Rating:  Summary: Read the first few pages and you'll be hooked. Review: That is how I ended up buying this novel instead of the others that came directly after its publication -- yes the marriage novel has become a trend, but this is the genuine article. Tart, funny, smart, charming. A great gift as well. I love everything Finnamore has written, and I hope to see another novel in the immediate future!!!!
Rating:  Summary: otherwise awful Review: i was very disappointed with the book "otherwise engaged." the main character, eve, was very unlikable. she non-stopped whined the whole way through the novel. she repeated a lot of the same thoughts constantly; the story could have been written with 2/3 less pages. only the last ten pages are really worth reading.
Rating:  Summary: otherwise ordinary Review: In my honest opinion I don't think the book is worth purchasing. It's readable but kind of bland. I must admit I was disappointed because it seemed ordinary. I'm not sure why I had such high expecations for this book. Perhaps I could not relate to this book because the main character was middle aged. Her age explains her feelings and emotions during her engagement. However, I wouldn't recommend this book for twenty somethings...
Rating:  Summary: Funny dose of reality - maybe not for brides-to-be Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book; I've been married now for almost three years. To comment on the reader who read it after just getting engaged herself - I understand just where you're coming from... I don't think I would have found this funny at all were I back in the stage of coordinating caterers and florists and bridesmaids dresses. Perhaps then I would have wanted to read something like the "Nearly-Wed Handbook: How to Survive the Happiest Day of Your Life" by Dan Zevin, which is described as humor, plain and simple. But Finnamore's novel delves into those not-so-funny thoughts *some* of us may have had about our impending vows, and comes across as the inner self we might have never admitted we had. Yes, I was a happy bride and I'm happily married; but that's not to say that there weren't times where "FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE" didn't nudge into my subconsious. I think that the book can be taken with a teeny grain of salt (or rice, if you want to keep with the matrimonial theme), and in that regard, it's quite enjoyable.
Rating:  Summary: The Thinking Woman's Engagement Tale...... Review: Yes, I have read them all, and I recommend this one above the rest -- it has surprising and often shocking moments of illumination, hilarity, and outright bizarre occurances that somehow meld into a very compelling and delightful and real novel. I wanted it to last at least 600 pages, but it was hideously brief. Read everything by Suzanne Finnamore, and you will not be disappointed or feel you should have gone to the library instead. Her books have a way of being passed around and read by girlfriends, boyfriends, and the most unusal people who would never touch a pink book, otherwise!!!!
Rating:  Summary: If you like this, get The Zygote Chronicles immediately!!! Review: Oh my gosh. I just read Otherwise Engaged last winter when I was married, at 46, to my fiance of 55. I was his Second Wife, as was Eve in this wonderful, uproarious novel. I could so relate to her doubts, passions, and excitement as the big day approached. It made me feel better to know I was not the only one thinking...For The Rest Of Your Life....socks on the floor. His.And now I've read The Zygote Chronicles, a novel written and dedicated to the author's son. It's brilliant. So I am spreading the word, and saying that your money is indeed not wasted on a validating experience, and a quick and splendid read. Well-written as well as informative and fun, I love both these books.... for the woman with a sense of humor, going through changes with a capital C. Highly recommended.....and much enjoyed.....
Rating:  Summary: A Delicious Read Review: I started reading Ms. Finnamore's work shortly after Otherwise Enganged came out in hard cover. There are so many writing in this genre, but so few who have it down the way that she does. Not only is the subject -- a woman's turbulent trip to the alter -- dealt with with humor, wit and deadly accuracy, but the writing is superb. This woman can write!! Ms. Finnamore turns a phrase like few others I've read. I found myself continually being caught off guard by yet another beautifully written phrase, often wishing that I had thought of it first. A delicious read; dark, funny and full of gems.
Rating:  Summary: Well written, although somewhat depressing.. Review: Eve has reached the pinnacle of success that she has thought she might never see - her boyfriend has agreed to an engagement. She thought that the hardest part would be getting to this point, but what with all the anxiety and worries, she realizes that what came before was merely child's play. This is the story of her journey to the wedding date. I would have to agree with the reviewer that stated that while she enjoyed the book, she would not recommend it. That sums up my feelings exactly, even while reading! At times I had to force myself to pick it up, as the tone of the novel follows a somewhat depressing theme. There are some highlights and pearls of wisdom, and for that reason, I would recommend this book if it is a gift or someone you know well has a copy lying around. Otherwise, forget it.
Rating:  Summary: A Post-Modern Classic Review: This book was well received and I for one applaud its success. I loved every page and often dip into it for a laugh or an insight. It is not so much about engagement as about life and love. Brilliant.
Rating:  Summary: I enjoyed it, but won't recommend it. Review: I enjoyed this book, although I found the character to be very cynical and therefore, sometimes hard to relate to. She was all over the place and someone who I'm very glad to be able to say I'm not. I laughed a lot throughout this book, but I felt sorry for her too. But, at the end of it all, I enjoyed the book and found it a fun, light read. But, I won't recommend it. It is not as good as other books within this genre and I can't think of anyone I know who would enjoy it (except perhaps my best friend). So, with that in mind, I'd tell a potential reader to move on and find something else - unless of course you find it in your hands and you're sitting on the beach!
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