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197th out of 324 books
—
400 voters
Friends Like Us
by
Lauren Fox
With her critically acclaimed debut novel, Still Life with Husband, Lauren Fox established herself as a wise and achingly funny chronicler of domestic life and was hailed as “a delightful new voice in American fiction, a voice that instantly recalls the wry, knowing prose of Lorrie Moore” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times). Fox’s new novel glitters with these pleasures...more
Hardcover, 269 pages
Published
February 14th 2012
by Knopf
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First, let's talk about motivation.
Is there a reason why Willa sabotages her self over and over again?
Is thera any, and i mean ANY reason why Ben even hooked up with Jane?
I am not even going to ask why he asked her to marry him.
And really, after he did all this, why, in the name of all that is holy, did he make a 180 degrees turn around and went back to Willa, his first love, or what ever you can call the feeling of all around spineless gnat Ben?
So!
Chick lit! Will I ever learn?
(view spoiler)...more
Is there a reason why Willa sabotages her self over and over again?
Is thera any, and i mean ANY reason why Ben even hooked up with Jane?
I am not even going to ask why he asked her to marry him.
And really, after he did all this, why, in the name of all that is holy, did he make a 180 degrees turn around and went back to Willa, his first love, or what ever you can call the feeling of all around spineless gnat Ben?
So!
Chick lit! Will I ever learn?
(view spoiler)...more
18 likes · like · see review
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I read a snippet of this book offered through Amazon and that writing seemed to introduce a novel that would represent this love triangle through a psychological perspective which intrigued me. I stopped after work that day and bought that book.
I should never do that.
It didn't seem like a "happily ever after" story which is fine, but I feel cheated in that what I took to be the premise did not match up with the ending. A he-loves-her-she-loves-someone else story, with characters told and not rea...more
I should never do that.
It didn't seem like a "happily ever after" story which is fine, but I feel cheated in that what I took to be the premise did not match up with the ending. A he-loves-her-she-loves-someone else story, with characters told and not rea...more
I liked this book a lot. It was clever to start the book with the accidental reunion of the former friends:"I hated you," Jane tells Willa, as they sit down for coffee in the first few pages. Willa is unfazed.
I thought that was a great hook: what will our narrator possibly end up doing in the next few hundred pages that causes someone else to truly hate her? She seems innocent enough, and pretty relatable as a mid-20s woman trying to figure out how to make a freelance living. Willa is likable, s...more
I thought that was a great hook: what will our narrator possibly end up doing in the next few hundred pages that causes someone else to truly hate her? She seems innocent enough, and pretty relatable as a mid-20s woman trying to figure out how to make a freelance living. Willa is likable, s...more
I will put a big disclaimer on this by saying I have known the author since high school. So you can stop reading this if you want.
I really liked Lauren's first book. I really LOVED this one. And I read it when it first came out and am only now commenting, which is not a reflection on her, the book, or Goodreads, but just a reflection of how much life has gotten in the way of me commenting on any books in the last year. Enough about me...I really appreciated how much Lauren has grown as a writer...more
I really liked Lauren's first book. I really LOVED this one. And I read it when it first came out and am only now commenting, which is not a reflection on her, the book, or Goodreads, but just a reflection of how much life has gotten in the way of me commenting on any books in the last year. Enough about me...I really appreciated how much Lauren has grown as a writer...more
Willa lives in a small apartment with her best friend, Jane. Jane is an aspiring poet who writes about her day job cleaning houses, and Willa thinks up slogans for an advertising agency. The two are suspended between college and "real life," and when Willa attends her high school reunion and reconnects with her old friend Ben, he is immediately drawn into their circle. Jane and Ben begin dating, and the three become a delicately balanced family, sharing adventures, breakfasts, and tiny paychecks...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I waffle between three and four stars, but just because of the inevitable bummer of an ending. But this was such a fun read until then. I loved the characters and wanted to have drinks with them - they're all quick witted, fun, smart and silly. The book is from mid-20s Willa's perspective, that phase when you're out of college and waiting for opportunities to arise and for life to coalesce, without too much pressure yet to get it together. But as other lives come together - say, your two best fr...more
I really enjoyed this book. The opening "scene" grabbed me and sucked me in immediately, and made me want to know what had transpired leading up to that. The characters are well-balanced--likable but believably un-saintly. They were relatable/recognizable. Even though their specific circumstances and decisions might not be what they reader has ever dealt with, some form of the emotions experienced should be familiar. The main character grapples with a host of feelings. Happy for her friends, yet...more
Lauren Fox's writing is so lovely that even though I knew, by chapter 4, where this novel would end, I can still recommend it.
