Rating: Summary: Simply The Best... Review: Jennifer Weiner's debut novel was absolutely the BEST novel I have read in years. And believe me, I've done a lot of reading! Jennifer's vivid descriptions, delicious dialogue and memorable characters captivated me, and transported me to Philadelphia, and the life of Cannie Shapiro.I purchased this book on a Saturday, and couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading it. I finished the book, with tears in my eyes and half-roll of toilet paper at my side, at 2 a.m. It's been years since I've read a novel that moved me in such a way. I don't know how many time's I laughed out loud at Cannie's witty dialogue. Moreover, I cried -- rather bawled tears -- at some points in the book. Jennifer Weiner has a way with words that makes you experience Cannie's pain and frustration. I cried for her, and for myself, as I could related to the rejection and hurt she faced. But when Cannie finally had her breakthrough, and found her happiness, I wept tears of joy. I recommend this book to ANYONE who has ever loved and lost, and is in the earnest pursuit of contentment and happiness...which means EVERYONE.
Rating: Summary: Better than Bridget Jones Review: I read Bridget Jones before I read Good in Bed and I have to say that I preferred Good in Bed. At the center of the book is Cannie Shapiro, a woman who is shamed and mortified when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend, Bruce, has written a magazine column which describes in agonizing detail the truth about "loving an overweight girlfriend". And that girlfriend is, of course, Cannie. To make things worse, Cannie is having second thoughts about having dumped Bruce, cad though he is. Will she ever find anyone to love her, especially since she doesn't fit the model-thin stereotype of the desirable woman? Even more importantly, will she learn to accept herself and her body just as it is? This book could have been just another piece of romantic fluff but stands out from the crowd because author Jennifer Weiner makes Cannie seem very real - and her sense of humor is often laugh out loud hilarious. I really liked Cannie and the descriptions of her feelings about her weight and her dieting struggles are dead on, especially when Cannie takes a dieting program director to task for talking down to her and her fellow dieters. I should note that some of this book is a tad unbelievable (especially Cannie's "instant" friendship with a major celebrity) but any shortcomings are more than offset by the delightful style and original voice of the author.
Rating: Summary: Hip, Hip, Hooray for Jennifer Weiner Review: This was a truly lovely book. When I finished reading "Good In Bed", I truly felt that I had met Cannie Shapiro. She was a wonderful, honest protagonist, who I genuinely wanted to root for. I highly recommend this book - not just to "Big Girls", but to anyone who is interested in a sensitive, feel-good story set in the "real" world.
Rating: Summary: A great read Review: I finished this book in less than 24 hours -- I simply could not put it down. While the main character is obese, that is not the main point of the story. I think that this book, more than any other, tells the real tale of what it is like to be a twenty-something woman in the U.S. today. The story weaves Cannie's whole life -- her job, her love life, her requisite screwed up family, as well as her hopes and dreams. Her weight does play a part in the story, but this is not a Cinderella ending. It is not about becoming beautiful, but rather is about being beautiful all along. This novel is well-written and captivating from first paragraph to last. Hurray for this happy ending! What a great and satisfying summer read.
Rating: Summary: Great Book Review: I definitely recommend this book-it was highly enjoyable from beginning to end. I look forward to Weiner's next book.
Rating: Summary: Couldn't Put It Down... Review: I picked up this book while on vacation in St. Simon's Island, Georgia, in an incredibly little bookstore. And since I live in South Jersey and work in Philadelphia, it was easy and fun to relate to. For a first novel, this is one fun winner! And I got a great tan! Cannie is the victor - read this book.
Rating: Summary: What a great book (all-around!) Review: I loved this book for so many different reasons - the style of writing, the characters, the plot, the setting (Philly is such a great city). HIGHLY recommended!
Rating: Summary: Well, I got it on sale.... Review: ... I felt the heroine was a little bit too focused on her huge flabby obese self (sorry, but isnt a size 16 very close to the national average?). I really think that sucked a lot of enjoyment out of the book for me, I just got tired of hearing her refer to herself in such a negative way because I was trying to relate to her and I couldn't. Like every other woman in the United States, I do have issues with myself, maybe a pinch too much flab around the waist, big pores, pale skin, whatever the case may be... but Cannie's (main character) self-contempt was pretty hard to swallow mainly cause I refuse to believe that women feel that way 24/7 every waking minute. I just wished that the heroine could have liked herself, even if she didnt like looking at herself naked in the mirror, it would have made the novel a much more entertaining read.
Rating: Summary: Not as good as I had thought it would be Review: I was very disappointed in this book. It wasn't anyhting like I had expected. Maybe its just because I am all about happy, hilarious books that aren't depressing, and this book was not only depressing, it was in some parts totally unrealistic. Poor Cannie couldn't seem to catch a break, and yeah everything ended up okay, but only after a string of heartbreaking events. Why was she so stuck up on an ugly, immature, pot head ex-boyfriend that she broke up with? I didn't get it. I just couldn't relate at all. Being heavy set, I though I could relate. Boy was I wrong!
Rating: Summary: A brave and amazing tale Review: In a world where the phrase "large size" gives way to condescending movies (Shallow Hal), "plus size" models such as Emme (size 14 maybe?), and every other stereotype imaginable, Jennifer Weiner gives a refreshing break. This book shows that no mold can fit everyone. Cannie makes any woman who has ever gone through Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, etc not only commiserate but LAUGH. She provides a role model in the form of a smart, sassy, and career-driven woman who has an amazing sense of humor. This is a person with whom the weight-challenged and the weightless can identify and I hope that Jennifer continues to show the world this kind of humor in her future releases. This book made me laugh so hard I thought I would pass out. It was amazing to me how Jennifer waded through all the stereotypes and created a character that I wish truly existed so I could buy her a drink. Thank you Jennifer and Cannie...I was starting to lose hope!
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