I WANTED TO BE WONDERFUL

Lihi Lapid is an author and journalist whose books deal with contemporary women’s issues. She is the author of the bestselling novel in Israel, Secrets from Within, and On Her Own; a cookbook entitled Lihi Lapid’s Favorite Recipes, and a bestselling children’s book, The Magic Whisper. Prior to becoming a writer, Ms. Lapid was a professional photographer. Educated at the prestigious Camera Obscura School of Art and Tel Aviv University, she served in the Israel Defense Forces as a photographer for its Bamahane magazine. She lives in Tel Aviv with her husband, Yair Lapid, the former prime minister of Israel, and their two children.

“A poignant and relatable exploration of adjusting to motherhood.” —Kirkus

“[An] insightful and poignant novel. Individuals of all faiths will relate to the challenges inherent in marriage and raising children, and will certainly benefit from Lapid’s wake-up call to choose real-life happiness in a world of fairy-tale expectations.” —Publishers Weekly

“An unflinching account of the challenges, so quotidian yet so momentous, faced by anyone who makes the radical transition from the promise and freedom of a childless life into the overwhelming responsibilities of parenthood.” —The Jerusalem Report

“Refreshingly, daringly honest.” —The Jerusalem Post

“Unabashedly describes modern motherhood and all its foibles.” —Haaretz

I Wanted to Be Wonderful Book Club Kit

1. The author chooses to weave together two storylines: that of the princess and that of the author herself. How do these stories work together? Why do you think the author chose to portray these distinct experiences of pregnancy and motherhood in this way?

2. Both the princess and the narrator struggle with the notion of fitting into societal expectations of motherhood. How does this book explore the pressure to live up to these expectations? In what ways do they resist or internalize those expectations?

3. Both of these women have aspirations beyond just being a mother—the narrator with her dream of being an author and the princess with her determination to get her realtor license. How do each of their pursuits of these goals play into the tension between personal ambition and the demands of motherhood?

4. Why do you think the author chose not to name her characters? What impact does this have on the story?

5. How do the relationships between the princess and prince, and the narrator and her partner change following the birth of their children? How have your relationships changed following life-altering events?

6. There is a theme of finding community within this novel: the narrator finding her community with the women in the park and the support group for parents of children with autism. What is your community? How do you find an outlet for everyday stressors?

7. How did you feel when the princess and the narrator finally interacted? Were you surprised about their friendship?

8. At the end of the novel, the narrator creates a list of ways that she can improve her life. What would be on your list?

9. What does the title I Wanted to Be Wonderful mean to you after finishing this novel? How does each character embody this yearning?

Excerpt

Q&A