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A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy a Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy
Susannah's official boyfriend, Jason, is the perfect foil for her student lifestyle. He is ten years older, an antiques dealer, and owns a stylish apartment that prevents her from having to live in the seedy digs on campus. This way, she can take her philosophy major very seriously and dabble in the social and sexual freedom of 1970s university life. But circumstances become more complicated than Susannah would like when she begins to have an affair with her tutorial partner, Rob. Soon she is dating two men, missing her lectures, exploring independence and feminism with her girlfriends, and finding herself in a particularly impossible she becomes pregnant. Forced to look beyond her friends and lovers for support, she finds help and inspiration from the lessons of Kierkegaard and other European philosophers. A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy is a delightfully insightful, bittersweet coming-of-age romp, in which love is far from platonic and the mind--body predicament a pressing reality. It even succeeds where many introductions to philosophy have failed, by effortlessly bringing to life the central tenets of the most important European philosophers of modern times. From the Trade Paperback edition.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 12, 2012
This book chimed with me for a variety of reasons; I was at university during the same period, so many of the experiences, fashions and dilemmas were familiar and nostalgic. I was expecting more problems with the descriptions of philosophy, as I've never studied it. However, there were few ideas that were difficult to grasp,and the third chapter dealing with Nietzche and 'Human, All too human' came startlingly close to my own feelings and experiences when a student. The author could have been describing one period of my own student life. After this I was hooked, and read it avidly. I didn't find the characters of Jason and Rob totally convincing, Jason in particular,but the description of the dilemma of pregnancy and abortion rung true.Daily life as a young woman student in the Seventies was well drawn, and Susannah was sympathetic, if annoyingly vague at times. I couldn't believe she was so casual about contraception, having taken the trouble to go on the Pill! All in all, an enjoyable read.
May 28, 2017
Why do all the reviews printed on the front and back cover of this book call it funny? I didn't laugh once. This whole book is about a woman who can't decide things. Every character in this book is unlikeable. Way too much of this book is about the protagonist sleeping. And honestly even the sex scenes half the time I was thinking, "well that sounds like it was written by someone who's never had sex before." No redeeming qualities about this book to be honest
January 18, 2010
Charlotte Greig puts forth quite an effort with "A Girls Guide to Modern European Philosophy". The novel is well thought out, an insightful version of chick lit.
Susannah is a Philosophy student that takes her studies very seriously. She loves to participate in extracurricular activities such as rallies as well. The setting is the 70's when the women's liberation movement was gaining ground.
Susannah realizes that her long term boyfriend isn't who, or what she wants out of life, yet feels powerless to leave the safety of the relationship. She also finds that she fancies another Philosophy student. She winds up carrying on a relationship with both of them and finds herself in quite the situation when her doctor tells her shes pregnant.
Newly pregnant she finds that she has no idea who the father is or what she wants to do about her "situation". With her friends promoting women's liberation and the right to choose she feels pressured to make the most forward thinking decision of the time and have an abortion. On top of that she feels like a woman all of a sudden, like she could be fulfilling her greatest calling by having this child.
She turns to the Philosophy greats for some inspiration and some answers with what to do with her life. She finds herself facing the toughest decision of her life and unable to take any advice that isn't from a page of a library book.
People that enjoy chick lit will enjoy the relationship and life struggles that Susannah faces throughout the story. People who like novels that give them a chance to think about some of lifes big questions will also like this novel.
Susannah is a Philosophy student that takes her studies very seriously. She loves to participate in extracurricular activities such as rallies as well. The setting is the 70's when the women's liberation movement was gaining ground.
Susannah realizes that her long term boyfriend isn't who, or what she wants out of life, yet feels powerless to leave the safety of the relationship. She also finds that she fancies another Philosophy student. She winds up carrying on a relationship with both of them and finds herself in quite the situation when her doctor tells her shes pregnant.
Newly pregnant she finds that she has no idea who the father is or what she wants to do about her "situation". With her friends promoting women's liberation and the right to choose she feels pressured to make the most forward thinking decision of the time and have an abortion. On top of that she feels like a woman all of a sudden, like she could be fulfilling her greatest calling by having this child.
