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The LA Commandments
Joanne Kavanagh and best friend Suzie pack their bags and swap dreary, depressing Dublin for the cool Californian coast. Both are determined to start a new life in the land of opportunity, leaving behind the recession and their complicated families.
They make a pact at the airport to stick religiously to the ‘LA Commandments’, a list of ten ‘Thou Shalt Nots’ for their new life in LA, including ‘Thou Shall Not Fall in Love,’ but when Jo befriends sexy, shy musician Marc, and Suzie falls for womanizing bar-man Chris, not only are the commandments at risk of being broken, but also the girls’ hearts…
With all California has to offer —sunshine, shopping, killer nightlife, and drop-dead-gorgeous men, will the girls stay faithful to the LA Commandments?
They make a pact at the airport to stick religiously to the ‘LA Commandments’, a list of ten ‘Thou Shalt Nots’ for their new life in LA, including ‘Thou Shall Not Fall in Love,’ but when Jo befriends sexy, shy musician Marc, and Suzie falls for womanizing bar-man Chris, not only are the commandments at risk of being broken, but also the girls’ hearts…
With all California has to offer —sunshine, shopping, killer nightlife, and drop-dead-gorgeous men, will the girls stay faithful to the LA Commandments?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2011
107 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Duffy
2 books23 followersGillian's debut novel, The LA Commandments, was published in August 2011 by Book Republic and her short story 'Dear Joe' was featured in the Rites of Passage Anthology (London, 2014). Her second novel, Life Script, will be published next year.
Gillian also writes for theatre, film and TV. Her upcoming theatre productions include a show about Peggy Lee, a comedy about Robert Burns and a drama about the repeal of the 8th Amendment in Ireland. She is also writing two TV comedy dramas based in Scotland and a film about a family's emigration to America during Tito's reign.
Gillian studied English and History in St. Patrick's College, Dublin before completing an MA in Theatre Studies, DCU. Her other interests include music, photography and design.
Gillian also writes for theatre, film and TV. Her upcoming theatre productions include a show about Peggy Lee, a comedy about Robert Burns and a drama about the repeal of the 8th Amendment in Ireland. She is also writing two TV comedy dramas based in Scotland and a film about a family's emigration to America during Tito's reign.
Gillian studied English and History in St. Patrick's College, Dublin before completing an MA in Theatre Studies, DCU. Her other interests include music, photography and design.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 30, 2011
Gillian Duffy’s debut novel only came to my attention when Gillian emailed us to as us if we’d like to review her book. I wasn’t sure it was my kind of novel so I took a look at the synopsis, liked what I saw and was pleased with the preview I got to read so I said I’d love to read it. I love books set in LA, it’s a place I really want to visit one day and I love reading other people’s interpretations about American states. I thought The LA Commandments was a very enjoyable read.
The LA Commandments was a very easy read, it took me about a week to read due to tiredness, but I looked forward to reading a bit more each night on my Kindle. The plot is fairly similar to lots I’ve read before: two girls, tired of their current life, head to a new country for adventure. In this case, Jo and Suzie are heading to LA for a year after losing their jobs in Dublin, knowing that there’ll be plenty of job opportunity’s in LA that there are in Ireland. They plan to travel around California but when they find a nice job – Jo in a bar, Suzie in a shop – as well as a nice place to stay and two men they really like, all bets are off for their travelling plans. In a way, I was disappointed the novel only took place in LA, with only small visits to other Californian areas, but the plot kept me hooked anyway.
The book wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough. I would have liked the Commandments to have been a bit more prominent as the only Commandment I heard of that the girl’s had decided on was “Thou shalt not fall in love” and it did sometimes read a bit hard, with the constant “muttering” and “mumbling” the characters did (they spent most of their time muttering and mumbling. Honestly, it’s so rude to mumble and mutter!). But I liked reading the book and I thought the girls’ Californian lives were lovely. I loved Jo’s burgeoning relationship with Marc and I loved Suzie, she was a brilliant character and it was interesting to see her navigate the dating waters, too! I desperately wanted to hotfoot it to LA to go to O’Sullivan’s. (I know, it’s fictional, but it sounded like such a lovely pub to while away the days).
