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Who Got Liz Gardner (Who Got Liz Gardner #1)

3.39 of 5 stars 3.39 · rating details · 75 ratings · 28 reviews

When Liz, a married financial advisor and mother of one, logs on to her high school website in an attempt to generate business leads, she inadvertently lands in a chat room made up of her male classmates (and former lovers) from 30 years before. There she witnesses a testosterone-laden discussion and a much unexpected question, “Does anyone know who got Liz Gardner?” The s...more

Paperback, 522 pages

Published April 17th 2009 by FeedARead.com

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Jan 10, 2010 Iolanthe Woulff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Who Got Liz Gardner, by Elizabeth Allen, is a coming-of-age novel about the (mis)adventures of a dysfunctional, self-centered but essentially good-hearted aspiring actress growing up during the hedonistic 80s and 90s. A first-person narrative, the story is mostly set in New York City and later Los Angeles, as Liz pursues her twin goals of finding A) a career in acting, and B) a decent man (The One). Both of these goals prove elusive, though not from any lack of trying on Liz's part.

The daughter...more Who Got Liz Gardner, by Elizabeth Allen, is a coming-of-age novel about the (mis)adventures of a dysfunctional, self-centered but essentially good-hearted aspiring actress growing up during the hedonistic 80s and 90s. A first-person narrative, the story is mostly set in New York City and later Los Angeles, as Liz pursues her twin goals of finding A) a career in acting, and B) a decent man (The One). Both of these goals prove elusive, though not from any lack of trying on Liz's part.

The daughter of a four-time drama queen divorcee and a thoroughly despicable wealthy philandering shrink, Liz starts out with more psychological baggage than most people collect in a lifetime. It's no surprise that she soon seeks out male companionship to fill her emotional void, or that the various men she beds invariably prove to be disposable ciphers. But instead of caving in and becoming a basket case, Liz summons up her inner moxie and sets out on her quest to find a good life and someone with whom to share it.

Because I'm a rather starchy middle-aged prude, I have to admit that I was nervous about reading the novel because I guessed it might contain a lot of rather explicit passages. And in fact it does; however, since these "sex scenes" are largely composed of wisecracking euphemisms and are never gratuitously grafted onto the story, I didn't find them out of place or disturbing. (I'm sure that readers who are less priggish than I am --which means just about everybody-- will take it all in stride.)

Since the plot is summarized elsewhere I needn't do so again, but I'll offer a few personal observations. Having come of age myself in similar time frames and locales as the novel's protagonist, I compliment Ms. Allen for the verisimilitude of her descriptions, especially in the New York City sections. (Her depiction of a filthy rented apartment is at once sidesplitting and horribly realistic.) The contrasting Los Angeles scenes also rang true for me, evoking memories of my brief sojourn in that unique city.

As for the character of Liz herself, I found myself in conflict. On the one hand, I admired her pluck, her humor, and her determination. But I also found her occasional deliberate cruelty very off-putting, even though I understood that such behavior was caused by her aforementioned emotional baggage. (She does suffer remorse for this meanness, and more than once redeems herself with acts of great kindness and generosity.) By the end of the novel, it's abundantly clear that Liz has a big and loving heart.

When I reached the last sixty pages or so, the narrative held me in its grip and I read straight through to the end. I won't offer any "spoilers", but suffice it to say that the entire story came together in a pleasing -and very poignant- way, and I closed the book with a sigh of combined satisfaction and regret; the satisfaction of a tale well-told, and regret that the ride was over.

As a novel, Who Got Liz Gardner accomplished three things that don't happen very often in the course of my reading. First, it caused me to laugh out loud several times. Second, on more than one occasion it made me think to myself, "Gosh, I wish I'd written that!" Third, and most importantly, it has stayed with me for longer than a day or so. In this age of cookie-cutter generic McNovels, that's a genuine rarity. Chris, Radiance, Taylor, and of course Liz herself, with all their flaws and foibles, are memorable characters who made this book not only an engaging read, but one that I will not forget. (less)

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Dec 14, 2012 Bridgette Lucerne rated it 5 of 5 stars

How I wish I'd known about this book before I wasted time reading Fifty Shades. Apparently I was craving something for women with an edge and at the time, Fifty Shades was just there. But this is not a review of THAT book.

Who Got Liz Gardner was the debut novel of Elizabeth Allen, and while it seems to have been written as fiction, I couldn't help but think all the way through "this is really about her." True or not, Ms. Allen has a gift for writing in such a way that you just "know" she lived i...more

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Jun 14, 2010 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

What I liked

I enjoyed this book so much. I laughed out loud and physically cringed in certain areas (due to the story, not the writing). The relationship that Liz has with her mother, her boyfriends, and her wacky roommate are great. And the way she reacts to everything, everyone of us would react the same way.

The author wrote this book almost in a memoir, journal way that results in an instant page turner.

What I didn't like

There were a couple of editing issues I found (nothing major - unless yo...more

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Dec 27, 2009 Marva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Who Got Liz Gardner is the question. The answer could be "just about everybody."

