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    The Theory of Opposites: A Novel
    The Theory of Opposites: A Novel
    The Theory of Opposites: A Novel
    Audiobook8 hours

    The Theory of Opposites: A Novel

    Written by Allison Winn Scotch

    Narrated by Christina Traister

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    What happens when you think you have it all, and then, suddenly it’s taken away?

    Willa Chandler-Golden’s father changed the world: with his self-help bestseller Is It Really Your Choice? Why Your Entire Life May Be Out of Your Control, millions of devoted fans found solace in the notion that everything happens for a reason. Though Willa isn’t entirely convinced of his prophesies, she readily admits that the universe has delivered her a solid life: a reliable husband, a fast-paced career. Sure there are hiccups—negative pregnancy tests, embattled siblings—but this is what the universe has brought, and life, if you don’t think about it too much, is wonderful.

    Then her (evidently not-so-reliable) husband proposes this: a two month break. Two months to see if they couldn’t live their lives without each other. And before Willa can sort out destiny and fate and what it all means, she’s axed from her job, her twelve-year-old nephew Nicky moves in, her ex-boyfriend finds her on Facebook, and her best friend Vanessa lands a gig writing for Dare You!, the hottest new reality TV show. And then Vanessa lures Willa into dares of her own—dares that run counter to her father’s theories of fate, dares that might change everything…but only if Willa is brave enough to stop listening to the universe and instead aim for the stars.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateNov 12, 2013
    ISBN9781480576315
    The Theory of Opposites: A Novel
    Author

    Allison Winn Scotch

    Allison Winn Scotch is the author of the New York Times bestseller Time of My Life and The One That I Want. She lives in New York with her family.

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    Reviews for The Theory of Opposites

    3.5/5

    47 ratings8 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Willa Chandler-Golden grew up in the shadow of her famous father, a renowned scientist and self-help author whose advice about just leading your life and giving into your fate has basically taken over Willa's entire life. Case in point: she is actually named William, since she was "supposed" to be a boy and her father assumed it was her fate to be named William. Willa is now married, but her life seems to be falling apart at the seams - she's been let go from her job and her husband, Shawn, wants a "break" from their seemingly happily married life. Willa needs to decide if she's really on board with her Dad's laissez faire theory, or if she's ready to take charge of her own life.

      I stumbled across this book on the library's ebook website and it was basically exactly what I wanted/expected - a simple, fun, easy read. Willa is a frustrating character at times - girl has absolutely no ability to stand up for herself or take charge of her life sometimes! However, as you get to know her family, it does make a little sense. The book is silly at times and a little crazy and fantastical, but it's fun, and the outcome isn't entirely predictable. A good, quick read.
    • 4/5
      Allison's best book so far--I loved it. Willa was frustrating, but you find yourself rooting for her to get her act together the whole book. Recommend.
    • 2/5
      I would give this 2.5 stars. I read this for "52 Books-52 Weeks" book 4 for this group.

      pg. 299 "There's always more than one path, and to think otherwise is what resigns you to fate."

      This is a book first, about a father who believes that everything happens for a reason. Second about his daughter and her friend who set out to dispel her fathers beliefs but turns into a journey of not really needing to do this but to realize we can have our own beliefs.

      Read this one on my Kindle.
    • 3/5
      I am only giving this a 3 star, as listened to the audio and after a while drove me nuts, so much drama, cursing, and continued problems--always negative. I look to reading as relaxing not stressful.

      Appears there are many good reviews out there on behalf of the book, and I tried to like it as Allison is a good writer and read some of her other books. I possibly would have a different take if I had read versus listened. It was definitely out there and just not my cup of tea.

      Willa seemed very needy and wanted to blame everyone else for her issues. I think a younger married woman may relate to this as it had humor mixed in as well; however, I am divorced and single with grown children – so I am done with all the drama and enjoy books which are engaging. Of course we all have different needs and wants-- as why there are so many books and genres out today.

