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Ms. Demeanor
From one of America's most beloved contemporary novelists, a delicious and witty story about love under house arrest
Jane Morgan is a valued member of her law firm--or was, until a prudish neighbor, binoculars poised, observes her having sex on the roof of her NYC apartment building. Police are summoned, and a punishing judge sentences her to six months of home confinement. With Jane now jobless and rootless, trapped at home, life looks bleak. Yes, her twin sister provides support and advice, but mostly of the unwelcome kind. When a doorman lets slip that Jane isn't the only resident wearing an ankle monitor, she strikes up a friendship with fellow white-collar felon Perry Salisbury. As she tries to adapt to life within her apartment walls, she discovers she hasn't heard the end of that tattletale neighbor--whose past isn't as decorous as her 9-1-1 snitching would suggest. Why are police knocking on Jane's door again? Can her house arrest have a silver lining? Can two wrongs make a right?
In the hands of "an inspired alchemist who converts serious subject into humor" (New York Times Book Review)--yes, delightfully.
"Ms. Demeanor is a complete and utter delight. Of course it is. What Elinor Lipman novel isn't?"--Richard Russo, author of Empire Falls and Chances Are . . .
"Who knew house arrest could be sexy and fun? Not me, at least not until I read Ms. Demeanor. Written with Elinor Lipman's signature wit and charm, this breezy, engrossing novel tells the story of two people who make the most of their shared confinement."--Tom Perrotta, New York Times bestselling author of Tracy Flick Can't Win
When a neighbor's complaint about consensual al fresco sex turns into house arrest and a suspended legal license, Jane's recipe for survival involves cooking for another home-arrested tenant (could this be a match made in confinement?) while trying to figure out the whys and hows of her mysterious accuser. Filled with food, family, romance and intrigue, Lipman's novel cooks up a bounty of delights as sparkling as prosecco and as deeply satisfying and delicious as a five-star meal."--Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You
Jane Morgan is a valued member of her law firm--or was, until a prudish neighbor, binoculars poised, observes her having sex on the roof of her NYC apartment building. Police are summoned, and a punishing judge sentences her to six months of home confinement. With Jane now jobless and rootless, trapped at home, life looks bleak. Yes, her twin sister provides support and advice, but mostly of the unwelcome kind. When a doorman lets slip that Jane isn't the only resident wearing an ankle monitor, she strikes up a friendship with fellow white-collar felon Perry Salisbury. As she tries to adapt to life within her apartment walls, she discovers she hasn't heard the end of that tattletale neighbor--whose past isn't as decorous as her 9-1-1 snitching would suggest. Why are police knocking on Jane's door again? Can her house arrest have a silver lining? Can two wrongs make a right?
In the hands of "an inspired alchemist who converts serious subject into humor" (New York Times Book Review)--yes, delightfully.
"Ms. Demeanor is a complete and utter delight. Of course it is. What Elinor Lipman novel isn't?"--Richard Russo, author of Empire Falls and Chances Are . . .
"Who knew house arrest could be sexy and fun? Not me, at least not until I read Ms. Demeanor. Written with Elinor Lipman's signature wit and charm, this breezy, engrossing novel tells the story of two people who make the most of their shared confinement."--Tom Perrotta, New York Times bestselling author of Tracy Flick Can't Win
When a neighbor's complaint about consensual al fresco sex turns into house arrest and a suspended legal license, Jane's recipe for survival involves cooking for another home-arrested tenant (could this be a match made in confinement?) while trying to figure out the whys and hows of her mysterious accuser. Filled with food, family, romance and intrigue, Lipman's novel cooks up a bounty of delights as sparkling as prosecco and as deeply satisfying and delicious as a five-star meal."--Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2022
711 people are currently reading
18773 people want to read
About the author
Elinor Lipman
27 books1,345 followersI love talking with readers - for 1:1s and Book Club visits, find me on Skolay: www.skolay.com/writers/elinor-lipman
Elinor Lipman is the author of 14 humorous novels about contemporary American society; essay and short story collections. Born and raised in Lowell, MA, she divides her time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley of New York. She received the New England Book award for fiction in 2001. Her first novel, "Then She Found Me," was adapted for the screen, starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Her fourth novel, "The Inn at Lake Devine" was adapted for the off-off Broadway stage by Tongue in Cheek Theater. In 2011-2012, she held the Elizabeth Drew chair in creative writing at Smith College. Her novel, “Ms. Demeanor," was a finalist for the 2023 Thurber Prize for American Humor. In 2021, her hometown Library, Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, established The Elinor Lipman Prize, awarded annually to Lowell residents and students at Lowell universities.
Elinor Lipman is the author of 14 humorous novels about contemporary American society; essay and short story collections. Born and raised in Lowell, MA, she divides her time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley of New York. She received the New England Book award for fiction in 2001. Her first novel, "Then She Found Me," was adapted for the screen, starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Her fourth novel, "The Inn at Lake Devine" was adapted for the off-off Broadway stage by Tongue in Cheek Theater. In 2011-2012, she held the Elizabeth Drew chair in creative writing at Smith College. Her novel, “Ms. Demeanor," was a finalist for the 2023 Thurber Prize for American Humor. In 2021, her hometown Library, Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, established The Elinor Lipman Prize, awarded annually to Lowell residents and students at Lowell universities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,025 reviews
January 7, 2023
I am a huge fan of Elinor Lipman, who has penned over 16 novels, all charming and quirky. Her ability to write a snappy dialogue that is clever, and sparkling is what marks her a beloved author. In “Ms. Demeanor” she looks at what society expects of the “mature woman” in terms of sexuality. Are women held to a different value system?
Just from the title, you know Lipman is teasing us. The title toys with the word “demeanor” which is a term synonym for deportment. Of course, we all know that a misdemeanor is a legal term for a crime that is less than a felony. Yes, our protagonist has been charged with a crime involving her deportment. Thirty-nine-year-old Jane Morgan, an identical twin, is caught having sex on the rooftop of her Manhattan apartment building at midnight. How? A nosy neighbor across the street, saw her, with the aid of binoculars. Even though it was private property, and it was at night, she was still charged. If you can buy that silliness, you will enjoy this story. I bought it in the name of reading enjoyment.
So Lipman adds more fun in that Jane was having sex with a 27-year-old colleague (she is his superior). Jane was let go from her workplace for her crime, while the colleague gets a slap on the wrist. Legally, Jane is sentenced to six months of home confinement which is a bit exorbitant, but the judge decided to make an example of her (similar to her workplace).
Trying to make the best of her situation, she discovers there is yet another person in her building under house confinement. After a tet-a-tete with the doorman, she discovers the person is a man named Perry. She offers a deal of cooking for him three nights a week. Well, Jane being a modern woman, agrees to other evening activities, similar to friends with benefits. But her sister wants in on the action, meaning she wants a date. Awkward.