If you like a fun, semi-erotic novel, this book is a fun read. I put off reading for awhile since it's not my kind of book, but now that I've finished it, I hope Elizabeth Allen can tell us another story either about Liz (hmm, Liz/Elizabeth--I wonder) or somebody else.

Ms. Allen has a deft and wry sense of humor that comes across nicely and keeps you reading. This book has been called a picaresque journey, and I'd ha...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Stacy rated it 1 of 5 stars

I really didn't care for this book. In addition to the lack of editing (which is always distracting), I found the ego of the main character got in the way of my liking her. Perhaps if the main character had been a little more realistic and a little less egocentric, I would've found the book more enjoyable. But that's just me.

I had no idea that this was a sort of(?) autobiographical book. But when I shared my comments on Amazon.com in a review, the author just went off on me and it was really cre...more

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Dec 19, 2010 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-reviews

Liz Gardner is eavesdropping in an alumni chat room when one of the men asks, "Who got Liz Gardner?' Wild speculation ensues to Liz's amusement because her story is both simpler and more complicated than they imagine. This fictional memoir, loosely based on the authors real life experiences, follows Liz's journey from hedonistic wild child to a happily married mother of one.

Allen barely takes a breath as she lays out Liz's family dysfunction and formative years with disturbing bluntness and flip...more Liz Gardner is eavesdropping in an alumni chat room when one of the men asks, "Who got Liz Gardner?' Wild speculation ensues to Liz's amusement because her story is both simpler and more complicated than they imagine. This fictional memoir, loosely based on the authors real life experiences, follows Liz's journey from hedonistic wild child to a happily married mother of one.

Allen barely takes a breath as she lays out Liz's family dysfunction and formative years with disturbing bluntness and flippant one liners in the first chapters. Initially I struggled with the frenetic pace of what is almost a stream of consciousness of Liz's recollections. It wasn't until a quarter of the way into the book that I felt that Liz's character was distinct from the drama surrounding her.

Liz spends most of her twenties trying to become an actress with limited success and the culture allows her an extended adolescence. Her career though is simply background to her dominant personal life. There is a lack of subtlety to Liz, the nuances of her emotions are overwhelmed by a mixture of crude humor and pathos. She is unapologetically aggressive and self centered yet despite Liz's brash manner, she has a surprising, unpretentious charm. What you see is what you get and Liz makes no concession to the consequences of her attitude.

Allen makes no attempt to couch her characters and their behaviours in euphemisms. Their strengths and weaknesses are displayed with an almost brutal authenticity.

It's entertaining to observe Liz's sybaritic lifestyle but I would have preferred some more introspection during her journey to illustrate growth in her character. I didn't feel that Liz matured over the course of the book so much as she finally ran out of steam.

Much of the Liz's story graphically details her shallow relationships and sexual exploits with a cast of wildly appropriate men, and women, including Phil, who is 32 to her 17, long term lover Chris and a young and nubile Taylor. Her encounters are often clumsy, funny and largely devoid of emotional connection. Despite the explicit language, I wouldn't identify it with erotica as the tone is oddly casual.

"Who Got Liz Gardner?" is the tale of one woman's pursuit of love and desire. It can be hilarious, crude and disturbing in turn but is an entertaining and enjoyable read for a mature audience.(less)

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Jun 22, 2011 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is for those women who fantasize about sexual adventures, and who enjoy “coming of age” books where the character finally “gets it”. Not to mention you will laugh out loud at times. Being the product of a dysfunctional family Liz Gardner is a free spirit who goes through men like butter and doesn’t look back. She knows what she wants and she takes it no matter the consequences. This book is her guide through her acting career, her wild and wacky relationships and finally a fitting endi...more

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Jun 09, 2011 Jessica at Book Sake rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was an easy to read, fun novel for the summertime. Since it is based off events in the author's life, it is easy to get into her story and you want to keep reading to find out what happens. The relationships in the book are sometimes a bit unrealistic in my opinion, but for the most part they are more gritty and real then books with a more romantic feel. Liz's family dynamic is also very interesting to read, and I can appreciate that she didn't only write the good times, but the bad and hor...more

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Aug 23, 2010 Sassy Brit added it

Shelves: 2009-books, xxx-reviewed-by-clayton

Liz Gardner wanders into a chat room for members of her 1977 graduating high school class. She’s a financial advisor looking for prospective customers. Instead, what she finds is a discussion between a group of men trying to answer the question “Who got Liz Gardner?” And so begins a trip through Liz’s mind, not so much looking for the answer to the group’s question, but answering, for herself, the question “How did I get Liz Gardner?”

