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Sparkle
Last fall, newly-engaged author Mara Altman rejected the showy sparkle of a multi-carat diamond ring, and chose instead a simple, three-figure bauble. But why? There began her reportorial journey to find the true connection of diamonds to marriage - and to love.
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First published March 3, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 25, 2012
I have heard great things about Mara Altman, so I was eager to check out some of her writings. I started with this one because it's a timely topic for me, I guess, being in a long term relationship. Not really wanting a traditional ring if the time should come.
It was a very fun, funny, and faced paced read; yet at the same time, well researched. Mara not only explains her thoughts on this topic, she also explains some of the history behind the diamond-engagement-ring tradition.
For instance, she explains that the Egyptians believed that there is a "love vein" in the left ring finger that connects directly to the heart. Then Mara interjects with, "Anatomically speaking, veins that connect to our hearts also eventually connect to our assholes."
Then she discovers that her own diamond is low-grade enough to be considered bort - the kind used as industrial abrasives and thinks, "That sounds about right."
In the end Mara (and I too) come to the conclusion that the ring doesn't matter so much, it's the love for each other that matters more, just as long as it sparkles.
I'm looking forward to reading Mara's other works in the future for sure, since I like her brand of humor and her wittiness with the research.
It was a very fun, funny, and faced paced read; yet at the same time, well researched. Mara not only explains her thoughts on this topic, she also explains some of the history behind the diamond-engagement-ring tradition.
For instance, she explains that the Egyptians believed that there is a "love vein" in the left ring finger that connects directly to the heart. Then Mara interjects with, "Anatomically speaking, veins that connect to our hearts also eventually connect to our assholes."
Then she discovers that her own diamond is low-grade enough to be considered bort - the kind used as industrial abrasives and thinks, "That sounds about right."
In the end Mara (and I too) come to the conclusion that the ring doesn't matter so much, it's the love for each other that matters more, just as long as it sparkles.
I'm looking forward to reading Mara's other works in the future for sure, since I like her brand of humor and her wittiness with the research.
April 11, 2011
This book was tedious to read. Sparkle is littered with forced humor that is more annoying than it is funny. It's light-hearted and breezy, but Altman never really gets to the point, you feel like you're being built up for some nugget of self-realization the protagonist will eventually have...and she never does. The book is not terrible, but it wasn't really all that good either.
August 28, 2014
Sparkle
Author: Mara Altman
Overall: 5 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Received as a RAK
Kindle Single
Description: (Goodreads) The tradition of giving a diamond solitaire engagement ring has long been the ultimate statement of love and romance, but no sooner does newly engaged Mara Altman set her sights on a unique, inexpensive, and--gasp--muddy brown diamond ring, than she begins to doubt the decision of breaking this custom. If she doesn’t have a diamond ring, are others questioning the strength of her relationship and the depth of her love? In an almost obsessive quest, Altman seeks to discover how and when the tradition of diamond engagement rings began. Her witty insight, thoughtful observations, and self-deprecating humor lend this Kindle Single its unique luster, resulting in a modern look at the meaning behind happily ever after.
From My Point of View: In all honesty, I have no idea what a Kindle single is. Amazon says a Kindle single "presents a compelling idea--well researched, well argued, and well illustrated--expressed at its natural length." Hm. Whatever that means. I've pretty much determined it's a non-fiction novella. =)
Obviously, this was my first Kindle Single. It was total LOVE. I do think, however, you have to be interested in the topic for a Single to grab you because I tried to find other singles I wanted to buy and came up blank. They all sound so boring (I'm a fiction kind of girl, myself).
This one, however, was awesome. Right from the beginning I was hooked. I found myself agreeing entirely with virtually every word written and feeling just as passionately about the subject as Altman did. It was also interesting to read about the history of diamonds and how they came to be such a status symbol (don't misread this here -- it was by NO means a history lesson, but I did learn a lot). Turns out, it's all in the Marketing.