Lipman writes Jane as snarky. She is not in the least contrite for her transgressions, in fact as she sees it, there was no transgression. Jane wants to learn more about this binocular donning woman who turned her in. In her somewhat devious way of learning about her accuser, she finds herself getting involved with a scheming Polish expatriates.
Why read this? Because Lipman is the Queen of Satire. She takes a silly story, that sadly could be true, and shows society’s gross unfairness in sexual expectations and tolerance. Her scenes are hysterical. Her dialogues entertaining. You will chuckle…..a lot…
I listened to the audio narrated by Piper Goodeve. She did the story justice.
Just from the title, you know Lipman is teasing us. The title toys with the word “demeanor” which is a term synonym for deportment. Of course, we all know that a misdemeanor is a legal term for a crime that is less than a felony. Yes, our protagonist has been charged with a crime involving her deportment. Thirty-nine-year-old Jane Morgan, an identical twin, is caught having sex on the rooftop of her Manhattan apartment building at midnight. How? A nosy neighbor across the street, saw her, with the aid of binoculars. Even though it was private property, and it was at night, she was still charged. If you can buy that silliness, you will enjoy this story. I bought it in the name of reading enjoyment.
So Lipman adds more fun in that Jane was having sex with a 27-year-old colleague (she is his superior). Jane was let go from her workplace for her crime, while the colleague gets a slap on the wrist. Legally, Jane is sentenced to six months of home confinement which is a bit exorbitant, but the judge decided to make an example of her (similar to her workplace).
Trying to make the best of her situation, she discovers there is yet another person in her building under house confinement. After a tet-a-tete with the doorman, she discovers the person is a man named Perry. She offers a deal of cooking for him three nights a week. Well, Jane being a modern woman, agrees to other evening activities, similar to friends with benefits. But her sister wants in on the action, meaning she wants a date. Awkward.
Lipman writes Jane as snarky. She is not in the least contrite for her transgressions, in fact as she sees it, there was no transgression. Jane wants to learn more about this binocular donning woman who turned her in. In her somewhat devious way of learning about her accuser, she finds herself getting involved with a scheming Polish expatriates.
Why read this? Because Lipman is the Queen of Satire. She takes a silly story, that sadly could be true, and shows society’s gross unfairness in sexual expectations and tolerance. Her scenes are hysterical. Her dialogues entertaining. You will chuckle…..a lot…
I listened to the audio narrated by Piper Goodeve. She did the story justice.
April 18, 2024
Marking as a spoiler review.
Ms. Demeanor had me intrigued with house arrest romance plot.
Regrettably it fell entirely flat.
Sexy? No
Comedic? No
Charm? None
Thrilling? No
Food? Yes
Our M.C, Jane, is a suspended lawyer after a neighbor sees her in an intimate situation on her balcony and calls the police. What follows was a bit confusing. Under house arrest for 6 months and suspended from law work shes forced to think outside of the box to keep herself entertained. Jane's entire personality is centered around being a lawyer. With her situation it's totally understandable to be upset but the entitlement and pessimism the character showed repeatedly was tiresome and childish when talking about a 39 year old.
Jane hyper fixated on the old woman who reported her to police. When police show up again with accusations of their own she begins to scheme her way into the old woman's world. For 50% of the book this is the main focus and then it's abruptly dropped.
Enter perry an attractive resident in her building who also happens to be under house arrest. There was SO much room for incredible potential as a romance book! Unfortunately it wasn't taken.
Our love interest, perry, is rather bland. There's zero connection between them. Aquaintances with benefits is the best way to describe them. He seems less than interested in her at all. Every time they discuss their...arrangement..its strictly that. Buisness.
Leading up to this less than stellar line, "But then a warm body slipped in beside me. And as my college roommate liked to say, boom!", was full body cringe and second hand awkwardness.
Throw in an entirely random and unnecessary green card marriage and a rushed ending to Jane's story that doesn't feel right and that's the book.
I'm not even sure what genre to place this under with how chaotic it was.
Ms. Demeanor had me intrigued with house arrest romance plot.
Regrettably it fell entirely flat.
Sexy? No
Comedic? No
Charm? None
Thrilling? No
Food? Yes
Our M.C, Jane, is a suspended lawyer after a neighbor sees her in an intimate situation on her balcony and calls the police. What follows was a bit confusing. Under house arrest for 6 months and suspended from law work shes forced to think outside of the box to keep herself entertained. Jane's entire personality is centered around being a lawyer. With her situation it's totally understandable to be upset but the entitlement and pessimism the character showed repeatedly was tiresome and childish when talking about a 39 year old.
Jane hyper fixated on the old woman who reported her to police. When police show up again with accusations of their own she begins to scheme her way into the old woman's world. For 50% of the book this is the main focus and then it's abruptly dropped.
Enter perry an attractive resident in her building who also happens to be under house arrest. There was SO much room for incredible potential as a romance book! Unfortunately it wasn't taken.
Our love interest, perry, is rather bland. There's zero connection between them. Aquaintances with benefits is the best way to describe them. He seems less than interested in her at all. Every time they discuss their...arrangement..its strictly that. Buisness.
Leading up to this less than stellar line, "But then a warm body slipped in beside me. And as my college roommate liked to say, boom!", was full body cringe and second hand awkwardness.
Throw in an entirely random and unnecessary green card marriage and a rushed ending to Jane's story that doesn't feel right and that's the book.
I'm not even sure what genre to place this under with how chaotic it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2022
What an absolutely delightful book. It totally hit the spot in a satisfying way.
Jane is an attorney who gets caught on video by a nosy neighbor having sex on the roof of her Manhattan apartment. She is arrested for public indecency and sentenced to six months home confinement (house arrest), her license suspended. Jane meets another person in her building who is also under home confinement--Perry, who committed an unfortunate white collar crime. They become friends, nurtured by Jane's love for cooking and Perry's willingness to be fed. Can things develop into something more?
I loved the cast of characters in this book. They were all so well drawn as to feel like real people. Lipman's writing never fails to entertain me, it's filled with humor and heart, and this book had all the right elements to keep me engaged throughout. I love that Jane starts a TikTok channel devoted to cooking recipes out of cookbooks from the 1800s, I actually think that's a cool idea and I could honestly get behind it if it were real.
If you're looking for a light, funny, entertaining and quick read, Ms. Demeanor will absolutely fit all of those requirements.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Jane is an attorney who gets caught on video by a nosy neighbor having sex on the roof of her Manhattan apartment. She is arrested for public indecency and sentenced to six months home confinement (house arrest), her license suspended. Jane meets another person in her building who is also under home confinement--Perry, who committed an unfortunate white collar crime. They become friends, nurtured by Jane's love for cooking and Perry's willingness to be fed. Can things develop into something more?
I loved the cast of characters in this book. They were all so well drawn as to feel like real people. Lipman's writing never fails to entertain me, it's filled with humor and heart, and this book had all the right elements to keep me engaged throughout. I love that Jane starts a TikTok channel devoted to cooking recipes out of cookbooks from the 1800s, I actually think that's a cool idea and I could honestly get behind it if it were real.
