Rating: Summary: absolutely brilliant! Review: I thought this book was really good, one of the best I've ever read. Even though I haven't quite finished it, what I have read so far is really good. I would recommend this book to everybody I know, in fact I have told anyone that's looking for a book to read, to read this book because it is so good. Now I'm babbling, but basically what I'm saying is that if you havent already read this book then you should.
Rating: Summary: A wonderfully run, engaging read... Review: I was pretty confident very early on in Thirty Nothing that I new what was going to happen in 'the end.' But what I found so interesting and fun about this book was that it didn't matter, it didn't at all detract from my enjoyment of the novel. And the main reason for that is the two central characters, Dig and Nadine, two Londoners who are fleshed-out, realistic, funny, exciting, fascinating, amusing 'people.' The characters with whom they interact are well-developed but simply aren't as dynamic as these two. The 'love interests' who distract Dig and Nadine are pretty repulsive to the readers, but you can still understand - and perhaps be annoyed at - why these two would get drawn in as they do. There's a lot of the universal 'turning 30-what the hell am I doing with my life-do I have to grow up-do I want to grow up' and so forth stuff that is easy to relate to - even though it's set in England - and is portrayed pretty honestly and true to life.But more than anything, Thirty Nothing is entertaining, funny and enjoyable. I found it a perfect distraction on the crowded subway as I made my way to and from work - helped me completely escape the misery. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants a well-written, smart, amusing read - it's simply marvelous.
Rating: Summary: Get thee to a screenwriter!!!! Review: If I had an extra wish after I exhausted the others... it would be that Lisa Jewell do nothing but write books, everyday, for the rest of her life to the exclusion of all else. Selfish, huh? No, not really, you'd thank me, it would be an act of humanity. OK- seriously now. This book is sensational. I passed it along to a friend who asked which I liked better; Ralph's Party or Thirtynothing. I thought long and hard and realized they really are at a dead heat, herein lies the difference; I felt more invested in Dig and Nadine than I did the characters of Ralph's Party because Thirtynothing is soley focused on two people while Ralph's Party is more of an ensemble piece. But they are both fantastic books, well written, highly relatable, utterly hilarious and very visual. You'll be hooked on Thirtynothing from the very first page- paragraph, I assure you. As I was reading both I kept thinking that these books would be AMAZING movies. You see the book as you read, the details are so clearly defined without endless droning text like some (dare I say it?) Oprah books. It was so easy to feel invested in these characters. Their personalities are very well fleshed out, their quirks and motivations are evident and empathetic. Lisa Jewell knows how to engage the reader thoroughly. I gave this book to a friend who read it straight through in about six hours, she couldn't stop, she was totally addicted. She finished the book last night at 10pm and then ran over to Barnes & Noble (it's opened until 11pm) and bought Ralph's Party. I don't even know if she went to sleep last night. What else can I say? Read Lisa Jewell!!!! And screenwriters... this is a PERFECT book just waiting to be adapted- heck, they both are!
