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The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing

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I couldn't believe the disconnect between the reviews of this book and its content. The New Yorker actually compares it to Bridget Jones, considering, you know, all books written by women with a female person protagonist in her 20s are the same. I thought this read similar serious literary fiction. If a guy had written this book, he'd be called the next Salinger. If an older woman had written this book her proper name would exist Abigail Thomas and it would be a memoir titled Safekeeping .

To exist fair, I picked this

I couldn't believe the disconnect between the reviews of this book and its content. The New Yorker actually compares it to Bridget Jones, because, you lot know, all books written by women with a female protagonist in her 20s are the same. I idea this read like serious literary fiction. If a guy had written this book, he'd exist called the next Salinger. If an older woman had written this book her name would be Abigail Thomas and information technology would be a memoir titled Safekeeping .

To be fair, I picked this upwardly at a thrift store while on vacation and given the chick-litty appearance of information technology I had low expectations. By the first few pages, I realized this was not going to exist some silly dating stories. This was serious. Good serious.

The only reason I'm not giving it v stars is considering of the bizarre placement of the story titled "The Best Possible Lite." I got all excited to leap into the time to come with future-Jane. And so it turns out this is a story from the beginning-person point of view of a once-mentioned neighbour. That'd be fine if it e'er happened again in the collection, only it doesn't, which is weird. I trust that Bank is and then smart she had a reason for it, but I searched for meta-clues in the text and couldn't find any.

Anyways, it didn't matter. This volume was serious, lovely, beautifully written, and funny and I promise anytime it gets another shot with the critics.

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Jun 29, 2007 Blanca rated information technology it was amazing

It is a shame that Bank's prose is categorized every bit chick lit, because at that place is real weight and substance in her writing style. Perchance she gets lumped into that fluffy genre considering of her age and her contemporaries are cranking out pop fiction instead of literary fiction.

Her characters go along with humor, but it is non cheeky or plucky. If her characters were brought to life on tv, it would be a drama, non a comedy.

Like my favorite brusque story collection of all fourth dimension, The Nick Adams Stories, the

It is a shame that Bank'south prose is categorized as chick lit, because there is real weight and substance in her writing style. Possibly she gets lumped into that fluffy genre considering of her historic period and her contemporaries are cranking out popular fiction instead of literary fiction.

Her characters proceed with humour, but it is not cheeky or plucky. If her characters were brought to life on tv, it would be a drama, non a comedy.

Like my favorite brusk story collection of all time, The Nick Adams Stories, the protagonist, Jane Rosenal observes the earth as a teenager through her early on adulthood.

"I saw my life in scale: it was simply my life. It was not momentous . . . I saw myself the way I'd seen the cleaning woman in the edifice across the street. I was but 1 person in ane window. Nobody was watching, except me."

The angst is palpable and more than palatable than Holden Caulfield which makes it easy to come back to read once again and again lost afterwards resolving my ain teen angst. She wrote a follow up and I hope she keeps writing more than.

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Feb 04, 2009 carey lina rated it did not similar it

0 stars. if i wanted to spend hours hearing some other female continually question her ain abilities and judge herself mediocre, I could simply hang out with myself.

Establish in Terminal Word trash. A proficient place

Too someone edited in an extra, unrelated affiliate

Feb 29, 2008 Karen Dmytrasz rated it did not similar information technology

Based on the title, I thought that this novel would have some feminist themes, encouraging women to do things that normally men do, merely instead this was a book about a series of romantic affairs, none of which were particularly engaging, memorable or unique.

After realizing that the book was nigh relationships, at a minimum, I had hoped Ms. Banking concern would shed some new light on the woman's struggle to find a male partner in modernistic America...Instead, I found her writing to be caddy and her plot to b

Based on the title, I idea that this novel would have some feminist themes, encouraging women to do things that commonly men do, but instead this was a book near a series of romantic affairs, none of which were especially engaging, memorable or unique.

Afterward realizing that the book was about relationships, at a minimum, I had hoped Ms. Bank would shed some new light on the woman'south struggle to find a male partner in mod America...Instead, I found her writing to exist caddy and her plot to be shallow and somewhat cogitating of a soap-opera. The first affiliate was enticing, simply afterwards I found the protagonist'southward decisions and reflections to be vexingly kittenish. The main grapheme does non seem to undergo whatever emotional transforamtion or intellectual growth.

Furthermore, the novel lacked continuity, it seemed disorganized and left holes in the plot. Not a terribly satisfying read. Nonetheless I had to end the book to find out who the protagonist ultimately ends up with.

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Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice*

EXCERPT: I closed my eyes and tried to pretend I was in Nantucket.

The house we'd rented every twelvemonth there had a widow's walk - a square porch on the roof, where the wives of sea captains were supposed to have watched for their husband's ships. At night, nosotros'd hear creaks and moans. One time I thought I heard footsteps pacing the widow'due south walk. You could experience the ghosts in that house, scaring y'all in the best fashion.

If there were any ghosts in this one, they weren't moaning about husbands lost at sea simply

Extract: I closed my eyes and tried to pretend I was in Nantucket.

The business firm we'd rented every yr in that location had a widow's walk - a square porch on the roof, where the wives of sea captains were supposed to have watched for their husband'southward ships. At night, we'd hear creaks and moans. In one case I thought I heard footsteps pacing the widow's walk. Yous could feel the ghosts in that house, scaring you in the all-time manner.