If you're looking for a light, funny, entertaining and quick read, Ms. Demeanor will absolutely fit all of those requirements.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 13, 2023
So so. It started out promising. A lawyer is sentenced to house arrest for public indecency after having sex on her apartment’s roof. She is fired and the junior attorney she was with gets a slap on the wrist.
Jane has a very unapologetic attitude that I appreciated. And she is irate about the old peeping-Tom bitty who got her arrested. And she decides to make the most of things by doing a TikTok cooking series based on a cookbook of recipes from the 1800s and catering for another apartment-mate who is also on house arrest.
This could have been cute had the author just run with the above.
There are funny parts to this book but it gets confusing and unfocused. There’s a murder. Jane is a suspect for a minute. I don’t know what happened with that. There’s a Polish guy looking for a green card wife. Jane’s makes a friend who morphs from a sophisticated dentist into a sex-crazed pathetic woman taken in by a con-artist. And then there’s the romance, which is one of the most unromantic romances I’ve ever read.
I just didn’t get this book.
Jane has a very unapologetic attitude that I appreciated. And she is irate about the old peeping-Tom bitty who got her arrested. And she decides to make the most of things by doing a TikTok cooking series based on a cookbook of recipes from the 1800s and catering for another apartment-mate who is also on house arrest.
This could have been cute had the author just run with the above.
There are funny parts to this book but it gets confusing and unfocused. There’s a murder. Jane is a suspect for a minute. I don’t know what happened with that. There’s a Polish guy looking for a green card wife. Jane’s makes a friend who morphs from a sophisticated dentist into a sex-crazed pathetic woman taken in by a con-artist. And then there’s the romance, which is one of the most unromantic romances I’ve ever read.
I just didn’t get this book.
March 20, 2023
I loved this novel, but then I’ve loved every Elinor Lipman I’ve read, and I’ve read almost all of them. Funny, wise, touching, tender-hearted, Ms. Demeanor tells the tale of a successful Manhattan lawyer who finds an unlikely romance after a one-night public act of indiscretion earns her a three-month sentence under house arrest in her own apartment. I devoured this in one delightful day because it’s just that damn delightful.
February 15, 2023
This book is a misdeanor.
I wish I could go back in time before reading this.
Respectfully, what the hell is this.
I wish I could go back in time before reading this.
Respectfully, what the hell is this.
January 5, 2024
Light and frothy, Lipman's Ms. Demeanor serves up some laughter and requires minimal work from this reader. It was a good read for whiling away the time in various waiting rooms this week. One niggle, after a mostly inventive story, Lipman seems to have run out of steam and gave me a trite ending.
December 31, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 because it made me laugh and smile on a very rainy, dark winter’s day in a series of such days. Atmospheric rivers are dumping rain on us as if trying to solve the drought all in 1 go. I am grateful for the rain, but now we are getting flooded roads & mudslides. 🙄
Anyway, back to the book…it is a funny meet-cute premise, with Tik-Tok cooking videos, art, and lightly dysfunctional families & sibling rivalry thrown in. It was exactly the boost of humorous high jinks & nonsense that I needed. Jane gets in her own way on her journey to happiness, “Jackleen” annoys & supports her in equal measure, & Perry is lovely. I flew through this book in a day. Highly recommended for a positive boost. Happy New Year!
Anyway, back to the book…it is a funny meet-cute premise, with Tik-Tok cooking videos, art, and lightly dysfunctional families & sibling rivalry thrown in. It was exactly the boost of humorous high jinks & nonsense that I needed. Jane gets in her own way on her journey to happiness, “Jackleen” annoys & supports her in equal measure, & Perry is lovely. I flew through this book in a day. Highly recommended for a positive boost. Happy New Year!
January 15, 2023
So much unrealized potential! This book can’t figure out what it is. Romance? Murder Mystery? Self-introspective memoir? Friendship/family drama? No matter what it is, it doesn’t deliver.
February 18, 2023
An okay read and audiobook. Nearly 40 years old twin and friends still in the dating scene because they put their career first. Some humor. Lots of cooking. Spontaneous arrangements when Jane met another neighbor also on house arrest. Jane using friendship to deal with situations against her and took a surprise turn.
This story followed Jane, a lawyer. She has a twin sister who's a Dermatologist. The story started when she was out on a date with a younger co-worker. They were hanging out on her building's rooftop. Police were called in by a neighbor from across the street when they weren't fully clothed. Now she's home on house arrest. Apparently punishment for her was harsher than the male co-worker. She's finding ways to fill up her time and getting to know her neighbors. The old lady who reported her just died and a note found in her home is accusing Jane again. Interesting how an unexpected hiccup on life resulted.
Thank you Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read and review!
This story followed Jane, a lawyer. She has a twin sister who's a Dermatologist. The story started when she was out on a date with a younger co-worker. They were hanging out on her building's rooftop. Police were called in by a neighbor from across the street when they weren't fully clothed. Now she's home on house arrest. Apparently punishment for her was harsher than the male co-worker. She's finding ways to fill up her time and getting to know her neighbors. The old lady who reported her just died and a note found in her home is accusing Jane again. Interesting how an unexpected hiccup on life resulted.
Thank you Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read and review!
March 29, 2023
Really more of a 3.5 ⭐️…cute but a little flimsy.
Started out with a attention-grabbing hook, but there wasn’t much cohesive plot beyond that…it’s basically a slice-of-life about an attorney on house arrest and her slow burn love affair, in spite of (or because of!) her meddlesome family and friends.
I liked Perry as a love interest, but felt like the chemistry between him and Jane was a little sterile. Really, the whole book felt bipolar so to speak. It rambled all over the place without much direction, and had plenty of brains but not quite enough heart.
Started out with a attention-grabbing hook, but there wasn’t much cohesive plot beyond that…it’s basically a slice-of-life about an attorney on house arrest and her slow burn love affair, in spite of (or because of!) her meddlesome family and friends.
I liked Perry as a love interest, but felt like the chemistry between him and Jane was a little sterile. Really, the whole book felt bipolar so to speak. It rambled all over the place without much direction, and had plenty of brains but not quite enough heart.
November 28, 2023
"I'm going to write a book so mid, Barnes & Noble will have to choose it as a monthly pick." -Elinor Lipman
Unfair? Maybe, considering I'm not the book's target audience, but rarely does a book elicit such little feeling out of me as Ms. Demeanor. What was sold to me as a former attorney's journey to TikTok stardom and control over her life proved to be a hodgepodge of half-baked thoughts concerning identity, sex, relationships, etc. The audiobook is just over seven hours long, yet I lost track during this short romp more than I did while listening to that behemoth The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Good Lord, Lipman, find out what you want to write about and stick with it!
Unfair? Maybe, considering I'm not the book's target audience, but rarely does a book elicit such little feeling out of me as Ms. Demeanor. What was sold to me as a former attorney's journey to TikTok stardom and control over her life proved to be a hodgepodge of half-baked thoughts concerning identity, sex, relationships, etc. The audiobook is just over seven hours long, yet I lost track during this short romp more than I did while listening to that behemoth The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Good Lord, Lipman, find out what you want to write about and stick with it!
