Rating: 
Summary: Neither good nor bad, strictly ambivalent
Review: I had higher expectations of this novel, as I read glowing reviews both on-line and in Book magazine. Although Lipman's book is populated with believable, well-drawn characters, and the story is unique and also believable, I just didn't find it interesting enough. I felt that the outcome (if not the journey there) was predictable, the characters were ALMOST quirky, and the humor was ALMOST funny. There are no flaws with Lipman's writing, her characters, or her story; I just found myself watching "the pursuit of Alice Thrift" (both literally by Ray, and metaphorically with Alice's pursuit of her self) from the outside, hovering above the story. I was not immersed in it or emotionally attached to it. I just watched the plot unfold ambivalently. My only other criticism is that I felt, despite her social ignorance, Alice should have felt suspicious of her mysterious, over-the-top beau because she wasn't a stupid person. I felt like her naivety was too contrived, however, I was still willing to go along with the story.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved the pursuit!!!
Review: I had no idea it was going to be this good! It took me awhile to get sucked into this book but once I was there, there was no going back! I loved Alice, although she isn't funny, energetic, witty or anything most characters are! She is dry, full of wisdom, and without social knowledge. I loved her trying to bond etc. You will love this book!
Rating: 
Summary: The best this author has written
Review: I have read several of her books and enjoyed this the most, it's
a quick, enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Something hard to define but wonderful to read!
Review: I have tried for a while in my mind to define just what it is that is so different about Lipman's characters in this book and her others. It's hard to define, but it's something like this: She writes about the kind of people that exist so often in real life but so rarely in books---people who are not always witty, popular, gorgeous or rich, but people with interesting and meaningful lives nontheless. So many authors seem to write about the kind of people they have probably met in writer's workshops---those who are very used to analysing their feelings and writing about them! Alice Thrift is a socially inept person, very alone in the world and very lonely. We come to understand her attraction to the slimy Ray Russo very well. And to Lipman's great credit, I think we even understand Russo a little, and are able to see him as not all bad. In addition to the wonderful characters, this book is just plain funny! So many scenes are so well done---for example, dinner at Leo's house or the birth of baby Fir. I can't remember enjoying a book more lately!
Rating:
Summary: Zany
Review: I hilariously laughed so many times while reading this book. Alice Thrift is a marvelous character, so wrapped up in the world of medicine and accomplishment that she doesn't know how to interact socially. To her parents' dismay, she comes to her grandmother's funeral with a fudge salesman Ray Russo, who seems to be the only person taking an interest in her. Since her sister is gay, Alice is the hope for family and grandchildren; but because of her social skills, it's a complete long shot. I was sitting in my doctor's office when I was reading about Alice's orgasm and laughed so hard that the receptionist had to know what I was reading. Perhaps it's unbelievable that she marries the guy without ever being to his house; but Alice seems so swamped with work as the intern and so pressured that we believe it's possible. The supporting characters are equally endearing. Roommate Leo Frawley, the blond nurse hunk who knows everyone is a great friend. His pregnant midwife girlfriend Meredith who keeps most of her charm for her job is terrific and well developed. The birth of FIR with Alice saving him from being born in the toilet is hysterical. Dr. Hastings who never has any kind words for anyone is a great character; the scene where Alice has to treat his ruptured disc is a riot. Sylvie Schwartz the spike-haired chief resident is a great foil. I found myself tearing through page after page, almost always surprised by the twists and turns that Elinor Lipman puts us through. The ending was not quite as happy as I'd hoped things would turn out, but this book is a real gem! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Delightful and witty
Review: I love the way Elinor Lipman uses the academic setting of Boston in her novels. In this particular novel, we meet Dr. Alice Thrift, a serious and smart intern who needs some help in the social department. She is wooed by a fudge salesman named Ray Russo, who doesn't quite sweet her off of her feet. But...she marries him anyway. Her tale is witty and engaging, and the other characters in the novel all do their best to help Alice become a "normal" woman. Her roommate Leo and neighbor Sylvie make for some clever subplots, as well. This is the best Elinor Lipman book I've read since Isabel's Bed. It's entertaining, interesting, and a delightfully compelling read.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty dull...
Review: I tried really hard to get into this book, and it just never happened. The first half really dragged, then it picked up a bit. At first, you feel for Alice Thrifts shy, secluded character, considering her highly stressful career and lack of social skills. But when she falls for a fudge salesman, who comes off as having no personality or motives, repeatadly refers to her as "Doc" this doc that, its gets annoying after a while. Nonetheless, it was ok to pass time...
Rating:
Summary: Elinor Lipman at her wittiest best
Review: I've read several of Lipman's other novels (The Inn at Lake Devine, The Dearly Departed), but this was by far the best. The main character is Alice Thrift, M.D., medical resident and social misfit. In the first page of the book, Alice gives away the ending by reporting that her marriage didn't last and that her husband was a liar. Although these facts are disclosed up front, all is not revealed, as Alice's full story slowly unfolds over the course of the book. What really makes this novel shine is the truly clever and positively comical dialogue between Alice and the various people who show up in her life: her mother, her roommate Leo, Leo's family, Leo's girlfriend Meredith, her new-found friend Sylvie, and of course, her acquaintance, boyfriend, fiancé, and eventual husband, Ray. Although I knew what would happen with Alice and Ray in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed journeying with them from the very beginning to that point.
Rating:
Summary: Elinor Lipman at her wittiest best
Review: I've read several of Lipman's other novels (The Inn at Lake Devine, The Dearly Departed), but this was by far the best. The main character is Alice Thrift, M.D., medical resident and social misfit. In the first page of the book, Alice gives away the ending by reporting that her marriage didn't last and that her husband was a liar. Although these facts are disclosed up front, all is not revealed, as Alice's full story slowly unfolds over the course of the book. What really makes this novel shine is the truly clever and positively comical dialogue between Alice and the various people who show up in her life: her mother, her roommate Leo, Leo's family, Leo's girlfriend Meredith, her new-found friend Sylvie, and of course, her acquaintance, boyfriend, fiancé, and eventual husband, Ray. Although I knew what would happen with Alice and Ray in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed journeying with them from the very beginning to that point.
Rating:
Summary: The cover says it's her best book yet and it is
Review: If you like Jane Austen, you have to read Elinor Lipman. Every reviewer says her books are funny and charming. But more than that, they're very smart. Her stories start where obvious novels end, then twist around and around until the final surprise. Also, she doesn't think a list of brand-name clothing passes for characterization. This one is my favorite, because while the heroine is a complete social klutz she's also totally honest and expects other people to be the same. Fat chance. She hasn't a clue, and it was just as hard for me to tell until the very end if her suitor would turn out to be a Darcy or a Wickham.
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