Jennifer

When I first downloaded this book I dismissed it as chick lit, not exactly heavy lifting, and thought it would be something mindless to listen to during my commute.

Once I got further into it, I realized the book had a lot of depth, and I could not put it down. I brought my iPod in from my car so I could listen to it at home 3 nights. I finished it a week ago, and still can't stop thinking about it. This was a really engrossing book. I can't remember the last time I've been so personally invested in fictional characters, or that I've cried so hard over a book. I just wish I hadn't finished it so I could still be listening to it!

It's hard to describe how much I hated this book. It had so much potential, and the celebrities and authors who did cameo appearances are some of my favorites. But this book was a flop from start to finish. First, the author/narrator's voice is grating. The guest appearances are awkward. The subject matter is fairly interesting, but not presented in a fresh or amusing way. The author is heavy handed in injecting her political views into the piece and insulting those who are not in lock-step agreement. She is the most painfully politically correct author I've ever encountered (she was aghast when a church choir of 30 only had two African American members) I am not a religious person, but even I found her derisive tone when discussing religion offensive. Overall, I wasted a lot of time listening to this book hoping it would get better and that I would at least learn something, and I'd like that time back.