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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
I don't understand why I haven't heard more buzz about this book. It feels quintessentially Gen X, and I was 12 when it came out, but usually there's a bit of a halo effect with great generational literature, and that's what this is, even if it's billed otherwise (as chick-lit, whatever that is.)
I was really moved by these stories and Bank is such a phenomenal writer that every once in a while I'd read a line that left me winded, and I had to pause and just think for a moment; ie:
"It occurred to me that the quiet in the suburbs had nothing to do with peace."
What a great read!
I was really moved by these stories and Bank is such a phenomenal writer that every once in a while I'd read a line that left me winded, and I had to pause and just think for a moment; ie:
"It occurred to me that the quiet in the suburbs had nothing to do with peace."
What a great read!
the first half was funny and witty, and then it acquired an incredible lameness that made it painful to finish. There were even a couple of chapters there that are totally random and added nothing to the story, other than to turn this into a collection of short stories instead. Flop.
You know you don't like the book when you plow through 225 pages full of nothing, only to flip through the last 50 without a second thought and toss the book aside while saying 'meh.' Seriously, do not bother.
I liked it, but it felt strange to feel like as a reader I never really knew the character despite all the intimate moments of her life the reader experiences.
THE GIRL'S GUIDE TO HUNTING AND FISHING by Melissa Bank
To be perfectly honest I found it difficult to really get into this book. It reads more like a series of short stories or vignettes of a young woman's life - Jane - from the time she is 14 years old observing her older brother's relationship with his then girlfriend, to what is probably twenty years when she is still struggling withe the concept of love, forever love that is, and doing her darndest to find and keep her man.
Perhaps I am getting too old to read such novels, not being on the hunt and fish for a bloke, but it does sort of reek of desperation to me. Jane is obviously very attractive and very smar. But in her professional life she seems to be taking a continual hammering from her power crazy female boss, her love life seems to be in a constant shambles, in fact there are many, many similarities to that icon of modern day single life Bridget Jones. but nowhere near as funny or as self depracating or as lovable or as real as the lovely Bridget. Has this author been inspired by Bridget in giving us this slightly gloomy and desperate look at modern urban love? I don't know, but for me, it just does not work.
Despite all the above, Ms Bank is a cool writer. She is funny, we get a very good idea of Jane's character and the influences on her life and personality. She captures a teenage girl quite well I think, I am an expert, currently living with two of them. She explores the complexities of being in a relationship with a much older man, and the heartache of a parent's terminal illness. To this extent the writing is quite real, and easy to read and understand. Plus there is some great dialogue.
Would I recommend this? Only I think if you are single and angsting over the whole relationship thing. But it is just not for me. I have been deciding whether to keep it on the shelf or not, but have decided to as my girls may enjoy reading it and get something out of it in the future. Maybe.
To be perfectly honest I found it difficult to really get into this book. It reads more like a series of short stories or vignettes of a young woman's life - Jane - from the time she is 14 years old observing her older brother's relationship with his then girlfriend, to what is probably twenty years when she is still struggling withe the concept of love, forever love that is, and doing her darndest to find and keep her man.
Perhaps I am getting too old to read such novels, not being on the hunt and fish for a bloke, but it does sort of reek of desperation to me. Jane is obviously very attractive and very smar. But in her professional life she seems to be taking a continual hammering from her power crazy female boss, her love life seems to be in a constant shambles, in fact there are many, many similarities to that icon of modern day single life Bridget Jones. but nowhere near as funny or as self depracating or as lovable or as real as the lovely Bridget. Has this author been inspired by Bridget in giving us this slightly gloomy and desperate look at modern urban love? I don't know, but for me, it just does not work.
Despite all the above, Ms Bank is a cool writer. She is funny, we get a very good idea of Jane's character and the influences on her life and personality. She captures a teenage girl quite well I think, I am an expert, currently living with two of them. She explores the complexities of being in a relationship with a much older man, and the heartache of a parent's terminal illness. To this extent the writing is quite real, and easy to read and understand. Plus there is some great dialogue.
Would I recommend this? Only I think if you are single and angsting over the whole relationship thing. But it is just not for me. I have been deciding whether to keep it on the shelf or not, but have decided to as my girls may enjoy reading it and get something out of it in the future. Maybe.
Needed a break from school reading and found this in a free mini-library. It was a quick read and did help me forget about school reading for awhile and I'm sure others will like it for that reason. I think there are a lot of things in the main character that ring true for a lot of women, but I guess I was hoping for something where the character wouldn't need so much validation of her worthiness from outside herself, but would learn to find it within herself.
Recap of my thoughts at book group: thought this book was "meh" when reading 13 years ago, loved it on the reread. The more I think about it, the better it gets for me. Really amazing effort for a first book by an author, and on second read, love the format.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes