Rating: Summary: Bookends Review: As I have said before I really enjoy Jane Green's work. Her novels are light and funny with story lines interesting enough to keep you reading late into the night. "BOOKENDS" was no different. The story of four college friends Cath, Si, Josh and Portia who after a series of events begin to drift away from the beautiful and very wealthy Portia only to attempt to bring her back into the fold ten years later, is just as funny and engaging as any other of Green's novels. Bookends, however does have a serious side and touches on some important subjects which Green, in my opinion, did masterfully. She was able to write about a very serious subject without changing the tone of her novel and still managing to keep you wanting more!
Rating: Summary: Good Read Review: I've read Jemima J by Jane Green and found it quite entertaining so thought i would give Bookends a try. Like most of the "chic lit" books, I read Bookends within three days. It is obviously a story about friendship, but also love, faith, trust, and courage. The character development was quite good, only i did not like how the main character, Cath, was kind of a weakling who had some tendicies to lie. I've run into similar characters like her in previous chic lit books. However, i was entertained and suprised by the twists of the story. Defintley give it a read for some humor and a little sadness.
Rating: Summary: Really 3 1/2 stars Review: The circumstances for reading this book were perfect. It has been raining, I had a cold and a few days off to recover. I wanted something light and this was really made for that kind of read. It doesn't touch the "CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC" series as far as writing and character development but it kicks 'BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY" butt for plot and likeablitly. I had the plot twists figured out before they twisted but the everyday "Cath", the main character is so honest and charasmatic that you can't help but miss her when you are done with the book. I love the way the author doesn't really take issue with her weight either way. Some critics have mentioned it is the tale of a "plus-size" girl (maybe because of Jemima-J) but there is never any mention of her size other than the normal struggle every girl has. How refreshing to have a realisic heroine for once. I don't always want "happy ever after" endings but I was in the mood for this one. Loved it.
Rating: Summary: Starts Fun, But Gets Preachy Review: As a fan of Jane Green's inital novels, I expected Bookends to be yet another lighthearted, side-splitting read. However, as I waded through the fairly shallow plot, I became more and more dissatisfied, as if I could feel there was a better/ more interesting and captivating story that could be told. Then suddenly, approximately three-quarters of the way through, almost an entire chapter was made to feel like a propoganda pamphlet. I wasn't sure if I was reading a piece of literature from one of my favorite authors, or a weepy, overemotional brochure that could be picked up in any medical clinic. The original, albeit weak, plot was lost, and I was left feeling slightly chastened. All in all, Bookends was interesting, but nothing to go out of your way to read. The last quarter is preachy, and the plot gets lost. Mediocre and disappointing.
Rating: Summary: ARE YOU PEOPLE SERIOUS?! Review: Jane Green is the WORST author I've EVER read.It is quite remarkable that she CONTINUES to get published! The worst drivel I've ever read: ALL OF JANE GREEN'S BOOKS. Stop wasting your money!!
Rating: Summary: Bookends is a great book Review: I loved this book, it was so easy to read and funny. Jane Green always has the best characters in the book. The end is surprising and sad though. Dont read it in public, because it could make you cry! it was such a well written book, and i would recommend it as an easy read for teenagers too.
Rating: Summary: Loved it Review: Loved this book. It was an easy read, very entertaining. And the last few chapters kept a hold on me - I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. I'll definitely be reading more books by this author.
Rating: Summary: Promises more Review: I have read her other books and they were much better. I wouldn't spend the money on this, go to the library instead as it is good for a quick, read-anything moment. The characters just didn't ring true for me and I found myself bored with them sometimes. Jemima J is much, much better, followed by Mr. Maybe.
Rating: Summary: A light entertaining read Review: This is a great book about friendship ~~ almost like the sort of friends you see on that hit tv series, "Friends" or in the movie starring Hugh Grant, "Nottingham Hills" ~~ where friends always get together, scarf down lots of food and drink fine wine and have a good time remembering their old days ... and gossip like old ladies. This book does the job real nicely. Cath, Josh and Lucy, Si always get together every Sunday for brunch to read the newspapers and gossip about their lives. Josh, Cath and Si have been friends since college. Then when another friend from their past shows up, everything seems to snowball into sometimes what is hilarious take on life. The main character is Cath, a thirtyish single woman who gave up her high-paying job to open up a bookstore with Lucy, Josh's wife, a fabalous cook. Cath narrates the stories between friends and lovers ~~ always from the observer point of view. Then she meets and falls in love with the real estate agent who sold the shop to Lucy and her. In the meantime, she has to deal with the crisis that appears to loom over Lucy and Josh's marriage; with Si's love affair that ended diasterously; with her friendship with Portia, her best friend in college. It is entertaining and keeps you turning the page. However, it is predictable, which is disappointing for me as I enjoy Green's books. It seems that I've read this book somewhere else or maybe the theme just keeps recurring among the thirtyish group. If you are looking for something light to read, this book will be it. If you are looking for something that isn't predictable or will keep you in suspense, this book isn't for you. It is a fun book ~~ don't get me wrong. It's just typical reading, that's all. The subject matter isn't new and Green didn't really present a new outtake on this friendship/romantic outlook. It's great to take to the beach or to the slopes to read by the fireplace. It's pure escapism that's for sure. 2-5-03
Rating: Summary: Not her best, but still good Review: This is not her best work, but I still recommend it.
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