Otherwise Engaged : A novel

Rating:
Summary: a Bridget Jones wannabe
Review: This book dragged on! Its hard to relate to the neurotic woman. And getting married is not such a pathetic process.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully funny and extremely well written!
Review: A friend gave me this book while I was going through my own engagement and I loved it!! I laughed aloud many, many times and thoroughly enjoyed Suzanne's hilarious descriptions of pre- wedding events. I think she is a very talented writer and I can't wait until her next novel comes out. I do not understand why some people could not find humor in this very entertaining book.

Rating:
Summary: What's Next?
Review: Otherwise Engaged is a perfect "set up" book. It begs for a sequel. Loved it!

Rating:
Summary: Maybe Next Time
Review: I would have loved to have given this book 5 stars but one thing held me back. Given this is the author's first novel I enjoyed it immensely. However, Finnamore has a greater writing talent than she let show. I look forward to her next book and feel this is an author to watch closely. She will only get better. I got confused sometimes when she would veer from amusing chit chat to soul shattering truths. A gifted writer and I look forward to seeing her new works.

Rating:
Summary: I Can Relate
Review: I certainly can relate to many parts of Otherwise Engaged. My dad was a alcoholic and caused me and my family great pain. The part where Eve tells her therapist that it is her dad's birthday - and he asks her "what do you feel?" and then she says, "nothing" - her therapist says wisely, "So that is what he took away from you". I wept. This is an exceptionally fine novel in that it covers a large spectrum of human emotions. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: How come?
Review: how come no one mentions the other parts of Otherwise Engaged. How Eve loved her alcoholic dad and his tragic death. Or what about Eve's caring and deep love for her friend and mentor who dies a tragic death from AIDS. There were so many layers to this book and I am surprised that most people focus on the "valium" and neurotic pages. This is a book about love in all forms. I adored it and continue to give copies to friends.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of Fun
Review: Simply loved this book. Having been through the "traditional" engagement process I howled when I read that one month before the wedding "Eve" was keeping constant tract of her Valium supply, "twelve left, plus the powder at the bottom of the bottle" I too was down to counting my Valium. I didn't feel so alone after I read Otherwise Engaged. A kindred soul at last!

Rating:
Summary: the REAL thoughts behind "for the rest of my life"
Review: Anyone that has ever been either engaged or married & says they haven't thought the same things as Eve are living in "lala land". Finally, I know not all people flow easily & w/out second thoughts into the world of marriage. Eve just questons leaving behind her individuality & space in a wittier way than most.

Rating:
Summary: not often mentioned
Review: I am a Gay man who is HIV positive. Having read this book I can honestly say that I have rarely read a love novel by a woman who so lovingly and sensitively wrote about a mentor and friend with such caring. This is an unusual novel with many avenues of human experiences - but the novelist knows about unconditional love.

Rating:
Summary: Laughter is the best medicine
Review: While recuperating in the hospital after my heart attack, my friend brought me Otherwise Engaged. I laughed so hard and loud that pretty soon the nurses were coming to my room to have me read passages. Funny, funny and great book.