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135th out of 1,224 books
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3,045 voters
A Total Waste of Makeup (Charlize Edwards #1)
Charlize "Charlie" Edwards certainly knows, in theory, what it takes to lead a successful and happy life. She owns a nice house in Silverlake, LA's trendiest neighborhood. She has glamorous and loyal friends who accompany her to the hottest clubs in town. And she works as the personal assistant to Drew Stanton, Hollywood's sexiest movie star. But she's also turning 30, chr...more
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
December 27th 2005
by St. Martin's Griffin
(first published December 8th 2005)
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This is a total laugh out loud book! I was even laughing out loud on the train, I am sure I got a few interesting looks... I would recommend this book to any women that needs a lite read and a reality check that they are not alone in the wonderful crazy world of dating and relationships.
I can't rave enough about this novel! Yes, it falls into the chick-lit genre, but it's completely devoid of the vapid, two-dimensional characters and highly unlikely escapades that are all too common in women's fiction. And, If that wasn't enough of a reason to pick it up, it's hilarious too.
Charlie is a perfect heroine - smart, funny and flawed, she will remind you of, well, you. What pushes this novel to the top are the great secondary characters. Her friends and family were all pretty realist...more
Charlie is a perfect heroine - smart, funny and flawed, she will remind you of, well, you. What pushes this novel to the top are the great secondary characters. Her friends and family were all pretty realist...more
Very very good book. Want ot read more by this author
This is the story of a woman turning 3-0 and still being single while her younger sister is preparing for her wedding. Thankfully, she's got a high-maintenance but loving boss and some kickass great girlfriends along for the ride. I was really surprised by how good this book was. The author is a screenwriter and in many ways this book reads like a movie script. I sort of considered it a rom/com love story with yourself. There's a consistent message throughout about loving yourself, including you...more
Sometimes you just have to read a book for the sake of just reading a book save for the fact that you need an escape. This is just that book. While I was not overly impressed with it, "A Total Waste of Makeup" by Kim Gruenenfelder allowed me to forget about my own problems for awhile and let me concentrate on Charlize "Charlie" Edwards issues.
Going back and reviewing the book now for details and substance just left me flat. As I sit here and struggle with what to say, maybe that's the whole poin...more
Going back and reviewing the book now for details and substance just left me flat. As I sit here and struggle with what to say, maybe that's the whole poin...more
I'll make this a quick review and say that this book s a funny read with a bad story. The author clearly knows how to slip in humor in almost every scene, but the story was lacking.
First, the story was very slow. Like, I'm-halfway-through-the-book-and-there's-still-nothing-happening slow. One of the things that kept me going and overlook this was the fact that it was a funny read. There were funny scenes and the characters were interesting enough to continue reading about their adventures; the...more
First, the story was very slow. Like, I'm-halfway-through-the-book-and-there's-still-nothing-happening slow. One of the things that kept me going and overlook this was the fact that it was a funny read. There were funny scenes and the characters were interesting enough to continue reading about their adventures; the...more
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I started reading this book and was immediately put off by the cliched, sexist "rules" the narrator was writing into her notebook. I considered giving up on the book right then, but thought I should plow through anyway. And the book did pick up a tad from there (if I'd given a review at that point it would have been one star), but still, the whole thing was just... useless.
The book is your typical chick lit. Nothing really happens. The plot is typical--girl is 30 and alone, keeps dating unsuitab...more
The book is your typical chick lit. Nothing really happens. The plot is typical--girl is 30 and alone, keeps dating unsuitab...more
I came upon this book accidentally, having bumped into the author at a Border's book signing. I was lured in with the phrase "Stephanie Plum." Okay, I thought, this needs to be seen because one does not take the name of Plum in vain.
Man, am I glad I did.
Kim Gruenenfelder has created really good chick lit.
Seriously.
Although popular, Bridget Jones and Rebecca Bloomwood (Shopaholic) are a couple of neurotic nitwits and popular culture being oriented on the "monkey see, monkey do" model, so-calle...more
Man, am I glad I did.
Kim Gruenenfelder has created really good chick lit.
Seriously.
