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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
fast-paced
I’ve loved Waxman’s other books. This one was pretty good, but I didn’t love it. I think I have a low tolerance for angsty teens, even fictional ones.
This story is timeless - mother and teenage daughter struggle to relate and understand each other as the reader screams at them to just talk to each other. That said, the specifics of this telling of that story feel very “of the moment” - references to language that I still don’t understand (as a borderline millennial myself, I couldn’t explain to my husband what “basic” meant when I read him a line from this book), and a reference to a college admission scandal that is a heavy handed reference to Lori Laughlin/Aunt Becky (made up rowing credentials anyone?).
I enjoyed this quick fun read, but don’t know that I’ll either recommend or remember it much longer.
“My god, I’m grateful for the friendship of women. A strong female friendship is like a romance that kept its mystery... It was the first six weeks of a new relationship, except, you know, forever. Friends listen carefully. They poke fun at each other, keep favorite cookies on hand, and can tell the difference between hormonal and genuinely pissed off.” p. 15
“I see this in myself; work is not always my happy place, but it is my confident place. I know what I’m doing with law, it behaves in predictable ways, it takes its time. It gives me a feeling of confidence and mastery I don’t get anywhere else.” p. 132
I enjoyed this quick fun read, but don’t know that I’ll either recommend or remember it much longer.
“My god, I’m grateful for the friendship of women. A strong female friendship is like a romance that kept its mystery... It was the first six weeks of a new relationship, except, you know, forever. Friends listen carefully. They poke fun at each other, keep favorite cookies on hand, and can tell the difference between hormonal and genuinely pissed off.” p. 15
“I see this in myself; work is not always my happy place, but it is my confident place. I know what I’m doing with law, it behaves in predictable ways, it takes its time. It gives me a feeling of confidence and mastery I don’t get anywhere else.” p. 132
Okay, l I loved so many things about this book...until the ending which I thought was a little anti-climatic. Perhaps it’s because I have two kids in college and went through some of the same conversations (or lack thereof), which made me laugh out loud and cry, that I liked it so much. It was certainly relatable!
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
I always love Abbi Waxman books. And this book is amazing, the conflict between the mother and daughter, how they traveled together. And best of all when they talk about college together, finding out the future for Emily.
I really wanted to like this book. And sometimes I did. Other times, not so much. I find it a bit cringey when authors drop too many current trends. It feels a bit forced. By mentioning social media apps by name it feels as if the book is trying to be too cool and relevant. I feel this also dates a book and in a few years it will be completely forgotten. I did smile at the mention of Stars Hallow ‘cause I’m a big Gilmore Girls’ fan. But, one reference is enough. Then Friends was thrown in, too, and it starts to feel a bit trendy.
The story was entertaining and moved along quickly. Switching back and forth between Emily and Jessica’s(mother-daughter) point of view helped me get to know each character better. But, is it really necessary to make every teenager so dramatic and whiny? I know many teenagers turn into these whiny brats, but not all do. Seems like most novels take this approach and it makes them really unlikable. Often times, I found myself rolling my eyes at the snarky inner dialogue and wanted to shout at them, “Just speak to each other honestly and you wouldn’t have these problems.” Most of their problems came from assumptions and misinterpretations and all they needed was a little more straightforwardness.
I did enjoy The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, so I’m not totally giving up on this author just yet.
The story was entertaining and moved along quickly. Switching back and forth between Emily and Jessica’s(mother-daughter) point of view helped me get to know each character better. But, is it really necessary to make every teenager so dramatic and whiny? I know many teenagers turn into these whiny brats, but not all do. Seems like most novels take this approach and it makes them really unlikable. Often times, I found myself rolling my eyes at the snarky inner dialogue and wanted to shout at them, “Just speak to each other honestly and you wouldn’t have these problems.” Most of their problems came from assumptions and misinterpretations and all they needed was a little more straightforwardness.
I did enjoy The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, so I’m not totally giving up on this author just yet.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
Single parent and successful lawyer Jessica is struggling to understand her 16 year old daughter Emily. Jessica wants Emily to go to a good school and have a successful and meaningful career but Emily is simply not into school. Besides, teenage hormones and mood swings often make Emily unrecognizable to her mother. Jessica books a week long college tour with her daughter with the hope that Emily will walk into a campus and fall in love. While things do not go as planned, mother and daughter spend forced quality time together. The time spent reveals secrets that one did not know about the other.
Waxman does a fantastic job of exploring complex relationships, parent's desire to enroll their children to Ivy league colleges, single parenthood, misogyny with brilliant wit and humor. The only criticism I have is the length of the story. At times it felt somewhat repetitive. It could have been crisper.
Waxman does a fantastic job of exploring complex relationships, parent's desire to enroll their children to Ivy league colleges, single parenthood, misogyny with brilliant wit and humor. The only criticism I have is the length of the story. At times it felt somewhat repetitive. It could have been crisper.
Cute and quick ‘chic lit’ read. I’ll probably read more from this author.