If there were whatsoever ghosts in this one, they weren't moaning about husbands lost at sea simply slamming doors over modern, trivial matters, such as not being allowed to go water skiing.

ABOUT 'THE Girl'S GUIDE TO HUNTING AND Angling': Generous-hearted and wickedly insightful, The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing maps the progress of Jane Rosenal as she sets out on a personal and spirited expedition through the perilous terrain of sex, dear, and relationships as well as the treacherous waters of the workplace. With an unforgettable comic touch, Depository financial institution skillfully teases out bug of the eye, puts a new spin on the mating dance, and captures in perfect pitch what it's similar to exist a young woman coming of historic period in America today.

MY THOUGHTS: I was actually looking for something else when I came across this, stuck backside some other books on my shelf. I remember reading this not long subsequently it was beginning published, somewhere around 2000, twenty years agone at present, and then I idea that I would give it a reread and see how it has stood the examination of time. And I am delighted to say that information technology has stood up well.

Now I am not a chic lit lover. But I needed something calorie-free and easy to read, something where I wasn't going to have to remember 93 characters and their relationships with one some other, where I wasn't going to have to call up a complicated plotline with numerous twists. The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Angling ticks all those boxes.

The capacity are all separate stories, so it'southward a good book for picking up and putting down once again. Although I have to acknowledge to reading it over a twenty four hour menstruation, stretched out on the sofa watching the rain beating confronting the windows and catching a few zzzzzzzs every now and then.

I liked Jane's character. There's a lot more depth to her than your boilerplate Chic Lit heroine. She's kind, funny, smart and sassy, even if she doesn't always have much conviction in herself. And I like her human relationship with her family unit. And despite the light hearted tone, the writer does bargain with some serious bug, and does so with empathy.

I had originally planned to read then discard this, but somewhere forth the line, I changed my mind. It is at present tucked back in its fiddling hideyhole, ready for me to rediscover and hopefully enjoy again in a few more years.

And for what information technology'southward worth, IMHO The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing leaves Bridget Jone's Diary for dead.

⭐⭐⭐.seven

THE AUTHOR: Melissa Bank (born in 1961 in Philadelphia) is an American author. She has published two books, The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing, a book of curt stories, and The Wonder Spot," a novel, which have been translated into over thirty languages. Bank was the winner of the 1993 Nelson Algren Honor for short fiction. She currently teaches in the MFA programme at Stony Brook Southampton.

Depository financial institution was born in Philadelphia; her father, a neurologist, died of leukemia in his belatedly 50s. Bank attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges,and has an MFA from Cornell University.

DISCLOSURE: I own my copy of The Daughter's Guide to Hunting and Angling by Melissa Bank. I obtained it from the Gateway Volume Commutation, Gosford, NSW, Australia, probably somewhere effectually 2001/2. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating arrangement please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are as well published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

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Jul 02, 2008 Martha Wewer rated it it was ok

Recommends it for: Non many people. Read it or don't. You take been warned.

This volume was supposed to be what started the "chick lit" genre...and I don't get it. I idea it bordered on depressing. Now in all fairness, I read information technology between Jen Lancaster books so....but actually, it had a bleak, Russian winter feel to it. Jane's relationship with Archie, the alcoholic older man, was just and so sad that I wanted to beat her for even entertaining the notion of such a cocky-indulgent donkey in her life. There was nothing fun or uplifting or even redeeming about this story line. Based This book was supposed to be what started the "chick lit" genre...and I don't get it. I thought it bordered on depressing. Now in all fairness, I read it between Jen Lancaster books so....only really, it had a bleak, Russian wintertime feel to it. Jane'southward relationship with Archie, the alcoholic older human being, was merely so sad that I wanted to beat her for fifty-fifty entertaining the notion of such a self-indulgent ass in her life. There was nothing fun or uplifting or even redeeming about this story line. Based on the title, I thought the book would have equally least some notion of a feminist "I am woman, hear me roar" theme to information technology but no. I'm not all about happy endings but jeez, let'due south not write a book enabling women to stick out a crappy, crappy relationship because the graphic symbol has unexplained "daddy issues." If the author was going to go down that road, at least put up a street sign and so the reader would know whether they wanted to scout the main character prowl down the thruway to self-destructionville. Okay, I am done. Read it or don't. Yous have been warned. ...more

Ok... I read this volume a while ago. I saw it on our bookshelf and realized I had completely forgotten what it was nearly. I decided to re-read it... and estimate what? I cannot remember what it is about. I don't recall I can go for a tertiary time. I have to say that the cover and title seduced me. Apparently, the story didn't. Ok... I read this book a while agone. I saw it on our bookshelf and realized I had completely forgotten what it was about. I decided to re-read it... and guess what? I cannot remember what it is most. I don't think I tin become for a third fourth dimension. I have to say that the embrace and title seduced me. Patently, the story didn't. ...more than