The story is told via Willa, a woman who is best friends with Jane. They are both in that in between time finishing college and still trying to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Their friendship is the kind that doesn't really need explaining because it functions so perfectly.
Then Willa's best friend from childhood comes into the story and Ben falls...more
The story is told via Willa, a woman who is best friends with Jane. They are both in that in between time finishing college and still trying to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Their friendship is the kind that doesn't really need explaining because it functions so perfectly.
Then Willa's best friend from childhood comes into the story and Ben falls...more
I so loved this funny, lovely book about friendship and loyalty and hard choices. It’s a departure from what I typically read (and not a romantic happily-ever-after) but I felt like it was so rich and good, and full of true things about friendship and the heart and human nature here - I was so sad when it was over!
In a nutshell, the book revolves around two hilarious, smart, artistic friends, Jane and Willa. They’re in their twenties and fumbling their way into adulthood together when Ben, a ner...more
In a nutshell, the book revolves around two hilarious, smart, artistic friends, Jane and Willa. They’re in their twenties and fumbling their way into adulthood together when Ben, a ner...more
**A 2.5 Review**
Sooo… it’s been a while since I’ve read chick-lit, mostly because I hate it, (ok hate it is a bit of a stretch, lets just say I wish it intense bodily harm.) but more, because I just can’t bring myself to accept if for review. Now, just so we are clear… I’m not talking about romances or (more common these days) a romp in the hay. Noooo… I am talking about the, “Oh woe is me, my life really sucks so I’m going to sit her and whine about it for 260 pages before I finally figure out...more
Sooo… it’s been a while since I’ve read chick-lit, mostly because I hate it, (ok hate it is a bit of a stretch, lets just say I wish it intense bodily harm.) but more, because I just can’t bring myself to accept if for review. Now, just so we are clear… I’m not talking about romances or (more common these days) a romp in the hay. Noooo… I am talking about the, “Oh woe is me, my life really sucks so I’m going to sit her and whine about it for 260 pages before I finally figure out...more
14 likes · like · see review
i need to stop reading chick-lit. ugh these characters were horrible to each other. And the writing! O-M-G do people really talk like that? puns everywhere. save yourself and don't read this book. I regret listening to EW when they gave this one a positive review.
In short this book is about 3 friends. Willa, the main character has a high school best friend- Ben, whom she loses touch with in college. While in college she meets Jane and becomes best friends with her. At their 8 year (?!?!) high s...more
In short this book is about 3 friends. Willa, the main character has a high school best friend- Ben, whom she loses touch with in college. While in college she meets Jane and becomes best friends with her. At their 8 year (?!?!) high s...more
This book is very “Something Borrowed.” Protagonist has two best friends, one male, one female. She sets them up and voila! Love ensues. She then must promptly face her misgivings about the situation, namely, male BFF’s love not flowing in her direction. In this the female friend (Jane) is not a bitch as portrayed in Something Borrowed and the three do seem to have a deep connection. Their repartee and banter is pretty funny even when it’s purposefully corny. I did find the writing a notch above...more
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Friends Like Us is getting a lot of positive buzz right now and I can certainly see why. Lauren Fox has created a world of friendship that we all long for. One where Willa has not one, but two friends who "complete" her. I just don't think she can see how lucky she is to have the bond that she has with both Jane and Ben. It is truly a gift from God. And when she makes an incredibly stupid move those bonds are changed forever. I really want to be careful in...more
Friends Like Us is getting a lot of positive buzz right now and I can certainly see why. Lauren Fox has created a world of friendship that we all long for. One where Willa has not one, but two friends who "complete" her. I just don't think she can see how lucky she is to have the bond that she has with both Jane and Ben. It is truly a gift from God. And when she makes an incredibly stupid move those bonds are changed forever. I really want to be careful in...more
Overall, I picked this book up on a whim and didn't have high expectations.
That being said, I wasn't extremely disappointed with it. Considering it covered the familiar 'best friend/third wheel/pseudo-love triangle arc', I think the author gave depth to the characters which was helped the book transcend traditional chick lit.