I very much enjoyed the characters. Jo and Suzie were excellent characters, I wanted to join their holiday and be part of their LA lives. I thought all their LA friends they make were also really good characters: Marc, Mya, Paul, they were all characters I cared about and wanted to know more about. I thought the characters were a nice mix and I also liked Jo’s family, whom we meet at one point in the novel. It was nice to see Jo back in Dublin for a little while during the book. The only character I really didn’t like was Chris, and the less said about him the better. But overall most of the characters were lovely and I enjoyed getting to know them!
The ending of The LA Commandments stunned me. There I was, lying in bed, happily reading away as I got nearer the end of the novel as midnight came and went and I literally gasped when I got to the end of the book! I don’t want to spoil what happens, and I won’t, but the ending did surprise me and will surprise many who read the book. It didn’t annoy me, which was a surprise. I felt it was a very realistic, very proper ending. It was very unexpected but I applaud Duffy for going down that route. I really enjoyed The LA Commandments, not a perfect novel, but I really liked reading it and very much looked forward to returning to it each evening. I’d definitely recommend picking this up, and I’m very pleased I decided to take the chance and give it a read, Jo and Suzie’s stories and lives were hugely enjoyable and the secondary characters were just as enjoyable.
The LA Commandments was a very easy read, it took me about a week to read due to tiredness, but I looked forward to reading a bit more each night on my Kindle. The plot is fairly similar to lots I’ve read before: two girls, tired of their current life, head to a new country for adventure. In this case, Jo and Suzie are heading to LA for a year after losing their jobs in Dublin, knowing that there’ll be plenty of job opportunity’s in LA that there are in Ireland. They plan to travel around California but when they find a nice job – Jo in a bar, Suzie in a shop – as well as a nice place to stay and two men they really like, all bets are off for their travelling plans. In a way, I was disappointed the novel only took place in LA, with only small visits to other Californian areas, but the plot kept me hooked anyway.
The book wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough. I would have liked the Commandments to have been a bit more prominent as the only Commandment I heard of that the girl’s had decided on was “Thou shalt not fall in love” and it did sometimes read a bit hard, with the constant “muttering” and “mumbling” the characters did (they spent most of their time muttering and mumbling. Honestly, it’s so rude to mumble and mutter!). But I liked reading the book and I thought the girls’ Californian lives were lovely. I loved Jo’s burgeoning relationship with Marc and I loved Suzie, she was a brilliant character and it was interesting to see her navigate the dating waters, too! I desperately wanted to hotfoot it to LA to go to O’Sullivan’s. (I know, it’s fictional, but it sounded like such a lovely pub to while away the days).
I very much enjoyed the characters. Jo and Suzie were excellent characters, I wanted to join their holiday and be part of their LA lives. I thought all their LA friends they make were also really good characters: Marc, Mya, Paul, they were all characters I cared about and wanted to know more about. I thought the characters were a nice mix and I also liked Jo’s family, whom we meet at one point in the novel. It was nice to see Jo back in Dublin for a little while during the book. The only character I really didn’t like was Chris, and the less said about him the better. But overall most of the characters were lovely and I enjoyed getting to know them!
The ending of The LA Commandments stunned me. There I was, lying in bed, happily reading away as I got nearer the end of the novel as midnight came and went and I literally gasped when I got to the end of the book! I don’t want to spoil what happens, and I won’t, but the ending did surprise me and will surprise many who read the book. It didn’t annoy me, which was a surprise. I felt it was a very realistic, very proper ending. It was very unexpected but I applaud Duffy for going down that route. I really enjoyed The LA Commandments, not a perfect novel, but I really liked reading it and very much looked forward to returning to it each evening. I’d definitely recommend picking this up, and I’m very pleased I decided to take the chance and give it a read, Jo and Suzie’s stories and lives were hugely enjoyable and the secondary characters were just as enjoyable.
September 4, 2011
My Opinion
I have just finished reading Gillian Duffy’s first novel The LA Commandments and there is only one word I can use to describe this book and that is perfect!
Duffy really brings each of the characters personalities out in this novel which makes the characters feel real and familiar. I cannot imagine any reader not liking our main character Jo, she is full of life and is such a lovely down to earth character. Jo and Suzie are best friends and we can see how much they care for each other which was lovely to read as usually best friends in books are having arguments every other chapter!