Read more here
Alternative-Read.com
The "Inside Story" as told...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Trish Mccabe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Couldn't stop reading yet didn't want it to end! Liz Allen's writing is brilliant! She grabs you and doesn't let go. I was addicted from the beginning. Baby Boomers everywhere will absolutely relate to Liz Gardner, an adventurous and brave character full of wit, wisdom with a pinch of mysticism . I would read a chapter a night savoring the delicious adventures of this bright, sexy, brash, sensitive, searching character. I know her, she is parts of me and many friends both past and present. She i...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Gary rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, kindle, own

Who Got Liz Gardner reads more like a woman’s diary of her past loves culminating with the one “who got liz gardner” than a work of fiction. It’s never overly chick-litty. It’s more humorous than I think most guys expect from a woman’s recountenance.

I enjoyed more than I thought I would. It was a nice change of pace from previous slew of books I have read. About I a tenth way into the story I actually got lost to the destination and enjoyed the journey. That’s why when she found me it was like d...more

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Jul 18, 2010 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been looking for a good romance novel for a long time, but all I kept finding were little girls books or skeevy sex books. Neither of which had what I was looking for. Until I found "Who got Liz Gardner." This book had it all! Deceit, love triangles, sex, aliens, past lives, marriage, and everything in between. It lived up to every expectation I had and some I didn't even know I could have for a book! Starting at the middle of her life, after everything had finally settled into place and th...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Rhamel added it

I don't know what to rate this one. It kept my attention. I wanted to know "Who got Liz Gardner". Some parts were funny and sassy (funny enough that I took pictures of the page with my phone and text them to a friend)....and then at the end this weird part was thrown in and I don't know how to feel about it. It just threw off the book for me. Other than that one section, the book was good.

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Nov 08, 2012 Amy Cohen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have read both Who Got Liz Gardner and Discovering Arugula, and very much enjoyed them. Ms. Allen delivers sassy, sexy storytelling with a wittily infectious joie de vivre, something that is noticeably absent in most so-called "erotic" novels these days. I was never bored or put off, and I recommend her books without hesitation.

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Feb 05, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Liz Gardner is trying to live her life, and she does it right in your face. Funny upbeat and snarky book about a young woman who wantd to be an actress and all of her exploits (sexual and otherwise) are laid bare for all. Quirky characters like her mother Radiance, make this book a funny and entertaining read. Not a bad way to spend a day in the sun.

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Mar 07, 2010 Chelsea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Won this on Good Reads!!! This book came in the mail a few days ago and I put down my other book and plowed right through it. I have to say...Liz/Elizabeth...is this a tale of your life? Liz has many sexual adventures and the ending is not what I expected. I could see this book turning into a major motion picture. It was a Good Read and look forward to more books by Elizabeth Allen.

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Dec 09, 2012 Georgiann Hennelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Liz Gardner is a self centered but good hearted actress. Growing up during the 80,s and 90,s. It starts out in New York than later on moves to Los Angeles. As Liz persues her goals of an acting career and a decent man. Her mother is a drama queen a four time divorcee , and also a wealthy philandering shrink. Liz has more psychological baggage than most. Liz seeks out men to fill her emotional void, but they all end up being losers. Instead of giving up she summons up her inner courage and sets o...more

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Nov 09, 2010 NoeandSuz rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was sexy and fun, but heartfelt and endearing. Written like a bibliography, it’s more like the main character sitting back with you one Saturday night, drinking wine, confiding in you her life’s journeys. Excellent book! I highly recommend to all!

http://Iadorebooksandfilm.blogspot.com

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Sep 20, 2010 Sally Pearce rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, read-in-2010

Wow! What a dysfunctional family this girl came from. And what a life she led. Put in anything and she experienced it! I thought it dragged on a bit and did have some spelling and editing errors, but most First-reads books do. I'll be interested to see what this new author tackles next!

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Sep 07, 2011 Monika Weikel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Awesome and hilarious. I literally could not put it down, and found myself sharing Liz's adventures nearly until dusk on a workday.

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Feb 13, 2013 Lindsay Leguillon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was surprised I liked this book as much as I did. It got off to a slow start, but just a few chapters in I was hooked. It kept getting better and better as I read.

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Aug 02, 2012 Gail rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit

I hated this book. By the time I realized I hated it I was too far into it to quit. I stuck with it until the end and can't believe I did.

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Feb 12, 2013 Joanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-faves, hot-read

I freakin' loved this book!

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Jul 25, 2012 Emily Lefebvre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book! Starting the sequel now!

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Mar 28, 2013 Casandra rated it 1 of 5 stars

Yuk! Couldn't finish it- not in to lesbianism.

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Aug 23, 2010 Clayton Bye rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Find my review at either of the links below...

http://reviews.thedeepening.com/2010/...

http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2010/...

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Jul 24, 2012 Connie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-own

This story reminded me a lot of Laurie Graff's "You have to Kiss a Lot of Frogs"..single girl/actress floats between NY and LA. The last quarter of the book was very "New Age-y and seemed out of sync with the rest of the story.

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Jul 31, 2010 Lindsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very unique book but don't read if you're easily offended by sexual depictions.

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May 13, 2013 Keri Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 11, 2013 Kelly Lauver rated it 1 of 5 stars

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Who Got Liz Gardner (Who Got Liz Gardner #1)

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