Rating: Summary: A Satisfying Sequel Review: I've read a few other reviews of this book, and I'm beginning to realize that people don't "get" the character of Bridget Jones. This sequel picks up almost immediately where the original left off, and yet some readers want Bridget to have grown up, got a better job, become secure in her relationships, chosen better friends, curb her obsessive qualities, and be blissfully happy. Sorry, but the reason Bridgit is so funny, and so many of us love her, is because we ARE her, in varying degrees. I love the fact that she is wrestling with insecurities about her looks, a nasty boss, a mother who is totally nuts, and a boyfriend who may want someone else. Sounds like my life. Some of the situations she gets herself into in this book seem far-fetched, but they are hysterical nonetheless. This book is full of laughs - just don't expect that Bridget has suddenly become a grown-up. Jeez, how boring!
Rating: Summary: Not just for Singletons! Review: I am 66 years old, married for 40 years, but I can relate to Bridget...she takes me back to the time when I was single, living with two roommates in a city apartment and wondering if there would be a Mr. Darcy in our futures! We giggled about each others' suitors, and gave unsolicited advice. We had office flirtations, just as Bridget does and all the interesting men were always taken, married or not interested in us...We had Mothers like Bridget's who called us with advice and suggestions that we meet the unattractive sons of their friends. We met our share of absolute "creeps"! I have been keeping my own diary for over 35 years and yes, I start each entry with my weight on that day! I recommend Bridget Jones to anyone who has had a "Mark Darcy" or a "Rebecca" in their life, and who wants to read an entertaining book that will definitely divert them from the stress of reading about current events in the day's newspapers!
Rating: Summary: As good as the first...but realize it's a different book Review: Bridget Jones is growing up right before our very eyes! So, to my review predecessors...of course she's maybe not as intriguing in the same ways as she was before. But in many other ways, it's much better! As readers, we know her better by now and sometimes may feel that we can predict her actions. This is, of course, not the case. Bridget goes down all sorts of unexpected paths...and does things we may never have dreamed possible. All the while, re-shaping her personality as we watch closely. She's even more fascinating and unbelievable than before. I loved it!
Rating: Summary: Great Sequel Review: I enjoyed Bridget Jones Diary very much and couldn't wait for the sequel. I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. Bridget is such a flake and her adventures in life and love had me laughing out loud. I hope there is a follow-up where she and Mark Darcy get married and have kids. I'd LOVE to hear her reflections on childbirth! Especially enjoyed the Colin Firth interview. I'd recommend checking out Nick Hornby's High Fidelity and About a Boy. His protagonists are male variations of Bridget.
Rating: Summary: hilarious! couldn't bear to put this book down. Review: Once I learned that this book was out, I ran out and bought it. I couldn't bear to put it down. I laughed so hard at Bridget's various misfortunes. I highly recommend to all! =)
Rating: Summary: Get a U.S. editor, please! Review: I thought this sequel was much funnier and better written than the original. Bridget comes off much more well-rounded, and one sympathizes more with her predicaments (especially her over-the-top obsession with Colin Firth!). Not surprisingly, I have always loved Persuasion as well. Number of times Hillary Clinton's name is misspelled in U.K. version of book, 1. Gaaah!
Rating: Summary: I can't wait for more! Review: Helen Fielding's books have made me laugh until I thought I would pass out from lack of air. Literally. The books which can make that happen can be few and far between and when I find one I pass it on and on and read it over and over. And every time I read certain passages in this book, or think about them, even days later, I laugh hysterically. Read it! If you are a woman in your 30s, and single, especially, read it!
Rating: Summary: Plot falters a bit at end, but hilarious & insightful Review: Once again, Helen Fielding has made me laugh out loud, nod my head appreciatively, and inspired me to read passages out loud to anyone who will listen. "Edge of Reason" is a worthy successor to Bridget Jones I: hilarious, insightful, entertaining. The plot does lose focus toward the end with the introduction of a melodramatic Thailand twist. This portion of the book is unbelievable and self-conscious - makes you aware that Bridget is merely a character, rather than the very real person she is elsewhere in the book. But this relatively minor flaw was far outweighed by the pure, unadulterated pleasure I took in reading the book. Is this novel the literary equivalent of a "chick flick"? I don't think so; I think there is more than enough substance and humor to the book that no matter what your gender or marital status, you will enjoy it.
Rating: Summary: Lacks charm of the original Review: The first novel, Bridget Jones' Diary, was interesting for being new -- a chatty, self-obsessed memoir that was a send-up of insecure women who are not in control of their lives, who are desperate for a man to give them the value that they should recognize that they already have, and that are suffering from co-dependence on their friends/family. Bridget was mad for dieting, mini-skirting, and getting herself into absurdly funny situations that made the book blend into one huge laugh. The Edge of Reason has lost the charm of the first book, so that I found (you may not) the characters annoying -- too much self-pity and dodging into alcohol-oblivions. Bridget hasn't grown as we like to see characters develop into more mature perspectives. She's devolved, getting silly rather than amusing. Her relationship with Mark Darcy is shallow. There is no real intimacy beyond the constant shagging (not that anyone would begrudge her that). Mark and Bridget don't share at any depth. It's all surface, and Bridget is madly insecure about her relationship (no wonder), given to whining and fantasizing doom, when just sitting down and having an honest talk about things would set the two up for an adult relationship. I realize it is meant to be funny, but it gets tedious awfully fast. When Mark tells Bridget that he loves her, I want to shout "WHY? " There are still some very funny scenes here, described with the original Bridget style. Bridget gets into a predicament on vacation that is well presented but gets solved too easily. Wellington, who wanders into her mother's life, is terribly interesting and disappears far too soon. Mark Darcy comes off the hero, but he seems to be in all the scenes, with Bridget co-dependent, desperate, and foolish. I'm hoping the next sequel allows Bridget to grow up, take charge of her life, get a better job (she deserves it), and get some self-respect.
Rating: Summary: Helen Fielding is the Author of Our Times! Review: I thought that Helen Fielding's first book, "Bridget Jones' Diary" was great, but I was mistaken: this book far outshines it. I was so happy to see that Bridget finally found her man and although I try to maintain my status as a modern woman, I couldn't help but root for Bridge and Mark. I wanted to love to conquer all. It was especially great to see the characters' further development, particularly witchy Rebecca. I read this book in four hours because I couldn't put it down, every page held a new crazy situation that Bridge had gotten herself into. My husband, and fellow passengers on the subway, were especially perturbed each time I laughed out loud. I can't wait for Helen Fielding's next book.
|