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The Best of Enemies
Bridesmaids meets The In-Laws in a novel told from the alternating perspectives of two women who define the term frenemies—from New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster.
Jacqueline Jordan knows conflict. A fearless journalist, she’s spent the past decade embedded in the world’s hot spots, writing about the fall of nations and the rise of despots. But if you were to inquire about who topped Jack’s enemy list, she’d not hesitate to answer: Kitty Carricoe.
Kitty reigns supreme over the world of carpools and minivans. A SAHM, she spends her days caring for her dentist husband and three towheaded children, running the PTA, and hiding vegetables in deceptively delicious packed lunches.
Kitty and Jack haven’t a single thing in common—except for Sarabeth Chandler, their mutual bestie. Sarabeth and Jack can be tomboys with the best of them, while Sarabeth can get her girly-girl on with Kitty. In fact, the three of them were college friends until the notorious frat party incident, when Jack accidentally hooked up with Kitty’s boyfriend…
Yet both women drop everything and rush to Sarabeth’s side when they get the call that her fabulously wealthy husband has perished in a suspicious boating accident. To solve the mystery surrounding his death, Jack and Kitty must bury the hatchet and hit the road for a trip that just may bring them together—if it doesn’t kill them first.
Jacqueline Jordan knows conflict. A fearless journalist, she’s spent the past decade embedded in the world’s hot spots, writing about the fall of nations and the rise of despots. But if you were to inquire about who topped Jack’s enemy list, she’d not hesitate to answer: Kitty Carricoe.
Kitty reigns supreme over the world of carpools and minivans. A SAHM, she spends her days caring for her dentist husband and three towheaded children, running the PTA, and hiding vegetables in deceptively delicious packed lunches.
Kitty and Jack haven’t a single thing in common—except for Sarabeth Chandler, their mutual bestie. Sarabeth and Jack can be tomboys with the best of them, while Sarabeth can get her girly-girl on with Kitty. In fact, the three of them were college friends until the notorious frat party incident, when Jack accidentally hooked up with Kitty’s boyfriend…
Yet both women drop everything and rush to Sarabeth’s side when they get the call that her fabulously wealthy husband has perished in a suspicious boating accident. To solve the mystery surrounding his death, Jack and Kitty must bury the hatchet and hit the road for a trip that just may bring them together—if it doesn’t kill them first.
301 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
172 people are currently reading
4054 people want to read
About the author
Jen Lancaster
30 books4,491 followersJen Lancaster is the author of her own memoirs including: as Bitter is the New Black, Bright Lights, Big Ass, Such A Pretty Fat, Pretty in Plaid, My Fair Lazy, and the newest: Jeneration X.
She has also dabbled with fiction in her first book, If You Were Here.
She has also dabbled with fiction in her first book, If You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
June 12, 2018
The Best of Enemies is the second book I’ve read by Jen Lancaster. It’s the story of three women - Two (Jack & Kitty) who are not friends with each other - they’re actually enemies due to a series of events in college, but are both friends with the third, Sara Beth (aka: Sars or Betsy, depending on which friend is referring to her). Jack and Kitty have wildly different personalities but find themselves having to come together after a tragic event to help their mutual friend.
Lancaster incorporates a fair amount of pop culture references into the story, which is modern, even with several flashbacks to college scenes from the 1990s. I enjoyed the varying viewpoints of enemies, Jack and Kitty.
This is a quick, light read with a somewhat predictable yet entertaining story. I thought the ending was a little “neat” but overall, I knew what I was getting into reading this one, and I enjoyed it.
Lancaster incorporates a fair amount of pop culture references into the story, which is modern, even with several flashbacks to college scenes from the 1990s. I enjoyed the varying viewpoints of enemies, Jack and Kitty.
This is a quick, light read with a somewhat predictable yet entertaining story. I thought the ending was a little “neat” but overall, I knew what I was getting into reading this one, and I enjoyed it.
November 20, 2015
I loved Jen Lancaster's take on the concept of "frenemies." She really made both Kitty and Jack sympathetic characters, even when they were brutal to each other. It was interesting to see them through the other's eyes and impossible to hate either, even when they were at their worst. I loved seeing how their differences played out and how they made them work to their advantage when it came to helping their mutual best friend. The dialogue was snappy and witty and I laughed out loud more times than I could count. I even got teary-eyed a few times. The dialogue was great and I even enjoyed the banter with the supporting characters, such as Kitty's mother-in-law and Jack's brothers. There were even some clever twists that I didn't see coming and kept me on my toes.
My only criticism is that some of the minutiae (such as all the flashbacks) seemed to take away from the main point of the story, slowing it down a bit for the first quarter of the novel, but other parts made it fun to see where and how things unraveled. I wish I could have seen what really went down to entail the damages listed in the letters in the beginning of the book. I know they hinted at things, but all the action was never played out in the flashbacks.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and memorable story that will keep readers entertained.