My favorite story is "Avant-garde Beginners." I could read a whole novel nearly Jane at xiv. Melissa Bank really has a flair for one-liners. I beloved when her brother asks if she read the Norwegian philosophy book he gave her, and she says, "I spent about a month reading it 1 afternoon." I love all the little details in her stories because she doesn't beat y'all over the head with them. They're thin and significant. You don't have to skip over long descriptions of trees and wallpaper and shit. It'due south a My favorite story is "Avant-garde Beginners." I could read a whole novel about Jane at xiv. Melissa Banking concern really has a flair for ane-liners. I dearest when her brother asks if she read the Norwegian philosophy volume he gave her, and she says, "I spent about a month reading it one afternoon." I love all the piffling details in her stories considering she doesn't beat you over the head with them. They're thin and significant. Y'all don't take to skip over long descriptions of trees and wallpaper and shit. Information technology's all witty, meaningful, and interesting. "The Best Possible Calorie-free" isn't told from Jane's perspective. It's all about characters we don't give a total shit most, then I skipped it and will pretend information technology doesn't be. Fully enjoyed "My Old Man" and one time again I couldn't stop myself from imagining Alec Baldwin as Archie (p.s. If you like this volume, avoid the motion picture adaptation. It's horrendous). "The Worst Thing a Suburban Daughter Could Imagine" is nigh her dad dying of cancer, and then I skipped that too because Christ. "You lot Could Be Anyone" is funny and sharp and written in the 2nd person, merely if I'd known she was going to get breast cancer halfway through, I'd have skipped it likewise. At that place'southward also much death and cancer in this book. "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Angling" was fun and sweet. A nice coda to an uneven but entertaining collection. I'm rating this based on the stories I actually read. The others are dead to me. Of cancer, no doubt. ...more

Jun 19, 2008 Staci rated it did not similar it

This book drove me crazy. So many of my friends loved it and insisted I read it. I hated information technology. I thought I was missing something, so I read it once more. Still hated information technology. Ugh.

February 14, 2009 Miriam rated it liked it

1 of my roommate's boyfriends told me that I needed to acquire something about feminine mystique. He was probably correct considering I take never understood many things about women...like why some have so long in the bathroom, and why every fourth dimension a driver is repeatedly running into the garage wall while backing out, it turns out to be a woman (why?). Sometimes I read books such as this in an effort to find feminine mystique.

Ths volume is well-nigh a adult female and the men she dates. The adult female is on a postmodern

Ane of my roommate'south boyfriends told me that I needed to learn something about feminine mystique. He was probably right because I take never understood many things about women...like why some take so long in the bathroom, and why every time a driver is repeatedly running into the garage wall while backing out, information technology turns out to be a woman (why?). Sometimes I read books such as this in an effort to find feminine mystique.

Ths book is near a woman and the men she dates. The woman is on a postmodern search for a soulmate and she moves from one lover to the next.
The chief trouble I accept with this graphic symbol is that her identity is largely defined by dating and the men she is dating although her rebellion against guides to dating is an endeavour at making information technology seem like that is not the instance. This book makes me wonder if the reason some women take so long in the bathroom is considering they are so lost in the search for their own identity that they can't find their mode out of the bathroom stall.

The high point of this volume is that it reminded me of 1 of my all-time babyhood friends. The low point was that it reminded me of why nosotros stopped being friends.

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Aug eleven, 2011 Kim rated it really liked information technology

Recommends it for: lost and incurable

"It occurred to me that the quiet in the suburbs had nothing to do with peace."

I believe it is time for some other identity crisis. It has been a few years. My neurosis is making farm animals out of dust clusters in this particular corner and screaming to be taken for a walk. It'due south fourth dimension to lube up and face the fact that I might simply be condign one of those women that I want to boot in the shins with my doc martens and spit and spew snarky, inappropriate, gen x'er, manifesto-esque, Jenny Holzer Trui

"It occurred to me that the tranquility in the suburbs had nothing to do with peace."

I believe it is time for another identity crunch. Information technology has been a few years. My neurosis is making farm animals out of dust clusters in this particular corner and screaming to be taken for a walk. It'southward time to lube up and face the fact that I might simply exist condign one of those women that I want to kick in the shins with my doc martens and spit and spew snarky, inappropriate, gen x'er, manifesto-esque, Jenny Holzer Truisms back at their vapid expressions. Harsh? Y'all think?

Except… I remember… maybe it'southward not so bad. I nod and smile at people in the hamlet market place. I cramp at leaving the house afterward 8pm. I attend Family unit Fun Night at the local park. I read to the 1st graders at the elementary school. I similar drinking wine on my deck. WTF? I have to dubiousness all my actions at present. I'yard losing my edge and information technology's such a glace slope into Dullsville.

Reading TGGTHAF did not numb this dark and stormy mood. I had heard from other readers that it let them downwards. I accept learned from Papa Ingalls '…don't take expectations. Expectations in your life but atomic number 82 to giant disappointments.' (Seriously???… Highway to Sky, my ass….) Still, I did get in with a bad mental attitude.

Thing is, I really did savor these little stories. They made me recall back to college when I was reading Lust and Cocky-Help: Stories and wanting so much to emulate these amazing writers. I can't fault Melissa Banking company for doing what I always wanted to. Yes, at that place are the familiar scenarios: showtime love, jealousy, cancer, parental death, yadda yadda yadda… Christ, someone somewhere actually should throw out some of these formulas. Damn writing teachers! 'Write what you know!' That's fine if yous don't come beyond as clichéd or, god forbid, tiresome. What I similar about these stories are that they middle (more often than not) on the same character, Jane, then yous see her growth and still get to chuckle at her snarcastism. "he tried to smile, but it was just a shape his mouth made".