I happen to be one of the few women in the minority when it comes to diamond rings.
I. Don't. Like. Diamonds.
*Pause for the gasps.*
It's true. I think they're ugly. I hate how they sparkle - like they're dirty or something. But I don't tell people this because I'm afraid of what they'll think. "Oh she doesn't like diamonds because she can't afford them." Well you know what? I don't like Louis Vitton! And not because I can't afford it, but because they're all ugly. And I KNOW there are people who feel the same way. It's the same concept with diamonds. Who cares what I can afford -- it's what I *personally* like that matters. (Louis does happen to be out of my college student's budget price range, but that's neither here nor there.)
So, when it came time to pick out my ring, I truly did not want diamonds. I ended up choosing a White Sapphire ring (and I'm not a colored engagement ring kinda gal, so white it was)! It was EXACTLY what I wanted AND, like an free sample when you buy so much at Macy's make up counter, it came with actual meaning since Sapphire is my birthstone.
As you can clearly tell, I was deeply effected by this book (well, to the point that I no longer care what anyone thinks about my ring because I am totally in love with it -- deeply might have been a bit over the top). And you can probably tell from the length of this review(/rant) that I loved it. =)
If you're a bit of a one-off like yours truly, I'd pick this one up as a confidence booster. It clearly worked for me.
Author: Mara Altman
Overall: 5 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Received as a RAK
Kindle Single
Description: (Goodreads) The tradition of giving a diamond solitaire engagement ring has long been the ultimate statement of love and romance, but no sooner does newly engaged Mara Altman set her sights on a unique, inexpensive, and--gasp--muddy brown diamond ring, than she begins to doubt the decision of breaking this custom. If she doesn’t have a diamond ring, are others questioning the strength of her relationship and the depth of her love? In an almost obsessive quest, Altman seeks to discover how and when the tradition of diamond engagement rings began. Her witty insight, thoughtful observations, and self-deprecating humor lend this Kindle Single its unique luster, resulting in a modern look at the meaning behind happily ever after.
From My Point of View: In all honesty, I have no idea what a Kindle single is. Amazon says a Kindle single "presents a compelling idea--well researched, well argued, and well illustrated--expressed at its natural length." Hm. Whatever that means. I've pretty much determined it's a non-fiction novella. =)
Obviously, this was my first Kindle Single. It was total LOVE. I do think, however, you have to be interested in the topic for a Single to grab you because I tried to find other singles I wanted to buy and came up blank. They all sound so boring (I'm a fiction kind of girl, myself).
This one, however, was awesome. Right from the beginning I was hooked. I found myself agreeing entirely with virtually every word written and feeling just as passionately about the subject as Altman did. It was also interesting to read about the history of diamonds and how they came to be such a status symbol (don't misread this here -- it was by NO means a history lesson, but I did learn a lot). Turns out, it's all in the Marketing.
I happen to be one of the few women in the minority when it comes to diamond rings.
I. Don't. Like. Diamonds.
*Pause for the gasps.*
It's true. I think they're ugly. I hate how they sparkle - like they're dirty or something. But I don't tell people this because I'm afraid of what they'll think. "Oh she doesn't like diamonds because she can't afford them." Well you know what? I don't like Louis Vitton! And not because I can't afford it, but because they're all ugly. And I KNOW there are people who feel the same way. It's the same concept with diamonds. Who cares what I can afford -- it's what I *personally* like that matters. (Louis does happen to be out of my college student's budget price range, but that's neither here nor there.)
So, when it came time to pick out my ring, I truly did not want diamonds. I ended up choosing a White Sapphire ring (and I'm not a colored engagement ring kinda gal, so white it was)! It was EXACTLY what I wanted AND, like an free sample when you buy so much at Macy's make up counter, it came with actual meaning since Sapphire is my birthstone.
