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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
This book was a joy to read. Funny, refreshing, light but covering subjects near to my own life that are quite meaningful. (Also apparently a sucker for books about the start of the internet and traveling atm).
Surprised by the the other reviews. The only "offensive" thing I found in this book was the portagonist's prudishness and horror when talking to her female friends about sex (as well as her horror at seeing porn). But if anything that showcases the era in which this was written.
Surprised by the the other reviews. The only "offensive" thing I found in this book was the portagonist's prudishness and horror when talking to her female friends about sex (as well as her horror at seeing porn). But if anything that showcases the era in which this was written.
Typical chick-lit -- only suitable for an airplane trip, which is how I read it, actually.
The story didn’t grab me. I tried to like it, but I was cringing more than I was smiling, so I had to walk away. I think the time period it was set in also made it tough for me.
I wish there was a lower rating than one star. THIS BOOK IS TERRIBLE! Jane Green is the queen of comma splices and trite plot lines. Her character is a nice fat person who is secretly miserable and then loses weight for all the wrong reasons but ends up getting men by the bucketload and then finally getting the one she loved all along--AND "now" she's a voluptuous size 10 because "life's not all about size." WOW. How original and amazing is THAT insight. Even in 2001, when this was published, I don't think that realization was enough to carry a book.
Another annoying aspect is that the narrative voice changes from third person to first to second without reason--tho Ms. Green does use a new paragraph for each change, so I suppose that is enough warning. Ironically, Jemima is supposed to be a wizard with words, so the terrible writing . . . isn't hers?
Anyway. A complete waste of time, except that it's fun to excoriate a book every so often. If you want a pleasing piece of chick lit, go read some Jennifer Crusie, Jennifer Weiner, Marian Keyes, or Katie Fforde. Jane Green's off my list!
Another annoying aspect is that the narrative voice changes from third person to first to second without reason--tho Ms. Green does use a new paragraph for each change, so I suppose that is enough warning. Ironically, Jemima is supposed to be a wizard with words, so the terrible writing . . . isn't hers?
Anyway. A complete waste of time, except that it's fun to excoriate a book every so often. If you want a pleasing piece of chick lit, go read some Jennifer Crusie, Jennifer Weiner, Marian Keyes, or Katie Fforde. Jane Green's off my list!
A cutesy, entertaining read. It's not a classic work of art but it made me laugh, smile, and kept me wanting more. A nice little get away from your regular genre if you ever need it, I did.
I read this in college and it didn't sit well. I didn't find the story plausable. A few years ago I opted to read it again since I like all of Jane Green's other novels. Guess what? I still didn't like it.
I first read this book in the 1990s, and if I had been reviewing it then, I would almost certainly have given it 5 stars. I really remember loving this book, which is why I turned to it when I wanted to read something heartwarming. So what has changed? Well, first of all, looking back to dating in the 1990s, I recognise a lot of what was going on, but I was almost appalled by the fact that most of the young women in the book were more interested in dating and finding husbands than they were in anything else. The one ambitious career woman in the book (Diana, the TV producer) is portrayed as being almost desperate and predatory now that she too has decided she might quite like a baby and a husband. This grated. A lot. I know it is dangerous to import modern thought into historical narrative (which Jemina J now is) but sometimes I really wanted to reach through the pages of the book and give all of the women a good shake. The other major, and unavoidable issue in the book is of course the question of weight. We are sold the story that weight loss ultimately leads to happiness and the happy ending (a much thinner Jemima J emerges triumphant at the end of the book). I don't think we are ever really asked to think that Jemima's weight issues might be attributable to her poor familial relationships, or perhaps because, as she admits, she used her weight to 'hide' in plain sight - probably to deflect the aggressive male sexual attention all the other women in the book seem to be courting. As noted by other reviewers, the overuse of coincidence is also a little hard to accept, but hey, I know I am reading the equivalent of a fairytale so I didn't let this one get to me too much.
What I will say, is that this book has reminded me that the best way to get to know any historical era is to read women's fiction from the era you want to read about. It shows you what women were thinking at the time. Novelists take note!
Now I am scanning my bookshelf for another book to re-read. It is actually quite instructive to see how your own reading tastes and reactions have matured as the years have slipped by.
What I will say, is that this book has reminded me that the best way to get to know any historical era is to read women's fiction from the era you want to read about. It shows you what women were thinking at the time. Novelists take note!
Now I am scanning my bookshelf for another book to re-read. It is actually quite instructive to see how your own reading tastes and reactions have matured as the years have slipped by.
I’ll be throwing this book away so that there is one less copy of this problematic trash for someone to suffer through.
This was fat-shaming, glorifying-disordered-eating thinly disguised as feminist chick lit.
That being said, it was written in the 90s so maybe ppl just didn’t know better?
This was fat-shaming, glorifying-disordered-eating thinly disguised as feminist chick lit.
That being said, it was written in the 90s so maybe ppl just didn’t know better?
I read this book whenever I am starting my exercise regimen anew. It provides inspiration and a kindred spirit that I just can't seem to get from my human counterparts. Jane Green has a delightfully intimate writing style that takes all the things women feel but don't admit to and puts them right there on the page. This book is hilarious, touching, romantic, and glamorous. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of chick lit, or is just looking for a light, entertaining read. And yes, it fills me with new verve regarding my gym attendance, which I doubt was Jane Green's intention, but hey, whatever works. Jemima J is every woman, and every woman should read this book. Or any of Jane Green's books, really. Or Marian Keyes, who is also hilarious. I have a thing for witty British women.
Wasn't able to finish reading this one (had to return it to the library). I may or may not go back to it; it wasn't unreadable, but it definitely showed its age (set in 1999, and OH EM GEE THE INTRODUCTORY MAGIC OF THE INTERNET... paragraphs explaining what "LOL" means and how internet dating is all the rage). Also, the POV kinda jumps from 1st person to a 3rd person narrator/observer who describes everything in a weird and sort of annoying way.
Actually, the more I think about it now, I really doubt I'm gonna go back and finish it. LOL.
Actually, the more I think about it now, I really doubt I'm gonna go back and finish it. LOL.