Rating: 
Summary: Has she been reading my journal?
Review: I devoured this book in one day. I found myself able to relate to every episode in Shannon's life. I even wondered if Michael was based on my ex-boyfriend. This is a must-read for every woman-- not just those in their 20s and 30s. I found myself taking stock of my life, wondering if I've really *found* myself. Wondering if I, too, depend too much on a man. I laughed along with Shannon and understood her every neurosis. What a great gal.
Rating: 
Summary: Engrossing enough, but shallow
Review: I read the book pretty quickly and it held my attention at the time, but really, it left no lasting impression. No characters were developed enough to make me particularly care about them, including Shannon, the narrator. The dilemmas and problems she faced are familiar enough ground that to make her book stand out, she needs to have something more than just a recitation of life events, but alas, that's all this was. Can't say I recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I loved this book. Shannon (the narrator, as opposed to the author) is so much like many women I know that reading the novel was like chatting with a witty friend I had not seen in a while. Her concerns and obsessions are so real. She's not just worried about dating and boyfriends, but about her job, her education, her mother, her family, her life. Everything is wryly observed and humorous without being superficial. Shannon sometimes probes into truths about being a contemporary woman that most novels simply gloss over. Her story is funny, touching and bittersweet all at the same time. I really enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Every Mindwestern women should read this book!
Review: Shannon Olson tells you of a story of a women growing up and living in the Midwest. The stories that she tells are chillingly very similar to my own, from her relationship with her mother in a small Minnesota town, to her experiences with landlords and apartments in Minneapolis. It is a great book to read in a weekend I never put it down. To add to the mood I found playing Ani Difranco and Tina and the B-sides in the background accented the stories she told very well. The book has allowed me to laugh at my life, and also better understand where I came from
Rating: 
Summary: Funny, although a little too neurotic
Review: I enjoyed this book very much, and identified with Shannon so much sometimes it was painful (apparently we have the same birthday, and celebrated our 30th birthdays at the same restaraunt!) I recommend this for most 20-going-on-30-something women, especially if, like me, you are from Minnesota. (My sis gave this to me for my 30th birthday-- it was the perfect present!) On a somewhat critical note, I hope I'm not the only woman who's disturbed by the popular trend of neurotic women characters who lack self-confidence (Bridget Jones, Ally McBeal, et. al.) This isn't the most sophisticated novel (obviously it's pretty autobiographical.) However, it was a well-written and delightful first novel, and I think Shannon Olson has a good deal of potential as a writer.
Rating:
Summary: For Endurance
Review: ....look to Shannon Olson. Hers is a voice that we will surely hear more from, as she catapults toward the writer of distinction she is and will be. I'm only to page 49 and I had to set the book down and write a review, to spread the word on this exceptional debut. Her dialogue is crisp, funny and insightful (feh to Kirkus) and I was also touched several times, seemingly from out of nowhere. Now I must get back to my reading....Ms. Olson, I applaud this marvelous effort.....
Rating:
Summary: Funny and original
Review: I enjoyed Welcome to my Planet more than Bridget Jones' Diary. Shannon seems so real - in fact, I was often reminded of one of my favorite books, She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. I love her very original take on life, and her sometimes sarcastic and bemused comments. As a Minnesotan, I enjoyed the local flavor of the book - St. Olaf College referred to as Uff Da U, and mention of Southdale Mall, etc. This book is entertaining and touching - I LOVE Flo, her mom. I've been recommending this one to my friends.
Rating:
Summary: Shannon is me! Flo is my mom!
Review: I've made every friend read this book and all enjoyed it as much as I did. We all relate to the protagonist--delaying life until marriage, but still wary of getting married; wanting "things" (even Target things), but resentful of materialism; charging ourselves into an ungodly hole of debt with purchases for boyfriends or for things we think the boyfriends would like; and still getting a kick out of shocking our parents. Shannon is self-depracating, but extremely self-aware. Even her rationalization of depression being a better alternative to falling into the American "Just Do It" trap makes sense. If you're over 28, still doing laundry at your parent's house, and can quote whole episodes of The Love Boat, you will thoroughly relate to this book.
Rating:
Summary: Can't put it down!
Review: I am in the middle of this book right now and am loving it so much I had to tell someone.
Rating:
Summary: LOVE LOVE LOVE
Review: This was a fantastic read! Shannon is FUNNY. She is the best friend you never had, and you will want to meet her! I read the book weeks ago and STILL think about it. She is real and hystericaly funny.
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