As you can clearly tell, I was deeply effected by this book (well, to the point that I no longer care what anyone thinks about my ring because I am totally in love with it -- deeply might have been a bit over the top). And you can probably tell from the length of this review(/rant) that I loved it. =)
If you're a bit of a one-off like yours truly, I'd pick this one up as a confidence booster. It clearly worked for me.
July 20, 2011
Definitely not a book for everyone due to the language and some content, but I enjoyed the viewpoints of the author on the engagement ring, its history, and what it signifies to her and some other women. She was very humorous about it, and while I agreed with her at first, I found my point of view changing with hers!
I had no idea that the diamond in engagement rings was not around until the diamond sellers needed to boost sales. It's interesting how other cultures have different ways of doing this, such as through the use of heirlooms, but as Altman says, as a country of immigrants, we had no traditions. This served as one.
I agree with the author that the man should not have to provide a ring that is worth at least two months salary, yet when it was brought up that the saving for the ring shows the ability of the man to provide, I liked the way that was put. I think women should be able to save that much as well. For myself, it would be a nice sentiment to have the man save that much money, show he has it, and buy a smaller ring that fits my personality, and use the rest of the money along with what I have saved as a down payment for a house. To me, that makes much more sense than having seven or eight grand sitting on your finger.
I had no idea that the diamond in engagement rings was not around until the diamond sellers needed to boost sales. It's interesting how other cultures have different ways of doing this, such as through the use of heirlooms, but as Altman says, as a country of immigrants, we had no traditions. This served as one.
I agree with the author that the man should not have to provide a ring that is worth at least two months salary, yet when it was brought up that the saving for the ring shows the ability of the man to provide, I liked the way that was put. I think women should be able to save that much as well. For myself, it would be a nice sentiment to have the man save that much money, show he has it, and buy a smaller ring that fits my personality, and use the rest of the money along with what I have saved as a down payment for a house. To me, that makes much more sense than having seven or eight grand sitting on your finger.
January 28, 2014
Diamonds are forever... but are they really worth all the hype? Long and short of it, probably not. But that is not to say that your diamond engagement ring has zero meaning.
After getting engaged, Mara Altman decides that she would like to uncover the history behind diamonds, engagement rings, and dives beyond the craze of "who has the biggest one(?!)". Of course, many know of the De Beers marketing for the diamond-engagement-ring 'tradition'. Although they did try to market rings for men too - not successful, but how with names like; The President, The Stag, The Ace, and The Master (who wouldn't love that?). But interestingly enough, I was not aware of the more modern (until the 30s) breach-of-promise reform.
As Altman, and many couples come to find, it ultimately comes down to what makes the both partners happy... diamond or not.
This was a good introduction to Amazon's Kindle Singles. It was a quick and fun read. I have to say I enjoyed it and plan on reading more singles (by Altman and others).
After getting engaged, Mara Altman decides that she would like to uncover the history behind diamonds, engagement rings, and dives beyond the craze of "who has the biggest one(?!)". Of course, many know of the De Beers marketing for the diamond-engagement-ring 'tradition'. Although they did try to market rings for men too - not successful, but how with names like; The President, The Stag, The Ace, and The Master (who wouldn't love that?). But interestingly enough, I was not aware of the more modern (until the 30s) breach-of-promise reform.
As Altman, and many couples come to find, it ultimately comes down to what makes the both partners happy... diamond or not.
This was a good introduction to Amazon's Kindle Singles. It was a quick and fun read. I have to say I enjoyed it and plan on reading more singles (by Altman and others).
July 1, 2011
Short. Funny. Informative. And it pretty much discusses all of the issues I have with the engagement ring process. And with lines like "Everything was about holes, I told myself. The man gave the woman a hole to stuff her finger into so that he could stuff something into her hole," how can you not love it?
April 11, 2011
Look, it's a Kindle Single not Anna Karenina, but I enjoyed it. Is an essay about Cecil Rhodes and gerbil poop with lines like, "The man gave the woman a hole to stuff her finger into so that he could stuff something into her hole," supposed to make you cry? No? I may be having a moment.
