Rating: 
Summary: Eh.
Review: My usual haunts are non-fiction books, but every once in a while I get a craving for a light "chick-flick" read. Cranberry Queen seemed like it would fit the bill pretty well.
I liked the way it started out in New York. I wanted to read more about Diana's job, and her co-worker friend Peter, and Betsy, who Diana goes running with. When the scenario changed to New Jersey, I thought it got really strange. The characters weren't interesting to me. Louisa is supposed to be this intimidating, strong, beautiful woman, but I found her to be moody, whiny, unnecessarily confrontational, and childish.
Diana spends all of two days with these people in New Jersey. From the start they can miraculously read her emotions and always know when something is going on with her. Why do they care so much about this stranger who hit one of their family members with a car? Diana even says at the end that they have become lifelong friends, keeping in intimate contact. It just doesn't make sense.
The Sam character is bizarre. Friends of your dead father do not stalk you for the purpose of offering you a job. How ridiculous does that sound?
I liked the descriptions of the Pine Barrens, but I thought it was odd when the author stopped the plot development to describe cranberry farming in great detail.
I did enjoy her writing style, though. I wish the story had been more believable and some of the characters more likable. Maybe it'll translate better to the big screen.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved this book!
Review: Smart and witty and sophisticated. I thought it was great. Congrats to DeMarco!
Rating:
Summary: Not impressed....
Review: This book is just, okay. There is nothing special about the authors ability. One thing i did like about this book was how very human Louisa was. Beyond her tough exterior, immediately I found a whimpering puppy.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific Read
Review: This is my favorite book of the summer - and it isn't even summer yet! I sped through the pages, eager to know what was happening next, and was absolutely enthralled by the depiction of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. (Can DeMarco be telling the truth?) But mostly, it was the dynamic between the two main characters, Diana and Louisa, which captivated me. Diana Moore, the protagonist, is, basically, me - but sad to say, funnier and smarter. Also, unlike some of the books in this genre, Diana stays true to life - she doesn't always say what's right; she makes mistakes and sometimes she forgoes pride to be honest about her insecurities. Other readers may like to read about women who do everything right all the time - who always say the right thing at the right time and who always break up with the men in their life and basically, are perfect -- but I like reading about characters who I understand. Like Diana.Keep writing Ms. DeMarco - and everyone else, read this book. It really is like the literary equivalent to a first date movie!
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