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Spinster #1
Thirty-Two Going on Spinster
Julia Dorning is a spinster, or at least on the road to becoming one. She has no social life, hates her job, and lives in her parent’s basement with her cat, Charlie.
With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia’s mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie.
But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways?
With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia’s mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie.
But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2012
2883 people are currently reading
3106 people want to read
About the author
Becky Monson
22 books1,288 followersBy day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 571 reviews
January 29, 2018
It's a good thing that her age is in the title of this book because if you just judge by the way she acts and thinks, this heroine is about 14 years old.
Her name is Julia and she works in an office, lives with her parents, and realizes she is heading to spinster-ville.
Her subscription starts up on her 32nd birthday.
Julia meets Jared when he gets a job at her company and immediately starts to over-analyze everything he does or says to decide if he likes her. Like, likes her -likes her. She gets together with her gossipy work friend all day long, in between her times of playing online solitaire, taking naps, and wandering around her office instead of working, to talk about Jared.
We follow Julia's puppy-dog crush around as she angsts over Jared and we get absolutely NO sexy times. This is a crush story. But, I admit it has it funny moments, so it's not a complete waste of time. You just have to get over the fact that the main character has the personality of an awkward prepubescent girl, and the body, clothing, and life-style of an older unmarried auntie.
Her name is Julia and she works in an office, lives with her parents, and realizes she is heading to spinster-ville.
Her subscription starts up on her 32nd birthday.
Julia meets Jared when he gets a job at her company and immediately starts to over-analyze everything he does or says to decide if he likes her. Like, likes her -likes her. She gets together with her gossipy work friend all day long, in between her times of playing online solitaire, taking naps, and wandering around her office instead of working, to talk about Jared.
We follow Julia's puppy-dog crush around as she angsts over Jared and we get absolutely NO sexy times. This is a crush story. But, I admit it has it funny moments, so it's not a complete waste of time. You just have to get over the fact that the main character has the personality of an awkward prepubescent girl, and the body, clothing, and life-style of an older unmarried auntie.
June 30, 2013
I really, really need to stop reading these ridiculous free ebooks. I think I finished it because I wanted to see if all of the predictions I made before completing the first chapter were true. Spoiler: they were. Also, learn the damn difference between your and you're. It's not that hard, I promise.
October 30, 2017
This story has a really strong narrative voice and if you don't like it (discernable in a few pages), you're likely to bounce off pretty hard. Fortunately (for me), I enjoyed Julia almost immediately and found her internal dialogue inviting and amusing. It's way out of my wheelhouse as I've never been anywhere near that uncertain and auto-pilot hasn't ever been a temptation in my professional or personal life. Which makes it kind of amazing that Monson managed to make Julia's extreme form of both so appealing.
I will admit that I bogged down a bit in the first third. Julia's voice is strong and it started to feel a bit atonal after hearing the same refrain for a few chapters with little change. I came close to setting it down and moving on for a bit so I'm glad I persisted. Once Julia admits that a little change might not be a bad thing, the story picks up considerably. And when her sister, Anna, gets involved things positively take off (positively).
Julia starts this story at 32, but a pretty complete innocent in so many ways. Indeed, this is as much a maturity story as it is a romance. And it actually works to its benefit, I think. I particularly liked how well Monson worked through Julia's flawed perspective and still left developments pretty clear. I wasn't surprised by any of the events, even though Julia is caught completely off-guard. It makes sense because she really is just that inexperienced and more than a touch naïve. At 32, she really should know better. But if someone is 32 and doesn't, well, this is what that'd be like. And since Julia was charming and kind and sincere she remained someone I was interested in being with for the duration.
Jared is a bit of a harder draw. He's kind of awesome, but by the end I couldn't help asking myself what he saw in Julia. I mean, it's clear why she needs him and how awesome he is for her. But I worry about it being something of a one-sided relationship—what my grandparents would have described as "unequally yoked". Offsetting that somewhat is that it's clear Julia isn't stupid and that she can become someone as successful and confident as he is and that what she's lacking isn't "a good man", but rather the experiences and determination to stretch to her potential. So I can see their potential together, but at least some of that is projecting from their current state rather than experiencing it in this story.