In that location are so many times while reading that one-liners similar this stopped me and fabricated me read them once more. To me, that makes it worthy of at to the lowest degree 3 stars. Banking concern brings it to the next level by making me care about this girl and to see the fault lines before the rumble. Sure, it'south all part of the plan but it still sucked me in. "When y'all mention antidepressants, he looks at yous equally though all of a sudden discovering that you have the depth of a Doublemint twin."

The second-person-singular story

"You Could be Anyone" amped this up to iv stars. I am a sucker for this narrative. I always have been. It's overly dramatic and information technology brings the story right to me. I am 'you' and I am merely fine with that.

"At Christmas-and Hanukkah-and Kwanza time yous're blue because yous don't belong to a faith, and his---psychoanalysis---doesn't have whatever holidays. He makes a candelabrum out of wire hangers and duct record. He lights sparklers and wings a prayer, listing what he believes in---"The Bill of Rights," which he recites from memory, natural-grass baseball game diamonds, and your breasts."

Aye, in that location are many writers out there of this genre and cynics can say that Banking concern is just another wet squib. But, she's i of my wet squibs. I see the states as BFFs bantering and bumbling through girly girl things while drinking port wine out of the bottle and dribbling all down our Smiths t-shirts. Give me this so I tin can smirk at the next Junior High Spirit Dark.

The title story is as well a favorite of mine. The chase for the perfect married man. The game that must be played to attract the right guy. Jane buys the guide to finding this elusive creature and it is filled with helpful suggestions such equally: "Don't be yourself!" "Say yes to everything you lot're invited to!" "Don't say 'I love you' first! Wearable your hair long! Don't bring upward marriage!" "Don't accept a appointment less than iv days in advance!" "Don't exist funny!" "Don't be negative!" "Keep him guessing!" "Exit there!" Gah… - talk nigh making your peel crawl.

There is 1 scene that especially seizes..and hasn't let go. Jane is discussing how she and her suitable suitor have attended a series of i-act plays past David Ives. She talks about 1 in particular…

TIME FLIES, "where ii alone but sweet young mayflies meet at a pond and actually striking it off. Unfortunately, Horace and May watch a nature program on this showtime night out and observe they have a lifespan of but one twenty-four hours—and their lives are half over."

"Leaving the theater, Robert and I are both dazzled and exuberant, talking at once and laughing, and we spontaneously kiss. He says, "I want to mate with you and dice."

At that place's that whoosh of oxytocin that I'one thousand looking for. The thing that makes me wonder if I'll ever grow upwards and run across that all of this as only fiction and that the more I want to believe the more than that I volition be let downwards. That I am severely shut to becoming ane of these and that I will lose the irony.

Hither is how the volume ends (no spoiler.. not actually)

"Instead of laughing, he pulls me in. Nosotros kiss, we kiss, nosotros kiss, in front of Jezebel and all the cartoons. There is no stopping now. Both of united states are hunters and prey, fishers and fish. We are the surf n' turf special with fries and slaw. We are just 2 mayflies mating on a summer night."

Fine. Whatever. I succumb.

...more than

Aug 21, 2008 Wendi WDM rated information technology it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Sarah, Tina, Beth

This is 1 of those books that you fall in love with immediately. From sentence one to the very last, it's a book that sticks with yous.

Information technology's made up of brusque stories, snapshots of master grapheme'southward life. Even though the stories were quick I felt like I got this wonderful portrait of the grapheme Jane.

We sentry her abound upwards and coming into herself. She reminds me of a combination of my girl friends - from junior high right on up to my electric current gal pals - including my female friends that are my seni

This is one of those books that you autumn in dear with immediately. From judgement i to the very last, information technology's a book that sticks with y'all.

It'south fabricated upwards of short stories, snapshots of main graphic symbol'due south life. Even though the stories were quick I felt like I got this wonderful portrait of the graphic symbol Jane.

We watch her grow up and coming into herself. She reminds me of a combination of my daughter friends - from junior high correct on upwardly to my electric current gal pals - including my female friends that are my senior by a couple of decades. She has cocky dubiety, she has confidence, she knows what she wants and she doesn't. She test the waters over and again, just non in a whiney or abrasive manner. She rides the waves of life with such dignity. Jane is truly all of us, every woman.

The book is written then smartly, nothing is dumbed down for the readers, nor is it pretentious. It is what it is. It's plain and simple just deep and thick likewise. The characters are iii dimensional, flawed but lovely as well.

I might read more "chick lit" if chick lit was written this well!

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Oct xviii, 2013 Emily rated it it was astonishing

