Rating: 
Summary: sweet and deep
Review: There's a lot to like in this appealing novel about a young window getting back into the social swing. Gert, the main character was very likable and wise. And her maniacal sidekicks are very page-turnable, in a cover-your-eyes, "she just did what?!" kind of way. But what I liked best was the hopeful vibe of the novel, which approached a tough and sad break in a sweet and positive way. Nice. Tough to pull off, too. But it's done here.I also commend readings by Caren Lissner (so - full disclosure - I've been to one, and I met her!). Witty, dry, extemporaneous. If you're in an area where she has one, you should go. Did I have a beef? Well, maybe one. Todd, a potential love interest, seemed a little indistinct to me. But that might be me - I like characters with plenty of edgy qualities! Overall, though - highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: sweet and deep
Review: There's a lot to like in this appealing novel about a young window getting back into the social swing. Gert, the main character was very likable and wise. And her maniacal sidekicks are very page-turnable, in a cover-your-eyes, "she just did what?!" kind of way. But what I liked best was the hopeful vibe of the novel, which approached a tough and sad break in a sweet and positive way. Nice. Tough to pull off, too. But it's done here. I also commend readings by Caren Lissner (so - full disclosure - I've been to one, and I met her!). Witty, dry, extemporaneous. If you're in an area where she has one, you should go. Did I have a beef? Well, maybe one. Todd, a potential love interest, seemed a little indistinct to me. But that might be me - I like characters with plenty of edgy qualities! Overall, though - highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Hits the nail on the head, sensitive but still fun
Review: This book is fun to read even though it's partly about a sensitive subject. It also has alot to say about singlehood and couplehood. I read the author's other book Carrie Pilby, and this is very different from that one, but it's still smart. In the book, Gert Healy lost her husband Marc a year and a half ago. Her friends, who have been single for a long time, think it's time to take her out in New York City to get back into the dating arena. But she met her husband, Marc, in college, so she has no clue what dating is like out of school. She thinks her friends have always whined over nothing. But she also finds it hard to imagine dating anyone new. She goes along with her friends only because she thinks it might be good to get out of the house. I won't spoil all of the things that happen next, but the book says alot about how you should be able to get over someone at your own rate. A character who was very interesting was Gert's friend Erika, who is obsessive about an ex-boyfriend she still cares about. Even if she goes too far, she says she can't help it, and it's an interesting look at how people get closure on things. I enjoyed reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Says things I've been waiting to hear
Review: This book says things that I'm glad were said - about dating, loss, etc. It's funny sometimes, but it also rings true about the dating dilemmas, especially in my experience. The main characters, Gert Hallie and Erica, have different kinds of dating and life issues. When Gert (the young widow) finally dates and sees how awful it really is, she does eventually meet an OK guy, but then has to deal with another problem, which is figuring out whether to date someone when she really still loves her late husband. She doesn't really feel ready to date and could do nothing, but sitting home all the time would cause other problems. She sees how complicated it can be, especially the scene in NYC. What I found in some ways more interesting is her friends. They have dating rules and Gert is scornful of the rules at first but then sees that after dealing in the dating scene, sometimes it's hard to avoid wanting to use them. Hallie and Erica are good characters even if they can be a little nutsy. Gert has to learn that different people have different ways of dating and getting along with the opposite sex, and you can't blame people for trying to not be alone. I liked a line a lot which is something like:
"There should be a pill to prevent you from loving the people you can't get, and to help you love the ones you can." Sorry, story of my life!
Rating: 
Summary: Another great one by Red Dress Ink
Review: This book was very touching. If you have ever loved anyone it touches you and make the book very believable and relatable. I found myself laughing and crying at the memories that Gert has through the book. I loved how along with the seriousness of her own tragedy she manages to get into funny situations with Halie and Erika. Red Dress Ink has turned up to be a great find and I can't wait for more :)
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