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zhzhang's review against another edition
3.0
Before reading this book, I have no idea about this little history of Reno and the business around it. The book is full of humor, but sometimes sadness as well, especially the end.
cherjbb_55's review against another edition
5.0
I was drawn to the this book based on the description, the cover and the fact that I enjoyed the author's earlier title Be Frank With Me. I was not disappointed. This story set in pre-WWII Reno, Nevada, on a 'dude' ranch where wealthy women establish residency so that they can obtain a 'quickie' divorce was a winner. We meet Ward, the Ivy League cowboy, whose jobs include hanging out the clothes, serving meals and cleaning the kitchen, and playing chauffeur to the women. It's inevitable that he should become involved with at least one of the women. I enjoyed the story and especially enjoyed the narration (something I frequently fail to mention). Mr Baker was the perfect narrator for this story and I'm sure this added to my enjoyment.
notesonbookmarks's review
4.0
So fun. The ending was... not what I would have chosen, but also... expected.
bibliopage's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this read--I gobbled it up in about 2 days! The story really pulled me in and had interesting characters! I would love to see this as a movie!
kittykornerlibrarian's review
4.0
I particularly enjoyed the oddball historical tidbits in this... Bill Shakespeare the football player, Elinor Smith the aviatrix, etc. Johnson succeeds in creating the voice of an elderly man looking back on his past, which in this case involves a young Yale dropout who goes West to escape his family, work on the Hoover Dam, and eventually work as a ranch hand on a dude ranch outside Reno, Nevada, which has become famous as a divorce destination for wealthy womenin the 1930s and 40s. Nina and Emily are an unforgettable pair, and the setting is well rendered. The ending is unexpected and clever. I enjoyed this.
pschaffner's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bookemrocko's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
I absolutely loved this wonderful novel. The characters are refreshing with plenty of wit and spunk considering their circumstances. Nina is recklessly daring and her friendship with Emily is heartwarming. Ward is a charmer but he is genuinely kind and compassionate. The divorce "ranch" is a fantastic setting and it is so well developed it springs brilliantly to life. This marvelous novel is a little poignant and the conclusion is bittersweet. A fabulous novel I LOVED and highly recommend.
Although I won Better Luck Next Time in a contest, my review is based entirely on my opinion of the novel. Nor was I obligated to write a review.
I absolutely loved this wonderful novel. The characters are refreshing with plenty of wit and spunk considering their circumstances. Nina is recklessly daring and her friendship with Emily is heartwarming. Ward is a charmer but he is genuinely kind and compassionate. The divorce "ranch" is a fantastic setting and it is so well developed it springs brilliantly to life. This marvelous novel is a little poignant and the conclusion is bittersweet. A fabulous novel I LOVED and highly recommend.
Although I won Better Luck Next Time in a contest, my review is based entirely on my opinion of the novel. Nor was I obligated to write a review.