Anyway, the slow start and qualms about their future puts this at 3½ stars, though edging up. Which makes rounding to four an easy call.
A note about Chaste: There's some kissing, but nothing more. Julia really is completely naïve to start this story so more than kissing would have been a bit of a shock, I think.
A personal note about acquiring the book: So I was at this lunch for local authors with Melissa yesterday and found that there was only one romance author there. I'd never heard of her, but her books looked interesting (yes, I whipped out my phone and looked her up on GoodReads. I have terrible table manners). So as we wrapped up, I asked her which of her books I should start with. She gave me this one, which I totally hadn't expected but was very gratified to receive. After I had her sign it, I took it home and started later that afternoon. As you can see, it kept my attention very well. No promises were made about reviewing it or anything, and I can't say we're more than acquaintances (though it was a lovely discussion), but I thought I'd mention the circumstances and let you decide how to adjust your interpretation of my review.
I will admit that I bogged down a bit in the first third. Julia's voice is strong and it started to feel a bit atonal after hearing the same refrain for a few chapters with little change. I came close to setting it down and moving on for a bit so I'm glad I persisted. Once Julia admits that a little change might not be a bad thing, the story picks up considerably. And when her sister, Anna, gets involved things positively take off (positively).
Julia starts this story at 32, but a pretty complete innocent in so many ways. Indeed, this is as much a maturity story as it is a romance. And it actually works to its benefit, I think. I particularly liked how well Monson worked through Julia's flawed perspective and still left developments pretty clear. I wasn't surprised by any of the events, even though Julia is caught completely off-guard. It makes sense because she really is just that inexperienced and more than a touch naïve. At 32, she really should know better. But if someone is 32 and doesn't, well, this is what that'd be like. And since Julia was charming and kind and sincere she remained someone I was interested in being with for the duration.
Jared is a bit of a harder draw. He's kind of awesome, but by the end I couldn't help asking myself what he saw in Julia. I mean, it's clear why she needs him and how awesome he is for her. But I worry about it being something of a one-sided relationship—what my grandparents would have described as "unequally yoked". Offsetting that somewhat is that it's clear Julia isn't stupid and that she can become someone as successful and confident as he is and that what she's lacking isn't "a good man", but rather the experiences and determination to stretch to her potential. So I can see their potential together, but at least some of that is projecting from their current state rather than experiencing it in this story.
Anyway, the slow start and qualms about their future puts this at 3½ stars, though edging up. Which makes rounding to four an easy call.
A note about Chaste: There's some kissing, but nothing more. Julia really is completely naïve to start this story so more than kissing would have been a bit of a shock, I think.
A personal note about acquiring the book: So I was at this lunch for local authors with Melissa yesterday and found that there was only one romance author there. I'd never heard of her, but her books looked interesting (yes, I whipped out my phone and looked her up on GoodReads. I have terrible table manners). So as we wrapped up, I asked her which of her books I should start with. She gave me this one, which I totally hadn't expected but was very gratified to receive. After I had her sign it, I took it home and started later that afternoon. As you can see, it kept my attention very well. No promises were made about reviewing it or anything, and I can't say we're more than acquaintances (though it was a lovely discussion), but I thought I'd mention the circumstances and let you decide how to adjust your interpretation of my review.
August 11, 2016
Okay I dug this out of my "abandoned" shelf to finish it b/c it really was a small book and I couldn't stand abandoning one that was this small... but seriously... this book is awful. It's basically a train-of-thought monologue of the main character as she whines about how boring her life is, her spinster-y she is, and how much she hates her job. I actually diligently read through about 3 chapters but then I had to take flying leaps through the rest of the book, speed reading it in about 20 minutes just so that I could find out how it ended.
I kid you not, conversations took pages... PAGES!... simply because the narrator couldn't stop thinking. I. Really. Don't. Care. Just have a conversation. I don't need to know what type of danish you're dreaming of in between every line of dialogue. No joke. A page of thought. Then a line of the conversation. Then another page of thought. Then another line of conversation. I began just jumping from dialogue line to dialogue line, skipping everything in between, in order to keep myself from gouging my eyes out from having to read such dribble.
