Thirty-four-year-old Manhattan
reviews
Jul 22, 2011
Rebecca
rated it: 
Another winner from one of my current favorite authors. And now I have finished everything she has written at the moment. This book takes our protag to Rome. Girl is very straight laced and always looking out for her father and crazy sister before herself. Dad talks her into breaking out of the mold and going back to Italy, the only place she has spent more time in her younger days then home. She goes, but not without some hurdles, of course. Before she goes away, she goes out on a "perfect
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Dec 27, 2010
Kathleen
rated it: 
I wasn’t sure how this book landed in my house; before opening it I literally thought it was a primer for teaching the language to the interested reader. Instead, it is a story of a young woman, marked by her mother’s abandonment and then death, stuck in her anger toward her mother, driven to be responsible and committed to living her life on the safe side. When she decides to visit Rome and reconnect to an old boyfriend, she unexpectedly encounters people and experiences that are life changin
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Oct 09, 2010
Jessica
rated it: 
Italian for Beginners by Kristin Harmel tells the story of Cat Connelly, a New York City accountant. Cat’s life is not very exciting- she goes to work and spends time with her father and her sister with a few not so hot relationships thrown in here and there. She is the definition of dependable.
After her little sister ties the knot, Cat knows she needs to change something in her life. After much debate, she decides to go to Rome, where she spent a semester as a college student. She e-m More...
After her little sister ties the knot, Cat knows she needs to change something in her life. After much debate, she decides to go to Rome, where she spent a semester as a college student. She e-m More...
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Oct 09, 2010
Nan
rated it:
This is one of the few books where the cover truly tells a part of the story. The young woman with her dark bobbed hair, the handsome man with a chiseled jaw, and a Vespa are instantly enough to bring to mind the famous Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday. That's actually a good thing, as the film plays an important role in the story--one that I found both unexpected and delightful.
As the novel opens, Cat is a bridesmaid at her young sister's wedding. Their grandmother (seemingly in e More...
As the novel opens, Cat is a bridesmaid at her young sister's wedding. Their grandmother (seemingly in e More...
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Nov 19, 2009
Renee
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I often read books about traveling also there's a romance, that could spices things up!! So this book began with an old romance with a man in Italy back when she was in really young age, then afterward she had lost contact with that man, as the time flew by, and the end of story told that the main character got herself a new boyfriend, discovered new things, her pasts, her dreams, and lived a happy life, this short yet catching story and I can really imagine the amazingly beautiful views at ther
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Oct 20, 2009
Namratha
rated it:
If this is your first chick-lit, you’ll enjoy it thoroughly. And if it’s your 55th chick-lit, you may not be blown away by the story but will still come away with a warm fuzzy feeling. I come under the latter category and ‘Italian for Beginners’ was a fun romp.
The plot has been done to death… Sensible yet single heroine on the wrong side of thirty…nosey relatives who love to drop poisonous barbs at every given opportunity (especially at embarrassing public gatherings like weddings)… More...
The plot has been done to death… Sensible yet single heroine on the wrong side of thirty…nosey relatives who love to drop poisonous barbs at every given opportunity (especially at embarrassing public gatherings like weddings)… More...
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Sep 23, 2009
Trisha
rated it:
Sigh, what a perfect romance. This book took place in Italy and the way the author described the streets made you feel like you were there. Cat is the main character in this book, she is the one who always does for others and never for herself. After her mother leaves them when she is younger, then comes back, Cat had never forgiven her. Her dad, sister, and her were close and Cat thought she needed to take care of them. After her younger sister gets married, and she is embarrassed at the weddin
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Sep 16, 2009
Juli
rated it: 
The only way I forced myself to finish this book was because I'd hurt my back the night before and this was the only book I could reach without getting up. :P
The idea is really not terrible (and neither was the descriptions of Italy and the ending was kind of cute, otherwise, I'd have given it only one star), but the execution lacked... something. I think I'd have preferred this as a short story. The word "wonderment" was used twice, and that's twice too many. Several ch More...
