Rating: 
Summary: I'd rather BE hunting or fishing than crawl through this one
Review: Ugh...in a nutshell. From the beginning, I found myself rereading paragraphs to make sure I truly understood what was going on. The only chapter I enjoyed at all was the one where Jane and her current boyfriend go to stay with his ex-girlfriend and her new husband; and even THAT was ridiculous. I mean, who the heck who DO that?!? Each chapter was like a short story about the same characters- except for some bizarre exerpt about a family with no relation to Jane save that they live in her aunt's apartment building. Huh? Can you say "character development"? Was this a piece orginally left on the cutting floor and someone picked it up by mistake? You never hear about these people again! It seems apparent that Melissa Bank has writing talent- she does, however, need an editor that can help guide her and show her how to pull her thoughts together in an understandable fashion before putting them to paper. I gotta ask- who let the chapter about Barney in?? My only comfort is that I was able to obtain a hardcover copy at an outlet store for [less money]- and I still feel gypped. I'm desperately trying to understand why many women enjoyed this horrid novel. Ugh.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay, but not great
Review: I just thought this book was average. It had some strengths, especially near the end, but it seemed too often she was bringing up characters that had nothing to do with the story or its lead character (the next door neighbor who was in it for one chapter and then disappeared) or switching how she was writing about the lead character (the chapter where she is referring herself in the past tense and third person). The lack of resolution of any woman in her brothers life also seemed disjointed. It just took away from the general feel of the book. This book is definitely a light read and good for a few chuckles, I would recommend it for a beach read or when you aren't looking for a "great" book whose characters will stay with you after you close the cover. I forgot about these characters as soon as I shut the book, but I'm not disappointed I read the book, I just felt some of the hype was out of place.
Rating: 
Summary: Hysterical hip book for women
Review: This collection of related short stories covers everything female from childhood obsessions to breast cancer to crazy neighbors to meeting Mr. Right. It's a must-read for single women and a should-read for any female over 25. You will laugh and laugh and laugh.
Rating:
Summary: For the Huntress and the Hunted . . .
Review: I have to say that I thought this book was about something else when I first picked it up. During the first 100 or so pages I muttered to myself "why am I reading this - this feminist journal?" and then it hits me. It hits me like a cold wet sponge in the face, that Melissa Bank has a way with words and discovers a way to convey her message to the reader and keep one's interest simultaneously. Maybe I never truly "got it" and I admit that this book was no "Perfect Storm" for me, but there was still waves in the story that piqued my interest. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. "Light, Breezy, and Fun."
Rating:
Summary: Poignant, funny and readable.
Review: I read this book as quickly as I could simply because I could not get enough of it. It was wonderful because it was so true to life. A truly talented writer can make you laugh and feel and see things clearly in a sentence - this writer does that constantly. I was disappointed in just one thing - The New York Times' review of this book was markedly inappropriate and unrelated to the quality of this book. I frequently will read books that the Times has suggested. Next time I see a poor review by the Times I will examine that book much more carefully. I would like to thank the author for an enjoyable and insightful read.
Rating: 
Summary: I was riveted from the minute I picked it up
Review: This book is incredibly successful in dissecting one girl's relationships to her family, friends and lovers, while keeping the book interesting. You get a real sense of the main character, Jane Rosenal, and her values. I began to root for her, and hope she achieved happiness. While the book jumps around to different periods in her life, it is easy to follow and is not annoying. Through Jane, you get acquainted with those closest to her -- her brother, on-again, off-again lover and other friends and family. Her life is chronicled here. This book is a study in the dynamics of human relationships. You don't necessarily have to be fascinated by human nature to thoroughly enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Delicious!
Review: Just a wonderful story -- I shared the joy, heartache and laughs with Jane as she journeyed through adolescence into womanhood. If you love Bridget Jones, you'll love this book.
Rating:
Summary: Hunting and fishing for love and acceptance.....
Review: I loved this book. It was very funny and very touching in parts as well. This is the tale of a girl (told in a series of short stories)from childhood to her adulthood who like everyone, searches in her own way for an understanding of love and life and friendship. She is a wonderful observer of others in her life while trying to pick up clues on how one goes about this "hunting and fishing" for answers to lifes most precious desire, love and acceptance. She tries to learn from her older brother, from her parents, from her friends and even from bosses and ex-boyfriends. This is a wonderfully written work that brings it's character to full living color. I loved the humor of this book, although I think anyone under thirty might miss the finer points. The emotional scenes when her father becomes ill made me weep, and really think about my parents and ther health,(especialy my Mom's chronic health) This is a terrific book, and even if you are a younger(under thirty) reader you will love it, because it will strike home at some point in Jane's life.
Rating:
Summary: Funny, Familiar, and Entertaining
Review: I don't normally care for modern "literary" short story collections--too often they consist of only one or two memorable stories and the rest seems like filler. No so in the case of Ms. Bank's "Guide." Her writing is consistently fresh and funny. Her characters and plots realistic, but not necessarily predictable. I thoroughly enjoyed the way she introduces us to Jane and allows us to watch her grow up, mature, get hurt, grow wiser, and eventually find the man "she didn't know she could hope for." And if you love dogs, you'll relate to the way Bank conveys Jane's relationship with her dog. (Bank's description of a dog museum, with an interactive display of squirrels and a gallery of scents, was worth the price of the book for me.) As other reviewers have said, one piece seems out of place, but as a whole this works as a series of connected stories that tells a much bigger tale. It's a satisfying read, and chances are, you'll finish the last story in this collection wanting more.
Rating:
Summary: A quick, enjoyable, and interesting read
Review: While entertaining and interesting, The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing wasn't quite what I had expected. However, I still thouroughly enjoyed this book (which is almost a collection of short stories). Each chapter grabs your interest and keeps it until the end. The book reads very quickly, which I also like. Some of the characters were a little underdeveloped, but overall, a very good book.
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