Rating: 
Summary: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
Review: Because I am a male, I tend to shy away from what I call the 'girlfriend' genre of novels, books by women about a group of fictional women, written for a female audience. Truth be known, I would have never bought this book were it not for the fact that good literature is hard, very hard to come by in Japan. Ms. Lipman gave me a pleasant surprise. Her book was a fast, easy read, and presented me with a dashing, clever female character that I not only fell in love with, I probably would have married her if I got the chance. Ms. Lipman has created a work of art, a truly wry and insightful look at being young, single and a bit carefree and sassy in a small town. This book had excellent characterizations, good plot development, fast, enjoyable dialogue, and an unstoppable momentum. I must confess- I LOVED IT! OK, I have learned my lesson. I will never judge a book by its cover ever again.
Rating:
Summary: So Great!
Review: I really loved this book. The characters are so real and entertaining! They make you wish you lived in Harrow. The story is very engaging; I also like the smaller plotline about Melinda's mother. The writing is so clever! Elinor Lipman is a definite must-read!
Rating:
Summary: So Great!
Review: I really loved this book. The characters are so real and entertaining! They make you wish you lived in Harrow. The story is very engaging; I also like the smaller plotline about Melinda's mother. The writing is so clever! Elinor Lipman is a definite must-read!
Rating:
Summary: It's like making a bunch of new friends
Review: I sped right through this book and I'm terrible about finishing books. I was kinda sad when it was over -- you really get to know the characters. This was the first Elinor Lipman book I had read and I immediately went out and got the rest of her books. Right now I'm reading "Isabel's Bed'' and so far it's great. Can't wait for the new book
Rating: 
Summary: You'll have fun...
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Melinda was a great character, and so were all the others. I could see so much of myself and others in her. A very believable read. Living in the area the author was writing about, I can tell you she has captured Main Street perfectly. This book had me smilling and thinking and smiling again. It is worth the read. Check it out, you won't be sorry. You'll have fun, see yourself, see your friends, understand a little more about human nature.
Rating:
Summary: Contemporary novel of manners
Review: I've read all of Lipman's novels, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. If you think about it, there's not really much that you can object to -- the flaky characters are likable, the plot is helped along by various humorous/embarassing/poignant incidents, and the writing is quite good. Lipman's books are well-packaged reflections of real life, suitable for a bit of entertainment and escapism. After all, it's much more fun to read about the dating woes of someone else than to dwell on your own. The Way Men Act falls into this category as well. It's a fun book, full of quick-paced dialogue, interesting characters, and humorous observations.
Rating: 
Summary: Still Don't Know the Way Men Act
Review: In the story of three high school friends who return to their small college town to run swanky main street businesses, I found characters I couldn't connect with.Melinda, the popular boy-crazy friend, has little ambition yet feels self-conscious and apologetic when trying to explain what she does for a living and why she doesn't have a degree. Libby, the funky dresser turned designer, appears to be a friend--if you're interested in a one-dimensional, self-absorbed artist for a friend. Dennis is the successful entrepreneur. His store, Brookhoppers, caters to the affluent fly fisherman. Dennis, their guru, is one of the town's few black residents, accustomed to near-offensive remarks and gestures meant to prove non-prejudice. Because of the title I expected something about the courting routines of men. But this was really the story of non-acheiving Melinda plodding along in life, hoping for a long-term, meaningful relationship. It should be no surprise then that she and Dennis just kind of meld into one, without much strain or effort.
Rating:
Summary: My first book by Elinor had me reading more...
Review: It was really a very simple book and story to read...and VERY enjoyable. Before this I didn't like reading. But while shopping for a friend at a bookstore I started to read a bit of this book and was so drawn into it, I read ten pages in the store and knew I had to finish it. Since then I read a few more of her books and was on-line right now to see if she had any new ones out. I can't wait to read Ladies' Man.
Rating:
Summary: A sweet, funny love story with a wry and vulnerable heroine.
Review: Ms. Lipman's delicate touch with sensuality makes me wonder if she, like her book's hero, ties flies and lures. I have recommended this novel to a number of writers because of the exquisite and complete romance she fashions early on. In three pages she takes us from first kiss to breakup without missing an emotion or a beat. The scene in which a friend finally intervenes to bring the lovers together is hilarious. Thank you, Elinor Lipman
Rating:
Summary: The Way Men Act
Review: My book club read "The Inn at Lake Divine" but the bookstore clerk recommended this book as Lipman's best. What a great read! I did enjoy this book much more. Her descriptions of the fly fishing shop and the customers and staff were wonderful. The interactions between the characters seemed very plausible. I've now read a third of her books. Each is written in a different style and I've enjoyed them all. I'm looking forward to many more works from Lipman.
|