The idea is really not terrible (and neither was the descriptions of Italy and the ending was kind of cute, otherwise, I'd have given it only one star), but the execution lacked... something. I think I'd have preferred this as a short story. The word "wonderment" was used twice, and that's twice too many. Several ch More...
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Aug 14, 2009
Michelle
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Italian for Beginners was appealing for many reasons. First, I’ve read all of Kristin Harmel’s previous novels and enjoyed each one and knew that this too would provide that same level of entertainment and enjoyment. I can happily tell you it did, in spades.
It was, however, a bit of a departure from her previous work. I felt the story was more deeply emotional than her other novels. Outside of Cat’s obvious (and warranted) trust issues she also owns a heaping case of low self-estee More...
It was, however, a bit of a departure from her previous work. I felt the story was more deeply emotional than her other novels. Outside of Cat’s obvious (and warranted) trust issues she also owns a heaping case of low self-estee More...
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Jul 27, 2011
Jaime
rated it:
As an expat, I have recently developed a love for stories involving travel. Stories that combine romance and travel are all the better. That is why Italian for Beginners seemed exactly what I wanted. Unfortunately, I was left feeling a little flat.
At the beginning of the book, I didn’t get a real feel for the character. Instead of being swept into the story, I couldn’t help but feel like Harmel was exerting too much control over the characters, making them say what they ‘need’ to say t More...
At the beginning of the book, I didn’t get a real feel for the character. Instead of being swept into the story, I couldn’t help but feel like Harmel was exerting too much control over the characters, making them say what they ‘need’ to say t More...
May 27, 2011
Lirio
rated it:
This book is a WOW! Such an amazing one! When i first saw the book, i wasn't interested at all 'cause i thought it's merely a guide for beginners wanting to be proficient in the Italian Language..But..i was wrong. This book now became one of my favorites!
I love Cat Conelly! Such a lovely woman, i guess. I admire her character being a loving daughter and a sister. There's Marco too, and i super love him!! He's so cool, kind-hearted and a real gentleman.. Haha, i'm actually fantasizing More...
I love Cat Conelly! Such a lovely woman, i guess. I admire her character being a loving daughter and a sister. There's Marco too, and i super love him!! He's so cool, kind-hearted and a real gentleman.. Haha, i'm actually fantasizing More...
Aug 24, 2009
Debbie
rated it:
I was surprised just how into this book I got. For chick lit type books I normally can pick it up and put it down as I have time to read but this one kept me going up until the end even though it meant staying up late to finish reading it. The opening chapter was hilarious (in a glad it wasn’t me way) as we see Cat’s grandmother embarrass Cat at her younger sister’s wedding by wondering aloud why Cat is not married at the spinster age of 34. At her sister’s wedding reception she also meets a
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Mar 25, 2010
Kari
rated it:
30-something Cat is single, living in Manhattan, and has absolutely nothing exciting in her life. I mean, from the start you want to like this character but you quickly realize she is BORING; she's done nothing interesting since she studied abroad in Rome thirteen years ago. At her younger sister's wedding, Cat gets humiliated by Grandma and, with a push from her nearest and dearest, decides to take a four-week long vacation to Rome and reunite with her former Italian flame.
Well it's More...
Well it's More...
May 04, 2010
Shanyn
rated it:
I thought that Italian for Beginners was a great summer read. It wasn't entirely fluffy (the main character Cat deals with a few issues during the course of the book), but was very easy to follow.
The thing that I noticed most at the end of the book was how slowly the days seemed to move - Cat only planned to be there for a few weeks, but it seemed to me like so many things happened while she was there that she was actually there for months. I did consider that she didn't have a job o More...
The thing that I noticed most at the end of the book was how slowly the days seemed to move - Cat only planned to be there for a few weeks, but it seemed to me like so many things happened while she was there that she was actually there for months. I did consider that she didn't have a job o More...