She turns to the Philosophy greats for some inspiration and some answers with what to do with her life. She finds herself facing the toughest decision of her life and unable to take any advice that isn't from a page of a library book.
People that enjoy chick lit will enjoy the relationship and life struggles that Susannah faces throughout the story. People who like novels that give them a chance to think about some of lifes big questions will also like this novel.
April 2, 2019
‘Cleverly’ disguised chick-lit - not earth-moving.
March 25, 2025
confused, what is the ending.
May 17, 2009
Susannah Jones is working on her philosophy degree at a college in Sussex, circa the 1970's. She seems trapped between worlds, not wanting to dwell in the short-changed domiciles of her fellow students, nor be stifled in the identity robbing adult world of her boyfriend. But finding a balance between the two doesn't come easily. Living with her 10-years-older boyfriend provides a certain sense of financial safety but he seems to take her for granted not bothering to be home for days at a time, making all her decisions for her. As she begins to question the flaws in their relationship she finds a growing interest in her tutorial partner, Rob. Rob shares her interest in philosophy, music and more but lacks the maturity and stability she's grown accustomed to.
Falling into a sexual relationship with Rob only complicates things as she continues to question what it is that she feels about herself, the world and her current relationship. When Susannah finds herself pregnant she everything in her life changes. She can't keep both of the men in her life but she doesn't know which one is the father. Keeping the child could mean sacrificing her dreams but she she can't help but feel compelled to possibly keep the child. Like many young women this dilemna proves to be far too complicated to simply pick one option and be done with it. Turning to the philosophers she has been studying she hopes to find an answer that she can live with. But in the end the answers to her problems may require Susannah to give up the philosophical 'it doesn't have to be either or' attitude and make one of the hardest decisions of her young adulthood.
I have to say the philosophy side of this story really killed me as a reader. I've never been particularly interested in the stuff. That said, this is not unreadable for those who know little to nothing about the philosophers mentioned through-out. Beyond the obvious ties to the subject this is very much a coming-of-age tale. Susannah is naive to the point of being frustrating but one can't help but want to see her figure it all out. I think most of us have been that naive young woman trying to make a very adult decision at some point which makes her relatable and makes her endearing to the reader.
With very deep subject matter this is far from the light, fluffy chick-lit that is popular today. This is chick-lit for the thinking woman. While it's touted as being humorous, even comedic, I personally didn't find it very much so. I found it to be very melancholy throughout most of the story with small bits of lightness woven in to soften such a difficult dilemna. In the end Susannah's decision is completely her own, not guided by her philosphers, friends or societial expectations and it is this that makes A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy a truly read-worthy novel of finding one's own inner voice.
Falling into a sexual relationship with Rob only complicates things as she continues to question what it is that she feels about herself, the world and her current relationship. When Susannah finds herself pregnant she everything in her life changes. She can't keep both of the men in her life but she doesn't know which one is the father. Keeping the child could mean sacrificing her dreams but she she can't help but feel compelled to possibly keep the child. Like many young women this dilemna proves to be far too complicated to simply pick one option and be done with it. Turning to the philosophers she has been studying she hopes to find an answer that she can live with. But in the end the answers to her problems may require Susannah to give up the philosophical 'it doesn't have to be either or' attitude and make one of the hardest decisions of her young adulthood.
I have to say the philosophy side of this story really killed me as a reader. I've never been particularly interested in the stuff. That said, this is not unreadable for those who know little to nothing about the philosophers mentioned through-out. Beyond the obvious ties to the subject this is very much a coming-of-age tale. Susannah is naive to the point of being frustrating but one can't help but want to see her figure it all out. I think most of us have been that naive young woman trying to make a very adult decision at some point which makes her relatable and makes her endearing to the reader.
With very deep subject matter this is far from the light, fluffy chick-lit that is popular today. This is chick-lit for the thinking woman. While it's touted as being humorous, even comedic, I personally didn't find it very much so. I found it to be very melancholy throughout most of the story with small bits of lightness woven in to soften such a difficult dilemna. In the end Susannah's decision is completely her own, not guided by her philosphers, friends or societial expectations and it is this that makes A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy a truly read-worthy novel of finding one's own inner voice.