The way Duffy describes Jo’s feelings and the surroundings in California it is clear that she has done her research well I wouldn’t be surprised if Gillian Duffy has spent some time in California as the descriptive writing that she uses feels all too real. Duffy also manages to bring some of her Irish charm into the book through her characters.
This book really does have everything you could ask for in a must read descriptive writing, enjoyable storyline, a great mix of loveable characters but one thing I wasn’t expecting was for Gillian Duffy to bring a tear to my eye! There was a part of the book which I didn’t see coming that brought a tear to my eye I wish I could tell you more about this but I do not want to give anything away as I think this part made the book just that extra bit special.
This is definatly one of those reads that you never want to come to an end but the way that Duffy does end this book is stunning.
After reading The L.A Commandments all I can say is you need to pick up a copy and I for one will defiantly be keeping a look out for the next Gillian Duffy novel.
Book review also on my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com
I have just finished reading Gillian Duffy’s first novel The LA Commandments and there is only one word I can use to describe this book and that is perfect!
Duffy really brings each of the characters personalities out in this novel which makes the characters feel real and familiar. I cannot imagine any reader not liking our main character Jo, she is full of life and is such a lovely down to earth character. Jo and Suzie are best friends and we can see how much they care for each other which was lovely to read as usually best friends in books are having arguments every other chapter!
The way Duffy describes Jo’s feelings and the surroundings in California it is clear that she has done her research well I wouldn’t be surprised if Gillian Duffy has spent some time in California as the descriptive writing that she uses feels all too real. Duffy also manages to bring some of her Irish charm into the book through her characters.
This book really does have everything you could ask for in a must read descriptive writing, enjoyable storyline, a great mix of loveable characters but one thing I wasn’t expecting was for Gillian Duffy to bring a tear to my eye! There was a part of the book which I didn’t see coming that brought a tear to my eye I wish I could tell you more about this but I do not want to give anything away as I think this part made the book just that extra bit special.
This is definatly one of those reads that you never want to come to an end but the way that Duffy does end this book is stunning.
After reading The L.A Commandments all I can say is you need to pick up a copy and I for one will defiantly be keeping a look out for the next Gillian Duffy novel.
Book review also on my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com
April 25, 2012
Desperate to get away from recession in Dublin and their complex families, Joanne and Suzie head to Los Angles, California to start a new life. They plan on spending days shopping, soaking up the sun on the beach, enjoying the nightlife, and meeting new people. They set rules for themselves, the most important being “thou shall not fall in love,” but not everything goes according to plan.
Joanne “Jo” and Marc = Not complicated! There’s little drama (except for at the end), and they seem to be in sync with one another. At first there isn’t attraction on Jo’s part, but it’s because Marc (who’s part of a band) is shy, doesn’t talk much, and is a fool. They get over this hump and realize they have more in common than they thought. They spend countless days and evenings together, sometimes not even leaving the bedroom. When Marc goes back home to take care of his mom, they stay together through texts, phone calls, and emails, patiently waiting for the day he returns back to L.A. When he does, it’s like he never left. Soon after, Marc tells Jo that he has to leave again to go on tour, and asks her to come with him. Jo is beyond excited to be traveling around with her man. While at the beginning of the tour, something happens so tragically that Jo goes back home to Dublin. While Jo’s in Dublin, everything changes. When she sees a picture of Marc and another woman together, she is shocked, and demands answers! Who’s to blame for this, and will these two stay together? I think I’m spoiling it, so you’ll have to read the book!
Suzie and Chris = Complicated! When Suzie meets Chris for the first time, it’s love at first sight – but only on her end. She often sits at the bar watching (starting at) him while he works. Most of the time, she’s unable to say a word to him, because she gets tongue-tied. While Chris notices her, he’s definitely not a one-woman man! Most everyone tells Suzie he’s not good for her, but she doesn’t listen. Jo warns her to be careful, but there’s only so much she can do. On the other hand, there’s Paul, sweet Paul. He worships the ground Suzie walks on and would like to be with her, but he knows that she only has eyes for Chris. When Suzie finds something out about Chris, she then sees the light. But when Suzie realizes she still has some ties to him, she’s devastated and scared, (I wish I could say what happens, but that would spoil it). After time has passed, Suzie is back in the swing of things and acting like her old self, but could it be to all the time she’s been spending with her “friend” Paul? Do these two ever become more than friends?