March 11, 2018
This falls somewhere between Bearded Lady and Bag of Meat on Ball of Dirt for me. I think the part that tackled her personal experiences with relationships and jewelry was better than the half where she went in the expose direction. Her theory on why a ring is designed to sparkle is an interesting one, even if of questionable validity. A quick, light read
May 23, 2020
Two and a half years into her relationship, Altman is almost embarrassed to admit that she wants to get engaged. She never wanted to be one of those girls, and yet here she is, with her boyfriend / soon-to-be-fiance Dave, looking in jewellery shops. What is an engagement ring meant to look like? Does it have to look a certain way – diamonds, sparkle – in order for other people to understand what it means? And what does an engagement ring mean, anyway? Is it for the woman to show off that the man loves her – or for the man, to show other men that his woman is taken (‘the way garlic vanquishes vampires’)? And why that finger? It’s time to try and figure out why all this matters, and to find out who decided that diamonds were ‘forever’ anyway. Tradition, as it turns out, is sometimes a very thin smoke-screen for advertising (the expectation of a diamond engagement ring is largely thanks to a huge campaign by De Beers)...
For the full review, and comments on other books by Altman, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2020/05/16/t...
For the full review, and comments on other books by Altman, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2020/05/16/t...
August 11, 2023
Going into this book, I was expecting some kind of cutesy rom com revolving around an engagement. Well, I was pleasantly surprised when I was wrong. ‘Sparkle’ is a relatively informative take on the history of diamonds/engagement rings while also keeping a humorous personal aspect to the story. It was also very well paced to the point where I almost didn’t realize that I was reaching the end of the book. Great for anyone looking for something short and lighthearted to read while on the go or in a time crunch. And I was engaged enough to when I genuinely wanted to read MORE about the topic of discussion.
July 6, 2011
Mara Altman's Sparkle deals humorously with her experience of conflicting feelings on that thing women of marrying age are "supposed to" seek with all their force: the engagement ring. She wants but doesn't want the One Ring (couldn't resist the reference), and grapples with exactly what it signifies--is it a token of love and a symbol of stability, or a marking of territory and a statement of wealth? She explores the history of the engagement ring, with some discussions more interesting than others (I could Wikipedia "engagement ring" myself, but her interviews were pretty great). And of course, she relies heavily on her own personal and hilarious experience of getting engaged--and not knowing exactly what that may mean.
This was my first try with one of the "Kindle Singles" (short form e-books Amazon has been marketing), and I really did enjoy it, although in tone and quality it read a bit like someone's very long blog post. Still, it was well worth the $2 and made me laugh out loud more than once--a great quick summer read.
This was my first try with one of the "Kindle Singles" (short form e-books Amazon has been marketing), and I really did enjoy it, although in tone and quality it read a bit like someone's very long blog post. Still, it was well worth the $2 and made me laugh out loud more than once--a great quick summer read.
August 17, 2011
This was my first Kindle Single and it did not disappoint. I found Maya Altman's approach to the subject of engagement rings to be hilarious, interesting, and brought a new perspective regarding her view on what the ring symbolizes (social status, degree of love, etc); although there were occasions that I had to put the book down because her self-doubt and insecurity made me want to pluck out my eyelashes. I always viewed people's obsession with the diamond (and quite frankly the proposal) to be quite materialistic, as the "quality" of the ring/proposal should (and will) never be an issue with me. This especially became my truth when I first watched "Blood Diamond" in college. I digress. I recommend "Sparkle" if you're looking for a quick read that is entertaining, educational (quite a bit of information regarding tradition of engagement ring, history of diamond advertising, etc), and a bit sassy.
May 19, 2014
The star rating given reflects my opinion within ‘the official goodreads rating system’.
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
January 26, 2013
Honestly I don't know what I expected from this book, maybe nothing, however it was a nice quick read and I enjoyed it.