December 3, 2009
Summary: In A Girl’s Guide to Modern European Philosophy, we meet Susannah, a 20-something philosophy major at Sussex University in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. Susannah’s official boyfriend Jason is the perfect mate, in the sense that he is about 10 years older than her, a mildly successful antiques dealer, and the owner of an elegant apartment off campus, but he’s not perfect enough to “keep” her. With Jason, Susannah can go to school, study philosophy, and explore the life of a normal student without having to live in the less than desirable student housing. Things were simple, that is until Susannah becomes involved with her tutorial partner, Rob. Rob is unlike Jason in every way, he’s 18, free spirited, broke, and lives in communal housing with a large group of other people. Susannah begins dating both men, missing her classes, discussing feminism with her girlfriends, at least until she finds herself in a predicament on the largest scale: she becomes pregnant. She has to turn away from her friends and lovers when their advice is not what she is looking for, so she turns to likes of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and other European philosophers. Do they have the answers she’s looking for, or will she be forced to take this journey on her own?
Review: I liked it, it's a pretty good read. At least a small background in philosophy is helpful, but not totally necessary. The character of Susannah is so easy to relate to at times, and then other times you just want to smack her upside the head and tell her to put down the philosophy and grow up. Her two best friends remind me of the girls I knew in high school, one being the girl that likes to party and knows how to have fun even when it’s a bit too much fun, yet a bit overemotional at times and completely irrational; the other being the uptight girl that is always concerned about her grades, common sense taking precedent over every other reasoning, totally rational, and yet can still cut loose once everything is in it’s right place. Jason and Rob are polar opposites and it’s like being right to choosing between the rebel that will potentially break your heart and the sensible guy that will do anything to keep you, including lying to himself in the process. Charlotte Greig definitely hits the nail on the head with her first novel. This is definitely worth reading and something that can possibly help put things in perspective when that rebel/bad boy breaks your heart, and they always do.
Review: I liked it, it's a pretty good read. At least a small background in philosophy is helpful, but not totally necessary. The character of Susannah is so easy to relate to at times, and then other times you just want to smack her upside the head and tell her to put down the philosophy and grow up. Her two best friends remind me of the girls I knew in high school, one being the girl that likes to party and knows how to have fun even when it’s a bit too much fun, yet a bit overemotional at times and completely irrational; the other being the uptight girl that is always concerned about her grades, common sense taking precedent over every other reasoning, totally rational, and yet can still cut loose once everything is in it’s right place. Jason and Rob are polar opposites and it’s like being right to choosing between the rebel that will potentially break your heart and the sensible guy that will do anything to keep you, including lying to himself in the process. Charlotte Greig definitely hits the nail on the head with her first novel. This is definitely worth reading and something that can possibly help put things in perspective when that rebel/bad boy breaks your heart, and they always do.
June 29, 2009
Susannah is a second year university student, carelessly indulging her confusions in a manner that readers of a certain age will quickly recognize. Watching her drift between her two lovers, her capacity to properly attend to matters is apparently questionable, except when it comes to her curriculum. She mulls over her western philosophers as frequently as she considers the benefits and weaknesses of her lovers, or her wardrobe, but with a little more care. Her moment of clarity is foreordained, of course: she becomes pregnant. Since the year is 1974, and the cultural revolution is only now trying to sort itself out, this moment carries a great deal of freight. Can her philosophers help her, or will they only add to her confusion?
I thought Susannah’s head was an agreeable place to be in for 270-odd pages. Charlotte Greig colors in a point of view that is blinkered, but which is generated by an intelligence that slowly gains the confidence it needs to get beyond the worst of its naiveties. Early in the book Susannah watches a male classmate come apart at the seams after taking Nietzsche just a little too seriously. By book’s end she speculates that western philosophy, with its awe inspiring edifices, might just suffer from being an all-male club: perhaps Heidegger considered himself “thrown into the world,” but his mother probably had other thoughts on the matter.
If at first glance that reads like a frivolous tweak, closer inspection reveals some enlivening possibilities. Heidegger’s mother could well have been a voice worth listening to, but for better and for worse, the first generation of women to address the established western canon is the one that roughly came of age in the 60s and 70s. Susannah is it, in other words. Readers might disagree with Susannah’s application of Kierkegaard’s Fear & Trembling, but I thought it consistent and of a piece with her point of view, and, more to the point, an emotionally powerful conclusion to the story.