Oddly enough, the story got better once I stopped reading every word of it. The actual PLOT was interesting. The rest could've been edited out. How this train-of-thought nightmare got past the editors is beyond me.
I kid you not, conversations took pages... PAGES!... simply because the narrator couldn't stop thinking. I. Really. Don't. Care. Just have a conversation. I don't need to know what type of danish you're dreaming of in between every line of dialogue. No joke. A page of thought. Then a line of the conversation. Then another page of thought. Then another line of conversation. I began just jumping from dialogue line to dialogue line, skipping everything in between, in order to keep myself from gouging my eyes out from having to read such dribble.
Oddly enough, the story got better once I stopped reading every word of it. The actual PLOT was interesting. The rest could've been edited out. How this train-of-thought nightmare got past the editors is beyond me.
October 19, 2017
**I just read this one again and had just as much fun the second time around as I did the first. The laugh-out-loud humor and inner thoughts are hilarious and endeared Julia to me. Everyone has insecurities to deal with and it's great to watch someone else go through them.**
What a fun, and funny, book! Julia is determined that she's on the road to becoming a spinster and uses everything in her life to support that theory. Isn't it true that if you're looking for something, you'll see it? To me, she just seems to be a woman who hates change and does everything in her power to keep things comfortable, even though she's a magnet for trouble. That trouble sure does keep her on her toes and provides the reader with a lot of hilarious moments.
Working at a job that she works to avoid, Julia and her friend, Brown, live for breaks, where they can be found gossiping and discussing life. Brown is a very no-nonsense friend, who doesn't beat around the bush, yet she and Julia compliment each other nicely. They have a great friendship.
When new employee, Jared arrives, he turns everything upside down for Julia and her neat little world. He's a great guy who pushes her. I waffled back and forth between wondering if things were all in Julia's head or not and it was very entertaining.
I really enjoyed the story and watching Julia realize there's more to life than life in the box, but I think I love the way she really cultivates a relationship with her sister. They've never really had one and it shows that it's never too late. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Content: mild language; no violence; mild kissing. Clean!
*I received a copy from the tour host in exchange for an honest review*
What a fun, and funny, book! Julia is determined that she's on the road to becoming a spinster and uses everything in her life to support that theory. Isn't it true that if you're looking for something, you'll see it? To me, she just seems to be a woman who hates change and does everything in her power to keep things comfortable, even though she's a magnet for trouble. That trouble sure does keep her on her toes and provides the reader with a lot of hilarious moments.
Working at a job that she works to avoid, Julia and her friend, Brown, live for breaks, where they can be found gossiping and discussing life. Brown is a very no-nonsense friend, who doesn't beat around the bush, yet she and Julia compliment each other nicely. They have a great friendship.
When new employee, Jared arrives, he turns everything upside down for Julia and her neat little world. He's a great guy who pushes her. I waffled back and forth between wondering if things were all in Julia's head or not and it was very entertaining.
I really enjoyed the story and watching Julia realize there's more to life than life in the box, but I think I love the way she really cultivates a relationship with her sister. They've never really had one and it shows that it's never too late. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Content: mild language; no violence; mild kissing. Clean!
*I received a copy from the tour host in exchange for an honest review*
August 2, 2017
I feel a little strange rating my own book, but what the heck. I wrote it, so of course I liked it. I hope you do too. xoxo
March 13, 2017
Dude, why did I even read this book? Oh right, because it was free. I kept expecting a plot twist that would mix things up a bit, but alas. The writing didn't suck, but the storyline was cliché and boring. What a dud.
May 1, 2015
Perfect ignore your family and housework kind of a book. Loved it!
March 31, 2016
:: 4 Pretty Little Stars ::
This is a really cute chick lit novel that had me laughing almost all the way through. While I did feel that the main character was a bit immature for her age, it was good to see her grow as a character throughout the book. I am not going to write a long review because this is an older book but I do want to say that I did enjoy this one and would read the second installment in the near future.
This is a really cute chick lit novel that had me laughing almost all the way through. While I did feel that the main character was a bit immature for her age, it was good to see her grow as a character throughout the book. I am not going to write a long review because this is an older book but I do want to say that I did enjoy this one and would read the second installment in the near future.