December 16, 2022
This one wasn't for me. It sounded fun, with a unique premise (a woman gets jailed for indecent exposure after getting caught having sex on the roof of her building) but once she gets put on house arrest and starts her own IG cooking channel things kind of got boring. There was a bit of romance and an interesting twin sister relationship dynamic but overall the story fell flat for me. Much thanks to @libro.fm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
January 9, 2023
I don't know what happened. One minute I was having a good time and then the next I wasn't.
February 26, 2023
3.7 stars. More romance than I'm accustomed to but it's a fun, modern love story in New York City, with Lipman's special touch, all making it a worthwhile read (listen) for me. I'm always partial to twins also, and career women making a success of it. There's even a possible murder to be solved. A good, light palate cleanser of a read.
I highly recommend the audiobook version.
I highly recommend the audiobook version.
January 1, 2023
Every single character was dumb as a bag of rocks.
August 13, 2022
Let me start by saying that I love Elinor Lipman. Every book she has written has brought me happiness. I first discovered her when I read Then She Found Me and I’ve been devoted since then. I was at the film on the day it opened, at the Sunshine Theater on Houston Street.
I’m not disappointed, Ms. Demeanor is another delightful winner. When Jane finds herself under house arrest, the author manages to inject her into a romance, madcap comedy and family drama. Yes, she even becomes a TikTok celebrity. I found Jane engaging and entertaining.
Without a doubt, everyone I know will enjoy this book. I know it won’t be published until 2023, so I predict it will be be a huge bestseller and enjoyed by dozens, no hundreds, of book groups.
Thank you, thank you, Netgalley for giving me the joy of reading and reviewing this new novel by one of my favorite authors.
I’m not disappointed, Ms. Demeanor is another delightful winner. When Jane finds herself under house arrest, the author manages to inject her into a romance, madcap comedy and family drama. Yes, she even becomes a TikTok celebrity. I found Jane engaging and entertaining.
Without a doubt, everyone I know will enjoy this book. I know it won’t be published until 2023, so I predict it will be be a huge bestseller and enjoyed by dozens, no hundreds, of book groups.
Thank you, thank you, Netgalley for giving me the joy of reading and reviewing this new novel by one of my favorite authors.
August 31, 2023
this was a DNF for me I really think it had more to do with the audio narrator than the story itself. I just couldn’t connect with the characters or the story I gave it until 52% before I stopped
January 22, 2023
This was such a strange book, really all over the place. Was it a romance, a mystery, a comedy, a sibling rivalry family story - all of the above? I couldn't tell which areas to get invested in as they didn't all stick. The romance was the weirdest part in that it never actually felt like a romance but had a . Yet, parts of it were cute, clever, and endearing. I did read much of it wondering what the heck was going on, though, so not sure I can recommend it.
January 22, 2023
The first few pages were fun but then it turned out to be one of the dumbest things I've ever read. The characters were flat, the storylines are all over the place, and the attempt at romance was contrived and unconvincing.
March 19, 2023
Elinor Lipman is known for quirky wacky plot premises, and and very character focused personalities. There is always some highly unusual and creative scenario, and a bunch of whackjob characters to fill the pages with humor. And these characters and personalities never apologize for being anything but themselves. They simply are.
In this premise, accomplished lawyer and twin, Jane Morgan, is spotted having consensual sex on her posh apartment building's rooftop - and a prudish neighbor spots her and has her arrested for Indecent Exposure. With a suspended license, lost job, and public humiliation, she is sentenced to "home confinement" for 6 months. But then, she finds out there is yet another person in the building with a similar punishment for his own wacky regrettable crime. And there is yet another highly unlikely plot device for our heroine to feel her way through, and make us laugh along the way - even if you feel the tragic pain that some of the characters are going through. That is the thing about Elinor Lipman. She makes you feel, even though the situations and characters are completely outrageous. You still manage to feel them, and I did.
A word about the birthday candle challenge - and Candle Number Ten is for me. I cannot tell you how honored I have been that my main group on Goodreads is choosing to honor me as part of their Fifteen Candle, fifteen year celebration of the group. I got picked on a technicality that was a teeny bit embarrassing at first, but everyone, the whole group let me know that it was more than that. They let me know that they appreciate my welcoming nature and my warmth, and my extension of friendship to everyone. They appreciate that I am goodnatured and that I try rise to raising others. And that I am spiritual and funny and try to be a friend to everyone. The honor is almost overwhelming. I have to say, that as someone who is low tech, and who has defied the internet at many turns in my life - I never thought I would feel so "seen" by a group of literal strangers, who so quickly became friends, and good friends at that. It shocks and amazes me, that people pick up on who I am, and honor me for it. I feel more than quite loved. It is the most special thing in the world to me that I am held in this high regard, and for these reasons. The honor alone was a huge thing and deeply felt. And then to see the amazing books people are choosing in my honor - brilliant books for brilliant reasons. Every single person so far has hit this challenge out of the park! Every single one. And I feel "seen and felt" all over again, with every single choice. I couldn't be more blessed. And this is a book group? Honestly, it feels more like a family. And one that keeps ever expanding. My IRL - In Real Life Book Group, the Impromptu Book Group has begun to feel like a family too. I started it with some of my best friends in the world, but people who love to read quickly become good friends. I like to say that I have a superpower in finding and connecting amazing women - and these women are each and all, rock stars with dynamic insightful personalities. They are funny, and wise, and with deep hearts and passions. I am doubly blessed that books are a piece of a lot of friendships. There are certain people in life that we have always talked books. Samantha for one. Along with everything under the sun, we have talked books for most of our lives. I could name others, but would be missing a few.
Onto choosing a book for myself, for my own candle. Well I knew that it would be the newest book from one of my favorite authors. That was obvious to me. Alice Hoffman has the Invisible Hour coming out in August. Kate Morton just showed up with Homecoming. If Jodi Picoult or Kate Quinn had a new one I hadn't read, they would be in the running. And I always knew that Elinor Lipman, should she have a new one, would be in the running too. She is one of my earliest and favorite folks to read. So when Ms. Demeanor came out, I considered using it for the candle - because I didn't want to wait until August to finish the challenge. In fact, I sort of had the idea that without pressure, if it happened to happen, maybe I would be the first one to finish the challenge..... I have never ever competed with these amazing folks in the Goodreads Group - they outpace me like you wouldn't believe. I won't actually finish first, even though this is Candle Ten, and Candle Ten in the challenge for me. I might have had a chance, if I weren't reading Far From the Tree for the Top 100 Fiction Candle, or needed to wait for my son to read along with me here and there to finish Harry Potter Seven for the Survivor Candle. Those will be the final two. But I will likely be amongst the first finishers, as no one seems to have finished yet. Perhaps they are all too busy totally rocking the other challenge for this year, the Subdue the Shelf challenge, which had its first finisher in like the first three weeks of January. There have been like ten finishers now, and new rounds established, and someone has just started their fourth round. I am in fine standing in Round One.