Sometimes you lot read the right book at the right fourth dimension in your life and it just clicks. Equally a single, independent woman living in the big city, I tin relate with Jane's journey to find out who she is and what she wants her life to be. Some reviews I've seen call this novel the first "chick lit" of the new millennium, which is both demeaning and misogynistic, putting a book written past a adult female about women in a second-form category. Sure at that place are stories about dating, only the men are used more than to ill Sometimes you read the right book at the correct time in your life and it merely clicks. Every bit a single, independent woman living in the big metropolis, I can chronicle with Jane'south journey to notice out who she is and what she wants her life to be. Some reviews I've seen call this novel the first "chick lit" of the new millennium, which is both demeaning and misogynistic, putting a book written by a woman about women in a second-class category. Certain in that location are stories nigh dating, simply the men are used more to illustrate Jane discovering who she is and what she expects from people in her life.
Bank avoids using the typical tropes of women in media: no "manic pixie dream girl" who is going to fix the male person character with her quirkiness. No "stiff female lead" who must never make a mistake or feminism is dead. No "straw feminist", an extremist who hates all men. Above all Jane is a person, with her ain dreams and desires, who makes mistakes and grows from information technology. She isn't afraid to speak her heed and fight for her own happiness.
This is all-time shown in the final story, where she tries to follow this atrocious self-help book to "grab" a hubby. The book tells her to put her true self aside and put on an act of "hard to become" so that men can enjoy the chase. She soon learns that this does not make her happy, and doesn't help her get a man that she would actually want. It was and so wonderful to see a character get through the struggles than many of us single women face up in today's horribly skewed dating world. Women have so many rules that are supposed to follow or else a man will never want them. You're either a whore or a prude, a good time to come female parent and wife or a feminazi lesbian. These dichotomies are perpetuated by both women and men and in the end are hurtful to both. Exercise we really call up and then fiddling of men that we assume they can't handle a complex, multi-faceted woman? And do men really think that they don't want that? Jane goes through stages of trying to fit herself into other'south worlds but in the stop her stiff personality and fabulously sharp humour allow her to walk abroad from relationships that don't make her happy and fight for ones that do. That's the definition of a true "strong woman".
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This review has been hidden because information technology contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'll bash a structurally fantastic novel because its central theme is presented in an unbearably bland mode: The Girls' Guide embraces a worthy theme but devolves into national geographic narrative, rendering the text completely (in my opinion) degrading. The easy to follow jumps in fourth dimension are clever and enthralling. However, if you want to accost the dilemmas of modern, urban unmarried women astutely, don't end the text with "We are just two mayflies mating on a summer night." Seriously. Don't I'll fustigate a structurally fantastic novel because its cardinal theme is presented in an unbearably banal mode: The Girls' Guide embraces a worthy theme but devolves into national geographic narrative, rendering the text completely (in my opinion) degrading. The easy to follow jumps in time are clever and enthralling. Nonetheless, if you want to address the dilemmas of modern, urban single women astutely, don't end the text with "We are just two mayflies mating on a summer night." Seriously. Don't. ...more

Jul 25, 2007 Bridget rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: I don't know I would recommend it!

I but finished this book and I've got to tell y'all I was utterly disappointed. I recall this volume was out effectually the time that Bridget Jones' Diary was out and they were comparing the two as "keen novels for unmarried females". While Bridget Jones did the trick, this book did not satisfy me what-so-e'er. I didn't really feel any connection or feel like I bonded with the master graphic symbol Jane. I can't imagine dating someone 28 years older than me who also is an alcoholic no matter what people say a I just finished this volume and I've got to tell y'all I was utterly disappointed. I remember this book was out around the time that Bridget Jones' Diary was out and they were comparison the two as "bang-up novels for single females". While Bridget Jones did the flim-flam, this volume did not satisfy me what-so-e'er. I didn't really feel whatsoever connection or feel similar I bonded with the primary graphic symbol Jane. I can't imagine dating someone 28 years older than me who too is an alcoholic no matter what people say about dear. The only chapter I liked in the book was ironically the last one that actually dealt with "the girls guide to hunting and fishing". It could be that I really expected something fabulous with this volume, but honestly I didn't like it and I wouldn't want to recommend information technology to my friends. There are enough of other great novels out there! ...more

October 23, 2010 Amy rated information technology it was amazing

Recommends it for: people who like Amy Flower, Simona Vinci, or Margaret Atwood'south short stories

I love this book, but gosh, do I detest the packaging. My copy is lemon yellowish and girly pink and it looks like rubbish chick lit.

I would just like to clarify that this book is non chick lit. It's strong and truthful and existent and and and... well. Information technology makes me bristle and want to defend its honour. It's written every bit a serial of short stories about the men in the life of a woman chosen Jane. (I suppose you could call them chapters, but I think of it more like Amy Bloom'due south short stories than a tradition

I dear this book, but gosh, do I hate the packaging. My re-create is lemon yellow and girly pink and information technology looks similar rubbish chick lit.

I would but like to analyze that this book is not chick lit. Information technology's strong and true and real and and and... well. Information technology makes me bristle and want to defend its laurels. It's written as a series of brusk stories virtually the men in the life of a woman called Jane. (I suppose you could telephone call them chapters, just I remember of it more similar Amy Bloom's curt stories than a traditional novel.)

Yep: so far, and then chick lit. Simply it is not at all. It is not formulaic, or ridiculous and is quietly true in a way I constitute touching without existence cloying. Jane is a likable, realistic and flawed (of course - aren't we all?) character and I found myself hoping everything would work out for her, merely also hoping information technology wouldn't be also easy. I did not desire a white knight to swoop down and save her - and the book itself gave me the feeling that this was non a good idea, either.

I did express joy out loud a few times similar the volume cover informed me I would, merely information technology'due south a wicked laugh, a express joy born of uncomfortable and bad-mannered situations that you tin recognise yourself and those yous dearest in, rather like watching an episode of The Function.

If you enjoyed Amy Bloom or Simona Vinci, or indeed
Margaret Atwood or Tove Jansson, give this a become. And don't be put off by the cover!

