Rating: 
Summary: A mix of happy and sad
Review: An Actual Life tells of the miserable marriage between Virginia and Buddy, two just-out-of-high-school sweethearts who married out of duty. A year later, there is nothing between them but forced politeness, a lingering ex-girlfriend, and a daughter named Maddie.Their story is one of sadness, painful truth, and the realization that marriage is no cakewalk. Virginia and Buddy have their happy moments, but they are short-lived, especially when Buddy's ex, Irene, is around. The best thing that came out of this shotgun wedding is Maddie, who brings out the best in mommy and daddy. An Actual Life is a terribly sad and poignant novel written with a sense of humor. There are very funny parts in this novel, even about not-so-funny situations. A quick, easy read with a very powerful message.
Rating:
Summary: A mix of happy and sad
Review: An Actual Life tells of the miserable marriage between Virginia and Buddy, two just-out-of-high-school sweethearts who married out of duty. A year later, there is nothing between them but forced politeness, a lingering ex-girlfriend, and a daughter named Maddie. Their story is one of sadness, painful truth, and the realization that marriage is no cakewalk. Virginia and Buddy have their happy moments, but they are short-lived, especially when Buddy's ex, Irene, is around. The best thing that came out of this shotgun wedding is Maddie, who brings out the best in mommy and daddy. An Actual Life is a terribly sad and poignant novel written with a sense of humor. There are very funny parts in this novel, even about not-so-funny situations. A quick, easy read with a very powerful message.
Rating: 
Summary: Delightful, and well written!
Review: Having read her previous book, getting over tom, I was excited to read a continuation of one of her short stories from the book, about Buddy and Virginia, in "An Actual Life". Thomas' writing is so exquisite, that you feel like you're reading the confessions and inner thoughts of Virginia, her main character. Everything about this book was wonderful. I finished the book with a smile on my face and hope her other readers will too. Keep up the good work Thomas!
Rating:
Summary: Delightful, and well written!
Review: Having read her previous book, getting over tom, I was excited to read a continuation of one of her short stories from the book, about Buddy and Virginia, in "An Actual Life". Thomas' writing is so exquisite, that you feel like you're reading the confessions and inner thoughts of Virginia, her main character. Everything about this book was wonderful. I finished the book with a smile on my face and hope her other readers will too. Keep up the good work Thomas!
Rating:
Summary: Delightful, and well written!
Review: Having read her previous book, getting over tom, I was excited to read a continuation of one of her short stories from the book, about Buddy and Virginia, in "An Actual Life". Thomas' writing is so exquisite, that you feel like you're reading the confessions and inner thoughts of Virginia, her main character. Everything about this book was wonderful. I finished the book with a smile on my face and hope her other readers will too. Keep up the good work Thomas!
Rating:
Summary: a bittersweet read
Review: I found this book entertaining and uplifting, even though it deals with some depressing circumstances. Virginia's portrayal of a girl who found herself "in trouble" and remains in trouble is insightful, and I felt that she was truly a real person trying to be a real person. A wonderful book that I felt like re-reading as soon as I finished.
Rating:
Summary: Gave me a chuckle - "har har"
Review: I found this book to be a very fun read. The story was told in a simple yet vivid manner that made it real. The main character Virginia made me laugh out loud with her thoughts and attitudes about manners and superstitions. It isn't a 'happy' story but the characters and situations made it great.
I was sitting in a workshop today wondering what was going to happen to Buddy & Virginia. I had to find out how the story would end. Check it out!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I had a very hard time with this book. None of the characters were likeable. I lost sympathy for Virginia because she was so passive about everything. The type of the book is so big, and the book itself so short (235 pages) that sometimes I wondered if I was reading a teenybopper novel.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I read this book in one day. It broke my heart in one minute. On the first few pages you see Buddy has left Virginia. You already know what is going to happen. You want to spare sweet Virginia all the upcoming pain, but you can't. I knew things would never be grand again for these two children, not that they ever were. But I continued to read although I knew the end. And I'm glad I did. Thomas' words were beautiful. This book exuded emotion. Virginia's adoration with her daughter was precious and I feel, held her together when Buddy and Irene were grinding their shoes into her heart. I knew she would have the strength to leave, and I was glad when she finally did. I knew she would be okay.
Rating:
Summary: In all our lives, a little sadness must fall.
Review: I read this book in one day. It broke my heart in one minute. On the first few pages you see Buddy has left Virginia. You already know what is going to happen. You want to spare sweet Virginia all the upcoming pain, but you can't. I knew things would never be grand again for these two children, not that they ever were. But I continued to read although I knew the end. And I'm glad I did. Thomas' words were beautiful. This book exuded emotion. Virginia's adoration with her daughter was precious and I feel, held her together when Buddy and Irene were grinding their shoes into her heart. I knew she would have the strength to leave, and I was glad when she finally did. I knew she would be okay.
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