Introduction

What is Standard Deviation about? This book examines love, marriage, infidelity, and the quirks of everyday life, all through humor. The lives of Graham, his second wife Audra, and their son Matthew, who has Asperger’s, are explored with depth and wit.

Book Details

Title: Standard Deviation
Author: Katherine Heiny
Pages: 322
Publish Date: May 23, 2017
Rating: 3.59 (17,869 ratings, 2,383 reviews)
Price: Kindle $11.99

Synopsis of Standard Deviation

Graham and His Two Wives

Graham Cavanaugh navigates married life with his flamboyant second wife, Audra. Audra embodies exuberance and unpredictability, drawing social connections effortlessly. She embodies exuberance and unpredictability, offloading unsolicited advice and developing unexpected friendships. However, her exaggerated personality often overwhelms Graham, a reserved man who thrives on routine. Graham reflects on how starkly different Audra is from his first wife, Elspeth. While Elspeth is polished and organized, Audra speaks her mind freely and charms strangers instantly. Graham often feels they live in parallel universes, impacting their connection as a couple. His dissatisfaction with their family dynamic often leads him to question his earlier choices. Elspeth reenters the fray unexpectedly, complicating Graham’s relationship with Audra. Her presence forces Graham to reassess his past while contending with Audra’s still-complex emotional world. He starts to embrace the confusion swirling around him. This rekindling stirs feelings, leaving Graham pondering if he made the right choice in letting Elspeth go.

Everyday Chaos

At home, Graham and Audra resolutely focus on their son, Matthew, who has Asperger’s. Matthew has a passion for origami, leading him to join an exclusive club. This newfound interest proves an experience full of humorous interactions and awkward social situations. Audra dives headfirst into helping Matthew connect with his club members, creating comical scenarios. Admired for their culinary skills, Graham frequently hosts gatherings, inviting friends and strangers alike. These dinners turn chaotic, as Audra invites guests without filtering her thoughts. Graham reflects on outrageous episodes, struggling between his wifely affection and a desire for decorum. Despite the tumult, Graham loves Audra deeply, admires her determination, and finds humor in their chaotic life. He learns several lessons about unconditional love through the lens of parenthood. He finds himself opened up, realizing that Audra’s loudness contrasts his more introspective nature. Their family dynamic becomes enriched through the daily joys and challenges they face together.

Love Triangle Dilemmas

As their marriage progresses, Graham’s mind wanders to when he might rekindle a connection with Elspeth. It complicates his emotional landscape. Does he love Audra, or is he reminiscing about Elspeth through rose-colored glasses? This leads him into introspection, challenging Graham to reconcile his feelings for two markedly different women. Audra insists on establishing camaraderie with Elspeth, hoping to unite their families. This invitation enables Graham to relive old memories with Elspeth, further stirring conflicted emotions. Their dates lead him to share laughter and camaraderie with Elspeth, highlighting their shared history. He struggles to navigate thoughts about loyalty to Audra while cherishing Elspeth’s steady presence. Graham’s internal conflict reaches a peak, influenced by the dichotomy between two significant chapters of his life. This reconsideration brings forth questions about commitment, love, and the right choices. It accentuates Graham’s struggle to define what family means to him while wrestling with his loyalties.

Matters of the Heart

Throughout, Katherine Heiny masterfully weaves humor into the narrative. Graham’s dry wit and Audra’s chaotic exuberance culminate in a series of laugh-out-loud moments. The reader empathizes with Graham’s internal chatter as he faces daily life’s absurd realities. As they navigate the complexities of love and parenthood, Heiny showcases the laughable nuances inherent in relationships. The comedic narrative transforms serious themes—like infidelity and personal evolution—into relatable, heartfelt reflections. The themes of family ties, expectations, and human connection resonate through each character’s interactions. Ultimately, “Standard Deviation” is both hilarious and tender. It captures the essence of modern family dynamics while reminding readers of the beauty found in imperfection. Exploring the fabric of love, choices, and relationships, Katherine Heiny creates a humorous yet poignant experience. The eclectic cast and their vibrant lives linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned.

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Quotes

“Fun. Wasn’t that really the beauty of childhood? That you measured experiences by how much fun they were, not by how much work or inconvenience or tedious conversation they caused you? Of course you didn’t think of the tiresome things if you were a kid, because you didn’t have to do them.”―Katherine Heiny,Standard Deviation
“It occurred to Graham that here, finally, was the similarity between the two women he’d chosen to marry: they were both totally unrufflable, one out of iciness, the other out of obliviousness.”―Katherine Heiny,Standard Deviation
“Maybe in some relationships there was so much history that fondness and guilt and curiosity and familiarity remained separate elements and could never be melted down into friendship.”―Katherine Heiny,Standard Deviation

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Characters

Graham Cavanaugh: The introspective narrator in his late 50s, grappling with his roles as a husband and father.
Audra: Graham’s lively second wife, known for her non-stop chatter, charm, and a careless social filter.
Matthew: Graham and Audra’s ten-year-old son with Asperger’s, obsessed with origami.
Elspeth: Graham’s first wife, a lawyer who is more reserved and composed compared to Audra.
Clayton: A hyper origami coach and part of Matthew’s social life, often illustrating the eccentricity surrounding the family.
Papa Stan: Graham’s father, who adds another layer of complexity during his visits.
Lorelei: Audra’s friend who brings additional twists to the social dynamics in the story.
Doug: Elspeth’s new partner, making social situations more intricate for the main characters.

Key Takeaways

Comedy Meets Life: The blend of humor and seriousness creates a relatable story.
Character Dynamics: The contrast between Graham and Audra highlights different perspectives on life.
Parenting Challenges: The story addresses the realities of raising a child with Asperger’s syndrome.
Love’s Complexity: Explores whether one can love two very different people authentically.
Social Interactions: Audra’s openness invites hilarious and awkward situations, reflecting real-life challenges.

Spoilers

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Graham’s Infidelity: Graham cheated on Elspeth with Audra, complicating his feelings for both women.
Double Date: Audra encourages a double date with Elspeth, sparking awkward interactions among all four individuals.
Matthew’s Journey: Matthew joins an exclusive origami club, and his experience reflects the challenges of fitting in.
Graham’s Internal Conflict: Throughout the book, Graham reflects on whether he made the right choice in marrying Audra.

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FAQs about Standard Deviation

1. What is the main theme of Standard Deviation?: The book explores themes of love, marriage, family dynamics, and the challenges of parenting a child with Asperger’s.
2. Who would enjoy this book?: Anyone who appreciates humor mixed with insightful commentary on relationships and parenting will enjoy this book.
3. Is Standard Deviation purely a comedy?: No, while humorous, it also addresses serious topics related to relationships and personal struggles.
4. How is the book structured?: The narrative is primarily from Graham’s perspective, allowing readers insight into his thoughts and feelings.
5. Does the book have a satisfying ending?: The ending provides closure on the characters’ relationships, though it leaves room for reflection on their journeys.

Reviews

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About the Author

Katherine Heiny is known for her witty and insightful writing, often published in reputable literary magazines. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family.

Conclusion

We hope you found this synopsis of Standard Deviation engaging. Summaries are just the beginning, much like trailers for movies. If you enjoyed what you’ve read, the full book promises even more humor and depth. Ready to explore further? Here is the link to buy Standard Deviation.

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