Jemima J: A Novel About Ugly Ducklings and Swans

Rating:
Summary: So, again, thin is perfect?
Review: Ok, SPOILERS AHEAD POSSIBLY! I have to mention certain details that may ruin the book for you if you haven't read it.
First off, I'm not overweight or obese. I only point this out because I don't want anyone to think that I have a problem with thin people. That being said, this book basically states that only thin people will be happy. Point in case (SPOILERS AHEAD I REMIND YOU) Ben and Brad.
We assume Brad is into only fit, thin, beautiful women because he works at a gym. Jemima spends the ENTIRE book getting fit (almost where she's obsessed with weight loss) to look good for Brad because he thinks that's what she looks like. Turns out, Brad is actually into obese girls due to his porn magazines and his secretary/obese hidden girlfriend who works for him. Ok, so the secretary (Jenny) is supposed to be ok with the fact that Brad flew a hot English girl into California, flaunts her, and has sex with her only because he has an "image" to uphold? Basically, we're supposed to say, "Ohmigod, the irony that Brad is into fat girls and Jemima spent all of this time trying to lose weight!" When, actually, it says even more that only thin people are ok because his overweight girlfriend is a "hidden, shameful secret" and she's ok with it?
Lastly, Ben. Great guy, really hot, but only notices Jemima in a "romantic" sense when he sees how thin and blond and beautiful she is. Basically, Jemima is a buddy when she's fat and smart, but she's only worth marrying when she's thin and smart.
Also, the constant fluctuation between first and third person was annoying and a little creepy. I don't want someone directly spelling out the future events...if I'm bright enough to read, then I'm bright enough to deduce foreshadowing. Thank God I bought this book for a dollar at a secondhand store.

Rating:
Summary: Like it or Not
Review: The truth is we are a society that is fixated on weight. The way JJ thought of herself or better yet did not think of herself (even after her makeover) serves as a reminder of how painful and almost debilitating it can be. My book club chose to read this selection this month and I started off generally enjoying the book and not wanting to put it down. But the ending was so cliched and kinda off putting. I mean really girls need to start thinking more about themselves than to take someone who would not give you the time of day (even when they connect in the more real ways) simply because of their outer appearance. But of course I am being naive to think we could live this way, I know I know. Still and all, it was a fun read just kinda anticlimatic!!

Rating:
Summary: absolutely delicious!
Review: this is one of the very few books that i just can't put down! it was hilarious and i could totally relate to the characters. currently reading "straight talking". very good so far. everybody should read "jemima j."!