Anyway, another reason why Elinor Lipman is a perfect "Amy" choice, is because she is an ultimate example of a Boston gal. She lived here, possibly even in Newton, for many years, and wrote most of her novels here. She was a columnist for the Boston Globe, and was a Boston personality. Alice Hoffman lives here too, and Jodi Picoult is only like an hour away in nearby New Hampshire. You wouldn't believe the amount of authors who hail from here. Lily King, Anita Diamant. Of course, TV Journalist Hank Philippi Ryan, who has written many books. Jenna Blum. Jane Healy. Its crazy how many accomplished authors come from this area. Some, like Jenna Blum, teach writing in special writing programs that they have here through Boston University and Emerson College. There is like a Boston Writers Circle. Jane Healy could have been another one, a good old Boston gal, whose books I could have chosen. The Secret Stealers, Good Night From Paris, perhaps? We have had authors come to our book clubs. Hoping to get Rachel Barinbaum for Atomic Anna in May. We had the author of the Stationary Shop come talk with us. And of course, our book group is four books behind with Hank Philippi Ryan, for whom her latest book brought two or three of our group to go out and see her at a reading. Boston is plush with authors. The guy who wrote the book everyone loved that turned into an Apple TV miniseries, with Claire Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Chris - whats his name Marvel Avenger Captain America playing the parents. They filmed the mini series at our elementary school, and on the street where my office is, and in the woods in Cold Spring Park that run behind my house and through my part of Newton, MA. Elinor is a Boston gal through and through. She as much as anyone fits the bill for my candle.
But I think I need to mention, its also because she makes me laugh and gives me a lift. No one touches my spirituality the way Alice Hoffman and Jodi Picoult does. But Elinor's wacky premises tickles my funny bone, and many people who follow my reviews closely, have known I have been in desperate need of a lift. And Elinor, she pulls through with that. This was the lift I have needed. So Candle Ten - here's to you, Elinor. The lady who takes the most unfortunate and unlikely situations, and who raises them. I like to think I do the same out there in the world. Thank you for being my candle. I enjoyed the book for sure.
In this premise, accomplished lawyer and twin, Jane Morgan, is spotted having consensual sex on her posh apartment building's rooftop - and a prudish neighbor spots her and has her arrested for Indecent Exposure. With a suspended license, lost job, and public humiliation, she is sentenced to "home confinement" for 6 months. But then, she finds out there is yet another person in the building with a similar punishment for his own wacky regrettable crime. And there is yet another highly unlikely plot device for our heroine to feel her way through, and make us laugh along the way - even if you feel the tragic pain that some of the characters are going through. That is the thing about Elinor Lipman. She makes you feel, even though the situations and characters are completely outrageous. You still manage to feel them, and I did.
A word about the birthday candle challenge - and Candle Number Ten is for me. I cannot tell you how honored I have been that my main group on Goodreads is choosing to honor me as part of their Fifteen Candle, fifteen year celebration of the group. I got picked on a technicality that was a teeny bit embarrassing at first, but everyone, the whole group let me know that it was more than that. They let me know that they appreciate my welcoming nature and my warmth, and my extension of friendship to everyone. They appreciate that I am goodnatured and that I try rise to raising others. And that I am spiritual and funny and try to be a friend to everyone. The honor is almost overwhelming. I have to say, that as someone who is low tech, and who has defied the internet at many turns in my life - I never thought I would feel so "seen" by a group of literal strangers, who so quickly became friends, and good friends at that. It shocks and amazes me, that people pick up on who I am, and honor me for it. I feel more than quite loved. It is the most special thing in the world to me that I am held in this high regard, and for these reasons. The honor alone was a huge thing and deeply felt. And then to see the amazing books people are choosing in my honor - brilliant books for brilliant reasons. Every single person so far has hit this challenge out of the park! Every single one. And I feel "seen and felt" all over again, with every single choice. I couldn't be more blessed. And this is a book group? Honestly, it feels more like a family. And one that keeps ever expanding. My IRL - In Real Life Book Group, the Impromptu Book Group has begun to feel like a family too. I started it with some of my best friends in the world, but people who love to read quickly become good friends. I like to say that I have a superpower in finding and connecting amazing women - and these women are each and all, rock stars with dynamic insightful personalities. They are funny, and wise, and with deep hearts and passions. I am doubly blessed that books are a piece of a lot of friendships. There are certain people in life that we have always talked books. Samantha for one. Along with everything under the sun, we have talked books for most of our lives. I could name others, but would be missing a few.
Onto choosing a book for myself, for my own candle. Well I knew that it would be the newest book from one of my favorite authors. That was obvious to me. Alice Hoffman has the Invisible Hour coming out in August. Kate Morton just showed up with Homecoming. If Jodi Picoult or Kate Quinn had a new one I hadn't read, they would be in the running. And I always knew that Elinor Lipman, should she have a new one, would be in the running too. She is one of my earliest and favorite folks to read. So when Ms. Demeanor came out, I considered using it for the candle - because I didn't want to wait until August to finish the challenge. In fact, I sort of had the idea that without pressure, if it happened to happen, maybe I would be the first one to finish the challenge..... I have never ever competed with these amazing folks in the Goodreads Group - they outpace me like you wouldn't believe. I won't actually finish first, even though this is Candle Ten, and Candle Ten in the challenge for me. I might have had a chance, if I weren't reading Far From the Tree for the Top 100 Fiction Candle, or needed to wait for my son to read along with me here and there to finish Harry Potter Seven for the Survivor Candle. Those will be the final two. But I will likely be amongst the first finishers, as no one seems to have finished yet. Perhaps they are all too busy totally rocking the other challenge for this year, the Subdue the Shelf challenge, which had its first finisher in like the first three weeks of January. There have been like ten finishers now, and new rounds established, and someone has just started their fourth round. I am in fine standing in Round One.
Anyway, another reason why Elinor Lipman is a perfect "Amy" choice, is because she is an ultimate example of a Boston gal. She lived here, possibly even in Newton, for many years, and wrote most of her novels here. She was a columnist for the Boston Globe, and was a Boston personality. Alice Hoffman lives here too, and Jodi Picoult is only like an hour away in nearby New Hampshire. You wouldn't believe the amount of authors who hail from here. Lily King, Anita Diamant. Of course, TV Journalist Hank Philippi Ryan, who has written many books. Jenna Blum. Jane Healy. Its crazy how many accomplished authors come from this area. Some, like Jenna Blum, teach writing in special writing programs that they have here through Boston University and Emerson College. There is like a Boston Writers Circle. Jane Healy could have been another one, a good old Boston gal, whose books I could have chosen. The Secret Stealers, Good Night From Paris, perhaps? We have had authors come to our book clubs. Hoping to get Rachel Barinbaum for Atomic Anna in May. We had the author of the Stationary Shop come talk with us. And of course, our book group is four books behind with Hank Philippi Ryan, for whom her latest book brought two or three of our group to go out and see her at a reading. Boston is plush with authors. The guy who wrote the book everyone loved that turned into an Apple TV miniseries, with Claire Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Chris - whats his name Marvel Avenger Captain America playing the parents. They filmed the mini series at our elementary school, and on the street where my office is, and in the woods in Cold Spring Park that run behind my house and through my part of Newton, MA. Elinor is a Boston gal through and through. She as much as anyone fits the bill for my candle.
