Reviews

Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner

gfox's review against another edition

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2.0

I really enjoyed Good in Bed back when i first read it. So much so that i reread it several times, in fact! So I had anticipated its sequel with great excitement, to say the least. Unfortunately it fell very short for me, mostly because of the terrible, terrible ending. I mean, can we say unnecessary? I actually did enjoy the first two-thirds or so, finding the relationship between mother and daughter touchingly realistic... but that ending really soured things for me.

catymart83's review against another edition

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3.0

I loved "Good in Bed" so I was excited about this sequel; but I am disappointed in its execution. While I loved the first half of the book, the ending was really poorly done. I don't know if the author Jennifer Weiner was trying to create a more "literary" novel but it just didn't work for me. This is chick lit-not high literature so I expect a happy ending darn it! Especially with such a great heroine as Cannie Shapiro. All in all it was o.k. I really loved the Tamsin character though-a geek girl after my own heart.

mschrock8's review against another edition

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3.0

Lots of faith and hope and struggle in this book about several generations of a blended family. I especially liked the parts when Joy volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House.

ktpie85's review against another edition

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3.0

2.5 rounded up this was kind of a snooze fest for me. Wasn’t into it.

ashleysilver7's review against another edition

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4.0

I didn't realize I had already read this book some time ago - like most of Weiner's books, it followed a certain pattern and was very enjoyable.

ki_cher_07's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

johnnymacaroni's review against another edition

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4.0

I have read a few Jennifer Weiner books and have really enjoyed them. When I started this one I wasn't quite sure I would relate much to the characters and story. There is a lot revolving around the daughter's bat mitzvah and the family's Jewish faith and Cannie is older, a mom, married...I just thought I wouldn't get into it. Then I realized the alternating chapters are written from the 12 yr old daughter's perspective and I actually groaned. BUT I gave it a chance and within just a few chapters I was hooked. Which I think says a lot about Weiner's writing. The story is touching, funny and thoughtful. Also the daughter's chapters, which at first turned me off, actually ended up kind of fun and making me feel like I was reading a YA book at the same time. In fact I think Weiner should maybe try her hand at the genre. Right towards the end ...just when things are coming together and problems are getting resolved we're all thrown for a loop and initially I was angry about this. In the end though I still enjoyed the story and it gave me a welcome distraction from my own problems. It's kind of refreshing sometimes to cry over some fictional person's problems isn't it?! A good read especially if you liked Good In Bed.

pnwtinap's review against another edition

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3.0

I love the character of Cannie Sharpo. I definantly understand her character from Good in Bed, but there is something about how she has changed that I can no longer relate to in this book.

erincataldi's review against another edition

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2.0

I read this in one day, but that doesn't necessarily mean I loved this book. I didn't find out until I went to post this review that this book is the second in a series. That being said I had no idea and had no problem following the storyline.

The story follows Cannie and her daughter, Joy, as they try to come to terms with Joy growing up. The alternating chapters really help illustrate the gap between mother and daughter. As Joy prepares for adulthood (she's thirteen), her mom wants to put her life on hold and keep her young forever. Witty, funny, this story emphasizes the complexities of mother and daughter relationships and the strength and understanding needed to stay sane.

Overall, this was alright but not earth shattering. Good read for those that like chick lit.

judithdcollins's review against another edition

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3.0

"Jennifer always keeps you laughing! You must read all her books!"