When I was in Elementary school, I remember being picked on by most of my classmates because I didn’t dominate the language. I was determined to learn English by the end of my 5th grade year, so I asked my teacher for extra reading material. Once in middle school, I looked forward to the first 30 minutes of my English class because we had to read silently. I remember thinking that I would always put myself in people’s places, to understand how they feel. So, when reading a book I always put myself in the characters place, and hence the laughing out loud in public, and the crying when "no one" is watching. Anyway, this reminded me of a book I read a while back, and it was a book that made me laugh, but most of all I could relate to the heroine.
Can you imagine a really hot guy (Cal) betting that he can get you into bed in less than a month? I would react just like Minerva- go along with it and teach him in a lesson (of course it was all a misunderstanding). In Minerva’s case, wanting revenge backfired because she fell in love in the process. Haven’t most of us experienced the “I want you back because I didn’t realize what a good thing I had” with an ex? It’s always fun to see a little competition too.
Finally, don’t most of us struggle with our weight? I mean sure, when I was in high school I was 110lbs so I never worried about it (don’t you dare ask how much I weigh now). Anyway, don’t we all know someone that is calorie obsessed and makes us feel guilty? Honestly, I got to a point in which I was tired of every single heroine being so "beautiful" and "almost perfect". I mean, sure it’s nice to picture the characters good looking, but it’s always nice to relate to an amazing personality. If you haven’t read this book, I suggest that you do. AND if you haven’t read anything by Crusie, you are out of your mind! Get to it! I promise you will enjoy it because Crusie is definitely fantabulous.
P.S. The greatest English teacher I had in high school was Overton (Happy now?! Please write a review ASAP).
I struggle with the whole perfect vs. imperfect heroine thing. Most (not all, but most) of the books I've read with a non-stick-figure heroine had a hard time portraying the lady as anything other than, well, fat. And that always bothers me. I don't want to picture the leading lady as a cow! However, I agree... sometimes it's nice to read about a woman that isn't totally perfect and supermodel thin. And, if the author can pull it off, even better.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this book, I was just tired if reading about "Ms.Perfect". It wasn't realistic, and I wanted to relate to a heroine. Crusie does a good job of not portraying Minerva as a cow. I don't think I could read a sex scene if I pictured a cow. Nope.
ReplyDeleteI really like how Jennifer Crusie makes her books about the "chubby" girl. It a nice change.
ReplyDeletethis was my first Jennifer Crusie book. i enjoy her because she's hilarious, her tone is light hearted but there is still meat to her story. i have noticed that all her books showcase a fuller figure woman & i'm ok with that. i'm also ok with the so called perfect women, as long as the story is good.
ReplyDeleteAs long as the story is good, I am okay with anything. I just wanted to read something different, and the "chubby" girl theme is a nice change. Stephanie made a good point, some authors can't write about the "chubby" girl without making them sound terrible.
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