November 13, 2023
I read this a few years ago and remember liking it.
November 22, 2013
Oh. My. Word. This is one of the funniest books I have reviewed in a long time and it is definitely one of my top reads of 2013.
The tone and humour of the story is completely on my level, I cracked up on more than one occasion – most notably in the middle of a packed train – thanks to Monson’s brilliant wit and great writing. Honorable mention must go to the Hitler moustache and the dad who punches the table to stop from laughing. Genius.
Julia is the perfect protagonist for the book; she’s pretty down on herself but it’s great to be with her as she begins to realise her worth. There’s small set of supporting characters, who are all great, but Julia is the star of the show – except maybe for the array of baked goods that are mouthwateringly sprinkled throughout the pages. They sound pretty damn good if I’m honest, so this is probably not the book to read if you are craving sugar! Otherwise, an absolute must-read.
Reviewed by Charlotte on behalf of BestChickLit.com
The tone and humour of the story is completely on my level, I cracked up on more than one occasion – most notably in the middle of a packed train – thanks to Monson’s brilliant wit and great writing. Honorable mention must go to the Hitler moustache and the dad who punches the table to stop from laughing. Genius.
Julia is the perfect protagonist for the book; she’s pretty down on herself but it’s great to be with her as she begins to realise her worth. There’s small set of supporting characters, who are all great, but Julia is the star of the show – except maybe for the array of baked goods that are mouthwateringly sprinkled throughout the pages. They sound pretty damn good if I’m honest, so this is probably not the book to read if you are craving sugar! Otherwise, an absolute must-read.
Reviewed by Charlotte on behalf of BestChickLit.com
June 24, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, but I just found Julia really annoying. She just complains all the time about her life, but doesn't really want to do anything to change it. Then change is forced upon her and she just annoyed me. I liked Jared, but I didn't like most of the other characters.
June 15, 2023
This might be the worst book I have ever read.
November 2, 2013
4.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It was a fun read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. There were so many laugh out loud moments.
I think a lot of single women can relate to Julia. Once we reach a certain age, we start to think we will never get married or find “the one.” Sometimes we start throwing around the word “spinster.” I’m not sure how many women would be as dramatic about it as Julia though. But that made it all the more humorous. Beyond that, many of us—spinster bound or not—can probably relate to being stuck in a job we don’t like or want, to wanting something more but being afraid to take that first risky step. Julia experiences a lot of this and we get to hear about her journey. That was one thing I really enjoyed about Thirty-Two Going On… Spinster, the easy conversational style of the narration. I felt like I was sitting with Julia at a bar or on her couch, having a glass of wine, and laughing/gasping/sympathizing with her as she told me what was happening in her life, doing the girl talk thing—much like she did with her sister later in the book.
Her love of baking is evident from the beginning. Just the way she talks about it, you know that’s her true passion. That’s her dream. I also loved reading about Julia’s baked creations. I could smell them, see them, and I wished I could taste them!
I loved Jared from the very beginning. He was so sweet but in such a tough spot. The Dr. Pepper made me say, “AWWWWWW!” Julia’s nickname for him, McManly, I can totally understand. I can’t fault anything about Jared. He was a great character.
The last 100 pages or so really moved for me. I had this stupid, giddy, goofy smile on my face the whole time. I loved the ending. I wanted a little bit more from that ending, but I loved it nonetheless. I’m hoping there will be a sequel. I want more Julia and Jared.
One line stood out for me: “A spinster can have her dreams.” Yes, Julia, she can. And sometimes they do come true!
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book. It was a fun chick lit read.
Will I read it again: I may read it again.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2013/11/re...
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It was a fun read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. There were so many laugh out loud moments.
I think a lot of single women can relate to Julia. Once we reach a certain age, we start to think we will never get married or find “the one.” Sometimes we start throwing around the word “spinster.” I’m not sure how many women would be as dramatic about it as Julia though. But that made it all the more humorous. Beyond that, many of us—spinster bound or not—can probably relate to being stuck in a job we don’t like or want, to wanting something more but being afraid to take that first risky step. Julia experiences a lot of this and we get to hear about her journey. That was one thing I really enjoyed about Thirty-Two Going On… Spinster, the easy conversational style of the narration. I felt like I was sitting with Julia at a bar or on her couch, having a glass of wine, and laughing/gasping/sympathizing with her as she told me what was happening in her life, doing the girl talk thing—much like she did with her sister later in the book.
