Mom Central sent me a paperback copy of Alex Witchel’s The Spare Wife in exchange for my writing my honest opinion on the book.  The book’s main character is Ponce Morris, a New York socialite who gives fabulous dinner parties and always has time to hang out with both her male and female friends. The story opens with a huge dinner party Ponce has organized for her friend Jacqueline, who has had a sensational divorce and is throwing one last bash for everyone she and Ponce knows.  This serves to give the reader a quick introduction to the characters we will encounter throughout the book.

This book is a fun read, although during the opening dinner party scene I had trouble keeping track of which character was which and had to keep flipping back to check.  I know nothing about New York society, from this book I learned that every single thing a person does, wears,  or says in front of another person is crucial to their success- yikes.

I also have to say that although it made more sense once I read the reason WHY Ponce is named Ponce, the name still bugged me and every time I read it in the book it stopped me for a second. It’s just such an awkward name, especially when I’m trying to picture this Cheryl Tiegs/Christie Brinkley look-alike who was a top fashion model and wife to a very important man. I just couldn’t get a picture in my head of this beautiful woman being called PONCE for her whole life.  But that’s just me.

I think The Spare Wife  would be a good book to pick up for a road trip, plane trip, or weekend away when you want something easy to read with interesting characters. Look for it at stores or an Amazon.com.

Thanks again to Mom Central for providing the book for my review.