With perfect pitch for the humor and heartbreak of everyday life, Julie Buxbaum has fashioned a heroine who will be instantly recognizable to anyon...
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reviews
Nov 18, 2007
Allison
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I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of this book - due to hit stores in January 2008 - and I wasn't disappointed. An honest, believable portrayal of a 29-year old woman who is paralyzed by life and who has to find the nerves and strength within herself to literally move forward. Very touching, smart and well-written. I expect this will be a huge book come 2008.
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Jun 20, 2008
Jenie
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I was leery of reading another voyage of self-discovery book after the self-involved garbage of Patti Callahan Henry's Between the Tides, but Buxbaum gets right every single thing Henry does not, with none of the missteps and narcissism. Her heroine, Em, is someone you could know and like in real life. She has flaws and quirks and the capacity to care for others, even when she is being bitchy. Which isn't that often. Here is a woman I felt actually modeled on real life, who breathes through
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Dec 31, 2007
Kelsey
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Just finished reading this first novel and really wasn't that crazy about it. It's the story of a 29 year-old lawyer, Emily, struggling to find herself (fix her relationship, her job, her family).
Best part of the book: First line of chapter 1: "Last night, I dreamt that I chopped Andrew up into a hundred little pieces, like a Benihana chef, and ate them, one by one." Also, I liked the cold relationship she has with her father.
Worst parts of the book: The extensi More...
Best part of the book: First line of chapter 1: "Last night, I dreamt that I chopped Andrew up into a hundred little pieces, like a Benihana chef, and ate them, one by one." Also, I liked the cold relationship she has with her father.
Worst parts of the book: The extensi More...
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Mar 14, 2008
Jill
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I'm not sure I've ever had this same experience where I'm reading a book and thinking, "how does this author know exactly what my life is like?" But the truth is, it doesn't matter that many of the details aren't exactly the same-- what matters is that Ms. Buxbaum captures so many universal feelings in a realistic, true and contemporary way. At first I thought, I have to make sure all my girlfriends from law school, the firm, and after read this; but truth be told, this is a great, e
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Jun 22, 2008
N.T.
rated it:
This book really got me, brought me in -- where a title like that can rarely get my attention.
The characters, and main character Emily, were endearing, funny, their own voice, brought to life, and surrounded and engulfed Emily in a way that rang true.
There were many heart tearing moments, surprising me constantly, and a deep exploration at other moments that left me blushing or feeling as if it hit very close to home.
There has been a theme of leaving or losin More...
The characters, and main character Emily, were endearing, funny, their own voice, brought to life, and surrounded and engulfed Emily in a way that rang true.
There were many heart tearing moments, surprising me constantly, and a deep exploration at other moments that left me blushing or feeling as if it hit very close to home.
There has been a theme of leaving or losin More...
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Mar 09, 2008
Carol
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This is a debut novel that got a lot of attention in review journals, etc so I have had in on my TBR list for a long time. I wasn’t disappointed. Emily is a 29-year old lawyer frustrated with her job as a litigation attorney. Her relationship with her father is strained, her beloved grandfather is ill and she has just broken up with the perfect boyfriend. Emily’s comments often made me smile and I even had a few tears during reading this book. Definitely a step above the chick lit/single women's
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Dec 25, 2007
Karen
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a little of Lolly Winston or Sarah Dunn, but with its own distinct voice. I like books that are funny (without being too biting) and wise, and this one fit the bill.
There is has been a lot pre-pub buzz surrounding this novel and it definitely lives up to expectations.
There is has been a lot pre-pub buzz surrounding this novel and it definitely lives up to expectations.
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Nov 20, 2007
Sarah
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Not my genre of choice, but it is a fine choice for a beach read/travel book...meaty chick lit. Very funny characters, and surprisingly realitstically writen. If I met the author, I can safely assume I won't see someone wearing pink and carrying around bridal magazines.
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Feb 17, 2008
Annabelle
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After raising my testosterone levels with Five Skies, I craved something more girly. This has been billed as "smart chick-lit," actually a pretty accurate description. While the framework is stale--a 29-year-old New York lawyer who just dumped her boyfriend and hates her job has a quarter-life crisis--I thought the writing had surprising depth. The main character is haunted by her mother's death, struggles with her grandfather's illness and is believably conflicted about her relationsh
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Mar 13, 2008
Paul
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i liked this book. didn't love it. there is some fine writing along the way and the first sentence is killer, as they say. but i found the plot less than compelling. the book flips the modern chick lit book on its head and for that, it's to be commended. instead of a nyc woman trying to get it all -- the guy, the career, the apartment -- the protagonist here (emily) has it all and throws it away in a fit of ennui. well, okay, she does not ditch the apartment -- she's not completely crazy. there
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Jun 18, 2008
Ginny Marie
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I've read a lot of books written by graduates of law school, and they all seem to be good authors. Why is that? Is it because they have to write thousands of pages for research, motions, briefs, and all those other lawyer documents? Or is it because they have a feel for good dialogue due to taking depositions? Whatever it is, this book was very enjoyable. My favorite line from the book is in a description of Emily's pregnancy: "now that I got to play my part as a Russian nested doll,"
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Jul 18, 2008
Angeld01
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I randomly picked this up at the library and it was so good. Some of the themes were definitely covered territory.