I thought Susannah’s head was an agreeable place to be in for 270-odd pages. Charlotte Greig colors in a point of view that is blinkered, but which is generated by an intelligence that slowly gains the confidence it needs to get beyond the worst of its naiveties. Early in the book Susannah watches a male classmate come apart at the seams after taking Nietzsche just a little too seriously. By book’s end she speculates that western philosophy, with its awe inspiring edifices, might just suffer from being an all-male club: perhaps Heidegger considered himself “thrown into the world,” but his mother probably had other thoughts on the matter.
If at first glance that reads like a frivolous tweak, closer inspection reveals some enlivening possibilities. Heidegger’s mother could well have been a voice worth listening to, but for better and for worse, the first generation of women to address the established western canon is the one that roughly came of age in the 60s and 70s. Susannah is it, in other words. Readers might disagree with Susannah’s application of Kierkegaard’s Fear & Trembling, but I thought it consistent and of a piece with her point of view, and, more to the point, an emotionally powerful conclusion to the story.
July 25, 2009
As a 22 year old philosophy student at Sussex, Susannah’s life revolves around her studies and her relationship with her older boyfriend Jason. When a boy in her course catches her fancy, she’s suddenly pulled in two different directions, but instead of making a decision and choosing one over the other , she floats along and lets her philosophical musings convince her that making no decision is a decision in and of itself. When the situation hits the fan and Susannah finally has to look into herself and decide what she wants, she once again turns to modern day philosophers to work through what she really wants for herself and her future.
There are things about this book that I liked. I did like that you get an introduction to philosophy and that you can see it applied , I also liked that Susannah grew up a bit throughout the course of the book. The writing style alternated between light chick-lit and deep philosophy, which was interesting. Beyond flowing hair for the men and disco, the book just didn't give me much of a sense of the 1970s - with the exception of the feminist debate, especially over the issue of abortion, which felt very realistic and gave me a sense for how hard it would have been to figure out your role as a woman during that time.
However, for me, the plot was too much based in Susannah’s bedroom life and the pace was a bit slow. Beyond that, I wanted her to stand on her own feet more and even at the end when she finally made a choice, I still felt like she was being self-absorbed, which was frustrating for me. I think my main problem can be boiled down to the fact that I just could not relate very well to any of the characters, despite my appreciation for their struggles.
There are things about this book that I liked. I did like that you get an introduction to philosophy and that you can see it applied , I also liked that Susannah grew up a bit throughout the course of the book. The writing style alternated between light chick-lit and deep philosophy, which was interesting. Beyond flowing hair for the men and disco, the book just didn't give me much of a sense of the 1970s - with the exception of the feminist debate, especially over the issue of abortion, which felt very realistic and gave me a sense for how hard it would have been to figure out your role as a woman during that time.
However, for me, the plot was too much based in Susannah’s bedroom life and the pace was a bit slow. Beyond that, I wanted her to stand on her own feet more and even at the end when she finally made a choice, I still felt like she was being self-absorbed, which was frustrating for me. I think my main problem can be boiled down to the fact that I just could not relate very well to any of the characters, despite my appreciation for their struggles.
May 8, 2009
The year is 1974.
Some days it feels like Susannah and her boyfriend Jason are talking complete circles around each other. A big reason for that might have to do with the fact that Jason is ten years older than Susannah. Also Jason is an antiques dealer, whereas Susannah is a college student at Sussex University. But there is one advantage to dating an older man and that is Susannah does not have to live on campus.
One of Susannah’s study partners for Modern European Mind has a mental breakdown and leaves school. This leaves Susannah and Rob her other study partner to end up spending lots of time together, getting to know each other. Rob and Susannah start up an affair. Just as Susannah is thinking about breaking things off with Rob; Susannah learns that she is pregnant…oops. Now what is a girl to do?
A Girl’s Guide to Modern European Philosophy is author Charlotte Greig’s first novel. While I did find the struggles Susannah went through somewhat interesting, I kept wondering throughout the book just how Modern European Philosophy really played a part in this story? Yes, Susannah attended a Modern European class but whenever it seemed like she would comment on one of the European writers’ teachings, they weren’t much help in Susannah’s life or situation.
