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nomadreader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
byp's review against another edition
4.0
I think I read this twice, at two totally different points in my life, and cried both times.
ultimatekate's review against another edition
4.0
I hate the term "chick lit," but I guess that's what this book falls under. It's a collection of short stories, mainly centering around a woman named Jane.
My favorite story is the last one, from which the title of the book comes. In this story, Jane is reading one of those hideous rules-of-dating books, but the rules actually work for a little while.
One of my favorite things about this story in particular is the humor. Jane pictures two girls she went to high school with--you know the kind: pretty, popular, guys chasing them--who give her the advice. When she turns a guy down for a date, these two women high-five. Quite hysterical.
My favorite story is the last one, from which the title of the book comes. In this story, Jane is reading one of those hideous rules-of-dating books, but the rules actually work for a little while.
One of my favorite things about this story in particular is the humor. Jane pictures two girls she went to high school with--you know the kind: pretty, popular, guys chasing them--who give her the advice. When she turns a guy down for a date, these two women high-five. Quite hysterical.
skmcclelland's review against another edition
2.0
I would actually have given this one two and a half stars if permitted, but with the choice between two and three, I rounded down. I read it quickly over a couple of tired days, figuring some good brainless chick lit would get me through an Eliza rough patch. Which it did, yes and no. I found the narrator too passive with no funny to redeem her, so she was just annoying and I wanted to shake her and say, "grow up already!" It's a fine line that authors in this genre have to walk to keep characters from being overly annoying. Bridget Jones, for example, is a total headcase, but she's also totally hysterical so all is forgiven. The narrator in Devil Wears Prada is a self-righteous wench, but she's surrounded by such an interesting cast, that for the most part you can overlook it. I didn't find that with this book. It wasn't funny, nor was there anything redeeming about her or her circumstances. So maybe it isn't really chick lit, but that's how it's classified. Just eh.
And I didn't understand the one section where it wasn't in first person and suddenly our lead character was a footnote in someone else's story. Did I miss something???
And I didn't understand the one section where it wasn't in first person and suddenly our lead character was a footnote in someone else's story. Did I miss something???
indigoblue777's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
I found this book at a Little Free Library in a park near my college and took it home intending to read it when I had the time. It's been at least three years since then. I originally picked it because the first story takes place on Long Beach Island in New Jersey, a place that is very special to me.
The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing is a collection of short stories following Jane Rosenal through different periods of her life. They each focus on different relationships. The writing is superb and genuinely very witty. I laughed out loud a few times while reading the dialogue. Additionally, all of the characters feel realistic and flawed. This is truly a book that makes the reader think.
I found this book at a Little Free Library in a park near my college and took it home intending to read it when I had the time. It's been at least three years since then. I originally picked it because the first story takes place on Long Beach Island in New Jersey, a place that is very special to me.
The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing is a collection of short stories following Jane Rosenal through different periods of her life. They each focus on different relationships. The writing is superb and genuinely very witty. I laughed out loud a few times while reading the dialogue. Additionally, all of the characters feel realistic and flawed. This is truly a book that makes the reader think.
l_walkes's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
tobesreads's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.5
casspro's review against another edition
4.0
Banks' writing is very straightforward; she puts on the page exactly what you've been thinking all along but were afraid you'd be thought as weird for admitting it. While most of the chapters revolve around relationships, I wouldn't quite categorize her novel as "chick lit". It felt very familiar, like talking with your best friend about all the crazy shit that goes on inside of your head. A companionable read, something that I could take into a coffee shop and not feel like I was putting on airs with my book choice, or feel out of place because my choice wasn't up to the Starbucks standard. You fall into an ease with this novel and that's something I find very refreshing.
a_fantastic_fox's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0