Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: After reading several books of this same genre, I was really looking forward to reading a Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing. However to my disappointment I found that I was the one doing the hunting -- for the plot and characters. At the beginning of most chapters I had no idea who the characters were. When she finally gave it away, I had to go back and reread the first few pages to make sure that I was following the story. Then there was one chapter in the middle of the book had absolutely no clear point or correlation with the other characters. Who were those people and why were they there? It was never clear. I think that this book would be better if it was a series of short stories. Each with a begining, a middle, and an end. As for a Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing -I say don't bother. It isn't worth the excursion.
Rating: 
Summary: Female Salinger
Review: The style and wit of "Girls' Guide" reminded me of J.D. Salinger's writing -- not so much "Catcher in the Rye" (although Jane Rosenal and Holden Caulfield have some similarities; both funny but extremely vulnerable) but more of his "Seymour: An Introduction" and "Franny and Zooey" in the conversations between the characters. The stories weave together skillfully. The main Character, Jane Rosenal, touched both my heart and my funny bone. I loved this book and intend to read it again. And maybe again.
Rating:
Summary: Very very good and a quick read--highly recomend
Review: I loved this book so much that I took it with me everywhere until I finished it. I even sat and read it instead of bowling. It was SO good. It actually got me into reading for fun again. I loved the character and I felt like I was her. The language made me feel like I was in the book, it is very captivating and because of that, it is a very very quick read. I would really recomend that you read it. (I'm 17, in case you are looking for a comment by someone around that age or something)
Rating: 
Summary: Can you say confusing?
Review: The title and the cover of this book really caught my eye. After just finishing the book, I wish it hadn't.This book by Melissa Banks is extremely confusing. I would be reading it one night thinking, "Yeah, this is a good chapter. I get who this Jane character is." Then, in the very next chapter, I would have absolutely no idea what was going on. Banks introduces characters without any explanation or warning. The book jumps around from one time period to the next, too. I think this book had potential. Banks wrote some comical chapters, like the one that spoofs the dating book THE RULES. However, this was the very last chapter in the book! My husband would ask me, "So, how is your book?" Depending upon which chapter I was reading, my answer varied. My advice is to save your money on this one, or at least wait until it is out in paperback.
Rating: 
Summary: Some Insight from a younger reader
Review: I am only 16...soon to be 17, but i really feel that this book offered some knowledge to a world which i have yet to experience. The quest of the main character, Jane, is a story we all know, but with its own unique twist. It is easy to connect with Jane, and the novel's title, because in our hearts we are all hunting for that perfect person and then trying to reel them in the best we know how to. I enjoyed this book so much because it was so easy to relate to and the dialogue and action in the book kept me interested throughout the whole entire story. Overall, this book is a perfect example of a girl coming of age, and finding out how to love another and receive that love back. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. I am sure everyone will be able to connect to the story in one way or another.
Rating:
Summary: Tries too hard to be funny!
Review: The main aspect of this novel that made me dislike it was the humor- it is so forced and contrived! She ends each episode with a "witty" remark and it gets old FAST. An abrupt switch of characters in the middle of the book made no sense, and then those characters are never re-visited again, so you might as well skip that chapter. A fast read, and interesting enough to keep you going, if you just feel like reading something. Some good points are made about dating and how women think they should behave, but that's about it....and these are made in the very last chapter.
Rating:
Summary: Girl's Guide to Growing Up
Review: This novel was such an enjoyable read. I read it in one day as the Blizzard of 2000 blanketed my entire area and rendered me snowbound. What a delight it was to be curled up with a book that evoked so many emotions: laughter,adolescent angst, sadness, and the feelings that preside during the ebb and flow of relationships. I felt that the author skillfully captured the normal emotions of a girl as she goes through the stages of her life. Her sarcasm had such perfect timing--and was something to which I could relate since I too use sarcasm to express myself. I did feel that some chapters dragged on and one chapter had no real place in the novel, hence the four star instead of a five star rating. I was sad to say goodbye. It felt that I was leaving behind a part of me. I only hope that I can one day find another book that touched me as much as this one--and if I can't I think I will be forced to write one!
Rating:
Summary: Empty Calories Still Taste Good
Review: So it wasn't all I hoped for, I was a little annoyed that I paid for the hardback edition. I got where the story was going, I even liked Jane, but it left me a little unfulfilled. I guess I just wanted more. Maybe if she had put more scenes in like the random dinner of the downstairs neighbors ... it is kind of like in "Fargo" when Marge goes to meet the pathological liar Japanese guy. Mighty Randomness Abounds! But it makes the story that much more real and fun. So, Ms. Banks gets extra points for that added touch of humanity, not only in that scene but sprinkled throughout the tale.
Rating:
Summary: so, so
Review: The book seemed gloomy to me. The "I said," "she said," phrases were too common and stood out like sore thumbs. Many of the lines do not flow. The f-word is used a few times.
Rating:
Summary: Wanting more
Review: I'm not a big reader which surprised me when I realized I couldn't go a day without reading more about Jane's life. I laughed out loud in parts, feeling at times I've done/said/experienced what Jane was going through. Everyone has dealt with some of her angst and worries at one time or another and I feel anyone would be able to connect with the character. The only disappointment I have experienced is going back to Amazon and searching for another Melissa Banks book and finding this was her first. I'll be waiting for the next release!
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