Reviews - The Smart One | The StoryGraph

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144 reviews for:

I liked this, but not as much as Girls in White Dresses. I like Jennifer Close's writing quite a bit, though I know the focus on the ordinary every day events of life is not everyone's cup of tea, I tend to appreciate it. I had trouble with how difficult some of the characters were... it was just grating to read about Weezy underestimating her adult children and trying to run their lives, for example. I also felt that this one felt much more exclusive/less universal than Girls in White Dresses did (though, yes, that one was pretty white, upper middle class, too). This really felt like a WASPy, rich people story, which made it harder for me to relate. Some of the attitudes towards cohabitation, homosexuality, premarital sex, and unplanned pregnancy seemed very old fashioned for the characters holding those beliefs. It just seemed weird for a 21 year old to be embarrassed to live with her boyfriend... that was actually fairly common when I was in college 10 years before this book was written, especially for juniors/seniors. In any case, I'm not writing off Jennifer Close. She writes very well and has an understanding for relationship dynamics, so there is a lot of potential there.

melissakuzma's review against another edition

3.0

Loved it. This probably would have been five stars if I had liked any of the characters! But even though they weren't particularly likable, I could relate a little to all of them. Best friend in college moves out of your shared apartment because of anorexia - yes! Moving back home with parents at age 30 - yup, did that too! I just felt like, yes, these people are horrible, but I know them (maybe I *AM* them!). And that's ok with me.

dinabasarab's review against another edition

2.0

It was okay. Maybe I am too young and haven't lived long enough to fully be able to relate to the women in this book. I'll try again in 10 years! Kind of just dragged on without much ups or downs.

kaileycsmith's review against another edition

3.5

emotional hopeful tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

sheenah684's review against another edition

2.0

I am done trying to like this author. This book was a little better than her last, but I couldn't even give it 3 stars because I did not like a single character. The only reason I finished either of her books is because I refuse to give up on books half way through. Overall, I would not recommend this to anyone and would probably warn people from her writing.