Rating: 
Summary: This Book Went NOWHERE!
Review: I really disliked the writing style used in this book. None of the chapters flow together, and the speaker is unidentifiable in certain chapters. Most of the book is told 1st person by Jane, and then there are a few RANDOM chapters where you have no idea who the speaker is, nor the purpose of the chapter. I could have skipped 2 or 3 chapters and not have missed anything. Jane as a character is dull and flat. Even though most of the story is first person (Jane) I never got to know much of Jane's inner feelings or thoughts. Reading this book was such a waste of time, I thought it would get better but there was no continuity throughout the book, and certainly no beginning, middle or end. The ending was pathetic, if there even was one. Nothing was resolved throughout the book, and nothing exciting ever happens. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!
Rating: 
Summary: If Jane Austen were writing today...
Review: Despite being in the publishing business, I don't read much contemporary fiction. I often find it dull or inane or just badly written. So when I was lent A Girls' Guide, I took it only to be polite. But by the second page, I knew I was in for a surprise. It's witty, funny, insightful, and highly readable. Jane, the protagonist, is a realistic and engaging character, and her life is easily recognizable. Her search for love isn't a whiny quest for affirmation: it's the same emotional trial-and-error routine we all go through. Her problems aren't pratfalls and escalating neuroses: they're simply missteps. Her relationship with her family isn't the usual look-how-you-screwed-me-up nonsense: it's carefully shaded with comfort and conflict. And her desire to escape her job--"reading manuscripts that aren't good enough to be books--to do anything more connected to life, well, nuff said. Most importantly, though, I just liked Jane: I'd hang out with her anyday. Combine this appeal with Banks' dead-on sense of humor and her skill with dialogue and situation, and you have a very enjoyable, worthwhile read that leaves you with a bit of truth. The only issue I could raise is the inclusion of the odd non-Jane chapter in the middle, but even then, I was happy to just keep on reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Ignore the one-star reviews
Review: I decided to write a review of this book last night when I finished it because everyone should be privy to such a warm laugh-out-loud book such as this one. I was surprised to see the number of bad reviews! I was sure the Girl's Guide would have received an across the board 5 stars! Then I read the bad ones. Ok, first of all - this book is actually a collection of short stories. The author never intended for it to be perceived as a single themed novel. Second - interchanging first person/third person is perfectly acceptable for a collection of short stories AND gives them texture. Third - the protagonist, Jane, is not the author. Finally - she (Jane) is absolutely hilarious! Therefore, so is the author (Melissa Bank.) This book deals with the all too familiar issues of coming of age as a woman in an increasingly complicated world. It deals with family issues, relationship issues, breast cancer, career, friends etc. The book is simultaneously thought provoking and highly readable. At first it seems like a Bridget Jones style light read. When you re-visit the stories about Jane, you realize how much deeper they go into the complexities of balancing all facets of life - family with relationships with jobs and how each facet is intertwined. I also enjoyed the fact that Jane's inner voice is part of her character -the inner voice in all of us that we either stifle or listen to. Part of growing up is learning to listen to that voice, and that's what Jane does. READ IT! You won't regret it. Hopefully when you finish it, like me you'll feel an overwhelming sadness that it's over.
Rating:
Summary: Very unfunny
Review: I found no humor in this book. I guess it's difficult for me to laugh at someone who obviously has too many issues to effectively deal with. I had heard that this was a good book and had gotten good reviews--I guess I shouldn't listen to others. Jane tried too hard to be funny and made way too many stupid mistakes for me to even like her. She was so neurotic, that it reminded me of that foolish "Ally McBeal" show on television (which I can't stand). I only read the whole thing to find out what happened--I thought it had to get better, but it didn't. I've passed the book on to my 30 year old sister. Maybe she'll like it--but I doubt it.
Rating:
Summary: Nowhere near as good as the 2 Bridget Jones .....
Review: ........... or Laura Zigman's' books. By the time I got to the 2nd chapter, it was clear that it was a waste of time. Being a fan of Helen Fielding, I read as many books on more or less the same subject, even if it means ordering over the net and paying that exhorbitant delivery charges. To add salt to the wound, this book was "electronically recomended" based on my Wish List. Give this one a skip, yah. Not even for summer reading!
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!
Review: "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing" was a book I was skeptical about from the beginning. However, it proved my wrong 10 times over with it's witty remarks, real-life situations, and something virtually everyone can relate to in every page. Melissa Bank succeeds in writing about real-life realistically and still making it readable, relatable, and humorous! I plan on reading it again........I especially enjoyed watching her relationship w/ Archie. I am starting to read the comparable "Otherwise Engaged," and hope it is as good as this book....
Rating:
Summary: I don't get it
Review: I can't believe the accolades this book has received! I found it to be completely fragmented and disconnected. Most of the chapters are written in the first person (Jane, presumably), then in the middle of the book there is a chapter written in the first person (but not Jane). Why? Leaves storylines up in the air. I mean, is that entertainment? Anyone can start something and just not finish it. Very confusing. Also, found Jane's "revelations" to be dull and flat. No continuity with characters, you never quite know who's who. One of the worst I've ever read. Dry!
Rating:
Summary: My Newest Favorite Book
Review: When I heard how wonderful this book was from so many people, I was my typically sceptic self. But by the twelfth page I was hooked. Line and sinker. Prepare yourself to actually laugh out loud and for you eyes to well up with tears. It is like nothing else you have read and you will not be dissapointed.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Summer Reading!
Review: I loved The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing. I found it very witty, insightful and highly original. Melissa Bank really offers a unique perspective. There seems to be quite a debate in the reviews about what the best current reads are for single women in their 20's and 30's. For what it's worth (and I've read them all), my favorites are (in no particular order): The Girl's Guide; Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason; and Fried Calamari.
Rating:
Summary: SO SO SO GOOD
Review: I am going to make this brief on purpose, to avoid the gushing I want to do. This book is FABULOUS! MUCH better than Otherwise Engaged and Bridget Jones. Each of the short tales were as engrossing and involved as a novel. I loved this book! And I cannot wait to find the "restored mansion on the Hudson" on a Saturday "just to sit in an Adirondack chair and read the newspaper and look at the river."
|
