an unmoored older gay man who had lost both his lover and his home. It is his leap of faith and trip across the continent that allows him to remeet the somewhat lost Julie. I love books with satisfying endings, McCauley gives me exactly what I crave.

Thank you NETGALLEY for the opportunity to read, enjoy and share this eloquent novel.