But I think I need to mention, its also because she makes me laugh and gives me a lift. No one touches my spirituality the way Alice Hoffman and Jodi Picoult does. But Elinor's wacky premises tickles my funny bone, and many people who follow my reviews closely, have known I have been in desperate need of a lift. And Elinor, she pulls through with that. This was the lift I have needed. So Candle Ten - here's to you, Elinor. The lady who takes the most unfortunate and unlikely situations, and who raises them. I like to think I do the same out there in the world. Thank you for being my candle. I enjoyed the book for sure.
September 20, 2022
This snarky and saucy novel by Elinor Lipman is due out in January 2023. It reads quickly and is highly entertaining, not least because it's fairly outrageous, funny, and has oh-so fitting conclusions for the cast of characters. If a book group wanted a lighter book but with plenty to discuss, this would be a contender.
Long ago, we used Lipman's novel The Inn at Lake Devine, which has a country rather than a city setting, but which contains similar social commentary.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for an advance copy.
Long ago, we used Lipman's novel The Inn at Lake Devine, which has a country rather than a city setting, but which contains similar social commentary.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for an advance copy.
January 6, 2023
Funny, but definitely all over the place. There is a fun mystery murder storyline line that disappeared halfway through. I like Jane though. Perry was boring AF. Interesting start, but a lackluster ending.
January 24, 2023
This was a light easy read. It was silly and I wanted to keep reading it (which I did). It’s not the normal type of book that a I read. It was a good change of pace for me. However, it’s just not my cup of tea. I’m sure some people will love it and others will feel like it’s just okay.
January 11, 2023
Review to come!
January 18, 2023
Ugh- this was not good. Like at all. I've never rated a book below 2 stars... but it probably should be rated lower than a 2.
The plot was allllll over the place: girl gets put on house arrest for indecent exposure after an old bitty called 911. But there's a guy in her apartment complex who is also on house arrest? But then the old bitty dies, and her death is questionable. Main chick also cooks and starts a tik tok channel. The two characters on house arrest decide to be friends with benefits. Expired visas. And on and on. Nothing seem to make sense or flow together. 300 pages of complete randomness. Boo.
The plot was allllll over the place: girl gets put on house arrest for indecent exposure after an old bitty called 911. But there's a guy in her apartment complex who is also on house arrest? But then the old bitty dies, and her death is questionable. Main chick also cooks and starts a tik tok channel. The two characters on house arrest decide to be friends with benefits. Expired visas. And on and on. Nothing seem to make sense or flow together. 300 pages of complete randomness. Boo.
March 29, 2023
MS. DEMEANOR
Elinor Lipman
OH JESUS, I wish I hadn't even hung on to the end. This is time I won't ever get back.
1 star
Happy Reading!
Elinor Lipman
OH JESUS, I wish I hadn't even hung on to the end. This is time I won't ever get back.
1 star
Happy Reading!
January 30, 2024
Digital audiobook performed by Piper Goodeve
An attorney is spotted by a nosy neighbor with binoculars engaging in consensual sex on her rooftop patio. The outraged busybody calls police and Jane Morgan is convicted of indecent behavior and sentenced to six months of house confinement. With no job and stuck at home, life looks bleak. But then her doorman lets slip that there is another resident of her building who is also wearing an ankle monitor. And so Jane meets Perry Salisbury, whose white-collar crime doesn’t completely put him out of the picture.
This is a delightful modern-day rom-com with an interesting plot twist, or three. I just love Lipman’s sense of humor!
Jane’s twin sister provides moral (and financial) support. Her relationship with Perry moves along nicely. But wait … why are police knocking on Jane’s door once again? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
The audiobook is performed by Piper Goodeve, who does a fine job. She sets a good pace, and I was engaged and entertained from beginning to end.
An attorney is spotted by a nosy neighbor with binoculars engaging in consensual sex on her rooftop patio. The outraged busybody calls police and Jane Morgan is convicted of indecent behavior and sentenced to six months of house confinement. With no job and stuck at home, life looks bleak. But then her doorman lets slip that there is another resident of her building who is also wearing an ankle monitor. And so Jane meets Perry Salisbury, whose white-collar crime doesn’t completely put him out of the picture.
This is a delightful modern-day rom-com with an interesting plot twist, or three. I just love Lipman’s sense of humor!
Jane’s twin sister provides moral (and financial) support. Her relationship with Perry moves along nicely. But wait … why are police knocking on Jane’s door once again? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
The audiobook is performed by Piper Goodeve, who does a fine job. She sets a good pace, and I was engaged and entertained from beginning to end.
May 29, 2023
This book seemed to drop its promise and premise off of a NYC apt building...😵💫🌆
Elinor Lipman’s “Miss Demeanor” follows Jane Morgan, a respected lawyer in her 30s who decides to hook up with her coworker in the open garden area at the top of her NYC apartment building. However, the police show up and arrest them after a woman who lives across the street saw them having sex and complained about indecent exposure. Jane finds herself sentenced to house arrest for six months and basically abandoned by everyone at her law firm, while her coworker who had sex with her is only given a warning.
Although life looks pretty bleak for her, she then learns about Perry Salisbury, a man who lives in her apartment and has also been sentenced to house arrest. The two strike up a friendship (allegedly) and…I guess, shenanigans ensue. Also, Jane learns that the peeping Tom elderly woman who complained about her may be more shady than she initially thought.
This book actually frustrated me because the premise was promising as a potential house-arrest romance, or some kind of mystery novel related to the potential shadiness of the Peeping-Tom woman, or even a coming-of-age novel about a woman living in a society where women are more punished for sexual exposure than men. There is a lot that you could do with this premise, and this author succeeded at doing none of it.
This book was DULL and BORING, and its slow monotonous pace made me stop at page 90. I even decided to return it to Target to get my $14 back because I was so mad and disappointed about it. Although I didn't finish the book, I still feel obligated to review it because I think I got a pretty good look at the characters and the execution of the premise in the section that I read.
Elinor’s writing was incredibly stilted and awkward, and I found myself rereading sections of scenes several times before continuing because I couldn’t tell what was happening. There were moments when I couldn't tell if she was talking about actual events happening in that moment or if she was referring to stuff that happened in flashbacks.
Also, her style of writing prevented me from feeling any sense of progression and intrigue in the story, so instead of pulling me into this promising premise, I was left empty, waiting for anything to happen, akin to a person hoping to find an oasis in a desert.