I found all of the characters too self-absorbed in their own lives. Susannah got on my nerves. She was weak and let the other guys around her make decisions for her, which was a bad thing as they couldn’t take care of themselves. Overall, I don’t know if this book was above and beyond my head and I missed the concept but I am sad to say I didn’t really care for this book.
Some days it feels like Susannah and her boyfriend Jason are talking complete circles around each other. A big reason for that might have to do with the fact that Jason is ten years older than Susannah. Also Jason is an antiques dealer, whereas Susannah is a college student at Sussex University. But there is one advantage to dating an older man and that is Susannah does not have to live on campus.
One of Susannah’s study partners for Modern European Mind has a mental breakdown and leaves school. This leaves Susannah and Rob her other study partner to end up spending lots of time together, getting to know each other. Rob and Susannah start up an affair. Just as Susannah is thinking about breaking things off with Rob; Susannah learns that she is pregnant…oops. Now what is a girl to do?
A Girl’s Guide to Modern European Philosophy is author Charlotte Greig’s first novel. While I did find the struggles Susannah went through somewhat interesting, I kept wondering throughout the book just how Modern European Philosophy really played a part in this story? Yes, Susannah attended a Modern European class but whenever it seemed like she would comment on one of the European writers’ teachings, they weren’t much help in Susannah’s life or situation.
I found all of the characters too self-absorbed in their own lives. Susannah got on my nerves. She was weak and let the other guys around her make decisions for her, which was a bad thing as they couldn’t take care of themselves. Overall, I don’t know if this book was above and beyond my head and I missed the concept but I am sad to say I didn’t really care for this book.
June 22, 2009
For one reason or another, I fell in love with A Girl’s Guide to Modern European Philosophy on the very first page. Some books are just like that for me, but I can never explain why. I suppose I should make a list of them and compare those first pages in an attempt to find the answer.
The setting is the mid-70s, but I didn’t realize that at first (vinyl is popular again, so I just figured Jason loved the warmth of vinyl); the story does go on to mention events that solidify it as the 70s, but the overall plot could absolutely happen today. Susannah is a university student in Sussex, but isn’t into living the student life. She frequently escapes campus to the apartment she shares with her older boyfriend, Jason. However, as the term goes on and Jason is increasingly unavailable, Susannah becomes interested in one of her classmates. Not long after the affair with Rob begins, a doctor’s visit reveals Susannah is pregnant. She uses her philosophical studies to try to decide what to do about pregnancy.
While I do think the book is absolutely amazing, there is one part toward the beginning that threw me a bit and left me wondering about it for the rest of the book. The first time Susannah goes home with Rob, she meets his roommates. One sings a song with the lyrics, “I’ll be your lover man, any way that I can.” Susannah is dismissive of the song, but it immediately reminded me of Loverman by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (and covered by Metallica). I kept thinking there must be some connection, but the song was never brought up again.
The setting is the mid-70s, but I didn’t realize that at first (vinyl is popular again, so I just figured Jason loved the warmth of vinyl); the story does go on to mention events that solidify it as the 70s, but the overall plot could absolutely happen today. Susannah is a university student in Sussex, but isn’t into living the student life. She frequently escapes campus to the apartment she shares with her older boyfriend, Jason. However, as the term goes on and Jason is increasingly unavailable, Susannah becomes interested in one of her classmates. Not long after the affair with Rob begins, a doctor’s visit reveals Susannah is pregnant. She uses her philosophical studies to try to decide what to do about pregnancy.
While I do think the book is absolutely amazing, there is one part toward the beginning that threw me a bit and left me wondering about it for the rest of the book. The first time Susannah goes home with Rob, she meets his roommates. One sings a song with the lyrics, “I’ll be your lover man, any way that I can.” Susannah is dismissive of the song, but it immediately reminded me of Loverman by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (and covered by Metallica). I kept thinking there must be some connection, but the song was never brought up again.
February 11, 2012
In my head I've been wandering about, wondering if my academic career spent in the sciences has left a gaping hole in the philosophical and historical realm. It's true, it has, and I feel as if, now, I am running behind myself, trying to catch up.