Although many people were not impressed, I think Jane and Willa's relationship however dysfunctional and imbalanced below the surface, represented a very real dynamic in man...more
That being said, I wasn't extremely disappointed with it. Considering it covered the familiar 'best friend/third wheel/pseudo-love triangle arc', I think the author gave depth to the characters which was helped the book transcend traditional chick lit.
Although many people were not impressed, I think Jane and Willa's relationship however dysfunctional and imbalanced below the surface, represented a very real dynamic in man...more
This book - in true tawdry fashion - drew me because of the cover...
I've found that this is the Author's first effort. Its a light and clever read, and I hope indicative of Mrs Fox's talents.
Its clever. You are told of the ending, know that things are going to end... and (at least so far) I'm rooting for the implausibility of a magical/cathartic "happy ending"
Its a sort of deconstruction romance novel.
Ryan
I've found that this is the Author's first effort. Its a light and clever read, and I hope indicative of Mrs Fox's talents.
Its clever. You are told of the ending, know that things are going to end... and (at least so far) I'm rooting for the implausibility of a magical/cathartic "happy ending"
Its a sort of deconstruction romance novel.
Ryan
1 like · like · see review
Well, this is my first five star rating on GoodReads, which I think is a BFD. I've been on this search for the perfect book to read that is exactly what I'm looking for, except I didn't know what I was looking for, so instead I just kept saying what I DIDN'T want, and it was a lot like trying to pick out a restaurant with someone (me) who doesn't make any suggestions but also uses the power of veto liberally. Basically, I kept saying that I wanted something age appropriate (I'm 31, so ABSOLUTELY...more
1 like · like · see review
How bittersweet and painful that ending is... Maybe it's the half bottle of wine I drank reading the last third of this book, but it's true that this ending went down well with some red. Not-so-spoiler* I am so glad it wasn't a happy ending.
It's true that at different moments, I look back at 26 and think it wasn't nearly this bad, Willa. Then, I have a bad week and think I haven't yet escaped the misery of that year. I don't know that i would appreciate this book as much at 40 as I do now at 30...more
It's true that at different moments, I look back at 26 and think it wasn't nearly this bad, Willa. Then, I have a bad week and think I haven't yet escaped the misery of that year. I don't know that i would appreciate this book as much at 40 as I do now at 30...more
I didn't know what to think about the book. It is about a 3 way friendship between Willa, Jane and Ben. Willa, the protagonist is quirky, artistic and a child of divorce. Jane, set up as a parallel, is parallel to Willa. She is positive, organized and slightly selfish. Ben is Willa's ex-best friend who looks her up after a 5 year absence. He goes from nerdy, short, fat kid, to adult cutie. They try and kiss to see if there is any chemistry and they find that after all of this time, there is no c...more
Really, I would give this book 2.5 stars if I could. It was very much "Something Borrowed." The main character introduces her best female friend to her best male friend and (surprise!) they fall in love. Then Willa, the main character, is upset and goes through the ups and downs of being the third wheel. What set this apart for me was that from the beginning you knew something was going to tear Willa and Jane's friendship apart. And the ending upset other readers, but I was glad it wasn't all ha...more
Friends Like Us, was somewhat enjoyable to read. I found myself fighting with the characters, instead of rejoicing with them in their accomplishments & failures. I just couldn't enjoy reading it as much!
Here's why:
Ok, so was I the only one that thought Willa was such a masochist? Ben a big jerk and a coward? And Jane a compleat bitch?!? I couldn't been the only one!
First, Willa was such a wuss when it came to telling her so called "best friend" about her feelings & how she felt everyt...more
Here's why:
Ok, so was I the only one that thought Willa was such a masochist? Ben a big jerk and a coward? And Jane a compleat bitch?!? I couldn't been the only one!
First, Willa was such a wuss when it came to telling her so called "best friend" about her feelings & how she felt everyt...more
Friends Like Us follows the friendship between Willa and Jane - they are best friends in every way, they have tons of inside jokes, and even look alike. When Willa goes to her high school reunion she reconnects with Ben, her best friend from high school. When Ben stops by the see Willa soon after their reunion he meets Jane and falls for her. At first Willa thinks it's great that her two best friends are dating, but then she starts to feel left out. It doesn't help that her family is completely...more
This book sucked. Hardcore. I should have known better. Whenever Goodreads advertises a book, it usually blows. But I read the description on this one and it seemed cute. So I gave it a whirl. Note to self: don't do that again.