The plot was just meandering the entire time, and none of it seemed to have any point to it because the author didn't make any of the events more significant than the others, which made it difficult for me to really focus on any kind of main plot.
First, Jane decides to pursue cooking through online videos, and then suddenly we’re peeping on that old woman who complained about her, then there are some weird scenes with her parole officers, and some weird scenes between her and Perry, and then I think she tried to make other friends at some point, and then we're redecorating her apartment, and blah, blah, blah…
Also, the plot makes no sense, and it got dumber and dumber the more I thought about it. There are so many plot holes that the author doesn’t address, and it becomes frustrating if you start to think about it for more than two seconds. For example, this author seems to forget that public records (specifically death records) exist, especially in a thriving city like NYC, and that Jane, who is allegedly a successful lawyer, should know how to access them because lawyers have to deal with public records on a daily basis.
Public records can be accessed through the Internet and through mail, two things that Jane had access to during her house arrest, so there is no reason why she couldn’t have requested them in the story. That was one significant plot hole that stuck out to me, but there are others, and it felt like the author just didn’t want to address them because then we wouldn’t have had a plot.
Now, let’s move onto the characters because, good grief, I couldn’t connect with anyone in this story. I kept grasping for any shred of human decency or character in this, but it was just a fruitless effort because all of these characters are bland and forgettable. Honestly, they became so forgettable that I kept forgetting which one was which, and every time I would pick up the book, I would have to remind myself of who the characters were, especially the side characters.
My biggest complaint with the characters, though, is the supposed friendship (or potential relationship?) that Jane had with Perry. Perry never seemed like he wanted anything to do with her throughout the story, and they had negative chemistry in all of their scenes. However, I’m supposed to believe that she wants to be friends with him and that he likes spending time with her? If that’s the case, then why does he act like he couldn’t care less about anything she says? That’s not how you write a friendship.
If you want good friendship representation, there are several other contemporary novels that I recommend:
• “In A New York Minute” by Kate Spencer;
• “The Hookup Plan” by Farrah Rochon;
• “Lease on Love” and “Just My Type” by Falon Ballard;
• “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez (my favorite contemporary romance of all time); and
• “Forever Interrupted” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
All of those books feature realistic adult friendships with friends who actually care about each other and support each other through massive life changes. This book wishes it could have what those books accomplished. In “Miss Demeanor,” I was just so confused by what I was supposed to make of Perry and his relationship with Jane because it was just strange.
Plus, any attempts at “humor” or “emotion” in “Miss Demeanor” were super awkward and sometimes made me uncomfortable, especially the jokes that Jane would make about the woman who ratted her out. I understand that she probably feels bitter towards her for what she did, but there comes a point where the jokes just become downright rude, uncomfortable and tone deaf.
If you want funny contemporary books, I recommend the following books instead:
• “The Nanny” by Lana Ferguson;
• “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne;
• “Life's Too Short” by Abby Jimenez;
• “Mr. Wrong Number” by Lynn Painter; and
• Those previously mentioned Falon Ballard books.
All in all, I know I didn’t finish this book, but I still felt obligated to review it because I was so disappointed by the 90 pages I read. This book is such a mess, and it really frustrated me because you could do so much with this premise. However, this book might as well have dropped its potential and premise off the top of a NYC apartment building, and forced us to watch as any and all hope of a good story tumbled down to its doom on the pavement below.
Elinor Lipman’s “Miss Demeanor” follows Jane Morgan, a respected lawyer in her 30s who decides to hook up with her coworker in the open garden area at the top of her NYC apartment building. However, the police show up and arrest them after a woman who lives across the street saw them having sex and complained about indecent exposure. Jane finds herself sentenced to house arrest for six months and basically abandoned by everyone at her law firm, while her coworker who had sex with her is only given a warning.
Although life looks pretty bleak for her, she then learns about Perry Salisbury, a man who lives in her apartment and has also been sentenced to house arrest. The two strike up a friendship (allegedly) and…I guess, shenanigans ensue. Also, Jane learns that the peeping Tom elderly woman who complained about her may be more shady than she initially thought.
This book actually frustrated me because the premise was promising as a potential house-arrest romance, or some kind of mystery novel related to the potential shadiness of the Peeping-Tom woman, or even a coming-of-age novel about a woman living in a society where women are more punished for sexual exposure than men. There is a lot that you could do with this premise, and this author succeeded at doing none of it.
This book was DULL and BORING, and its slow monotonous pace made me stop at page 90. I even decided to return it to Target to get my $14 back because I was so mad and disappointed about it. Although I didn't finish the book, I still feel obligated to review it because I think I got a pretty good look at the characters and the execution of the premise in the section that I read.
Elinor’s writing was incredibly stilted and awkward, and I found myself rereading sections of scenes several times before continuing because I couldn’t tell what was happening. There were moments when I couldn't tell if she was talking about actual events happening in that moment or if she was referring to stuff that happened in flashbacks.
Also, her style of writing prevented me from feeling any sense of progression and intrigue in the story, so instead of pulling me into this promising premise, I was left empty, waiting for anything to happen, akin to a person hoping to find an oasis in a desert.
The plot was just meandering the entire time, and none of it seemed to have any point to it because the author didn't make any of the events more significant than the others, which made it difficult for me to really focus on any kind of main plot.
First, Jane decides to pursue cooking through online videos, and then suddenly we’re peeping on that old woman who complained about her, then there are some weird scenes with her parole officers, and some weird scenes between her and Perry, and then I think she tried to make other friends at some point, and then we're redecorating her apartment, and blah, blah, blah…
Also, the plot makes no sense, and it got dumber and dumber the more I thought about it. There are so many plot holes that the author doesn’t address, and it becomes frustrating if you start to think about it for more than two seconds. For example, this author seems to forget that public records (specifically death records) exist, especially in a thriving city like NYC, and that Jane, who is allegedly a successful lawyer, should know how to access them because lawyers have to deal with public records on a daily basis.
Public records can be accessed through the Internet and through mail, two things that Jane had access to during her house arrest, so there is no reason why she couldn’t have requested them in the story. That was one significant plot hole that stuck out to me, but there are others, and it felt like the author just didn’t want to address them because then we wouldn’t have had a plot.
Now, let’s move onto the characters because, good grief, I couldn’t connect with anyone in this story. I kept grasping for any shred of human decency or character in this, but it was just a fruitless effort because all of these characters are bland and forgettable. Honestly, they became so forgettable that I kept forgetting which one was which, and every time I would pick up the book, I would have to remind myself of who the characters were, especially the side characters.
My biggest complaint with the characters, though, is the supposed friendship (or potential relationship?) that Jane had with Perry. Perry never seemed like he wanted anything to do with her throughout the story, and they had negative chemistry in all of their scenes. However, I’m supposed to believe that she wants to be friends with him and that he likes spending time with her? If that’s the case, then why does he act like he couldn’t care less about anything she says? That’s not how you write a friendship.