Although popular, Bridget Jones and Rebecca Bloomwood (Shopaholic) are a couple of neurotic nitwits and popular culture being oriented on the "monkey see, monkey do" model, so-calle...more
This book was chick lit at it's best! Full of cliches and fluff and everything I was looking for summer laugh out read :) It was a book about a 30 something, single girl who works as an assistant to a movie star. Plot? Not so much.. I didn't really care. It was just fun to read.
The book is full of funny cliches that are written to her great grandniece - things she wishes she would have known when she was 16 and wants to pass along. Niece.. because she has no current prospects.
Some of the things...more
The book is full of funny cliches that are written to her great grandniece - things she wishes she would have known when she was 16 and wants to pass along. Niece.. because she has no current prospects.
Some of the things...more
Loved this book. Made me laugh out loud, and who doesn't love a book that can do that? Great characters, especailly Drew, the zany, loveable employer of the book's herione. I think what I truly enjoyed about this book was that so many of the charcacters and situations reminded me of my own wacky life and to try and remember to treasure your friends and family despite all their nutty nuttiness.
A Total Waste of Makeup is a fun, spunky, comical chick lit read with really outrageously, memorable and relatable characters.
If you have ever had that commitment-hating girlfriend, that "gorgeous but pretends like she doesn't know it" girlfriend, those parents who insist on givng you "good" advise with "the best intentions" (that never seem to be the case), the "bride-to-be" sister that uses you as a middle-man for what she wants and what your parents want, or that forever-changing-his-mind bo...more
If you have ever had that commitment-hating girlfriend, that "gorgeous but pretends like she doesn't know it" girlfriend, those parents who insist on givng you "good" advise with "the best intentions" (that never seem to be the case), the "bride-to-be" sister that uses you as a middle-man for what she wants and what your parents want, or that forever-changing-his-mind bo...more
A quick read... cute fictional story with lots of advice on dating and life in general. Most are cliche. My favorite quote: "Don't be jealous of anyone. I guarantee you, if everyone walked into a room, and dumped their problems onto the floor, when they saw what everyone else's problems were, they'd be scrambling to get their own proiblems back before someone else got to them first."
Okay, hate to admit it, but i really liked this book. There was an excessive amount of language so if you have a problem there probably not the best book to read. If you don't, totally fun easy read that had me laughing so hard a few times my husband thought I was an idiot. Reminded me a little of the shopaholic books, but I liked this one better.
When I started this book, I was sure it was going to get at least a 4 star rating. I was laughing out loud at some of the things happening in the story and even just some of Charlize's thoughts and ramblings. It was great. Unfortunately the book had no "real" ending. I finished feeling deflated. I didn't know it was a series when I checked it out from the library, and I'm not sure I liked this book enough to keep going through a whole series. I was kind of looking for a "one and done" book, and...more
This was a lucky, random find at the library. Super quick read, similar to a Jane Green book. Loved it.
May 29, 2009
Jen Nelson
is currently reading it
This book is amazing...I'm reading it now for the 3rd time and it always makes me do 2 things: LAUGH and THINK! Below are some words of wisdom the main character provides:
"Never ask a single person if they're 'seeing someone special,' an unemployed person if they've found a job, or a married couple when they're planning to have children. You're not making conversation. You're starting someone on the road to Prozac."
"Sometimes, when you're single, it's good to make your married friends jealous."
"...more
"Never ask a single person if they're 'seeing someone special,' an unemployed person if they've found a job, or a married couple when they're planning to have children. You're not making conversation. You're starting someone on the road to Prozac."
"Sometimes, when you're single, it's good to make your married friends jealous."
"...more
Oct 02, 2008
Joanna
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Someone looking for an airy summer read
I picked this book up in the bargain section when I was looking for something light and airy to read. I completely loved it! If you're looking for something that doesn't require a lot of thought and fills you up the way a good romantic comedy does, then this is the book to read...
I totally loved the book! Charlie's family and friends remind me of my friends and family. The way she describes her family totally reminds me of my family. LOL...this was a great book. I laughed out loud to some of the things she would say or to things I can relate to.
This book took a while for me to really get into, but I did really like it in the end. The beginning of the book didn't really lay out the course of the book, so I often wondered while reading where exactly this story was going. This wasn't quite the page turner I usually prefer, however it was a great read for the last day of my vacation and plane ride home!
