Many thanks to Rae at Rae’s Reading Lounge for reviewing Horseshoes and Hand Grenades on her book blog! Following is an excerpt from her review. You can read her full review here.
While you’re there, check out her other astute reviews and recommended reading material.
She writes:
Horseshoes and Hand Grenades tells a story in alternating viewpoints of the harassment that women face daily, on the street, at work, anywhere public really. It ranges from heartbreaking to infuriating and all the feelings in between.
Shelby and Astrid are both working in PR which was a tougher world in the ’80s when the book takes place and there weren’t a lot of women in their profession. Shelby has been carrying a secret from childhood, one that she has tried for so long to keep buried. But once she recognizes it, it spills out and starts to affect every aspect of her life.
While she’s busy trying to keep Astrid happy, Astrid is keeping a secret too, only this isn’t a childhood secret, it’s one having to do with their job. Both of these women come together in friendship and solidarity over the course of the book. It’s not an easy road for either of them to walk, but if they want to get onto the road to healing, they must address it once and for all.
I liked that the author included such heavy subject material in the book, because sexual harassment happens to women so often, and we should spend more time lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down…The underlying message of strength and hope is a strong one, and I think that will shine through for readers.
