I absolutely adored this book when I was a teenager. I even used the AOL screen name "Tuck Budd". Block explores issues of sexuality, identity, friend...moreI absolutely adored this book when I was a teenager. I even used the AOL screen name "Tuck Budd". Block explores issues of sexuality, identity, friendship and love with such aplomb, I considered her somewhat of a Goddess myself.(less)
Loved it. It was fun to read, partially because I could relate to Bridget, but mainly just because Fielding's writing is hilarious. The movie was just...moreLoved it. It was fun to read, partially because I could relate to Bridget, but mainly just because Fielding's writing is hilarious. The movie was just as good. I liked The Edge of Reason a wee bit more than this one, but they're both great.(less)
HATED IT! I would give it zero stars if I could, but I think that if you don't give any stars, it just appears that you haven't rated it. Maybe the te...moreHATED IT! I would give it zero stars if I could, but I think that if you don't give any stars, it just appears that you haven't rated it. Maybe the tech guys can look into offering a "zero stars" option.
**SPOILERS** I like stories about powerful women. Our main character is a defense attorney who loves 'em and leaves 'em. After reading a few of her nov...more**SPOILERS** I like stories about powerful women. Our main character is a defense attorney who loves 'em and leaves 'em. After reading a few of her novels, I've come to the conclusion that you don't read Joy Fielding for the excellent writing. Puppet is plot-driven and kept me engaged while travelling for business - a good escapist bit of fluff. The love story with the ex-husband was predictable, yet I was still rooting for them at the end so I suppose that says something for the development. The incestual twist at the end seemed completely contrived and unbelievable. It made for a good shock and was unconventional, but I wasn't buyin it. This is probably one of those books that I will browse in a used bookstore years from now thinking "That sounds interesting", buy it, start reading and not even realize that I've already read it. Nothing memorable here.(less)
I thought this book was hilarious and even funnier than the first. I have to agree that the Thai prison situation gets a little out of control. Stay a...moreI thought this book was hilarious and even funnier than the first. I have to agree that the Thai prison situation gets a little out of control. Stay away from the movie, it is a little too over-the-top. I laughed my butt off reading this.(less)
**SPOILERS** This book sucks. It came highly recommended to me by a friend so I gave it a shot. The Midwest setting appealed to me; I live and grew up...more**SPOILERS** This book sucks. It came highly recommended to me by a friend so I gave it a shot. The Midwest setting appealed to me; I live and grew up in Northeast Wisconsin. The appeal ends there. Sure, I felt bad that the boyfriend became paralyzed. I could only imagine what a position that would put the girlfriend in, how one would become wracked with guilt for wanting to move on and make a better life for herself. To me, her moving to NYC was justifiable and not cold in the least. She had wanted to end the relationship before the accident, it's not like she dumped him over the fact he became paralyzed. I read this quite awhile ago and don't remember much about it other than the fact that I WANTED TO STRANGLE this girl at the end of the book. What a disappointment for her to return to Wisconsin. Boo hiss. I don't think I've hated a character more in all my years of reading. And they made a movie out of this garbage? Probably appeals to any woman who has stayed in a loveless relationship out of guilt, as if that's a gift to the other. Do the guy a favor and move on so he can find someone who LOVES him, not pities him.(less)
**spoiler alert** Many thought provoking passages in a very well-written (if perhaps under-edited) book. Hamann's language is captivating. Maybe I'm t...more**spoiler alert** Many thought provoking passages in a very well-written (if perhaps under-edited) book. Hamann's language is captivating. Maybe I'm too impatient of a reader, but I kept waiting for something more. I had a hard time understanding the relationship between Rourke and Eveline. If they were so in love, why weren't they together? And why were they so in love anyway? I didn't see them as having any shared experiences or common life philosophies or really anything that would have brought them together other than a mutual physical attraction. Why were men falling all over themselves for Eveline anyhow? She certainly wasn't described as classically gorgeous, or accessible in any way. Was she desired because she was so mysterious and emotionally closed off? The only relationship in the book that I wanted to hear more about was that between Eveline and Rob. It seemed the most real to me, if maybe not in a romantic sense. Overall, I can appreciate the writing talent and the poetry of Hamann's words, but the book lacked something for me. I don't feel like Eveline changed in any way, nor do I have much confidence in her future. Will she continue to drift amongst various men or will she finally take control of her own life?(less)
**spoiler alert** Most of what appealed to me about this book was the trip down memory lane. I loved all the Smith references. I felt like I was back...more**spoiler alert** Most of what appealed to me about this book was the trip down memory lane. I loved all the Smith references. I felt like I was back in Northampton while reading this. I was feeling wishy-washy about attending reunion next year, but after reading this I can't wait to go back.
Beyond the nostalgia, it was an entertaining read. I found April's character to be a bit irritating, like a caricature of the Smith feminist - however, I had to laugh because how many Smithies did we know just like her? I was pleasantly surprised by the turn her story took at the end. In my opinion, her character was the only one who truly grew and changed in the years post-Smith. While I can't presume to know what it is like to have a lesbian relationship that is not accepted by one's family, I wanted to wring Bree's neck by the end of the book. As for the other two women, I could kind of take or leave them. I do wonder if Sally regrets naming her daughter April in light of how her story resolved itself...(less)
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