Her love of baking is evident from the beginning. Just the way she talks about it, you know that’s her true passion. That’s her dream. I also loved reading about Julia’s baked creations. I could smell them, see them, and I wished I could taste them!
I loved Jared from the very beginning. He was so sweet but in such a tough spot. The Dr. Pepper made me say, “AWWWWWW!” Julia’s nickname for him, McManly, I can totally understand. I can’t fault anything about Jared. He was a great character.
The last 100 pages or so really moved for me. I had this stupid, giddy, goofy smile on my face the whole time. I loved the ending. I wanted a little bit more from that ending, but I loved it nonetheless. I’m hoping there will be a sequel. I want more Julia and Jared.
One line stood out for me: “A spinster can have her dreams.” Yes, Julia, she can. And sometimes they do come true!
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book. It was a fun chick lit read.
Will I read it again: I may read it again.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2013/11/re...
October 2, 2014
A sarcastic voice is one of my guilty pleasures. If it is done well, it will get me every time. Becky Monson used a wonderful voice. I could almost hear Julia's voice, and maybe envision a few eye rolls!
Julia has made it into her early thirties living in her parents basement apartment, enjoys staying home in the evenings and baking. She looked up the word spinster in the dictionary and realized that her picture could have been placed next to the definition as an illustration.
She is lazy, has given up trying to improve herself, and sometimes takes a nap on the job. (Wouldn't that be nice!) One of the funniest moments in the book comes from taking a nap in a conference room. It led to a very awkward situation that involved a red stapler. :)
She decides to make improvements, get out of the spinster mold, when a handsome man comes to work in H.R. There are more awkward and embarrassing situations in store. Got to love the lip wax!
Cute book. I had many moments of laughter and had fun reading this book.
Julia has made it into her early thirties living in her parents basement apartment, enjoys staying home in the evenings and baking. She looked up the word spinster in the dictionary and realized that her picture could have been placed next to the definition as an illustration.
She is lazy, has given up trying to improve herself, and sometimes takes a nap on the job. (Wouldn't that be nice!) One of the funniest moments in the book comes from taking a nap in a conference room. It led to a very awkward situation that involved a red stapler. :)
She decides to make improvements, get out of the spinster mold, when a handsome man comes to work in H.R. There are more awkward and embarrassing situations in store. Got to love the lip wax!
Cute book. I had many moments of laughter and had fun reading this book.
July 20, 2014
I had a hard time liking this character. She is very whiny and annoying at the start of the book and I didn't see a whole lot of growth in that regard. I am still not sure I ever got past her personality. The story was alright, but I really could never see why the guy liked her.
August 9, 2015
My friend is the author! Great chick lit read! Loved the characters! I especially love the HR Manager that constantly uses the word "proverbial" incorrectly! So funny!
May 20, 2013
This is a fun story, and the character is relatable in many ways. A friend of mine wrote this book, and I think she did a great job!
April 1, 2015
Too many stereotypes in one book. Ugh.
September 24, 2014
This was probably one of the funniest books I've read all year.
Julia is a thirty-two year old spinster who works at this nerdy tech company called SpectralTech. She lives in her parents' basement and has for ten years. She sort of wants to change, but doesn't really know where to start. Applying for a new job within her company is where she decides to start, but then this totally hot guy named Jared stole her new job. And the way she meets Jared is so funny. Hiding under a conference table. I'm laughing again just thinking about it.
Of course Julia has a gorgeous best friend at the company that tries to help her out of her spinster ways and to help her when she realizes that Julia has as crush on the new guy. For example, she tells Julia she has hair on her upper lip and needs to get it waxed. But getting rid of her "man lip" goes horribly wrong. The scene with Julia and her parents had me laughing like a crazy person. In public. Seriously so funny.