I loved this book! I loved the characters, and thought they were really well written. When each chapter ended, I wanted to keep reading because of twists and turns! And what’s not to love about hot men who speak with accents! The friendship between Jo and Suzie is so close, that it seems that they could be sisters. While I don’t have a sister, I have someone like a sister, so I definitely related to this book. During happy, sad, and devastating times, these girls are there for one another, and that means something to me – it’s one of my favorite parts of why Chick Lit is what it is!
Gillian Duffy has written a very memorable book, one that I loved from start to finish, (I even cried at the end)!
If you’re looking for a book to give to your sister or a girlfriend who is like one, this is the book for you! It would also make a perfect summer read!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Joanne “Jo” and Marc = Not complicated! There’s little drama (except for at the end), and they seem to be in sync with one another. At first there isn’t attraction on Jo’s part, but it’s because Marc (who’s part of a band) is shy, doesn’t talk much, and is a fool. They get over this hump and realize they have more in common than they thought. They spend countless days and evenings together, sometimes not even leaving the bedroom. When Marc goes back home to take care of his mom, they stay together through texts, phone calls, and emails, patiently waiting for the day he returns back to L.A. When he does, it’s like he never left. Soon after, Marc tells Jo that he has to leave again to go on tour, and asks her to come with him. Jo is beyond excited to be traveling around with her man. While at the beginning of the tour, something happens so tragically that Jo goes back home to Dublin. While Jo’s in Dublin, everything changes. When she sees a picture of Marc and another woman together, she is shocked, and demands answers! Who’s to blame for this, and will these two stay together? I think I’m spoiling it, so you’ll have to read the book!
Suzie and Chris = Complicated! When Suzie meets Chris for the first time, it’s love at first sight – but only on her end. She often sits at the bar watching (starting at) him while he works. Most of the time, she’s unable to say a word to him, because she gets tongue-tied. While Chris notices her, he’s definitely not a one-woman man! Most everyone tells Suzie he’s not good for her, but she doesn’t listen. Jo warns her to be careful, but there’s only so much she can do. On the other hand, there’s Paul, sweet Paul. He worships the ground Suzie walks on and would like to be with her, but he knows that she only has eyes for Chris. When Suzie finds something out about Chris, she then sees the light. But when Suzie realizes she still has some ties to him, she’s devastated and scared, (I wish I could say what happens, but that would spoil it). After time has passed, Suzie is back in the swing of things and acting like her old self, but could it be to all the time she’s been spending with her “friend” Paul? Do these two ever become more than friends?
I loved this book! I loved the characters, and thought they were really well written. When each chapter ended, I wanted to keep reading because of twists and turns! And what’s not to love about hot men who speak with accents! The friendship between Jo and Suzie is so close, that it seems that they could be sisters. While I don’t have a sister, I have someone like a sister, so I definitely related to this book. During happy, sad, and devastating times, these girls are there for one another, and that means something to me – it’s one of my favorite parts of why Chick Lit is what it is!
Gillian Duffy has written a very memorable book, one that I loved from start to finish, (I even cried at the end)!
If you’re looking for a book to give to your sister or a girlfriend who is like one, this is the book for you! It would also make a perfect summer read!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!
September 7, 2012
I had no idea when I started reading this book that by the end I would have tears running down my face as I read the end of the book. I had in fact believed that those days of feeling real emotions from just reading were far behind me.. Then I read this book!!
Gillian Duffy tells us the story about two friends, Jo and Suzie. These best friends live in Ireland and since the recession things have not been going well in these girls lives, so they do what any sensible pale Irish girl with milk bottle legs would do, pack a bag, grab a friend and a passport and head to a sunnier climate.. LA here they come!!!!
Alongside their suitcases they have thought of LA Commandments to take with them..one of them being to not fall in love....let's see how long that lasts....
California is just perfect..Beautiful people, and weather, and it takes them the minimum amount of time to find a place to stay ,and sort out some jobs for themselves.Life is going good for these girls until some handsome guys come on the scene .These guys are about to shake up their world more then they ever knew possible..