The author goes into detail about the history of the engagement rings, diamonds, and other factors and what the commitment of impending marriage requires and means.
Personally, I found myself to be the "anti-marriage" for a really long time until I finally found my person, and it was just right. But even when she showed me the engagement ring she wanted me to have, versus what she gave me as a place holder, she had concerns it wasn't "big enough."
However, similar to the author I don't really care about that stuff, I want to be "unique" to myself and really all that mattered to me was it was "shiny" go figure, the sparkle does matter.
I also enjoyed that this book injected some humor into what could have been a really dry research paper style read.
The author goes into detail about the history of the engagement rings, diamonds, and other factors and what the commitment of impending marriage requires and means.
Personally, I found myself to be the "anti-marriage" for a really long time until I finally found my person, and it was just right. But even when she showed me the engagement ring she wanted me to have, versus what she gave me as a place holder, she had concerns it wasn't "big enough."
However, similar to the author I don't really care about that stuff, I want to be "unique" to myself and really all that mattered to me was it was "shiny" go figure, the sparkle does matter.
I also enjoyed that this book injected some humor into what could have been a really dry research paper style read.
June 5, 2011
This book is a light hearted quick read that takes a look into the history of the engagement ring. I really identified with Mara. I found myself laughing out loud as she described how people reacted to her "small" engagement ring and asked when she was going to trade up. I loved that she asked why a man should trade his bank account for a rock.
It was fascinating to me to learn about the diamond industry and the history of engagement rings. Diamond engagement rings have only been a tradition for about 200 years, yet we quickly grew accustomed to having this piece of jewelry signify our relationship.
If you are single, in a relationship, or contemplating getting engaged, this book might help you put the diamond ring into perspective.
It was fascinating to me to learn about the diamond industry and the history of engagement rings. Diamond engagement rings have only been a tradition for about 200 years, yet we quickly grew accustomed to having this piece of jewelry signify our relationship.
If you are single, in a relationship, or contemplating getting engaged, this book might help you put the diamond ring into perspective.
March 8, 2011
cute! this was my first kindle single and it definitely didn't disappoint. Maya Altman is outrightly honest, funny and slightly flamboyant but also does a very good job summing up the background and tradition embedded in engagement rings. I personally liked this because I recently researched the high cost of engagement rings out of interest and found her discussion around this topic honest, funny and a good, quick read. I think I will definitely read more Kindle singles based on this experience... more expensive but definitely gives you a great feeling of accomplishment after reading through something quickly :)
May 14, 2014
"I waved my unadorned Love Vein in his face. I was giving him The Finger. Let's do this already!"
How cute was this?! I love Mara Altman. This is the second single of hers that I have read and I feel like she just gets me. Corny, but true. Her sense of humor has me smiling, nodding and laughing out loud. Love it!
I recommend this for anyone who has discussed tying the knot with their significant other... or talked about rings with their girlfriends ;)
How cute was this?! I love Mara Altman. This is the second single of hers that I have read and I feel like she just gets me. Corny, but true. Her sense of humor has me smiling, nodding and laughing out loud. Love it!
I recommend this for anyone who has discussed tying the knot with their significant other... or talked about rings with their girlfriends ;)
October 19, 2014
A great read with answers
when my wife and I were ring shopping it really opened my eyes to how much time and money people put into searching for the right ring. I wanted something big and sparkly, while my wife wanted something simple and elegant. I never thought about what this all meant, why do rings have to be what seals the deal? while reading this the author really shows the reader that it isn't all about the ring itself, but it really means to let love sparkle.
when my wife and I were ring shopping it really opened my eyes to how much time and money people put into searching for the right ring. I wanted something big and sparkly, while my wife wanted something simple and elegant. I never thought about what this all meant, why do rings have to be what seals the deal? while reading this the author really shows the reader that it isn't all about the ring itself, but it really means to let love sparkle.
