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Summary: A fun, intelligent summertime read of love & sex after 50.
Review: Mary Gordon has given us another stimulating tale of a woman whose independent feminist lifestyle and "I'll do it myself'" forthworth attitudes are challenged when a muse appears in the form of a very attractive man who is dedicated to supporting her art and whatever else she wishes.What evolves are lifestyle compromises that some of us have made, and may find that the compromises are laced with challenges, that when faced, prompt us to question ourselves and become more deeply intimate in our relationships. It is hot, hot, hot, entertaining and although a fantasy, is laced with realistic examples of how our feminist ideals are tempered by the realities of life. A must read for those of us who came of age with Gloria and have gone the way of Jane (or may like to...).
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining with surprising depth
Review: I bought this book as "trash" reading (listening). It was very entertaining, but also made me think. I recommend it highly.
Rating: 
Summary: leaves something to be desired
Review: Mary Gordon has created an entertaining and alluring read. She has also succeeded in doing what men have done for centuries in their art--creating an attractive but unrealistic love interest. The male muse in the novel, "B.," hardly seems human. Can any person in a sexual relationship be so completely undemanding, so unselfish as to never have any wants of their own? Also, by the end of the novel, 3 years have passed and only then does the question of love cross the mind of the protagonist, Monica. I'm just over 30 myself, but I hope that in middle age it does not take me 3 years of sex before the "L-word" is raised in my mind! Gordon's pat answer to the question of where artistic inspiration comes from is simply this: passionate sex. OK, but methinks real life is a bit more complicated. Still, I must admit this was an enjoyable, sensual story.
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Summary: One sexy, accurate novel about art, love, sex & money
Review: I started this book on a saturday afternoon, finished it by sunday. I found myself within the pages and got turned on by the very sexy relationship this 50 something artist had with her "muse". Any woman who is a creative soul...writer, artist, dancer, whatever, should read this book. We're all within these pages. A great read...I'm spreading the book around.
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Summary: Amusing, but basically vapid
Review: The characters and plot showcase the natural evolution which occurs when narcissistic baby-boomers loose their hair and go on Provera.
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Summary: great reading for women interested in art and life!
Review: This book has a wonderfully complex and realistic main character. Her exploration of art, autonomy, money and relationships is deft and elegant. But realistic enough to make you nod in agreement (sometimes vehemently) as you read. Highly recommended to readers who desire good writing along with a good plot.
Rating: 
Summary: Better by far to re-read old Gordon or new anything else
Review: Gordon, when she's good, is very very good. She's not so good in SPENDING. Oh, she's intelligent and sometimes funny, but her protagonist spends so much time promoting her own interests and defending herself, hardly anything happens. The saving grace is very good talk about painting. Of course Gordon tells everyone in interviews that she's being "punished" for not writing the same ole same ole Catholic girl story. Nonsense. She's being criticized because SPENDING is boring.
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Summary: Thought-provoking and steamy yet ultimately disappointing.
Review: This was really a "good read." Great if you need something for an airplane or the beach but can't stomach Danielle Steele drivel. It was quite steamy and really pulled you into the story. In particular, its portrayal of what it is like to have money in Manhattan is appealing and right on the money. Unfortunately, this book could have been a lot more. If only Mary Gordon had accomplished what I think she set out to do, this novel would have been amazing because its basic premise is SO INTERESTING. Unfortunately, some of the subplots seem contrived (especially the right-wing conspiracy from high school)and some of the secondary characters so static and stereotypical. And the writing was not up to Gordon's usual standards. If you are at all interested in gender politics, however, you should DEFINITELY read this book because the issues that it raises and the situation that it poses are so interesting. The male is the benefactor and the muse and the model and the female artist who is the center of this book is interesting, complicated and a very sympathetic character. She has the same conundrum as the feminist who supports Bill Clinton but her situation is so much more fascinating because it also involves issues of art, the gaze, sex, power, and money. I would recommend reading this book for anyone interested in these issues just for the questions that it raises. Is she a sell-out or has she empowered herself? Does she desire him or his power and money?
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Summary: Erotic, sometimes silly, but never stupid.
Review: Have you ever wondered what would happen if you got what you wished for? Could you enjoy it? This book makes you think about that while it is tellling you an entertaining and erotic story. The book's main character, an artist, is at a point in her life when taking care of others is not a primary focus of her life. (Her children are in college.) Also, a man decides he wants to be her muse. He will do what female muses have been doing for male artists for centuries--he will take care of her (in every way) so she can focus on her work . "Spending" is a entertaining, sometimes silly, and fascinating story about feeling pleasure and fighting off waves of guilt. This book makes you realize a fundamental truth: Women aren't supposed to have this much fun!!! (Beware: if you like passive females, you'll hate the main character.)
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Written Prose, Compelling Characters
Review: Monica Szabo is a 50 something artist looking for something. She finds something as B, responds to her question during a speech about where the male muses are. But B is much more than just her muse, he becomes her lover and her financial support at the same time. Some really important questions are asked as we move through the book. For me, her attempts to rise above the fact that she was having sex with B and he was giving her money for her art and whether that made her a whore was one I gave a lot of thought to. Moreover, I think some really interesting takes on modern day feminism were explored. The thing that made this book so compelling for me was that Monica is not a likeable character in the least. She's a horrible mother, she's selfish, she doesn't treat B very well most of the time and yet, you want to read more about her. Very few authors can suck you in that way. I didn't see this book as a romance novel. Goodness knows I've read enough of them. There is no ease here, no real romance. Sex sure, but a lot of difficult exploration of personal stuff keeps it far from the harlequin romance descriptions I've seen in some other reviews. The real difficulty of balancing one's feminist preconceptions with the reality of sharing a life with someone else, especially when they are supporting you financially brings it to a completely different level. No, the book isn't perfect but it is compelling and beautifully written. This is a rare and delicious treat.
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