false 21 134 134 true 6247293 read 0 true 226757 currently-reading 0 true 226756 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76702289 to: One Fifth Avenue (Audio CD) by Candace Bushnell
Again, Bushnell delivers semi-likeable characters who populate a shallow world of money, status, back-biting, and shady morals. I liked this book more than "Four Blondes" (which I'm currently reading) and "Sex and the City," only because it had a more coherent plot and better developed characters. Reading Bushnell's books makes me glad I'm not part of the world she depicts. I suppose others have a different reaction, thinking that world is glamorous and exciting; however, it leaves me a bit flat. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76701873 to: Sex and the City (Mass Market Paperback) by Candace Bushnell
This is a rare case when the movie/TV show surpasses the book. The book is more of a collection of columns/essays than a novel, although it follows several characters, so I never felt like I became immersed in the book's world. The characters, like most created by Bushnell, are not entirely likable. And, unless you are a New York socialite, model, writer, or trophy wife/girlfriend, you may not relate. The characters are shallow and poorly developed, but the stories have a certain punch and dry humor that keeps you hooked. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76701631 to: Four Blondes (Paperback) by Candace Bushnell
So far, I'm not super impressed. The characters are pretty unlikable--maybe that's the point, but somehow I can never tell with Bushnell if I'm supposed to think her shallow, gold-digging heroines are sexy and clever or irritating and banal. That said, it is holding my interest; i.e., I'm still reading. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2105600 to: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Mass Market Paperback) by Bill Bryson
So funny! Bryson is a wonderful writer, and he paints a vivid story that both nature lovers and city dwellers can appreciate. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2138777 to: GODLESS (Hardcover) by DREW STEPEK
Interesting story about a bulimic young man with a substance abuse problem. The main character is a bit annoying, but his story is compelling, and it has that "train wreck" quality that makes it a guilty pleasure. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76612874 to: Saving Fish from Drowning: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by Amy Tan
I really enjoyed this story. It had humor, adventure, romance, politics, mystery, and great characters. It's also narrated by a ghost, which made for some entertaining scenarios, given that the ghost had some strong opinions about what was going on after her death. It's different from Tan's typical mother-daughter dramas, and this one is set in Myanmar (Burma) and includes both Chinese-American and non-Chinese characters. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/27664919 to: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America (Audio Cassette) by Erik Larson
Fascinating account of the Chicago World's Fair--how it was planned and executed, as well as the story of a serial killer who preyed on young ladies in Chicago at that time. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76612748 to: Fever Pitch (Paperback) by Nick Hornby
I don't even particularly like soccer ("football"), and this book is about the author's obsession with the sport. Nonetheless, Hornby's clever writing style and honest self-revelations made it a page-turner for me. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76612756 to: Slam (Hardcover) by Nick Hornby
It was refreshing to read a book by Nick Hornby about an actual adolescent boy, rather than just a man who feels like an adolescent boy. This book, like all Hornby's work, was witty, heartfelt and honest and had me laughing out loud on the train. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76699777 to: Perfect Match (Paperback) by Jodi Picoult
A good story, but I found the writing just average. I also found the characters somewhat poorly developed and the tone overly romantic and simplistic at times. Oh well, can't win 'em all. ]]>