If you want good friendship representation, there are several other contemporary novels that I recommend:
• “In A New York Minute” by Kate Spencer;
• “The Hookup Plan” by Farrah Rochon;
• “Lease on Love” and “Just My Type” by Falon Ballard;
• “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez (my favorite contemporary romance of all time); and
• “Forever Interrupted” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
All of those books feature realistic adult friendships with friends who actually care about each other and support each other through massive life changes. This book wishes it could have what those books accomplished. In “Miss Demeanor,” I was just so confused by what I was supposed to make of Perry and his relationship with Jane because it was just strange.
Plus, any attempts at “humor” or “emotion” in “Miss Demeanor” were super awkward and sometimes made me uncomfortable, especially the jokes that Jane would make about the woman who ratted her out. I understand that she probably feels bitter towards her for what she did, but there comes a point where the jokes just become downright rude, uncomfortable and tone deaf.
If you want funny contemporary books, I recommend the following books instead:
• “The Nanny” by Lana Ferguson;
• “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne;
• “Life's Too Short” by Abby Jimenez;
• “Mr. Wrong Number” by Lynn Painter; and
• Those previously mentioned Falon Ballard books.
All in all, I know I didn’t finish this book, but I still felt obligated to review it because I was so disappointed by the 90 pages I read. This book is such a mess, and it really frustrated me because you could do so much with this premise. However, this book might as well have dropped its potential and premise off the top of a NYC apartment building, and forced us to watch as any and all hope of a good story tumbled down to its doom on the pavement below.
January 18, 2023
I really wanted to at least a wait a few months before reading a terrible book but nope, this one popped up out of nowhere. At least it’ll make it easier to pick my favorite book of the month.
Reasons why I hated this book:
- Page 5: arrogance and ignorance that the 39-year-old lawyer MC displayed during her one-paragraph sentencing should be punishable up to 10 years in prison
- Page 6: homegirl is too worried about how to occupy her time during a 6-month house arrest. What kind of blatant arrogance is this?
- Chapter 4: homegirl spends the entire chapter whining about being stuck in her Manhattan apartment building with a rooftop lounge, gym, and other amnesties while her savings from her rich career pay for her rent and she takes a sabbatical, as that’s what she considers this house arrest to be. Oh poor sorry rich white woman. How awful this must be for you? This book literally is grating on my every nerve and I’m a masochist so I’m gonna see this book through.
- Page 23: “another miscarriage of injustice, a misunderstanding”. I hope this girl loses her job. She’s a lawyer!!! But nah, the legal system made an oopsie
- Page 25: MC just reminded me that she also committed sexual harassment against another employee. 180 days is definitely too low for sexual harassment. Most frustrating thing is that the MC doesn’t show any remorse for anything that she’s done. Not an ounce of regret. Sociopath or unchecked privilege? You decide.
- Page 27: the love interest, also on house arrest but for purposely taking a teapot lid to drive down the price of a multi-thousand dollar tea set so he could buy it cheap, is a perfect match for the MC. They both committed a crime, got let off easy, and don’t care about the repercussions nor feel bad about their actions.
- 2/3 into this book and the only thing the MC has done is fail to become the next Gordon Ramsey now that her legal career is deader than the lady who called the cops on her and infiltrate the dead lady’s family to figure out who killed the old lady. That’s it. The romance between the MC and love interest is non-existent. There is no humor anywhere in this book despite being advertised as a funny house arrest romance.
- You know when you talk to someone like 20+ years older than you and they use phrases and their dialect resembles that of someone your own age but bc this older out-of-touch person is saying whatever it is, it just feels wrong, makes you uncomfy, makes your skin crawl? That’s how the MC and every other character is written. It screams boomer trying to relate to millennials.
- Page 275: ms ma’am is still flouncing around that she’s an attorney. Like oh yeah I went to law school. Bitch no one cares. If the only interesting thing in your life that you bring up to every person you meet is that you are a lawyer who failed so much at following and practicing the law that you ended up in house arrest, maybe get an actual life. Better yet, get a cat. There’s a topic of your life that people will actually care about.
- If you’ve reached to this point, hello. I hope this was a whirlwind as much for you as it was for me. If you are actually looking for a good romance book, go to the romance section in a bookstore, blindfold yourself, and then grab any book at random. There’s no physical way it could be worse than Ms. Demeanor.
Reasons why I hated this book:
- Page 5: arrogance and ignorance that the 39-year-old lawyer MC displayed during her one-paragraph sentencing should be punishable up to 10 years in prison
- Page 6: homegirl is too worried about how to occupy her time during a 6-month house arrest. What kind of blatant arrogance is this?
- Chapter 4: homegirl spends the entire chapter whining about being stuck in her Manhattan apartment building with a rooftop lounge, gym, and other amnesties while her savings from her rich career pay for her rent and she takes a sabbatical, as that’s what she considers this house arrest to be. Oh poor sorry rich white woman. How awful this must be for you? This book literally is grating on my every nerve and I’m a masochist so I’m gonna see this book through.
- Page 23: “another miscarriage of injustice, a misunderstanding”. I hope this girl loses her job. She’s a lawyer!!! But nah, the legal system made an oopsie
- Page 25: MC just reminded me that she also committed sexual harassment against another employee. 180 days is definitely too low for sexual harassment. Most frustrating thing is that the MC doesn’t show any remorse for anything that she’s done. Not an ounce of regret. Sociopath or unchecked privilege? You decide.
- Page 27: the love interest, also on house arrest but for purposely taking a teapot lid to drive down the price of a multi-thousand dollar tea set so he could buy it cheap, is a perfect match for the MC. They both committed a crime, got let off easy, and don’t care about the repercussions nor feel bad about their actions.
- 2/3 into this book and the only thing the MC has done is fail to become the next Gordon Ramsey now that her legal career is deader than the lady who called the cops on her and infiltrate the dead lady’s family to figure out who killed the old lady. That’s it. The romance between the MC and love interest is non-existent. There is no humor anywhere in this book despite being advertised as a funny house arrest romance.
- You know when you talk to someone like 20+ years older than you and they use phrases and their dialect resembles that of someone your own age but bc this older out-of-touch person is saying whatever it is, it just feels wrong, makes you uncomfy, makes your skin crawl? That’s how the MC and every other character is written. It screams boomer trying to relate to millennials.
- Page 275: ms ma’am is still flouncing around that she’s an attorney. Like oh yeah I went to law school. Bitch no one cares. If the only interesting thing in your life that you bring up to every person you meet is that you are a lawyer who failed so much at following and practicing the law that you ended up in house arrest, maybe get an actual life. Better yet, get a cat. There’s a topic of your life that people will actually care about.
- If you’ve reached to this point, hello. I hope this was a whirlwind as much for you as it was for me. If you are actually looking for a good romance book, go to the romance section in a bookstore, blindfold yourself, and then grab any book at random. There’s no physical way it could be worse than Ms. Demeanor.
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