I loved all the main characters in this book. They were all very realistic and are someone you can identify with---either it's you or someone you know, seriously. The thing that makes this book stand out however, is the voice. Julia was awesome. The author brings to life all her quirks by not just telling us about them, but letting us LIVE them, with Julia. It was really refreshing and fun, and the romance was clean.
So, if you want a fun afternoon read with lots of humor, this is the book for you.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Julia is a thirty-two year old spinster who works at this nerdy tech company called SpectralTech. She lives in her parents' basement and has for ten years. She sort of wants to change, but doesn't really know where to start. Applying for a new job within her company is where she decides to start, but then this totally hot guy named Jared stole her new job. And the way she meets Jared is so funny. Hiding under a conference table. I'm laughing again just thinking about it.
Of course Julia has a gorgeous best friend at the company that tries to help her out of her spinster ways and to help her when she realizes that Julia has as crush on the new guy. For example, she tells Julia she has hair on her upper lip and needs to get it waxed. But getting rid of her "man lip" goes horribly wrong. The scene with Julia and her parents had me laughing like a crazy person. In public. Seriously so funny.
I loved all the main characters in this book. They were all very realistic and are someone you can identify with---either it's you or someone you know, seriously. The thing that makes this book stand out however, is the voice. Julia was awesome. The author brings to life all her quirks by not just telling us about them, but letting us LIVE them, with Julia. It was really refreshing and fun, and the romance was clean.
So, if you want a fun afternoon read with lots of humor, this is the book for you.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
October 3, 2014
Well, the first and best thing I can say about this book is that it has moments of brilliant funny-ness. Like- maybe a snort comes out while reading this book- funny. Yeah, this was one of the most comedic books I've read in quite awhile. Sarcasm at it's best.
Most of this book is written from a place deep inside Julia's head. Sometimes I felt like I was stuck in a whirlwind of the same thoughts and feelings and I just wanted to get out or move on, but most of the time I was contented with the cheap entertainment I found there.
One thing I loved about this book was the informal approach and feel to it. It really did feel like I was living in someone's head. And did I mention that it was funny? It was.
Content: There was a handful of mild swearing. (which I didn't love. or think was funny)
Most of this book is written from a place deep inside Julia's head. Sometimes I felt like I was stuck in a whirlwind of the same thoughts and feelings and I just wanted to get out or move on, but most of the time I was contented with the cheap entertainment I found there.
One thing I loved about this book was the informal approach and feel to it. It really did feel like I was living in someone's head. And did I mention that it was funny? It was.
Content: There was a handful of mild swearing. (which I didn't love. or think was funny)
January 31, 2021
SPOILERS***
I'm a bit in shock right now so bear with me~~
So...the cute hot guy who used you, lied to you, GOT YOU FIRED because he thinks "you're better than that place...you deserve better", and then stalks you until you hear him out etc is in fact the love interest (let that sink in) AND the solution to all your problems
.........really? I--
don't even.......
I'm seriously disappointed.
I'm a bit in shock right now so bear with me~~
So...the cute hot guy who used you, lied to you, GOT YOU FIRED because he thinks "you're better than that place...you deserve better", and then stalks you until you hear him out etc is in fact the love interest (let that sink in) AND the solution to all your problems
.........really? I--
don't even.......
I'm seriously disappointed.
March 14, 2018
This is my first book by Becky Monson, and the first in the Spinster series. Be prepared--reading this is like you're in Julia's head--hearing all her thoughts which are funny most of the time, but sometimes kind of sad because of how she thinks of herself, especially at the beginning of the book. For example, one thought she has is "I used to have dreams. I used to have hopes. But now I’ve settled into my little world, and I don’t have much to dream about anymore."
Julia just turned thirty-two, looked up the definition of "spinster", and decided she met all the requirements. She lives in her parents basement apartment, doesn't date, and she's been at a job she really doesn't like for 10 years. She's not really a spinster, she's just a person in a really deep rut--she doesn't go shopping for clothes and she's still rocking "the Rachel" haircut. Things start changing when Jared Moody starts working in the HR department and joins her and her work friend Betsy Brown (referred to as just Brown in the book) on their gossip breaks at work.
