Not Working by Lisa Owens - 2 stars (MAJOR DNF!)

[Megalion]

I've not read the book but I've seen the movie for Bridget Jones' Diary. What I recall is that she's somewhat unlikeable to me at first because she's so bumbling and self obsessed, but by the end of the movie, she's gotten herself straightened out somewhat and that's the point of the movie.

This book reminded me of it as Claire has just quit her job because she recognizes that she's unhappy and that she's not sure what her direction in life is. She's going to try and find herself.

The style is rather interesting. Imagine that we are looking through a camera and every time the shutter closes, the scene changes. Sometimes it's a short paragraph of a thought she has, or an observation on the street. Other times it's an extended scene like going to her boyfriend's house for Christmas.

Not only is she unsure of her direction, from the beginning we see that she doesn't even have the ability to make a simple decision. And she becomes obsessed with what the answer should have been.

I can relate to some of that and so was willing to stick it out with her.

But then came a moment about halfway through the book where it was just too much for me. She and her boyfriend Luke are sitting eating breakfast together. They're idly talking about gym and a comment by Luke gets Claire to wondering if there's a difference in mirrors between men's and women's locker room.

Luke was browsing on his laptop and suddenly sees the news that there's been a massive earthquake in Chile. Over 3,000 deaths confirmed and more coming.

Claire comments how terrible that is. And deliberately waits a few seconds then continues to muse out loud about the mirrors.

I had it at that point. That's just vile to me.

This book was shaping up to be a passable 3 stars for me. Looking like it'd be a fun beach read for most people but not exactly up my alley. But not after that.

I abandoned the book but will give it 2 stars instead of 1. Maybe Claire might have gotten her head out of her you known what eventually. I just don't care to waste any more of my reading time to find out.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer]

Yikes. Sounds bad. I just skimmed a few of the other reviews... Her boyfriend is a brain surgeon! Of course! I bet she wears Louboutins too. :eyeroll:

[Megalion]

Actually, she wasnt hung up on brand names. One point in her favor.