This book broke my heart on so many levels. The girls friendships, their family, their relationships with the new people they meet in LA. I never expected to feel how I did when I finished reading this. I have a lump in my throat and feel such strong emotions for some of the characters at the end that it has really touched me. Very few books can bring me to tears and this one did.It is so refreshing to still feel that type of emotion after all the books I have read through the years. Books are supposed to make you feel something , this book took me on roller coaster ride of emotion.There is much more to this book then meets the eye. Go read this immediately!!!! Shoo!!! Go Get It !!!!
Gillian Duffy tells us the story about two friends, Jo and Suzie. These best friends live in Ireland and since the recession things have not been going well in these girls lives, so they do what any sensible pale Irish girl with milk bottle legs would do, pack a bag, grab a friend and a passport and head to a sunnier climate.. LA here they come!!!!
Alongside their suitcases they have thought of LA Commandments to take with them..one of them being to not fall in love....let's see how long that lasts....
California is just perfect..Beautiful people, and weather, and it takes them the minimum amount of time to find a place to stay ,and sort out some jobs for themselves.Life is going good for these girls until some handsome guys come on the scene .These guys are about to shake up their world more then they ever knew possible..
This book broke my heart on so many levels. The girls friendships, their family, their relationships with the new people they meet in LA. I never expected to feel how I did when I finished reading this. I have a lump in my throat and feel such strong emotions for some of the characters at the end that it has really touched me. Very few books can bring me to tears and this one did.It is so refreshing to still feel that type of emotion after all the books I have read through the years. Books are supposed to make you feel something , this book took me on roller coaster ride of emotion.There is much more to this book then meets the eye. Go read this immediately!!!! Shoo!!! Go Get It !!!!
April 25, 2012
When I read the synopsis I knew that this would be my kind of book and it didn’t take long for it to capture my interest, the idea of moving to California for a year-long adventure really intrigued me (it is definitely something that I would love to do) and I couldn’t wait to find out how it would all go for Jo and Suzie.
I got so involved with all the characters in the story, I seemed to feel everything they were feeling – happiness, sadness, hope and shock. By the time I got to the end of the book I felt like I knew them all personally. I loved the close friendship between Jo and Suzie, you could tell that they had an unbreakable bond and would always be there for one another. I quickly took a liking to the handsome, quiet Marc then proceeded to fall a little bit in love with him and his lovely ways. Paul was also a favourite of mine, he seemed very sweet and I was really hoping that Suzie would give him a chance.
From the descriptions of the places Jo and Suzie visit in California I found myself easily picturing the bars and beaches, I felt sunny and warm just reading about it!
Aside from all the fun and frolics there were some serious issues that were raised such as alcoholism and the effect it can have on family members – this is something I have personal experience of and I felt that it was accurately and sensitively written.
There were so many emotional twists and turns in the story that I was truly kept on my toes and somehow the ending still managed to shock me, I just didn’t see it coming and I even read through the last few pages again to make sure I had actually read it correctly!
If you’re looking for fun, drama, laughs, shocks and the kind of romance that makes your heart flutter, then this book is for you.
I got so involved with all the characters in the story, I seemed to feel everything they were feeling – happiness, sadness, hope and shock. By the time I got to the end of the book I felt like I knew them all personally. I loved the close friendship between Jo and Suzie, you could tell that they had an unbreakable bond and would always be there for one another. I quickly took a liking to the handsome, quiet Marc then proceeded to fall a little bit in love with him and his lovely ways. Paul was also a favourite of mine, he seemed very sweet and I was really hoping that Suzie would give him a chance.
From the descriptions of the places Jo and Suzie visit in California I found myself easily picturing the bars and beaches, I felt sunny and warm just reading about it!
Aside from all the fun and frolics there were some serious issues that were raised such as alcoholism and the effect it can have on family members – this is something I have personal experience of and I felt that it was accurately and sensitively written.
There were so many emotional twists and turns in the story that I was truly kept on my toes and somehow the ending still managed to shock me, I just didn’t see it coming and I even read through the last few pages again to make sure I had actually read it correctly!
If you’re looking for fun, drama, laughs, shocks and the kind of romance that makes your heart flutter, then this book is for you.
November 3, 2011
Reviewed By- Robin
Review Copy Provided By- Publisher
Ms. Duffy takes us between Ireland and the United States in this story of the world of singles in LA. As we fall in love with the characters and slip right into their lives as if they were someone that we actually may know.
