Rating: 
Summary: Much Better than the Movie
Review: I saw the movie this week when it came out and was mildly amused. But after hearing so much about Bridget Jones, I thought that there had to be more to it, so I bought the book and read it in two days. The book is fantastic. Bridget Jones is such a memorable character who is likeable and familiar. I could relate so much to her trials and tribulations (either through first hand experience or things my girlfriends have been through). Bridget Jones is every singleton woman wrapped in one. Yet as familiar as she is, Ms. Fielding has created an entirely unique character in Bridget. I can't wait to read Edge of Reason next. For singletons out there, I would also highly recommend In The Drink and Fried Calamari (two well worthwhile books that are as funny as they are insightful).
Rating:
Summary: Time to get noticed!
Review: While most people will read this book because of the movie version starring Renee Zellweger, its important to remember that the book has been around for quite a bit of time, and that its essential reading even if you have seen the film.The problem with reading a book AFTER you've seen the movie version is that you undeniably relive the scenes with the cinematic players in mind. Luckily, my time with this book was spent before the film opened and I was able to appreciate Helen's attempts at comedy with a better perspective on what she was trying to do - create a female character so flawed and jinxed, that it was impossible but to fall in love with her. I must say that some of the scenes here read funnier than when they made it to film. But to give it credit, the movie version excelled in portions that were more or less underplayed in the book - the blue soup incident, and the mom-on-TV segments especially. However, I must say that the quality of language and the author's writing style here are wonderful and quite exceptional. Rarely has there been a book that makes you want to meet the lead character, but this one does just fine on that count. The only concern I had is that while Bridget Jones's Diary is a journal that takes you through a girl's life in a year, the movie seemed to be more a collection of little vignettes, focussing less on the diary itself - though in the end, its the diary that brings her happiness and the man she loves. Readers may find the climax a bit silly (it looks even more contrived on film) but keep in mind this was written for twenty-somethings looking for a way to pass their time on a lonely weeknight, and not for aspiring professors of literature. Still, there are highly comic moments, and I'd have to give it to the author for sustaining my interest in the book until the very end. And yes, if you're wondering if all your favorite scenes from the movie are there in the book, well, the answer is both yes and no. And there are bits and pieces that I found essential to the story that were left out from the movie, but thats no big deal. As a novel, this reads very well, and its satisfying to learn that it will gain renewed attention now that the film version is out. On another note, when I first read the book, I did not at all picture Bridget the way Renee does her in the film. I saw her more as a plump Toni Collette ('Muriel's Wedding' and 'Emma') or a bloated Kate Winslet ('Sense and Sensibility', and 'Jude'). Also, the Hugh Grant character seems more suave and smooth than Hugh does on film - a Rupert Everett or Jeremy Northam was what I first thought of in this role. However, Bridget's mum is as funny here as she is in the film. What I really love about the entire Bridget Jones Diary madness going around is that the film really compliments the book and is a faithful reproduction, for the most part. If you're a person whos been thinking about reading this book based on the hype thats been circulating, I would urge you to get it now. For once, heres a work of comic writing thats worth your time. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: VG Story about a real girl...
Review: As a real singleton young woman, I can truly appreciate Bridget Jones' humor, and, situation. This book kept me up late at night in a giggle fest! It is so easy to relate to Bridget and her trials and tribulations. Her charm and wit are heart-warming, and incredibly readable. Helen Fielding masters the portrayal of this young lady! It is such a real and believable character that you begin to foget that she is just that-- a character. While, I suppose, some of her reactions are a bit outlandish, she acts on every impulse we carry inside of us, whether more deeply, or more shallow. Through all of her misfortunes and happiness her character is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud at many times. I can relate to Bridget Jones', and I am sure most other women can as well. Men, if you want some insight into the female psyche, read this book! Nicki
Rating:
Summary: Modern Jane Austen? Sort of.
Review: I'd heard that this book was just fluff, but I completely disagree! Maybe not all women are as obsessed with calorie-counting and dating as Bridget Jones, but everyone can find something to identify with in her chaotic life. No matter how hard Bridget tries to be the perfect Cosmo girl, she remains the ironic anti-hero -- a beacon of hope for every woman who has ever had holes in her pantyhose, run late for work, or developed a hopeless crush on the wrong man. Extra points are deserved for the London setting and the underlying Pride and Prejudice references (Jane Austen fans must read this book -- there isn't a character named Darcy for nothing. Just think of Bridget Jones as a neurotic Elizabeth Bennet, and you've got it.) It's not classic literature, but it's a very sharp, funny book.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious
Review: I thought this book was SO funny, I could hardly put it down. I am English so I understood all of the jokes and English references. However, the girl who lent it to me thought it was great also, and she's American. I'm not sure if I'll enjoy the movie as much, but the book was great.
Rating: 
Summary: As Bridget Jones would say: "V.G.!"
Review: Reading this book brought a smile to my face on just about every page. Fielding does a number of things amazingly well within this short novel: she creates full-blooded characters (though, some straining credibility with their respective eccentric behaviors!); she writes superbly, with her heroine's dry wit, non sequitors, and similes being roll-on-the-carpet hilarities; and she captures the plotless scramble of life and relations like a camera. This is a very funny novel which also is unexpectedly touching and warm; this is no bimbo's rant like some other, more "serious" novels (Amy Tan's Kitchen God's Wife comes immediately to mind). Salman Rushdie wrote admiringly of this book: "Even men will laugh," and as a man--last time I checked anyway--I can attest to that. This, along with Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale, has to be the funniest novel on the gender wars written from the female perspective.
Rating:
Summary: Bridget is someone I'd like to be friends with!
Review: I LOVED this book. It was hilarious!! The situations Bridget gets herself into are so typical of many of us "Singletons". The questins at family gatherings of "So why aren't you dating anyone?", were so true to life. It is a book I have loaned to all of my girlfriends. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: nearly perfect
Review: I laughed quite a lot reading this book, and I think you will too. The characters were extremely vivid, although I personally thought the whole thing with Bridget's mum was farfetched and didn't _really_ need to be in there at all. (Plus I thought the whole mooning over Mark Darcy to be a bit all-of-a-sudden for me.) I don't want you to think I don't like this book -- I really do! A nice little bonus for me was that the diary records Bridget's goings-on in 1995, when I spent fall semester studying abroad in London and would watch "Blind Date" and "Pride and Prejudice" whenever they were on, like Bridget. (Developed a huge crush on Colin Firth, thus I am panting to see the movie.) Very amusing, but hardly why I like the book, which is so very witty and charming and clever and silly and scary and sad, all at the same time. Believe me, you won't be sorry you read it.
Rating:
Summary: Bridget is Me!
Review: This is a great book to read on the bike at the gym. Fluffy enough -- but I could totally relate. I sure don't miss dating!
Rating:
Summary: Must avoid urge to describe as v.g....oops
Review: What can I say? This isn't exactly War and Peace but it is sweet, funny, and well-observed. Every woman should be able to relate to Bridget somehow. And if you are 32 and single like myself you'll wonder if Helen Fielding wrote the book about you. While some parts of the story will ring truer than others (does anyone really have a mother like this?) it's well worth the time to read. And at under 300 pages that's v. agreeable. (ARGH! I couldn't help myself)
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