Louise Mallard knows exactly what she wants. She is quiet and perfect. She takes honors classes and comes from a privileged family. She is deserving of a handsome husband, adorable children, and a picturesque life. Mom and Dad would approve. Society approves. Until one day, unexpected events ignite her revelation. Louise Mallard was trained to obey the rules of society and never step out of line. Growing up, she made her own list of prerequisites for a spouse modeled after her favorite TV show’s dream couple, and she followed all the regulations instilled in her. But deep beneath her seemingly organized life was a turmoil of emotions and an unanswered call - one Louise could not recognize as her own. As her life spiraled towards the path that followed the book of social expectations, Louise failed to pay attention to what it had stolen from true happiness. Caged inside a prison of societal regulations, bound to a narcissistic husband, amidst a backdrop full of expectations of what every woman should be like - it is only when Louise experiences a truly life shattering event that she must find the courage within to embrace who she really is. The Checklist by Kiki Kennedy is a humorously relatable account of growing up following society’s unwritten but often socially enforced rules. Yet each page holds an undertone of no matter how well versed you may be in society's unwritten rules and regulations, if you never think for yourself, you could end up living someone else’s life.