A successful lawyer uncertain of her relationship, her career and her sense of family. But I really enjoyed Buxbaum's writing. She was gentle and compassionate in her story of Emily.
Of course too, I really enjoyed Emily's relationship with Grandpa Jack. It was really special and caused other supportive relationships in her life, such as the one with Ruth. More...
A successful lawyer uncertain of her relationship, her career and her sense of family. But I really enjoyed Buxbaum's writing. She was gentle and compassionate in her story of Emily.
Of course too, I really enjoyed Emily's relationship with Grandpa Jack. It was really special and caused other supportive relationships in her life, such as the one with Ruth. More...
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Aug 05, 2011
How could I not read this book? The author and I went to the same school as undergrads, then we both went to law school, and she places her main character in NYC as a 5th year associate at a large law firm. Buxbaum did a beautiful job at capturing the feeling of working at such a firm - the camaraderie between certain associates; the dread of working with certain partners, and the mind-numbing hours.
I also loved her writing style. Her use of language was lovely, and I found myself re-readin More...
I also loved her writing style. Her use of language was lovely, and I found myself re-readin More...
Mar 26, 2010
Drew
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Emily Haxby is lost. She breaks up with her boyfriend of two years because she thinks he is going to propose (she's right, he was about to). Her job at a prestigious law firm is far less than satisfying, especially after one of the partners makes unwanted sexual advances. Her mother died when she was fourteen and she's never had an open relationship with her father (lying to each other about life is just what they do). The one person in life who has always been there for Emily is her Grandpa Jac
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Aug 06, 2011
Nikole
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Emily Haxby is going through changes. First she splits from her long term boyfriend, then she up and quits her job…and is abruptly faced with the looming reality of quickly losing her beloved grandfather. It’s a lot for one girl to handle.
Julie Buxbaum does an excellent job at conveying the “quarter life crisis” that many 20-30 somethings experience, and she does an even better job at allowing both Emily and the reader come to an understanding as to at least some of the reasons for Emi More...
Julie Buxbaum does an excellent job at conveying the “quarter life crisis” that many 20-30 somethings experience, and she does an even better job at allowing both Emily and the reader come to an understanding as to at least some of the reasons for Emi More...
Jul 02, 2011
The Itzel Library
rated it:
¡Pañuelos desechables por favor!
He llorado como no se imaginan con esta novela, sufrí con Emily, con Andrew, me divertí con Jack, en fin…
Emily es abogada y odia a su jefe (yo lo odiaría también), es hija única, huérfana de madre, con su papá no tiene una comunicación muy buena que digamos. La persona a la que más quiere es a su abuelo Jack, que por si fuera poco, está muriéndose…
Un día, Emily se da cuenta que no puede seguir adelante con la relación que lleva More...
He llorado como no se imaginan con esta novela, sufrí con Emily, con Andrew, me divertí con Jack, en fin…
Emily es abogada y odia a su jefe (yo lo odiaría también), es hija única, huérfana de madre, con su papá no tiene una comunicación muy buena que digamos. La persona a la que más quiere es a su abuelo Jack, que por si fuera poco, está muriéndose…
Un día, Emily se da cuenta que no puede seguir adelante con la relación que lleva More...
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Jun 19, 2011
Rebecca
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I liked the story in this book except for the ending. The ending is what ever girl wants in life, but sorry sister! Rarely happens. But it’s endings like this that makes girls have hope when they are wasting time thinking this. The story starts with the Girl dumping her boyfriend because she doesn’t want him to propose because she is scared. She then spends the rest of the book, sort of casually trying to get him back and eventually, for some reason, she does. I liked the protag a lot except for
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Jul 20, 2010
What is the opposite of love? Hate? Indifference? Anger? This is the question Emily Haxby seeks to answer in the debut novel by Julie Buxbaum. Emily is a successful young attorney who works in a large law firm in Manhattan. She ends her seemingly happy relationship with her boyfriend just as he is about to propose. Emily realizes she must come to terms with personal issues before she can commit to anything long-term. Her issues include work on a lawsuit that tests her values, a creepy bo
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Jun 08, 2010
Margaret
rated it: 
To be fair, I was probably biased against this book from the start because it was tarred with the "chick-lit" brush, which for me is never a selling point but rather the opposite. That having been said, I really did not care for this book. I often found the prose to be quite clunky, but for once the writing style was not my chief complaint with a title in the chick-lit genre. I could not find much, if any, sympathy for the protagonist. Not that I am saying that all protagonists have to
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Apr 12, 2010
Lindsay
rated it:
I love smart chick lit books. They are the ones that don't scream chick lit, but really they still are. The cover isn't pink and girlie, and the main character actually has a brain and doesn't need to rely on a guy or endless shopping to make her happy. This is one of those books. Even though it is about love and realizing that you had the right person when you no longer had them.
Emily breaks up with her boyfriend Andrew when she gets the feeling that he's going to ask her to More...
