Slow Dancing

by Elizabeth Benedict

Before SEX IN THE CITY there was SLOW DANCING, which first Knopf published in 1985. It was shortlisted for the LA Times Fiction Prize, and the National Book Award. Cynical about the world and her life in particular, edgy young attorney Lexi encounters an investigative reporter who quietly challenges her perspectives and pushes her to make changes by asking questions and being willing to change his life for her. (Nancy Pearl) But just as important in this anti-romantic love story is the story of Lexi and her best friend Nell, who are each other's best loves, until ...

Genres: Fiction

431 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 1985

About the author

Me: Lots of books, zillions of essays and articles. This season: REWRITING ILLNESS: A VIEW OF MY OWN. A very serious and kinda funny take on how my lifelong fear of illness collided with actual illness in 2017. I survived. I had time to think about doctor-speak, patient-speak, death, health insurance, CANCER, my husband, my friends, did I mention CANCER? I love this blurb: "As though Nora Ephron had written a book called 'I Feel Bad About My Tumor.'" --Thomas Beller.

I'm the author of the novels ALMOST and SLOW DANCING, and of THE JOY OF WRITING SEX: A GUIDE FOR FICTION WRITERS, and editor of three anthologies: ME, MY HAIR AND I: 27 WOMEN UNTANGLE AN OBSESSION, the NYTIMES bestseller, WHAT MY MOTHER GAVE ME: 31 WOMEN ON THE GIFTS THAT MATTERED MOST and MENTORS, MUSES & MONSTERS: 30 WRITERS ON THE PEOPLE WHO CHANGED THEIR LIVES.

I coach kids applying to college and grad school with their application essays at www.DontSweatTheEssay.com. Maureen Corrigan, on "Fresh Air" raved about ALMOST days after 9/11, and Anne Tyler reviewed THE BEGINNER'S BOOK OF DREAMS, saying, "The marvel is that such a sad book could be such a joy to read."

Reviews

[Julie Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow dancing by Benedict_ Elizabeth
Two women meet in college and become friends. Story goes to the present time and then chapters go back in time so you can understand their relationship.
Story follows David who has a teen daughter and he wants a story on immigration. Lexie is a lawyer sticking up for the immigrants.
Nell is the woman who loves talking to her girlfriend about the men she's been with. Lots of drama
Steamy descriptions of sex with other partners and themselves. Love hearing the travel and the places they visit or live.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically a well written book, except sometimes it was difficult to figure out who was speaking certain lines, etc. I had to go back & re-read a few things to keep everything straight. The storyline was good, although a little slow in parts. It did keep me entertained, so I give it 3.5 stars, rounded to 4.

I received this ARC free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[georgia · Rating 2 out of 5]

1985 276 pages

this is one of the national book award nominees for this year. authors debut book. bi-coastal late 20 to very early 30's people figuring how to define them self after the ideal college job is not so ideal. 2 women is portrayed as lesbians or not through the book. reader knows they are not. men come and go until they finally show up. choppy book to read

[Cheryl Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a single 25 year old. It made a lasting impression on me, so much so that I could quote some lines from it, but couldn't remember the title for many years! It's a coming of age story but not appropriate for YA audiences. Very well written with memorable characters.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok but missing the great writing you would want from a "serious book" and not light enough to be chick litt.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book in my 20s.