Jo Kavanagh and her best friend Suzie leave Ireland for the land of opportunity, LA. Dublin has become very depressing and wanting a change they head to sunny California.
Leaving the recession, complicated families they make a series of Commandments, hoping to adhere to them once they land. As with most things they soon find that those commandments are hard to keep.
The hardest being ‘Thou Shalt Not Fall in Love’. Jo falls for sexy, shy musician, Marc. What starts of slow as a friendship heats up fast and before you know it love is a big part of the relationship? Both are from Ireland and the relationship is soon tested by family problems at home. First when Marc mother’s breast cancer resurfaces and later for Jo, as her dad falls down drunk, hits his head and ends up in a coma.
Jo and Marc embark on a friendship that leads to sex, love and rock & roll. You think that things are going smoothly for them until they go on tour and Jo is call to Ireland for her father.
Jo is so full of life and down to earth she is the best friend everyone looks for. And when she heads home to be with her father things fall apart. Drinking and the rock and roll lifestyle Marc has, leads to many complications.
Suzie fall for Chris who is in love with himself but she doesn’t see it at first. Following him around like a lovesick puppy. Complications arise and before you know it she makes a decision that is right for her situation.
I loved the story overall and was surprised by the way it ended as it wasn’t at all what I had expected. But I loved the ending and would recommend this to others as a pleasant read.
Ms. Duffy added a little bit of unexpected specialness to her story and made it so that you didn’t want to see the end come around. I loved it.
Review Copy Provided By- Publisher
Ms. Duffy takes us between Ireland and the United States in this story of the world of singles in LA. As we fall in love with the characters and slip right into their lives as if they were someone that we actually may know.
Jo Kavanagh and her best friend Suzie leave Ireland for the land of opportunity, LA. Dublin has become very depressing and wanting a change they head to sunny California.
Leaving the recession, complicated families they make a series of Commandments, hoping to adhere to them once they land. As with most things they soon find that those commandments are hard to keep.
The hardest being ‘Thou Shalt Not Fall in Love’. Jo falls for sexy, shy musician, Marc. What starts of slow as a friendship heats up fast and before you know it love is a big part of the relationship? Both are from Ireland and the relationship is soon tested by family problems at home. First when Marc mother’s breast cancer resurfaces and later for Jo, as her dad falls down drunk, hits his head and ends up in a coma.
Jo and Marc embark on a friendship that leads to sex, love and rock & roll. You think that things are going smoothly for them until they go on tour and Jo is call to Ireland for her father.
Jo is so full of life and down to earth she is the best friend everyone looks for. And when she heads home to be with her father things fall apart. Drinking and the rock and roll lifestyle Marc has, leads to many complications.
Suzie fall for Chris who is in love with himself but she doesn’t see it at first. Following him around like a lovesick puppy. Complications arise and before you know it she makes a decision that is right for her situation.
I loved the story overall and was surprised by the way it ended as it wasn’t at all what I had expected. But I loved the ending and would recommend this to others as a pleasant read.
Ms. Duffy added a little bit of unexpected specialness to her story and made it so that you didn’t want to see the end come around. I loved it.
June 5, 2012
I loved this book!!!
July 30, 2012
Absolutely loved this book. The story line was fun and full of meaning. It was really written well!
February 9, 2013
A book club favourite.
December 9, 2013
I recently took up The LA Commandments for second time and AGAIN it was a fabulous read, showcasing young talented Irish Writers. Exciting and heartwarming. Add this book to your list.
August 27, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. Gives a nice break from the rain too.
June 17, 2012
The L.A. Commandments ultimately turned out to be quite different to what I expected. The beginning had all the makings of a typical Irish-girl-goes-to-the-States type chick lit novel. However, it didn't quite have the same fizz and fluff of that type of story. In the end, it was vastly different.
I didn't dislike the story of Jo and Suzie and their year in Los Angeles, but I didn't love it. To be honest, I'd probably give it 3.5 stars, rather than 3. For me, it never quite ignited. All of the characters, except for the much maligned Chris, were very nice and got on really well with one another. This lack of any ongoing drama throughout the first three-quarters of the book made the story line feel a little drawn out, if pleasant enough. The two occasions (that I can think of) where there were opportunities for drama to be built, the author dealt with the situations quickly and moved straight on. These were opportunities lost, in my opinion.