Julia has a much younger sister she doesn't really connect or spend time with but that changes and her sister helps her shop for new clothes and gives her makeup tips. She also finally moves out of her parents basement and buys a condo when something big goes down at work and she loses her job. This ends up being the best thing that could've happened to her as she takes a job in a nearby bakery where she's able to use her awesome baking skills--which makes her happier than she's ever been. "Everyone has a turning point in their life—one that makes them do an about-face and go down the path they were meant to."
I don't think I've ever read a book where I was in someone's head before. It's different than other first-person books I've read. I was glad when Julia and her sister started working on their relationship because Julia started really changing and getting out of her very comfortable, but depressing, rut. I found the book funny. The romance part is clean but there's mild profanity.
Julia just turned thirty-two, looked up the definition of "spinster", and decided she met all the requirements. She lives in her parents basement apartment, doesn't date, and she's been at a job she really doesn't like for 10 years. She's not really a spinster, she's just a person in a really deep rut--she doesn't go shopping for clothes and she's still rocking "the Rachel" haircut. Things start changing when Jared Moody starts working in the HR department and joins her and her work friend Betsy Brown (referred to as just Brown in the book) on their gossip breaks at work.
Julia has a much younger sister she doesn't really connect or spend time with but that changes and her sister helps her shop for new clothes and gives her makeup tips. She also finally moves out of her parents basement and buys a condo when something big goes down at work and she loses her job. This ends up being the best thing that could've happened to her as she takes a job in a nearby bakery where she's able to use her awesome baking skills--which makes her happier than she's ever been. "Everyone has a turning point in their life—one that makes them do an about-face and go down the path they were meant to."
I don't think I've ever read a book where I was in someone's head before. It's different than other first-person books I've read. I was glad when Julia and her sister started working on their relationship because Julia started really changing and getting out of her very comfortable, but depressing, rut. I found the book funny. The romance part is clean but there's mild profanity.
August 22, 2013
A Sense of Completion and Overflowing Pride after finishing a complete fun loving book is getting in me right now :-)Kicking myself for being so lazy and took forever to finish this amazing book. Becky Monson, I heart you. I will reread this book in another few months. LOVELY. *A must read for all the lovely girls out there* :-)
And Becky Monson in so many places reminded me of my favorite author Judy Balan.
And Becky Monson in so many places reminded me of my favorite author Judy Balan.
June 25, 2013
Another free Kindle e-book.
This was a cute story. I could totally relate to the main character. Not in a spinster way (I had all four of my kids by 32), but the way she talks and feels about herself. It's just funny.
Perfectly clean with only some mild swearing, a friend who smokes, and some references to drinking (or actually not drinking).
I had a hard time putting it down. My only complaint was the very quick ending. Would have been happier with a couple more chapters.
This was a cute story. I could totally relate to the main character. Not in a spinster way (I had all four of my kids by 32), but the way she talks and feels about herself. It's just funny.
Perfectly clean with only some mild swearing, a friend who smokes, and some references to drinking (or actually not drinking).
I had a hard time putting it down. My only complaint was the very quick ending. Would have been happier with a couple more chapters.
December 2, 2013
This was an entertaining book. It was exactly what I want when I read something in the Chick Lit genre--humor, romance, a likable main character in a predicament. It was the little humorous elements that I truly appreciated. 32 Going on Spinster is the perfect light escape. One fair warning--you will find yourself wanting to visit a bakery when you finish.
July 31, 2013
Free Amazon kindle read. I felt that I mainly finished it to see if what I predicted early on actually happened... Not a bad story, just felt that it needed a lil' more...oomph! Certain passages were redundant...but on par with a free read.
January 14, 2015
I would love to get my money back. I could not get past the first few pages.
February 13, 2015
Not enough romance. Too much internal dialogue.
April 25, 2013
You may cringe a bit throughout this book if you are a grammar Nazi but besides that, this is a great book. I enjoyed the story and character development. Overall, a really nice read. Can't wait for more from this author.
Edited to add: Apparently the version that I read was one of the earlier copies and the book has since been combed through for errors by a grammar Nazi! Perhaps no cringing after all...
Edited to add: Apparently the version that I read was one of the earlier copies and the book has since been combed through for errors by a grammar Nazi! Perhaps no cringing after all...
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