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I could probably give this close to a four (mayhap a 3.viii) simply I actually don't like romances and that's really what this book is. Not that that is bad. The author has a fun writing style, and I enjoyed virtually of the book.
The reviews on the web and book jackets is not really what I institute, although I'thou non a New Yorker, or a jet setter, and I'yard non even Generation X, Y, Or Z. :-) They talk about the principal grapheme existence a feminist, but if thinking life revolves effectually catching a man, it'southward not the feminis I could probably give this close to a 4 (maybe a iii.8) just I really don't like romances and that's actually what this book is. Non that that is bad. The author has a fun writing style, and I enjoyed almost of the book.
The reviews on the web and book jackets is not really what I constitute, although I'm not a New Yorker, or a jet setter, and I'm not even Generation Ten, Y, Or Z. :-) They talk nearly the main character being a feminist, but if thinking life revolves effectually communicable a human being, it's not the feminism I'm familiar with.
While I liked the primary grapheme (Jane), I liked her most at historic period xiv when the book opens. The story really revolves around sex, insecurities, and growing up. Also, suddenly in the middle of the volume, the offset person is no longer Jane for a chapter without warning, and then information technology goes dorsum to Jane'due south first person narrative. Non off-white to the reader.
There are low-cal moments, and funny, but generally I felt distressing for her. It made me want to cry sometimes because I knew how she felt. I remember the affair I liked virtually, or got the most from the book, is again how difficult information technology is to communicate and have the other person hear what you are proverb and not what they think yous are saying. A sorry thing, and too common, especially in relationships. You can love someone and withal accept the human relationship autumn apart. ...more

Nov 28, 2013 Anna rated it did not similar it

This volume was lent to me against my will. A dear friend said it was good and I should read it; I asked whether it was merely most romantic relationships, as the blurb suggested it was, and would thus non exist to my gustation. She said peradventure, but that I should read it anyhow. Then I have done so, as fast every bit I could in order to be able to requite it back. I was correct in my initial assessment. [EDITED TO Add: My beloved friend has since admitted that she lent me the book considering she didn't want information technology! A book-based This book was lent to me against my will. A love friend said it was skillful and I should read information technology; I asked whether information technology was just well-nigh romantic relationships, as the blurb suggested information technology was, and would thus not exist to my taste. She said maybe, but that I should read information technology anyway. And so I have washed so, equally fast as I could in order to be able to give it back. I was correct in my initial assessment. [EDITED TO Add together: My dear friend has since admitted that she lent me the volume because she didn't desire it! A book-based betrayal.]

'The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing' is written well enough, but everything about it wholly alienated me. It concerns a woman called Jane, her family, and their respective romantic relationships. They are privileged Americans who never worry about paying bills, or taking care of their relatives, or their friends, or about political problems, or climatic change, or their futurity financial security, or their housing, or annihilation that I consider it usual to worry about. They are obsessed by and seem to wholly fetishise monogamous heterosexual matrimony, as if it is the only matter worth pursuing in life. I cannot tell you how utterly and completely bored I am with this fixation. I didn't intendance well-nigh Jane's honey life, or that of any of the characters, considering it was all just so clichéd and anticipated. Every potential relationship involved jealousy of by or time to come partners, equally if the current boyfriend and girlfriend had to be absolutely everything to each other for all fourth dimension, as if that wasn't unrealistic in the extreme. The only parts that I could in some way relate to concerned wellness crises, and even those were forcibly made all most Jane'south pursuit of honey-equated-with-marriage.

Please can Melissa Banking company write nigh something else. Despite being a vegetarian, I would have preferred to read an actual guide to hunting and fishing.

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January 18, 2008 MJ rated it actually liked it

Recommends it for: Anyone who liked Bridgey Jones' Diary

Recommended to MJ by: Ultimate reading List

This is a series of curt stories nigh Jane. (Well one story is about her neighbors.) We first meet her at 14 during summer holiday when her older brother brings dwelling house a girl for the weekend. From at that place we run into her grow as she searches for her place in the world and looking for love. As we read her story we relate to her frustration at work, her choices in men and her grief when her father is dies. Jane is witty and at times a bit dark. My favorite story is when she meets a human being at a friends wedd This is a series of brusque stories about Jane. (Well one story is almost her neighbors.) Nosotros first come across her at xiv during summer vacation when her older blood brother brings home a girl for the weekend. From there nosotros encounter her abound as she searches for her place in the world and looking for dear. As we read her story we relate to her frustration at piece of work, her choices in men and her grief when her begetter is dies. Jane is witty and at times a fleck night. My favorite story is when she meets a man at a friends wedding. She then reading one of those self help books on how to catch a human being. The internal dialog she has with the authors of this cocky help book as she negotates this new relationship made me laugh and milk shake my head at the same time.

I really enjoyed this book which was one of the get-go books to start the whole chick lit genre. If yous like Bridget Jones' Diary (and I did) you'll like this book.

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Oct 05, 2016 Nicky rated it liked it

Every chapter of this book was unlike, both in writing manner and quality. The weird affiliate in the middle with a unlike perspective was non necessary, and the last chapter was just plain stupid. Some of the other chapters had me feeling things though, so all in all this book could have been bang-up after some more editing.
Oh and the title is misleading and very forced in its significant.