The title of the book is a bit misleading, as there really was only one commandment and both Jo and Sally broke it within weeks of arriving in the States. There really wasn't much focus on this commandment by the girls, nor was there any real attempt by either to not break it.
All the real drama takes place in the last quarter of the book. Even though the reader knows something dramatic has to take place eventually, the final turn is quite surprising (no spoilers here). After waiting so long for the drama to kick in, I felt the ending came in a rush, with the last few pages really packing a dramatic, emotional punch.
Overall, I liked the L.A. Commandments, particularly the main character Jo (although I did want to give her a good shake in the final quarter of the book). If you are looking for fuzzy, feel good chick lit, then this isn't it. However, if you are looking for a contemporary story about love and consequences, then you may enjoy the read.
I didn't dislike the story of Jo and Suzie and their year in Los Angeles, but I didn't love it. To be honest, I'd probably give it 3.5 stars, rather than 3. For me, it never quite ignited. All of the characters, except for the much maligned Chris, were very nice and got on really well with one another. This lack of any ongoing drama throughout the first three-quarters of the book made the story line feel a little drawn out, if pleasant enough. The two occasions (that I can think of) where there were opportunities for drama to be built, the author dealt with the situations quickly and moved straight on. These were opportunities lost, in my opinion.
The title of the book is a bit misleading, as there really was only one commandment and both Jo and Sally broke it within weeks of arriving in the States. There really wasn't much focus on this commandment by the girls, nor was there any real attempt by either to not break it.
All the real drama takes place in the last quarter of the book. Even though the reader knows something dramatic has to take place eventually, the final turn is quite surprising (no spoilers here). After waiting so long for the drama to kick in, I felt the ending came in a rush, with the last few pages really packing a dramatic, emotional punch.
Overall, I liked the L.A. Commandments, particularly the main character Jo (although I did want to give her a good shake in the final quarter of the book). If you are looking for fuzzy, feel good chick lit, then this isn't it. However, if you are looking for a contemporary story about love and consequences, then you may enjoy the read.
August 20, 2012
I received a copy of The L.A. Commandments in exchange for an honest review. Joanne Kavanagh is excited to get away from dreary Dublin and head to the land of sun and fun – California. With best friend Suzie along for the ride, the girls are ready for a new chapter in their lives. They develop a list of LA Commandments – the top commandment being ‘Thou Shall Not Fall in Love.’ But of course, that is so much easier said than done. Quickly befriending some men, including musician Marc and player Chris, the girls break their number one commandment – and will their hearts get broken as well?
I have say, I didn’t really enjoy this book. The beginning had me excited – two Irish girls heading to LA for a new life. The first chapters were fun and had a chick lit feel to it, but then I stopped becoming invested in the story when not much was happening. Everyone was going about their lives, happy, getting along for the most part, and no real drama. By the time the surprise ending came along, I was too far removed from the plot to really be able to gasp. And I think the ‘s’ should have been dropped from the title, really they only had one commandment, but that’s just a minor thing. While not my cup of tea, others may enjoy if you have a bit more patience with a slow moving plot.
*2.5 stars*
I have say, I didn’t really enjoy this book. The beginning had me excited – two Irish girls heading to LA for a new life. The first chapters were fun and had a chick lit feel to it, but then I stopped becoming invested in the story when not much was happening. Everyone was going about their lives, happy, getting along for the most part, and no real drama. By the time the surprise ending came along, I was too far removed from the plot to really be able to gasp. And I think the ‘s’ should have been dropped from the title, really they only had one commandment, but that’s just a minor thing. While not my cup of tea, others may enjoy if you have a bit more patience with a slow moving plot.
*2.5 stars*
December 9, 2013
Really enjoyed this book, couldnt put it down and could really see myself living in LA while I was reading it, the autor has great attention to the detail of LA and the 2 characters came to life as soon as you started to read it.....well worth a read would definitely read again which I always think is a sign of a really enjoyable book !
December 9, 2013
Just finished reading the LA Commandments over the weekend and really enjoyed it. Great storyline, believable, endearing characters and a writing style that will have me recommending this book to my friends.
January 15, 2013
I loved this book. Looking forward to the next one.
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