Jan 24, 2010
Jeannen
rated it:
My lifelong and recently-renewed love of Italy led me astray with this book. The plot felt contrived -- not true to how people really behave (if you have someone staying with you and you know they don't speak the local language, do you really walk off and leave them alone in an unfamiliar neighborhood in the middle of the night?) -- and I couldn't connect with the narrator at all. 1st person narratives only work for me if the narrator is an interested and articulate observer of what is going o
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Aug 02, 2011
One of my favourite types of books to read are those where the characters are in a different country, where I can learn about a new culture, language, etc. I knew I'd love Italian For Beginners because I love Europe. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting Italy, however Harmel's descriptions of the sights and places in Rome are enough to create a fantastic picture if your mind. I find Harmel's writing style very similar to my own, therefore creating a stronger connection to her work than anti
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Aug 24, 2010
Alexei
rated it: 
Eh, I liked the descriptions of Rome, the writing was okay, but the characterization was poor and stereotypical. It was like a bad fusion of In Her Shoes with Under the Tuscan Sun (not to insult either of those very fine books). I just could not like Cat. She let her mean little sister push her around, she jumped into bed with guys she barely knew, was the only person in her family with a steady paycheck but apparently gave all the money away, and then whined constantly about how her life was bo
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Dec 14, 2009
Susan
rated it:
Tricky one this one. It was one of those books where I just HAD to skip forward and see what where I was headed before I actually went there. But for a chick-lit it was well written (but what was with all the typos in the edition I read!!!) and the emotional depth that the main character revealed was a change. It just was a pity that the book ended before the reader learnt fully how things ended romantically for Cat, but then perhaps the last words are a clue?
A surprisingly emotional More...
A surprisingly emotional More...
Sep 14, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Looking for some light and frothy summer books I first I read the Straight Talking book by Jane Green (that has pretty good reviews) and although the author was pretty bawdy and did not hold back on her discussions of sex and 4-letters words which seemed to just lay everything out on the table about the writer (as it's written in a diary style, speaking to you the reader) I found the Italian for Beginners book much more intimate with less sex descriptions and more honesty. I liked this book and
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Jun 13, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
Actually, a 2.5 star book
Pros of this Book:
1. It was easy to read when I was sick, drifting in and out of sleep, waiting for the dr. to come in, sitting in waiting rooms, etc.
2. The plot and the characters were not too advanced, so it was super easy to follow.
3. A good summer read - a feel good book.
Cons of this book:
1. Entirely too predictable. I had the entire book figured out from about page 25, and I was heavily drugged! lol
2. Rea More...
Pros of this Book:
1. It was easy to read when I was sick, drifting in and out of sleep, waiting for the dr. to come in, sitting in waiting rooms, etc.
2. The plot and the characters were not too advanced, so it was super easy to follow.
3. A good summer read - a feel good book.
Cons of this book:
1. Entirely too predictable. I had the entire book figured out from about page 25, and I was heavily drugged! lol
2. Rea More...
Apr 07, 2010
Teresa
rated it:
Summary from the Publisher
Thirty-four-year-old Manhattan accountant Cat Connelly has always lived life on the safe side. But after her little sister gets married, Cat wonders if she has condemned herself to a life of boredom by playing by the rules. She decides to take a chance for once, accepting an invitation to spend a month with an old flame in Italy. But her reunion with the slick and gorgeous Francesco is short-lived, and she finds herself suddenly alone in Rome. Now, she must More...
Thirty-four-year-old Manhattan accountant Cat Connelly has always lived life on the safe side. But after her little sister gets married, Cat wonders if she has condemned herself to a life of boredom by playing by the rules. She decides to take a chance for once, accepting an invitation to spend a month with an old flame in Italy. But her reunion with the slick and gorgeous Francesco is short-lived, and she finds herself suddenly alone in Rome. Now, she must More...