Emily breaks up with her boyfriend Andrew when she gets the feeling that he's going to ask her to More...
Dec 17, 2009
Maria
rated it:
My main issue with this book was the plot. The writing otherwise was good and I loved the beginning of it and the ending. But somewhere in the middle, I was wondering, "what is the point of this book?" There are parts that are very funny and amusing and there are parts that read like a therapy session. In the end all I can say is I have mixed feelings about it. The book is about a girl who breaks up with her boyfriend because she knows he's about to propose to her and she's scared, not
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Jul 31, 2009
Maltaise
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29 year old attorney Emily Pratt has no concept of what she wants in life. To some it appears that she has it all, an attractive physician doctor and a promising career in a big law firm. We have all faced the quandry of is this what we want from life? But few of else ever pull the plug.
Much to everyone's surprise and dismay Emily has the never to dump her boyfriend and her career. Although who wouldn't when the partner books a single room with one bed when you go half way across More...
Much to everyone's surprise and dismay Emily has the never to dump her boyfriend and her career. Although who wouldn't when the partner books a single room with one bed when you go half way across More...
Dec 09, 2011
Winna
rated it:
I got this book at a big sale at the bookstore and was caught off guard by the sheer simplicity of the cover, but really it was the synopsis that made me buy it.
Now that I finally got around to reading it, and perfect timing too since it's almost Christmas, suffice to say it blew me away. I love all the characters, perfectly flawed but not succumbing to the verge of annoyance. It's like I can understand them, get into their heads, each and every one of them. I like that Emily has a f More...
Now that I finally got around to reading it, and perfect timing too since it's almost Christmas, suffice to say it blew me away. I love all the characters, perfectly flawed but not succumbing to the verge of annoyance. It's like I can understand them, get into their heads, each and every one of them. I like that Emily has a f More...
Feb 09, 2008
Julie
rated it:
I thought this was an amazing debut novel. Lots of interesting, complex characters and relationships. At the beginning of the book, Emily makes a rash decision that she later realizes was terribly wrong, but she can't quickly make it right again - with the help of some good friends, relatives and therapy she learns to grow and make positive changes in all parts of her life. A great example of more serious chick lit that's touching and humorous at the same time.
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Oct 05, 2009
Beth
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Oct 20, 2009
Pam
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What is the opposite of love? Is it hate? Is it apathy? Is it indifference? Emily Haxby, a 29 year old attorney, has spent much of her life pondering that question. Her mother died when she was 14, reminding her that love doesn't last forever. Add to that a distant father and her beloved Grandpa Jack's descent into Alzheimer's, it's no wonder she struggles with this question. What no one can comprehend, however, is why Emily ends her happy relationship with Andrew just as he is about to p
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Apr 29, 2008
Rachael
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I kept waiting for something to happen-- and yet, nothing. The prologue was bland and didn't tie into the rest of the story, and I think the main character wasn't likeable and quite boring. When things got bad, she drank too much (often) and also relied on the wisdom of the very old a little too often to be believable.
Aug 20, 2010
Julie
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Emily has found the perfect guy; too bad she's not able to be the perfect girlfriend...at least not yet. Emily feels a fraud: trapped in a job she despises, in denial about losing her beloved Grandpa Jack to Alzheimer's, and barely able to communicate with her father since the loss of her mother to cancer when she was 14. In the opposite of love, Emily must deal with the grief of losing those she loves before she can find herself and be brave enough to face the many fears in her life.
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Jun 26, 2011
Felicitas
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Julie Buxbaum knows how to write so you dive deep into the story and feel all the feelings of the protagonists.
This book is just amazing. Emily is just the girl you identify with. At the end of her 20s, she wonders what will become of her. She quits everything: Her relationship, her job, her old life. First she doesn't know what to do next. But then, after putting everything in perspective with help of a therapist, she knows what to do for her own sake. She starts appreciating famil More...
This book is just amazing. Emily is just the girl you identify with. At the end of her 20s, she wonders what will become of her. She quits everything: Her relationship, her job, her old life. First she doesn't know what to do next. But then, after putting everything in perspective with help of a therapist, she knows what to do for her own sake. She starts appreciating famil More...
Dec 05, 2010
Nicolette
rated it:
The Opposite of Love
By Julie Buxbaum(Bantam)
I WANTED to devour this book in one sitting.
Emily Haxby is a 29-year-old Manhattan attorney who breaks up with her boyfriend because she suspects he is about to propose to her.
I was hooked after only the first few lines when Emily says: “I can’t even live with myself, how can I expect someone else to?”
This debut novel by Julie Buxbaum is filled with modern-day truisms that will have you in stitches as Emily More...
By Julie Buxbaum(Bantam)
I WANTED to devour this book in one sitting.
Emily Haxby is a 29-year-old Manhattan attorney who breaks up with her boyfriend because she suspects he is about to propose to her.
I was hooked after only the first few lines when Emily says: “I can’t even live with myself, how can I expect someone else to?”
This debut novel by Julie Buxbaum is filled with modern-day truisms that will have you in stitches as Emily More...