      I do feel the book of course has a message about inner strength and stepping up and taking ownership to change your life. The grass is always greener. Seemed typical with the Facebook, old boyfriend, midlife crisis, wife obsession, family issues, etc…. PS Every time I heard Grape Wine Bar, I thought of The Grape in Atlanta which is very popular and one of my favorite spots.
    • 2/5
      Scotch, Allison Winn. The Theory of Opposites. 8 CDs. unabridged. 8 hrs 52 mins. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 9781480576322. $59.97.If Willa Chandler-Golden was a country she would be Switzerland. She has spent her whole life avoiding confrontation and being content with what she has been handed. She's not a go getter; she's a go along with the flow type of a gal. All that however, changes when her husband decides he needs to take a break from their marriage and work in Palo Alto for the summer. Suddenly alone, without a child, and without a job she starts to ponder the road map of her life. If she is supposed to be following a map, did she make a wrong turn, get lost in the woods? When her best friend Vanessa convinces her to co-author a "Dare You" self help book, Willa is forced to follow inertia and do the opposite of gut instincts. Laugh out loud funny with a memorable cast of characters and crazy family members, this story starts out great but starts to lose momentum by the end. Thankfully voice actress, Christina Traister, saves the day with her fabulous singing, outbursts, and colorful narration. For fans of chick lit and self help novels. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin IN
    • 5/5
      Willa is quite astounded when 8 years into her conflict-free marriage with her computer geek husband Shawn, he decides he needs to separate from her and creates a list of rules for them to follow during a 3 month trial separation. Willa was raised by her semi-famous father who wrote a bestselling book about fate, which leaves her feeling powerless to do anything to change her situation or make new life changes. When Willa's friend, Vanessa, challenges Willa's mindset by coercing her to cowrite a book about taking charge of one's fate and by appearing on a reality tv show called "Dare You," Willa is forced to make the "opposite" decision in a series of life challenges. When Theo, her ex-boyfriend, enters the picture, Willa begins to wonder what might have been if she had chosen to move away with him to the west coast before she met and married Shawn.I thought this was a very cute and fun novel, which integrates Facebook, Twitter, text messages, and lots of pop culture into a witty and snarky romantic novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and put down everything else I was reading to see what would happen next. Highly recommended!
    • 4/5
      Allison Winn Scotch is an author whose name I was familiar with - I've read many, many positive reviews of her book. But, her latest (5th) book, The Theory of Opposites, is the first one I've read. And I wish I'd picked up one of her books sooner - she really is a delight to read. Willa and Shawn are that couple - you know - the ones who do everything together, don't fight and seem to have it all. You know - Shilla. Because Willa believes it all - we don't control our fate. Our lives are pre - determined. Her father's best selling book "Is It Really Your Choice? Why Your Entire Live May Be Out Of Your Control", has been the defining force in her life....."No one has a choice. We all lead the lives we were meant to live." Until....Willa finds a wine bar receipt for the night Shawn said he was out playing pick up basketball. Until....Willa's advertising presentation tanks and she's summarily fired. Until....the pink line on the pink line on the EPT test keeps coming up negative. Until....Shawn says he wants time apart and takes a job for the summer in another city.. Until her best friend Vanessa challenges her to take a chance, change her life and live her life exactly opposite to her father's theory.... It takes a bit to make me laugh, but I have to tell you that I was chuckling out loud in the lunch room reading the first few chapters of The Theory of Opposites. Winn Scotch has created absolutely wonderful characters - I was rooting for Willa every step of the way. Her doubts, her insecurities, her thoughts, her dialogue were realistic. The eventual outcome was so satisfying. (Willa and Vanessa would be great friends to have!) The supporting cast was no less endearing. Willa's family had me in stitches, as did the emails sent amongst the family. Scotch is a clever, clever wordsmith. So, yes there's a huge, fun, chick lit element to the book. But it goes much deeper than that. Willa has to decide if she has the desire, the want and the need to change and be the master of her own fate. So, yes, this is a coming of age story - albeit a little later in life. And it's not just Willa - all of the characters are searching for something. I have to say, Winn Scotch made me stop and think about my own life. Truly is it ever too late to try something new, make changes and just grab life with both hands? What an excellent introduction to a talented writer. This may have been my first book by Winn Scotch, but definitely won't be my last
    • 4/5
      It takes just days for William 'Willa' Chandler-Golden's life to fall apart - first she loses her job, then her husband announces he is relocating to Palto Alto for the summer - without her, her parents announce they plan to experiment with an open marriage and her brother, is arrested by the FBI for his role in a Ponzi scheme in her apartment, which leads to her being evicted. If her father's theory, expounded in his best seller 'Is It Really Your Choice? Why Your Entire Life May Be Out of Your Control.' is correct, Willa's life is unfolding exactly as it has been predestined to, but what if...?The Theory of Opposites is a lighthearted story about challenging fate, taking risks and making of life what you will. With her life in free-fall, Willa reluctantly allows her best friend, Vanessa, to talk her into taking part in a book project whose premise directly challenges her father's lifelong mantra. Instead of endless procrastination and inertia, Willa is forced to reconsider her life, explore the paths not taken, and face her fears leading her to, amongst other things, reconnect with an old boyfriend, Theo. Scotch allows Willa to struggle with change, the way most of us do, unwilling to let go of familiar comforts and envision something different. Willa is a likeable protagonist though beset by anxiety and low self esteem, it is nice to witness her journey as she finds the courage to change her life.The main theme of the novel is obviously the question of fate vs free will and what part each plays in our lives. Is what we decide an act of choice or has destiny already decided for us? The question is a little like 'Which came first? The chicken or the egg?' Though the story is seemingly light and humorous, peppered with an eccentric cast and sometimes absurd situations, it is also one that makes you think about where you are now, and where you want to be.Written with heart and humour, The Theory of Opposites is a quick, entertaining read. Interestingly, despite a track record of publication success, Scotch has chosen to self publish this novel under her own imprint and it has already been picked up by Jennifer Garner’s production company -Vandalia Films. Read it - I dare you!