Rating: Summary: As fun as "Ralph's Party" with a more detailed plot Review: Having enjoyed "Ralph's Party", I decided to read Lisa Jewell's latest creation. Nadine Kite and Digby Ryan (Dig, for short) have been best friends since primary school (what we Yanks call Grade school), and of course, as pointed out in "When Harry Met Sally", boys and girls can't really be just friends because the attraction for each other gets in the way. Once they get into what we'd consider "High School", Dig and Nadine meet the ravishing and disturbed Delilah Lillie. Dig is immediately cracked over the head by Cupid, and Nadine is insanely jealous. Delilah and Dig are soon inseperable, and Nadine finds there isn't much room in Dig's life for the girl who's been his best mate since they were kids. After graduation, however, Delilah disappears into thin air, and Dig's heart is broken. He and Nadine happen to meet up after college graduation at a pub party and rekindle their longtime friendship, with a little making out to boot. Dig decides he's totally into Nadine, but she's leaving for Manchester to start a new life and doesn't want any complicated committments getting in the way. She soon meets the repulsive Philip Rich in Manchester and begins a romance with him, much to Dig's disgusted fury. These particular bits of the past are cleverly weaved in through "flashback" format, and it works brilliantly. When Nadine and Dig both turn 30, they realize they purposely pick "going nowhere" relationships and raise a bet: the first person to choose someone for a long-term type relationship will receive 100 pounds. As they leave the pub, they bump into none other than Delilah Lillie, now married and returned to London to "clear her head". Nadine begins to feel those jealous thorns sticking her in the side again, and Dig thinks this is a sign that he and Delilah are meant to be together (the fact that she has a husband is, apparently, a mere obstacle). Nadine informs him that this was NOT what she had in mind when she made that bet, and begins to follow and spy on them as they go on dates. Meanwhile, to even the hurt score, Nadine gets in touch with the repugnant Philip Rich again, much to Dig's anger. I could go on and on, but I realize I've talked too much. There are many plots and twists to this story, which is what makes it so great and much meatier than "Ralph's Party". A great read and loads of laughs.
Rating: Summary: The 20's were better Review: Nadine and Digby have been best friends since primary school. Both are now 30 and realize that they may just have a few commitment issues. I loved the narration of this book. Quick paced and hilarious, you could easily identify with both characters. Interesting to see the 30 year old males point of view. Of course, I had a few problems with Digby's constance search for a perfect, slim, 21 year old - but that's MY issue. You laugh through both Nadine's and Digby's misfortunes and silly games and find yourself rooting for them. I have to say that savoring the trip to the ending was much better than the actual ending itself - which was somewhat predictable. All in all a great read!
Rating: Summary: Fun, Sentimental Read for 30something Review: Having just turned 30, I related to the adventures of Dig and Nadine. Lisa Jewell has created to lovable characters for my generation. I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat of wondering what was going to happen next, right up until the last paragraph. The story seems like it could have actually happened, it being a single thirty. I definite read for anyone who has just turned thirty. It's only an age and it's not that bad as you learn through the characters of Dig, Delilah and Nadine. An excellent gift for a thirtieth birthday. The dialogue is smart and witty, it's not pretenious like a lot of new writers. I anxiously await Lisa Jewell's next novel.
Rating: Summary: Great book, easy to relate to, great Brit humor. Review: I loved this book. The characters are superb, with the inner monologues being right on target -- I was impressed by Ms. Jewell's ability to write so well from the male perspective. I can only guess that the female lead character was also very well written from a woman's point of view. It's a great story with some nice twists, and the locales and expressions of urban London seem to be drawn very well. I love the humor of the book, though it's British, there's little that the average American reader will not understand (though there are a few items of geography which would no doubt make for some even more enjoyable punch lines). A great book, and it's not just for the age group described in the title, though I come in in the low thirtysomethings, rather than a thirtynothing.
Rating: Summary: I'm Sold! Review: I'm totally smitten with this new novel by author Lisa Jewell. Her previous book "Ralph's Party" was good....but, this new one is GREAT. I love the chemistry, charm and all around good humor in this book. As a young (well...fairly), single, working girl....I find these types of books (By way of the British Invasion) great fun. I love to escape into a world that never involves my paying off credit cards, the over abundance of dirty dishes under the bed or the fact that there is no one taking out my trash (but myself) This book is full of wonderful characters, great story, and great charm. I loved it! And, I think you will too.
Rating: Summary: Fun frothy read Review: This book made me laugh and think about my own love life (or lack thereof!). Dig and Nadine are true to life and fun to spend time with. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fun book that's perfect for the bath, the plane, the train, the beach or anywhere else -- this is just a great fun book to read.
Rating: Summary: Refreshing Review: Very funny, refreshing, wild. One of those books which you wish it isn't that short! It's very enjoyable.
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