Jun 15, 2011
Daniela
rated it:
I absolutely adored this book. I'm so happy that I just plucked it off the shelf at the bookstore, because it said "Italian" in the beginning of the name. I'm Italian myself, so I already know the lanuage fluently, but I was interested to see how they would start a "Beginners" book on it, and I was surprised to see that it was a novel and not a self-help book on learning the language.
I've already recommended this book to two of my co-workers, and I'll definitely More...
I've already recommended this book to two of my co-workers, and I'll definitely More...
Jun 21, 2009
Esther
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Nov 15, 2009
Kathy
rated it:
I thought this book would be total fluff - I picked it up from the library shelf because it reminded me of Roman Holiday. Come to find out, that's not by accident! While it's a location piece that extolls the virtues of Rome and all thngs Italian (mostly, the food and wine, and the men too!) - it was actually a good life lesson book. The main character learns alot about herself and causes you to think yourself. A good read - quick, weekend fare, but actually substantial as well.
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Jul 19, 2011
Danie
rated it:
For an adult who seemingly has it together she is pretty awful when it comes to her personal life. Cat dumps her boyfriend bc she just isn't feeling it. Then she runs into her dream guy but when his secretary says something like "your mother in law is on the phone and it's an emergency" she jumps to conclusions without hearing the rest of the story.
I enjoyed the easy reading factor of this summer novel but the character was sort of unrelatable.
I enjoyed the easy reading factor of this summer novel but the character was sort of unrelatable.
Mar 31, 2010
Kristin
rated it:
-I totally bought this book because I had a gift card, I thought it was going to go into detail about Rome, and the author's name is Kristin :-p
-I don't think I'll remember this book. Nothing about it stood out :( I was so excited to read about Rome but everything was cliche, predictable, and boring. You wouldn't even believe that the author spent time in Rome...she didn't talk about anything new.
-I didn't like the main characters at all.
+I liked reading about Cat's photography More...
-I don't think I'll remember this book. Nothing about it stood out :( I was so excited to read about Rome but everything was cliche, predictable, and boring. You wouldn't even believe that the author spent time in Rome...she didn't talk about anything new.
-I didn't like the main characters at all.
+I liked reading about Cat's photography More...
Apr 13, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
if anything, this book really made me want to go to rome...and watch "roman holiday" again. the story is about cat, an irish-italian american, that at almost 35, has quite the mother issues. cat, who is too comfortable in her life, and just makes excuses and never takes risks. upon pressure more than anything, cat returns to rome, 17 yrs after her first trip, but, as soon as she lands, she remembers the passion and love she first had for the city. after a little snafu, she daringly
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Sep 04, 2010
Laura
rated it:
This book was cute and an extremely fast read. I read 100+ pages during my lunch hour.
Having never seen Roman Holiday in its entirity I didn't understand many of the references, but still enjoyed the story. I liked reading about a 34 year old woman who'd never been married and does not have life all figured out. It is encouraging to see someone make a change, even when the world would tell her not to.
Having never seen Roman Holiday in its entirity I didn't understand many of the references, but still enjoyed the story. I liked reading about a 34 year old woman who'd never been married and does not have life all figured out. It is encouraging to see someone make a change, even when the world would tell her not to.
Aug 13, 2009
Sometimes, a girl just needs to breeze through a reliable chicklit to get the reading habit back in motion.
i liked this because the chick in the book is totally me. Uber responsible single girl picks up her life and moves to Rome for a month with no plan, loves photography and secretly wants to make a living out of it but never does...until she meets motivation.
i liked this because the chick in the book is totally me. Uber responsible single girl picks up her life and moves to Rome for a month with no plan, loves photography and secretly wants to make a living out of it but never does...until she meets motivation.
Jul 02, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
I quite liked this book. It had a good message of forgiveness and family love. And although the main character is a bit whiny and a bit of a floozy, she is oddly likeable. A good beach read. I read it in one sitting - which is easier than you'd think, especially when all your stuff is gone and on its way across the ocean.