So the title of this book enticed me, despite the thickly written back cover (which I still haven't read in its entirety) - very off-putting. And the start of the book is slowish- but I got completely pulled in by Susannah, a woman who screams herself awake, who dreams in multicoloured dreams where she has lengthy conversations with the philosophers she is studying. She is so real, and I'd love to have coffee with her.
She has a great inner debate in this book, as she comes to terms with what she wants in life and in those around her. Her father's death has crippled both her and her mother and she is struggling to resurface. As she does, she turns to the great philosophers and, while doing it, brings many of their teachings to life in a modern way.
I, of course, having wasted my education, have no idea if she is doing this properly. But it's enchanting and I buy it and now I actually want to read Kierkegaard. Especially after reading this quote about the Virgin Mary, which comes near the end of the book, "Yet what woman was done greater indignity than Mary, and isn't it true here that those whom God blesses he damns in the same breath?" (from Fear and Trembling)
A thoughtful, funny, wistful and truthful coming of age story, with an enticing smattering of philosophy.
So the title of this book enticed me, despite the thickly written back cover (which I still haven't read in its entirety) - very off-putting. And the start of the book is slowish- but I got completely pulled in by Susannah, a woman who screams herself awake, who dreams in multicoloured dreams where she has lengthy conversations with the philosophers she is studying. She is so real, and I'd love to have coffee with her.
She has a great inner debate in this book, as she comes to terms with what she wants in life and in those around her. Her father's death has crippled both her and her mother and she is struggling to resurface. As she does, she turns to the great philosophers and, while doing it, brings many of their teachings to life in a modern way.
I, of course, having wasted my education, have no idea if she is doing this properly. But it's enchanting and I buy it and now I actually want to read Kierkegaard. Especially after reading this quote about the Virgin Mary, which comes near the end of the book, "Yet what woman was done greater indignity than Mary, and isn't it true here that those whom God blesses he damns in the same breath?" (from Fear and Trembling)
A thoughtful, funny, wistful and truthful coming of age story, with an enticing smattering of philosophy.
May 31, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this book. The book was set in the 1970's - and even though the date is never mentioned, there are many clues regarding fashion, cars, etc, that lead you to the time frame. Susannah is very engaging and she drew me in immediately. Even though she did not want to live on campus and be a normal student, she seemed to crave the quiet that she found when she stayed at her friend's empty dorm room. It was almost like she was still a little girl who seemed to think she was supposed to be an adult, but didn't know how to get there. (I guess that is why they call it a coming-of-age book. . .) It was excellent in that regard. I wanted to shake her at times when I felt that instead of taking control of her life, she was letting it just sort of happen to her. Don't be intimidated by the European philosophers that they mention. The book is divided into sections depending on the philosophers that she is studying in her philosophy class. It does a nice time laying out what they believe and how she tries to apply these belief systems to her current situations. So not only do you get an entertaining read, but you also pick up some knowledge at the same time.
July 13, 2009
Um, yeah, needed a diversion so I read my vacation book before vacation. Decent read, the philosophy bits were the most interesting especially as they were interwoven with the narrator's decisions. And I've been meaning to revisit Heidegger and Kierkegaard. (LOVED my time as a philosophy student!) But after so much philosophical discourse the ending devolved into chick lit (which usually is not my thing). That's the best way I can describe it because there was such a disconnect between the careful philosophical thought, the narrator's growth and the ending. Which maybe it had to be that way because it was set in 1974. So if you like chick lit and/or character-focused novels, that provoke some thought but are not too heady, it is worth reading. This is the (also a playwright and folk musician author's ) first novel.
August 16, 2009
The plug on the cover of the book calls it "saucy," which it is not, and "profoundly funny," which it is also not. (I am beginning to wonder if reviewers feel like they have to call a book funny if they liked it, even if it isn't particularly funny.) It is "beautifully written," however, so at least Tracy Quan, author of "Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl" got that part right. The first half of the novel is an angsty introduction to Susannah and her life, then the book hits its stride. I enjoyed the level of philosophy in the story and its application to Susannah in her moment of crisis. I wished - and thought - she would have made a different decision in the end, but what can you do?
