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kelldozer's review against another edition
3.0
I was really looking forward to reading this, as I loved "Good in Bed."
I'm really glad that I didn't purchase the e-book and instead borrowed it from the library, as I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the one that preceded it.
The back and forth chapters were a little confusing at times, especially when picking up the book after setting it down for a while -- which I did frequently because I just couldn't get into the book.
I am glad that I read it; it was nice to get an update on the lives of all the characters.
I'm really glad that I didn't purchase the e-book and instead borrowed it from the library, as I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the one that preceded it.
The back and forth chapters were a little confusing at times, especially when picking up the book after setting it down for a while -- which I did frequently because I just couldn't get into the book.
I am glad that I read it; it was nice to get an update on the lives of all the characters.
eggjen's review against another edition
3.0
Writing a followup to such a successful book is no easy task - and reading the sequel to one of my favorite books is perhaps harder. It's been years since reading Good in Bed and it took me awhile to fall back into sync with the characters of the book, especially as they had all changed and aged.
I did like reading this story of Candace Shapiro and her now 12 year old daughter Joy - now that I am a parent also, I think the plot was especially interesting. There were things I didn't love about it, particularly the ending which came completely out of left field for me - but I do think it will be a story that stays with me.
I did like reading this story of Candace Shapiro and her now 12 year old daughter Joy - now that I am a parent also, I think the plot was especially interesting. There were things I didn't love about it, particularly the ending which came completely out of left field for me - but I do think it will be a story that stays with me.
ultimatekate's review against another edition
3.0
Like most of Weiner's novels, this one featured interesting and well-developed characters. The novel brings us back to Cannie, who was the heroine of "Good In Bed." It's twelve years later, and she's living happily with her husband Peter and her daughter Joy. She wrote a novel called "Big Girls Don't Cry" about her experiences, but switched her focus to science fiction after she realized that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be. Joy finds out about the novel and starts questioning a lot about her life--Did her parents even want her? Why doesn't she have a relationship with her grandfather? Why is her mom so weird?
The novel is told from both points of view, which is one of the things I really like about Weiner's writing. I think she does a good job getting into her character's heads and making them believable and relatable. There were times when I thought to myself, "Jeez, Cannie, Joy is right. Chill!" And there were other times when I wanted to smack Joy in the face and tell her that that uber-cool girl Amber didn't really like her and she shouldn't abandon her boyfriend. My issue with this book--which is kind of my issue with her fiction in general--is the huge twist ending. It felt forced. And, to be honest, I didn't like it. I thought it was just a little too much and that the novel was great when it was about the mother-daughter relationship. Why add additional drama?
The novel is told from both points of view, which is one of the things I really like about Weiner's writing. I think she does a good job getting into her character's heads and making them believable and relatable. There were times when I thought to myself, "Jeez, Cannie, Joy is right. Chill!" And there were other times when I wanted to smack Joy in the face and tell her that that uber-cool girl Amber didn't really like her and she shouldn't abandon her boyfriend. My issue with this book--which is kind of my issue with her fiction in general--is the huge twist ending. It felt forced. And, to be honest, I didn't like it. I thought it was just a little too much and that the novel was great when it was about the mother-daughter relationship. Why add additional drama?
allisondenae's review against another edition
5.0
Weiner is my favorite author, and she really out-did herself with this one. She explores the mother-daughter relationship, adolescent angst, adoption, tragedy....very powerful and interesting book. I cried. A lot.
aubrey_the_explorer's review against another edition
4.0
I took a break from reading Jennifer's books for what feels like too long. This was an enjoyable read, of a nice length. I really enjoyed that story being told from both the mother and daughter's perspectives. It had several unexpected plot twists.
emerygirl's review against another edition
3.0
I was in a hurry and randomly plucked this book for the library shelf. The cover looked like a "chick-lit" book to me and so I thought I would give it a try. I didn't love it, but I liked it it. I loved the literary writing style of having each chapter written in a different first person (sort of Jodi Picalout-esque) and I loved the differences between the mom's perspective and the daugthers perspective. I thought the tragedy at the end could have been done without (it just added more more dramatic event that wasn't necessary in my opinion). But I liked it.
Update Feb 2013-- I didn't realize the first time I read this book that it was a sequel. Having read the first book the second book now makes much more sense, however it is definitely not as good as the first in the series.
Update Feb 2013-- I didn't realize the first time I read this book that it was a sequel. Having read the first book the second book now makes much more sense, however it is definitely not as good as the first in the series.
rwbb43's review against another edition
5.0
Sequel to Good in Bed. I really enjoyed the mother/daughter dynamic. Maybe too close to home?
erkadahl's review against another edition
3.0
Based on the mixed reviews of this book I wasn't sure what to expect, but I wound up liking it more than I expected. The only reason I give it 3 instead of 4 stars is due to the ending. Not what I would have expected and just kind of left me unsure.
austinreg's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0