Love & Marriage N A Digital Age
I really enjoyed reading this book - I devoured it in a day and immediately handed it off to my best reading buddy. Gideon's writing is relevant, fun, and where she could have very easily taken the low road in a number of places, she takes the high road every time - I was impressed by that. Alice is a very well-crafted character - someone that you like, are frustrated with, roll your eyes at, laugh at, and root for. However, there were some slight annoyances - like I figured out the 'mystery' in the first few chapters thanks to two little words. (Was that intentional?) Also, I ultimately really liked the ending, but feel like the reaction of William didn't really ring true. However, it will make you think about your relationships, communication style, and the use of electronics in your life.
Rated of 5
by Mary F. (Muskegon, Mi)
Loved It!
I felt connected to Alice right away. I also am in my mid-forties and reflecting on my life thus far. I loved the non-traditional format of the book. I loved the characters in the book and Alice's honesty and frankness as she examined her life. I had a suspicion of the ending early on in the book, but it did not keep me from enjoying it!
Rated of 5
by Andrienne G. (Azusa, CA)
I love this book! So funny!
I was crazy about this book. I didn't expect it to be so funny! The writing style reminds me of a book I read before, "Diary of a Mad Mom-to-be" by Laura Wolf. This book was a joy to read. I definitely would read this again for the laughs. I did not care too much for the "survey" or correspondence part since it took away from the story (and they weren't as funny), but I still rated it 5 stars because I liked Alice, the main character and I liked the fun factor that was infused into the story.
Rated of 5
by Mary M. (Beverly Hills, FL)
Funny, earthy, tender
This novel is a moving and creative look at the journey of one woman, and her family, to try to get back to the connections that made them a family in the first place. Alice Buckle is nearing 45, with a part-time job, two teenage children and a husband she seems to have lost touch with, and he with her, along the way. One day, a message arrives in her overflowing email in-box that shakes up her life and sets her on a path she had not expected.
The story of her and her family's attempt at a reconnection is told wittily and truthfully. The format is somewhat unusual, in that Alice and her family and friends are already fully "connected", so much of the story is not told descriptively, but through texting, e-mail, IMs, and Facebook chats. It's laugh-out-loud funny in places, and I had to reach for a tissue other times. The ending is satisfying - not giving away any plot spoilers here - though many readers will probably see it coming, as I did.
Fans of Jennifer Weiner will be happy with this book. Also, any reader who likes a well-rounded, intelligent, funny, and very real protagonist, whom you root for all the way.
Rated of 5
by Marjorie W. (Bonita Springs, FL)
Wife 22
I was not disappointed in Wife 22. I read the review by Jennifer Hershey before I started the story and was surprised that I, too, found the story a mix of humor and sadness. Enjoyed the little twist at the end; not quite what was expected. If one is looking for a light read - this is it.
Rated of 5
by Gary R. (bolingbrook, IL)
Wife 22
OK, I'm a guy reading, what I heard called chic lit? Being married over that 20 year mark, this book really opened my eyes. It made me think about how we both can, over time, take each other for granted; and how little things people do can drive others crazy. Very good read, went fast. Really enjoyed the writing style. Come on guys, pick this up, worth the time. Next time I hear those little words, turn over your snoring, I'll think of Alice!
Rated of 5
by Kim L. (cary, IL)
Looking for love
This book held my attention. I felt that the main character was well developed and likeable. I wish that the main character's husband had been more developed. I didn't feel that I really understood him. He felt sort of vanilla or bland to me.
Stranger than fiction, blending tragedy and farce, How to Create the Perfect Wife is an engrossing tale of the radicalism, and deep contradictions, at the heart of the Enlightenment.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
read more
Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
read more
Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
read more
U.S. ebook sales up in 2012, but rate of growth is slowing(May 16 2013) In 2012, trade book sales (i.e. non academic book sales) rose 6.9%, to $15.049 billion, and e-book sales continued to grow, although the rate of growth...
Full Story