Dec 02, 2008 Jennifer rated it it was ok

I found this somewhat disappointing. Not that it was a bad volume - but it really meandered and it wasn't equally enthralling as I had hoped. It had moments merely over all not what I thought I was getting into. I found this somewhat disappointing. Non that it was a bad book - but it really meandered and it wasn't equally enthralling as I had hoped. It had moments merely over all non what I thought I was getting into. ...more

Jan xiii, 2019 CynthiaA rated it actually liked information technology

This book has been sitting on my shelves for most ten years because when I first acquired it, I read somewhere that it was like a cross betwixt Bridget Jones and the Shopaholic. And I HATED the Shopaholic books with a passion, so I filed this nether 'perhaps someday' and promptly forgot nigh information technology. I was doing some bookcleaning over Christmas and pulled it out with the intention of stuffing it into a Trivial Gratis Library, just decided to give the first few pages a glance before sending information technology away. I am Southward This volume has been sitting on my shelves for almost 10 years because when I first acquired information technology, I read somewhere that it was like a cross betwixt Bridget Jones and the Shopaholic. And I HATED the Shopaholic books with a passion, then I filed this nether 'perchance someday' and promptly forgot about it. I was doing some bookcleaning over Christmas and pulled it out with the intention of stuffing information technology into a Lilliputian Free Library, but decided to give the get-go few pages a glance earlier sending information technology away. I am And then GLAD I did that!!

This volume is Nil like Shopaholic (who is a self-indulgent irresponsible lightweight), nor fifty-fifty similar Bridget Jones (which I liked amend as a flick). This volume is about a young woman and her 'dating' life, but each chapter is told as a distinct story prepare at a item fourth dimension in her life. 1 of the chapters isn't even about her -- its virtually people living in her building and she is mentioned only in passing. Each chapter reveals a bit about our young adult female, Jane. Merely what is important is that this revealing is happening to Jane as well. Throughout the volume she is learning about herself. In that way nosotros all practise -- by making mistakes. The writing is abrupt, observant and witty. Jane herself is sharp, observant and witty. I don't desire to give too much away, but the middle affiliate where she is dating the guy the same historic period as her male parent merely did me in. I really teared up.

And then it turns out that you should never discount a book just considering someone else describes it in a certain style. I might have totally missed out on this. It isn't going to win a Pulitzer, but I merely had 3 days of fabulous reading-fun!

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Jul 24, 2011 Tiffeny rated information technology information technology was ok

I kind of don't go this book, and I'thou non sure how to rate it. Some of it I liked, some I didn't. The biggest thing I don't become is that I thought it was a novel. Like all the way through most the aforementioned graphic symbol. And information technology is - it's her coming of age story, from the time she was 14 (my favorite part of the book), up until probably her 30'due south. And it's cleaved up into sections of her life and told by her. But then, just kind of randomly, at that place are two sections that aren't told by her and aren't about I kind of don't get this book, and I'thousand not sure how to rate it. Some of it I liked, some I didn't. The biggest thing I don't go is that I thought information technology was a novel. Like all the way through about the same character. And it is - it'southward her coming of age story, from the fourth dimension she was 14 (my favorite office of the book), up until probably her 30'southward. And it's broken upwards into sections of her life and told by her. Simply and then, just kind of randomly, there are two sections that aren't told past her and aren't almost her. Ane is told by her neighbor, which is the closest it comes to existence about her, and the other is simply some random brusk story kind of a affair about I don't know who. What's upwards with that? Does that means it'due south actually a compilation of short stories? But it's non. Information technology's most Jane. Information technology starts with Jane and ends with Jane and is told in chronological order about her life, except for these two capacity I'm referring to. That really threw me off and turned me off. Plus much of the book was merely kind of a bummer. I besides didn't like all the split personalities at the end. I realized as I neared the end, that I can not relate to the master character in any manner and maybe that is function of the trouble. Loved the name of the volume. Loved the cover. Loved Jane at 14. The rest, I probably could have done without. ...more

I concur with others who say the volume is disjointed. It starts off well with Jane being a teenager and moving into her mid 20s. Then all of a sudden in the chapter titled "The Best Possible Light" the book moves decades ahead to Jane having grown children and grandchildren on the way. Won't revel the troubles this chapter brings out. The volume never returns to this chapter of Janes life simply goes back to Jane in her 20s and never goes beyond this period. So comes the chapter "You could exist anyone" I concord with others who say the book is disjointed. It starts off well with Jane beingness a teenager and moving into her mid 20s. Then all of a sudden in the chapter titled "The Best Possible Light" the book moves decades ahead to Jane having grown children and grandchildren on the way. Won't revel the troubles this chapter brings out. The book never returns to this affiliate of Janes life but goes dorsum to Jane in her 20s and never goes beyond this period. And so comes the chapter "You could be anyone". The chapter doesn't fit anything in the book. No characters in the book are mentioned. Perchance someone from Mars interjected this chapter into the book to misfile everyone. Totally irrelevant to the story. Could take taken in out and not noticed annihilation missing. The last affiliate takes off on an entire different outcome merely does include some characters from the starting time parts.
Overall not worth reading ...more than

Only re-read this. It was really better on a 2nd reading. Rather delicate and thoughtful.