It's a very light hearted and quick read about a woman turning 30, who has a life full of chaotic friends and family. There were a few time...more
It's a very light hearted and quick read about a woman turning 30, who has a life full of chaotic friends and family. There were a few time...more
A Total Waste of Makeup was a hilarious, fast-paced novel about a single woman turning thirty. It was nonstop laugh out loud funny and I could identify the whole way through. Charlize (Charlie) Edwards is almost out of her twenties, unmarried, and about to attend her little sister's wedding. She has the house, the career, but is still missing the love. Her story is told through an advice manual written for her grand-niece, as she doesn't believe she will have children, let alone grandchildren, o...more
Nov 30, 2009
Amy
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those liking chick-lit
Recommended to Amy by:
Renae
Shelves:
chicklit
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't one of my favorites. Although, it did interest me enough that I've requested the sequel Misery Loves Cabernet.
One of the things that bothered me were the constant references to smoking. I thought it was gross that the main character was always smoking.
The other thing that bugged me was the fact that the main character had dial-up internet. When I read that, I checked the published date and the book was only written four years ago. She wasn't living out in the...more
One of the things that bothered me were the constant references to smoking. I thought it was gross that the main character was always smoking.
The other thing that bugged me was the fact that the main character had dial-up internet. When I read that, I checked the published date and the book was only written four years ago. She wasn't living out in the...more
While total chick lit - it is funny, smart, and not the usual blather - I wish this author would write more.
This is probably my favorite chicklit book I've ever read. It's funny w/out having to be clumsy or ditzy.
great atmosphere, witty language and great read for free time! I honestly couldn't leave it :)
This book is about a woman, Charlie Edwards. Her life wasn’t working out so well. She just turned 30 and didn’t have a boyfriend, husband, or kids, all witch she wanted by the age 30. She liked this guy Dave but he hasn’t called since the last date. But she has always liked this guy Jordan. Her younger sister Andy is getting married before her and she thinks that is wrong. Will she survive?
I can make a text to world connection. I think that a lot of women think that they need to have a family by...more
I can make a text to world connection. I think that a lot of women think that they need to have a family by...more
Hilarious! I loved the characters in this book! Quick, fun read.
Amazing...totally loved it.
This book is so great!!!
Laugh out loud funny!
A Total Waste of Makeup is chick lit at its finest, and it was perfect for a few afternoons on the beach.
Charlize "Charlie" Edwards lives the happy, single, carefree life in LA. She has famous friends, lives in one of the trendiest neighborhoods, and she works as the personal assistant to one of Hollywood's sexiest stars. However, as she turns 30 and prepares to be the maid of honor for her younger sister's wedding, she begins to wonder if she'll ever be able to find Mr. Right.
Yes, the theme is...more
Charlize "Charlie" Edwards lives the happy, single, carefree life in LA. She has famous friends, lives in one of the trendiest neighborhoods, and she works as the personal assistant to one of Hollywood's sexiest stars. However, as she turns 30 and prepares to be the maid of honor for her younger sister's wedding, she begins to wonder if she'll ever be able to find Mr. Right.
Yes, the theme is...more
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Kim Gruenenfelder grew up in and around Los Angeles and began her career in TV at the age of nineteen. In addition to her books A Total Waste of Makeup, Misery Loves Cabernet and There's Cake in My Future, she has written feature films, episodic teleplays and two stage plays. She lives in Los Angeles, California. She loves her fans and can be reached through her website and on Facebook.
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“I'm tired of waiting by the phone, and second-guessing what a guy says and trusting someone not to hurt me. Again. I've been storming the relationship castle for fifteen years, and I still don't have my prince. I've got a bunch of battle scars from the field and I want to go home and nurse my wounds. I don't want to fight anymore.”
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158 people liked it
“To be honest, it was pretty hard to leave. I desperately wanted to turn around, and tell him everything would be okay. That I adore him and I trust him and that I'll stand by him while he goes through this tough time. But I'm just too tired. I'm thirty years old. I'm tired of relationships that are always painful. I'm tired of hurting. I'm tired of waiting by the phone, and second-guessing what a guy says and trusting someone not to hurt me. Again. I've been storming the relationship castle for fifteen years, and I still don't have my prince. I've got a bunch of battle scars from the field and I want to go home and nurse my wounds. I don't want to fight anymore.”
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79 people liked it
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