I think that this could be a more important and serious book than the chick-lit cover gives it credit for.
I think that this could be a more important and serious book than the chick-lit cover gives it credit for.
May 27, 2009
Really enjoyable and thought-provoking book. It could have been a 1970s-era Bridget Jones' Diary knock-off, but it rose above that thanks to the smattering of philosophy, fleshed-out, mostly sympathetic characters and gritty period details (did people really smoke so much back then???). I liked that the setting wasn't urban New York or London, that the narrator wasn't perfect (I often sympathized with Rob, her lover, more than with her) and that the big decision she had to make at the end was neither sugar-coated nor used to advance an agenda.
August 9, 2009
Fascinating book that I'm going to need to keep reflecting on before I can finish this review. This is a novel about a young philosophy student and it weeks modern philosophers' works into her thinking and actions--quite an interesting concept. The book claims to weave in Nietzsche, Kierkegaard and others, but I really feel like I only learned about Nietzsche. The story itself is wonderful, light at times, heavy at others, but very well written with good characters AND humor--an interesting and worthwhile combination.
September 6, 2009
It's the 1970's set at a sea-side town. Lots of smoking, coffee, wine , free love & v little food. Incipient of the civil rights movement. Think Nietzsche & Kierkegaard's were the underpinnings of 1970's.
Nevertheless, the book didn't sit well with me. Didn't think the discourse of the philosophy was essential to book (unlike sophie's world), at least 3/4 of it didn't seem so. Will grudging admit though, the book is not the formulaic usual.
Nevertheless, the book didn't sit well with me. Didn't think the discourse of the philosophy was essential to book (unlike sophie's world), at least 3/4 of it didn't seem so. Will grudging admit though, the book is not the formulaic usual.
September 10, 2009
I'm torn. I really thought it was going to go a different direction and then it didn't. I had no idea it was set in the 1970's until almost the end of the book. Maybe I missed an earlier reference. However, I couldn't put the book down and so hence the three stars instead of the two stars.
I thought the main character was a brat. She annoyed me. As did her boyfriend. And one of her closest friends. But, I soldiered through nonetheless.
I thought the main character was a brat. She annoyed me. As did her boyfriend. And one of her closest friends. But, I soldiered through nonetheless.
June 11, 2013
Chick lit. I read it in about 2 hours. Kinda fluffy, although the writing style is actually quite solid. The story is predictable though. (spoiler alert!): I guessed the boyfriend was gay early on. The use of philosophy as a template for her rather typical 20-something life is sophomoric. I probably did it myself at that age. It's a great beach book: doesn't require many brain cells, can be read while drunk and you don't mind if the book gets wet!
June 15, 2013
A philosophy student juggles two men and doesn't know what to do when she becomes pregnant. I enjoyed her stroll with Kierkegaard, it made me laugh. Otherwise, I'm not terribly interested in the sexual revolution of the 1970's and I suspect some philsophical meaning was intended in places, especially the end, that missed me.
July 14, 2009
There comes a point where this book moved me to tears. Its protagonist is really vibrant and well crafted. Cheryl, I think your mom might like it too, though it won't get finished right away. It's not like that.
September 11, 2009
I enjoyed this despite the title. I had to push myself a bit to get through it since the narrator seems so flaky and unlikable. My opinion of her changed by the end, and I almost wanted to pick up my college copy of Kierkegaard again.
May 14, 2010
Interesting premise and I liked the mixing of philosophy with real life, but in real life the dialouge is not nearly so painful. Also, it took me until pretty much the last chapter to understand that this took place in the '70s instead of more recently. Not sure if that's good or bad.
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July 26, 2009It was a fun read -- kinda cute. I enjoyed the use of philosophy in making her decisions.
September 1, 2009
It was interesting to follow through her the philosophical thought process but really overall I did not like the main character.
October 21, 2009
Typical girl-falls-in-love-but-has-a-boyfriend-oh-no-now-what?! book. Except this one takes place in the UK.
December 21, 2009
Susie sleeps alot.
She is really messed up but interesting.
She is really messed up but interesting.
April 3, 2010
I'm not sure if I liked any of the characters in this book. I'm also not sure that that actually mattered.
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