I am not certain why this book received the hype information technology did. Does Melissa just have fabulous publishing connections? The volume teaches you nothing except that honey is sometimes difficult (no brainstorm there). Jane doesn't experience almost of the dear traumas most women do. None of the men upward and leave her. None really cheat on her (there's 1 perhaps brief moment of infidelity) or abuse her. They all seem to adore her, perhaps in their limited way, merely admire her nonetheless. And she always leaves them. Due west I am not sure why this volume received the hype it did. Does Melissa just have fabled publishing connections? The volume teaches you nothing except that honey is sometimes hard (no brainstorm there). Jane doesn't experience near of the honey traumas well-nigh women do. None of the men up and get out her. None really cheat on her (at that place's 1 maybe brief moment of infidelity) or abuse her. They all seem to admire her, perhaps in their limited style, merely adore her nonetheless. And she ever leaves them. Why then does she demand to buy and follow Meeting and Marrying Mr. Right? Her problem isn't that she can't keep a man. Her trouble is that she's non choosing her men wisely. Actually, her men reflect her ain ambivilance about her life goals. The solution doesn't lie in better human relationship games but in figuring out what she really wants in life. I volition requite her credit for writing a very quick read but an only mildly entertaining read. The writing manner is light with some snappy i-liners. The one highlight in the book is her relationship with her begetter. But information technology'southward definately not a realistic await at relationships in the 90s -- unless you're dating men who take you on great trips to St. Croix and men older than your father. If y'all must read it, await until the paperback. ...more

Ugh. In the register of cracking Chick Lit (Bridget Jones' Diary, Sex and the Urban center, et al.) this book wouldn't fifty-fifty be a footnote. Sporadic, pathetic, and droll- steer clear fellow readers! The only reason I gave it two stars is that the master character references some good literature- although she fails to emulate the strong female ideals she professes to bask. Bleh. Ugh. In the annals of nifty Chick Lit (Bridget Jones' Diary, Sex and the Metropolis, et al.) this volume wouldn't fifty-fifty exist a footnote. Desultory, pathetic, and droll- steer clear fellow readers! The only reason I gave information technology 2 stars is that the master graphic symbol references some good literature- although she fails to emulate the strong female ideals she professes to bask. Bleh. ...more than

I had heard this book was a novel satirizing novels nearly women fixated on catching a man and the Finding and Keeping Mr. Correct blazon cocky-help books. The last chapter came the closest to fitting this description and even that was predictable and poorly washed. Perhaps I had wrong information and am judging this book too harshly considering it wasn't what I was expecting when it was never intended to be that. All I know is that it was a struggle for me to cease this.

Overall, this read more like a coll

I had heard this book was a novel satirizing novels most women fixated on catching a homo and the Finding and Keeping Mr. Right type self-assistance books. The last chapter came the closest to fitting this description and even that was predictable and poorly done. Perhaps I had wrong data and am judging this book besides harshly because it wasn't what I was expecting when it was never intended to exist that. All I know is that information technology was a struggle for me to finish this.

Overall, this read more like a collection of short stories than a novel, no existent surprise since the publication info page indicates that many chapters previously appeared singly in diverse publications. All the stories were supposedly about the same main character just a couple of them just didn't seem to fit, there was no real connection to events in the other stories and the main character acted different enough to seem like a new person. None of the stories grabbed my attending and I never cared what happened to the main character in her many relationships. It was just another volume about a whiny female who can't get her life together and all the relationships (romantic or otherwise) that she screws upwardly or really manages to go right. Non at all my kind of thing.

...more

Jun xxx, 2013 Emily rated it did not like it

I don't know that I've always before read the concluding sentence of a book, closed information technology, and said out loud: "Terrible. That was terrible. Terrible, terrible, terrible."

There are some nice phrases in this volume, simply otherwise, the chapters are so disconnected that it reads more like a collection of disparate essays than a novel. If the aim was a fresh angle on plot/grapheme/whatsoever, it did not piece of work for me. The only essay that made much sense, and which revealed the pregnant of the title, is the final one.

I don't know that I've ever before read the last judgement of a book, closed information technology, and said out loud: "Terrible. That was terrible. Terrible, terrible, terrible."

In that location are some prissy phrases in this volume, but otherwise, the chapters are then asunder that it reads more like a drove of disparate essays than a novel. If the aim was a fresh angle on plot/graphic symbol/whatsoever, it did not work for me. The only essay that made much sense, and which revealed the significant of the title, is the last i. It felt as though she wrote that last essay, another story line in the eye, a few other random essays for some magazines, and then stuck the same name into all of them, and voila! --a book-length manuscript. Plus, it all conveniently wraps up on the side by side to last page--ugh. Large disappointment.

...more

Jul 03, 2008 Idarah rated it liked information technology

"Later on a while, though, information technology occurs to y'all that even a perfect agreement of failed dearest is the booby prize." "Afterward a while, though, it occurs to you that even a perfect understanding of failed dear is the booby prize." ...more than

"Melissa Banking concern (born in 1961 in Philadelphia) is an American author. She has published two books, The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing, a volume of curt stories, and The Wonder Spot," a novel, which have been translated into over 30 languages. Bank was the winner of the 1993 Nelson Algren Accolade for short fiction. She currently teaches in the MFA program at Stony Brook Southampton.

Banking concern was b

"Melissa Bank (born in 1961 in Philadelphia) is an American author. She has published ii books, The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Line-fishing, a book of curt stories, and The Wonder Spot," a novel, which have been translated into over 30 languages. Banking company was the winner of the 1993 Nelson Algren Award for short fiction. She currently teaches in the MFA program at Stony Brook Southampton.

Depository financial institution was born in Philadelphia; her father, a neurologist, died of leukemia in his tardily 50s. Bank attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges,and has an MFA from Cornell Academy."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_...

...more than

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