May 28, 2015
Mara Altman makes me laugh
She has a gift. Ms. Altman brings you the truth, things you know in your depths, that bother you somehow, but that you haven't quite managed to put into words. With bracing candor and disarming humor she exposes the tensions that inhabit the engagement ritual. Indeed the owner of a ring has landed herself a penis, and indeed her left hand informs all and sundry that her cooter is indefinitely off limits. I'm hooked. On to "Bearded Lady."
She has a gift. Ms. Altman brings you the truth, things you know in your depths, that bother you somehow, but that you haven't quite managed to put into words. With bracing candor and disarming humor she exposes the tensions that inhabit the engagement ritual. Indeed the owner of a ring has landed herself a penis, and indeed her left hand informs all and sundry that her cooter is indefinitely off limits. I'm hooked. On to "Bearded Lady."
June 17, 2015
My most notable quotes:
"I'd never though of a diamond's sparkle like that before, like it was magic and it would ward off other penises the way garlic vanquishes vampires."
"Always go into new experiences with low expectations so as to always be pleasantly surprised."
"I found my partner. The guy who, if I ever became physically incapacitated, would be in charge of bleaching my moustache and plucking out my rogue chin hairs."
"I'd never though of a diamond's sparkle like that before, like it was magic and it would ward off other penises the way garlic vanquishes vampires."
"Always go into new experiences with low expectations so as to always be pleasantly surprised."
"I found my partner. The guy who, if I ever became physically incapacitated, would be in charge of bleaching my moustache and plucking out my rogue chin hairs."
October 20, 2011
Very cute read, and I love that it's nice and short. Very refreshing to be able to finish something in a hour. The way the author writes, it was like reading a letter from a friend who was trying to figure out how she felt about getting an engagement ring. Don't know if it change what kind of ring I want to get :-) but it was still fascinating.
December 10, 2011
This Kindle Single was HILARIOUS! The neurotic rants and fact finding this woman went through after getting her engagement ring was both insane and understandable for a "non-traditional" gal in todays world. Her side thoughts while researching and interviewing others was the best part of the book. Inner dialogue usually is, I suppose. This is a quick read, smart, funny and so on point.
August 2, 2012
At first the main character seems like just another angsty twenty something worried about "losing her identity" in marriage. But as she researches the history of the engagement ring, she discovers the real meaning behind the expensive symbol .
Sparkle is a light, quick fun read. I read it to my husband as we drove home from a trip. He laughed too.
Vivian
Sparkle is a light, quick fun read. I read it to my husband as we drove home from a trip. He laughed too.
Vivian
May 24, 2013
I enjoyed reading the various perspectives on a simple engagement/wedding ring through the people Mara Altman spoke to. Also, I liked it that Mara incorporated her own personal take and her friends' viewpoints of her own engagement ring, making the read more relatable. Learnt a whole deal about a ring in the book.
February 27, 2014
Seeking the answers to why our society makes such a big deal about engagement rings, the history behind them (a very short history actually) and how sometimes being the "anti-ring" girl puts you in a small majority. This Kindle single by Mara Altman wasn't as good as The Bearded Lady, but it was funny and quick.
June 7, 2011
This was super cute - I'm not a girl interested in this topic at all but the fact that it was a story about a girl truly battling with the social expectations & her own personal raging against the wedding machine made it an endearing read. Quick too.
September 7, 2011
This is my first foray into the realm of Kindle Singles. And it was okay. There were several parts that made me laugh out loud. When I wasn't laughing, however, I was a wee bit bored-- hence the three stars.
November 12, 2013
I really love how the author intertwines her own life with interesting facts about the history of engagement rings in the United States. Unlike some of Mara's other stories, I felt like this one was a little too short, but that is all right. Overall it was very enjoyable and entertaining.
July 4, 2011
Refreshing. Finally someone put into words my feelings on these matters and did so with humor and finesse.
August 6, 2011
Fascinating and personal rumination on the history and tradition of giving engagement rings. A lot of class and gender issues that I've been thinking about for awhile now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews