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lizjane's review
2.0
I've got no problem with Hamilton's writing style and I love that she's a famous Wisconsin author who lives down the road from me. This book is lighter and smaller than her previous ones, but I found it unbelievable and I didn't care much about the wacky characters. 2.75 stars
heather_g's review
2.0
Well-written but had quite a few lovey-dovey parts that made me want to puke. It was an interesting story of a woman who subtly encouraged her husband to take a lover by helping him compose emails to the female radio personality. Coincidentally, adultery is one of my least favorite topics, so that immediately turned me off to the book. And all three individuals were completely clueless middle-aged persons. Perhaps it's the Gen Xer in me but all I can say is "Really? You really what to go there? Really?"
kerry_connors's review
2.0
This wasn't my favorite of Jane Hamilton's book - interesting concept for a story, but it's hard to envision duty carried to this level of dedication.
momadvice's review
2.0
I am a huge fan of Jane Hamilton's work and was so looking forward to reading this. I will admit that the cover and immediately laugh-out-loud opening chapter are what sucked me in.
From that point on, the novel went downhill for me. What I thought was going to be a funny book soon turned into a very strange world complete with talk of aliens, knee families, and other made-up stories.
The ending didn't really draw any conclusions and the plot did not seem to go anywhere.
I would recommend this as a quick beach read, but not to be surprised if the opening chapter is the best part about this book. I have not given up on Jane Hamilton though and am hoping that her next book will be as great as that first chapter of this one!
From that point on, the novel went downhill for me. What I thought was going to be a funny book soon turned into a very strange world complete with talk of aliens, knee families, and other made-up stories.
The ending didn't really draw any conclusions and the plot did not seem to go anywhere.
I would recommend this as a quick beach read, but not to be surprised if the opening chapter is the best part about this book. I have not given up on Jane Hamilton though and am hoping that her next book will be as great as that first chapter of this one!
anarag's review against another edition
4.0
This book is quite a departure from Jane Hamilton's other novels, which are harrowing and strike to the heart. (I love them but I can only read one about every five years as they haunt me thereafter. Thankfully, she is not prolific in her output.) Here, she allows her detailed observations of human frailties, foibles, ego and love to emerge in humorous, satirical ways.
khoerner7's review against another edition
2.0
I was a little confused with this one. It was short and a quick read but I didn't understand the characters or their choices. Laura Rider wants to be a writer and is tired of sex with her husband Charlie. He happens to meet a local celebrity and Laura's idol, an NPR radio personality. The two exchange e-mail addresses. Laura works on her writing skills by composing e-mail messages with Charlie to seduce the radio person. You were supposed to belive (I think) that these people are rather guiless and everyone is getting what they wanted. It was just too odd and flat for me.
abbeyreadthis's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
radiorobin's review against another edition
2.0
Hmmmm.
I enjoyed the humor and the unusual plot in this book, but I'm more than a tad confused at what I'm to take away from the book. Is it the inevitable cooling of lust? The downfall of literature? Do I even care?
I'll let this book settle with me and maybe gain some insight...but most likely I'll just pick up a new book and try and forget Laura Rider and her masterpiece.
I enjoyed the humor and the unusual plot in this book, but I'm more than a tad confused at what I'm to take away from the book. Is it the inevitable cooling of lust? The downfall of literature? Do I even care?
I'll let this book settle with me and maybe gain some insight...but most likely I'll just pick up a new book and try and forget Laura Rider and her masterpiece.
momadvice's review against another edition
2.0
I am a huge fan of Jane Hamilton's work and was so looking forward to reading this. I will admit that the cover and immediately laugh-out-loud opening chapter are what sucked me in.
From that point on, the novel went downhill for me. What I thought was going to be a funny book soon turned into a very strange world complete with talk of aliens, knee families, and other made-up stories.
The ending didn't really draw any conclusions and the plot did not seem to go anywhere.
I would recommend this as a quick beach read, but not to be surprised if the opening chapter is the best part about this book. I have not given up on Jane Hamilton though and am hoping that her next book will be as great as that first chapter of this one!
From that point on, the novel went downhill for me. What I thought was going to be a funny book soon turned into a very strange world complete with talk of aliens, knee families, and other made-up stories.
The ending didn't really draw any conclusions and the plot did not seem to go anywhere.
I would recommend this as a quick beach read, but not to be surprised if the opening chapter is the best part about this book. I have not given up on Jane Hamilton though and am hoping that her next book will be as great as that first chapter of this one!