First I'll start off with the ONE positive thing that I have in mind. Yes, there is only one.
Lauren Fox is not a bad writer. Sure, her story was absolutely asinine & the characters were so flat and vapid and weak and oh wait I am supposed to be positive. Sorry. The gi...more
First I'll start off with the ONE positive thing that I have in mind. Yes, there is only one.
Lauren Fox is not a bad writer. Sure, her story was absolutely asinine & the characters were so flat and vapid and weak and oh wait I am supposed to be positive. Sorry. The gi...more
1 like · like · see review
Jun 10, 2012
Meaghan MacPherson
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Readers everywhere
Recommended to Meaghan by:
Found at the Library. Support your library!
Friends Like Us was an incredible read. I was really surprised that this was only Lauren Fox's second novel because she maneuvers words and images like a pro. Some the things her characters say and do around each other are hilarious. One of my favorite moments had to be when Willa and her brother Seth were walking in at the Domes and this conversation took place:
"I can't seem to pull my shit together," Seth says to me, as we wonder down the circular path in the Tropical Dome, vanilla flowers and...more
I don't know what to say about this book, it was that good. I read it every chance I got, which isn't saying I read fast - the book almost demands you read it slowly, to fully appreciate the language, especially the puns, oh the puns! Absolutely delightful. The plot itself was very interesting, with a touch of mystery, since the prologue is set in present day, and the story goes back to explain how the characters got to that point. Willa and Ben were best friends in high school who lost touch; W...more
I think that this author has a lot of talent. It's the first time I've read one of Lauren Fox's books and I was impressed with her overall writing style.
The story follows Willa and Jane, who have been best friends and roommates since college. Willa goes to her high school reunion and meets up with her best high school friend, Ben. Ben confesses that he has always had a crush on her, but Willa isn't feeling it. She ends up introducing Ben to Jane and they hit it off.
Have you guessed what happens?...more
This book explores the question 'What would you give up for a friends happiness?' According to Friends Like Us, not much. Without ruining the story, the main character in this book has to deal with her best friend dating and becoming engaged to the boy who was her best buddy during her awkward school years, and has now morphed into a witty, attractive man. A lot of "poor me", a lot of angst as she watches the two fall in love and become a couple. There were times I wanted to reach into the book,...more
I thought the book started much stronger than it finished. I even liked Ben in the beginning of the book. But as the story developed, I really came to resent Ben and found Willa a bit taxing as well.
Jane and Willa's relationship was by far the most believable and real of the book. I have a Jane in my life--but he's a Tom. And I would never steal his wife from him--not even if his wife had a crush on me since birth. But that's me.
I thought that the plot was developed quite well and it went along...more
Jane and Willa's relationship was by far the most believable and real of the book. I have a Jane in my life--but he's a Tom. And I would never steal his wife from him--not even if his wife had a crush on me since birth. But that's me.
I thought that the plot was developed quite well and it went along...more
Friends Like Us may be marketed as your typical chick-lit novel, but it is so much more than that. Fox realistically portrays the friendship between two young twenty-something: Willa, a writer struggling to get by writing advertising copy for tea and mascara, and Jane, a poet who finds inspiration while cleaning houses. Willa, the novel’s narrator, believes that their friendship can withstand anything until Ben, Willa’s nerdy best friend from high school and Jane’s new boyfriend, gets in the mid...more
I will admit off the bat that reviews on here scared me. 3 stars as an average is not a promising book. However, after finishing this book early this morning, i can safely say that it was a good book and not a waste of time. Willa and Jane are roomies and best friends. And when Ben, Willa's former high school best friend comes back into her life, she tries some romance with him and it fails. So she introduces Jane and Ben and they fall in love. But does Willa feel okay with her two best friends...more
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I was born in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, into a family full of love, support, and very little grist for the dramatic mill. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a writer, and decided that my best bet was to make stuff up. My first attempts at fiction included a tragic story about a blind Mexican orphan, and a tragic tale about a horse who dies, tragically, in a barn fire.
By the time...more
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“We all think we're snowflakes, but we're Tinker Toys, held together by our interchangeable parts. (39)”
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4 people liked it
“Our distance has lived in me like the aftermath of a bad dream-I carry it around, the knowledge that we were once close, that something was lost; it's the lingering sadness of unfinished business. (18)”
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