Rating: 
Summary: A strong, original start degenerates into superficial cliche
Review: I am an enthusiastic Elinor Lipman fan, and while I read this book in one day, I agree with the other readers who say it fell off after the little girl grows up. I put it down feeling very disappointed. Albeit in her light, breezy, amusing style, unlike her other novels, Lipman raised serious issues in this book -- and then blew off and gave facile, Hollywood-type answers to every one of them. She'd be much better off sticking to romantic comedy and leaving Jewish identity alone. The opening section -- the little girls outrage at a No Jews Welcome policy at a VErmont inn -- raises a topic we pretend is passe in America: Jews not being or feeling entirely equal (if you think Jews are entirely equal, then ask yourself why so few gentiles pick Brandeis as their first choice school, given its academic excellence -- answer, too many Jews there. We're equal only if we fit into to the majority as individuals, not if we exist as a distinct group). Lipman's story raises the issues of Jewish reactions to anti-Semitism and the sad burden of the Holocaust. And then she flash forwards to the present, and the solution to it all is -- presto, bingo, intermarriage! Marry the son of the antisemite and live happily ever after. I felt like I was in a sixties time warp. Lipman has all of the Jewish women in this book marry WASPS or Catholics and adopt a WASP or Catholic identity (sure, they teach their husbands to say schlep -- surely there is more to being Jewish, to having pride in yourself than that). Maybe Lipman's solution sounded good to Jews in the 60's, but in the 90"s the trend is swinging back to curiosity about our jettisoned identity and a sense of values that includes relgion and community,not just LOve Story. Nor does Lipman's Hollywood version of intermarriage recognize that Jews and gentiles share deeper differences than food preferences, and that it is highly unlikely that a Vermont super Wasp would choose a Borscht belt girl. I feel very disappointed in Lipman. She is out of it.
Rating: 
Summary: An entertaining and breezy read
Review: This is a great summer book -- not too demanding and tremendously entertaining, with a serious subject at its core. Natalie Marx is smart and funny, and a wise guy, to boot. This is not a demanding or challenging book, but if you want to pass the time being entertained (and laugh out loud a number of times), this is the book for you!
Rating:
Summary: Fun
Review: This is definitely a fun book to read. The characters were very entertaining, but don't expect a whole lot of substance. This is a great summer read.
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Book to Curl-up With on a Laid-back Weekend
Review: I found this book thoughtful, yet very entertaining. Many sections made me laugh out loud. Though some of the characters are a bit two-dimensional, the main character is believable and very smart. I was sad when the book ended, and I hope Ms. Lipman is working on a sequel!
Rating: 
Summary: Plot line is way too crammed in
Review: I thought the book had a good start, but it quickly drops off. The characters are shallow, and everything happens exactly how you expect. The conflict isn't evolved enough either.
Rating:
Summary: A humorous and tender diversion for a summer weekend.
Review: Why can't Oprah select books like this?!! And who says you can't judge a book by it's cover, anyways? One look at this unique binding led me to snatch it up right away. I was immediately spellbound and eager to find what hidden treasures lay among it's pages. And what a treasure I found! This novel is the best of what I have read today. In it's pages you will find humour, a love story, good vs evil, cultural/religious conflicts and family ties. The book is impossible to put down, not that you will even consider it. And, regarding that cover, you will find yourself holding this precious book, gazing at the cover, unable to relinquish it. Oprah, this is the book for you!
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable but Mostly Fluff
Review: This book was entertaining, but it could have been a lot more challenging and delved deeper into important issues. Insyead, it just bypassed a lot of near tragedies with some funny incidents. The reading level was about grade five, and it's very short, so take it out of the library instead. Despite all this, it's a fun, quick read, but don't expect anything too exciting.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. It was funny and thought-provoking, and I thought about the characters long after the book was finished.
Rating:
Summary: Witty, Endearing
Review: This story will show you that love has no boundaries. We follow Natalie from being a young girl and into womanhood. The ending is so wonderful. You won't be able to put this book down, and when it's done you'll yearn for more.
Rating:
Summary: Contrived, but mercifully short
Review: I liked the beginning of this book, but I never really believed in the characters or felt any of their emotions. The writing is good, if a bit facile. Everything just perks along, through death and even the Holocaust, to a sweet, happy ending.
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