Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Precursor to TV show Review: I am writing this review because people are comparing it to the series and I think that misses the point. This is what she wrote prior to the conception of the series. This is the truth. The series is what sells on HBO. I have lived a few of the more pathetic scenes and was amazed at how well she wrote it. Not since 'Slaves of New York' has someone captured the way it is so brilliantly. I put this book right up there with Edith Wharton, Dorothy Parker, Clare Boothe (who wrote 'The Women') and their ilk. It is so sad and yet remains hopeful. It tells the bitter truth without gathering pity. And still has a sense of humor.
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: Hard Shelled Women Review: As much as I am a big fan of the HBO show, I was a little disappointed with the book. Understanding why the show must simplfy the book's storylines for the sanity of the viewers and create its own world, I found the book at times witty, but, so depressing. I'm in my late-20s, already divorced, tackled my own addictions head-on and this book made me ask who in the world would want to conitue living like that? It made me realize I would never want to move to New York out of fear of becoming a cynical, hard-shelled, gold-digging, single woman who worries more about reputation than all that life offers and all its second chances. Thank God I live in Pacific Northwest where we're slightly more optimistic about love and life in general.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Sex and the City Review: This is a FANTASTIC gift to give someone. We gave this tape set to a co-worker and it was great! She had never seen the series, and is now hooked!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Sex is Fun and so is Sex in the City Review: It's Friday night at the Bowery Bar. It's snowing outside and buzzing inside. These people are up to their cuffs in cynicism, New York style. I might want to talk to that young girl with glitter on her face except close up I see she has crusts of coke at the edges of her nostrils. Those two fat losers from New Jersey across the way interest me not because I saw them at Plato's last night and he couldn't get it up. All these characters are shallow including Mr. Big, but so what, they are all New Yorkers true blue and lost. They're on the fringe, sexually and in life. Not the kind of people I would want to dine with, but interesting, even fun, to read about. Wait a second, the rangy puppyish brunette (the one with the glazed eyes) sitting next to me tells me she just spent 400 dollars on a pair on Manolo Blahnik strappy sandals and that when it comes to sex there is no place like home. "If I had an affair with you, I wouldn't want a one-night stand," says her large red-lipsticked mouth in a little girl voice. My rejoinder: "Waiter, two shots of tequila, please. One for the lady."
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Watch the Series Review: I bought this book because I find the series on HBO by the same title a shameless, provocative, entertaining, amusing romp through single life in a major metropolitan capital of high fashion, trendy vices, and tolerance for dubious lifestyles. I love the series! I own the first two seasons on DVD, even (check my reviews of the series, here on Amazon!)But the book paints a painful and soulless art deco canvas of empty people trying anything -- and everything -- from sexual menageries to designer drugs to fill the haunting voids within them. And it does it with no compassion, no reader investment, and no redemption. For the book, let's hear one loud WHO CARES. The characters are impossible to like (except for Stanford Blatch, who's not precisely the Stanford in the series, but who's still irrepressible with inconquerable joie de vivre... and Mr. Big, who's as logical, methodical, irresistible -- and emotionally unavailable -- as ever), and the decisions they make and mantras they espouse are ferocious, deviant, inherently risky, and dark. They both turn and tick me off. There is no camraderie here. There are no positive connections between characters here whatsoever. How can real people connect with these grime-stained cutouts? Thank goodness I saw the HBO series first, because if I'd read the book first, I'd have avoided the series as I avoid the Ebola Virus. Someone might argue that there are no characters in it with whom I can identify, which is why I don't "get" the book. If that's indeed the case, I say bully for me! There is no one here I would WANT to resemble or emulate... and honestly, I don't know or know of anyone who lives such a flashy, unsubstantial, risky, angst-filled life. Thankfully. Watch the series, though. You'll love it.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Very entertaining!!! Review: Well, if you just love the show and have to read the book - or whatever it is - I would definately recommend this book. I read this before they came out with the show and have read it again after faithfully watching it on HBO. The book is very similar to the first season of the show (I also highly recommend buying the complete first & complete second season on DVD). The only thing is, if you are an avid watcher of Sex and the city on HBO the book is a little confusing because a few names and details are switched around between the two. Other than that this is a very good book to read anytime!!!
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Darker Than the Television Show, but still revealing! Review: I like how this book shows the wide variety of relationship situations in this interesting subculture of America. Even though a lot of things are similar to what I can experience in my hometown of Los Angeles, the social lifestyle of New York is much more intense, complex, and, as a result, difficult environment for love. As an author of a relationship/self-help book, I found this book to be fresh take on a lot of side-issues that come up in romances particularly for those men who are successful and the women who have lost their innocence and optimism. Love and life in the fast lane may be colorful and exciting, but it does little to create the sacred spiritual connection that is the natural environment for making love happen. For those who are interested in reading this book, it's less funny and darker than the television show. But there is plenty of entertainment, love lessons, and good writing here. But I think that most people will find the book to be disappointing. The writers on the television show are better! You also have to tip your hat to the wonderful cast members who are all fabulous.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: No Place Like Home Review: The HBO series may be significantly more well-rounded than this book, but the book will forever go down as a classic in my personal library. I read the book long before I ever saw an episode of the series and actually felt like I was in the city with these women and their non-women counterparts. Where details may not be as fluent as the series, the words are honest. If you just let your mind go with it, Candace Bushnell will take you to this modern day Oz (and I'm not talking about that other HBO series!).
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: What a let down Review: The show is really something amazing, the book is just plain awful. I honestly couldn't bring myself to finish it, I am so sorry I actually paid money for this book. Do not buy this if you love the show as it will sorely dissappoint you.
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: Not what I was hoping for Review: Very Very dissapointing, I am in love with the series on HBO, so I figured I would equally enjoy the book, but was very dissapointed when I began to read. It is not written in novel format, it is a series of short articles ranging from 1/2 page to 3-4 pages, not in any sort of particular order. Not at all like the short stories in the series. Did not hold my interest for more than 5 pages, I have forced myself to read more, but it is definatley a book most could do without.
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