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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Really disappointing. Lipman’s [b:The Inn at Lake Devine|109999|The Inn at Lake Devine|Elinor Lipman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1171630031s/109999.jpg|2719843] is possibly my favorite “chick lit” novel ever—it’s witty and charming and romantic and actually about something. The Family Man, in contrast, is a big messy nothing. When it first came out I heard people praise Lipman for—gasp!—writing from the perspective of a gay man, which, um. Whoopdedo? The plot she sticks him with, however, is ludicrous, and the whole book is all tell and no show. I didn’t like anybody, I wasn’t amused, and the supposedly romantic ending (which does not involve the romantic prospects of the gay protagonist, FYI, but rather of his straight daughter) struck me as appallingly unpleasant. What the hell happened?
A thoroughly enjoyable book if what you are in the mood for is a light, fun read. Henry, a recently retired, successful lawyer, sets things in motion by contacting his ditzy ex-wife after her third husband dies. After their divorce, he was finally able to come out to himself and his loved ones, but as the novel opens he is alone. He gradually regains or begins the relationships that become his new family- a daughter, a boyfriend, a mother-in-law. There is little to no introspection, but that doesn’t keep it from being a fun book. I read it on a weekend trip with lots of plane time and it was perfect for that.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I loved this book! The voice is funny and real, for me it brought Nora Ephron to mind. For fans of found family stories and rom coms.
I listened to an interview with the author this morning and decided check out her books. This one was ok but I don't have plans to read any others soon.
CUTE! Cute, cute cute. Lipman never disappoints - her books are breezy and light without stupidity.
This was enjoyable. As is typical of Elinor Lipman, there are quirky people, slightly bizarre plot characteristics and non-traditional family arrangements. Witty and intelligent dialog is Lipman's strength. I liked most of the characters and enjoyed the book but my absolute favorite Lipman book remains, The Inn at Lake Devine. I read it aloud to Jim on a long car trip and we thought it was hysterical.
A good quick read (although it took me forever because of my kids' baseball schedules) but not one of my favorite Lipman books.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a cute book and I liked it more than I thought I would. This was my 1st book by Elinor Lipman but I will definitely be adding her books to my TBR. His ex-wife was a total piece of work!
#TheFamilyMan
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#TheFamilyMan
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Really enjoyable book. Great characters, terrific ending, laugh-out-loud funny in spots.