Of course, I had to cast this for Hollywood consideration...
Kitty: Abby Elliot (http://imdb.to/1YkpXY8) After seeing her in Odd Mom Out, she's the only one I pictured in the role.
Jack: Cobie Smulders (http://imdb.to/1I3GZR6)
Sarabeth: Anna Camp (http://imdb.to/1HcFMMp)
Bobby: Dax Shepard (http://bit.ly/1Xembgx)
Teddy: Stephen Amell (http://bit.ly/1QygHOY)
My only criticism is that some of the minutiae (such as all the flashbacks) seemed to take away from the main point of the story, slowing it down a bit for the first quarter of the novel, but other parts made it fun to see where and how things unraveled. I wish I could have seen what really went down to entail the damages listed in the letters in the beginning of the book. I know they hinted at things, but all the action was never played out in the flashbacks.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and memorable story that will keep readers entertained.
Of course, I had to cast this for Hollywood consideration...
Kitty: Abby Elliot (http://imdb.to/1YkpXY8) After seeing her in Odd Mom Out, she's the only one I pictured in the role.
Jack: Cobie Smulders (http://imdb.to/1I3GZR6)
Sarabeth: Anna Camp (http://imdb.to/1HcFMMp)
Bobby: Dax Shepard (http://bit.ly/1Xembgx)
Teddy: Stephen Amell (http://bit.ly/1QygHOY)
dnf-lost-interest
December 28, 2015DNF @ 45%
August 2015:
I'm a fan of Jen Lancaster. I find her absolutely hilarious. This book started out with multiple laugh-out-loud moments for me but I'm struggling now. I'm not ready to DNF, but I am going to pause it (45%) for a little while. Hoping it's just a mood thing on my part and I'll laugh again once I pick it back up. We shall see...
August 2015:
I'm a fan of Jen Lancaster. I find her absolutely hilarious. This book started out with multiple laugh-out-loud moments for me but I'm struggling now. I'm not ready to DNF, but I am going to pause it (45%) for a little while. Hoping it's just a mood thing on my part and I'll laugh again once I pick it back up. We shall see...
September 23, 2015
I love this author so much that I’m always eager to read any piece of writing she creates even if it appears on a dirty napkin. Unfortunately, as much as I try, I don’t love her novels as much as her memoirs. I keep trying and will continue to do so because I believe in her writing. For instance, Here I Go Again, an earlier foray into fiction, was much better – it was humorous, entertaining with funny characterizations and a good plot.
While I read The Best of Enemies, I found myself bored and somewhat disappointed. It’s funny here and there but not laugh out loud which is usually the norm. Since I like Jen Lancaster’s style of writing and think she’s quite skilled at it, I could dismiss how banal the story turns out to be. Again, I feel like I’m telling a friend that she looks too fat in pair of jeans which makes me feel terrible. Only my sister and I would critique each other that severely, but I must be honest.
Anyway, three women – two who are sworn enemies from college and polar opposites – journalist Jack Jordan and stay-at-home mom Kitty Carricoe – come together for the funeral of the newly deceased husband of the third, Sarabeth Chandler. Essentially, Sarabeth is the unlikely glue between the three, much to the chagrin of Jack and Kitty. Both ladies suspect that Sarabeth’s husband is not dead, so they set off on a madcap adventure to seek out the truth. Oddly, Sarabeth does not accompany them or know about this road trip.
One of the main problems is that it takes too long to get to the bulk of the story. Although Lancaster introduces the characters and scenarios through humorous memos and letters, the plot is too predictable. She usually peppers her writing with fun 1980s references that are accurate and apt to the story, but the excessive Top Gun references overwhelmed the book to the point of eye-rolling. If she toned them down or eliminated a few, they would have been more effective. Regarding the use of slang, she was right on (my 1970s example) with present day terms, but it filters in to the flashbacks which just don’t fit.
As for the characters, I disliked Jack who was too dry and serious. Once the book nears its conclusion, her personality suddenly shifts, and I couldn’t buy it. I couldn’t successfully believe Jack changing by observing Kitty’s vastly different lifestyle. Jack’s “acting” skills in pulling off a few capers seem implausible even beyond the suspension of disbelief in fiction. Also, in retrieving information during their spy missions, it was too easy and didn’t really employ Jack’s expertise to great effect.
However, I loved her character Kitty and not because I’m a blogger and stay-at-home mom like her. Despite her flaws, she’s likable, believable and so much fun. Lancaster could build a series on Kitty and continue with the outrageous stories of suburbia, she’s that appealing. But in keeping Sarabeth, who goes by two different nicknames in maintaining how diametrically opposed Jack and Kitty are, under wraps, I didn’t sufficiently grasp her present day character. When she is finally featured, it doesn’t make sense. Her past was painted with broad strokes but didn’t gel for today.
I found Jack and Kitty’s eventual bonding forced and not a real meeting of the minds. How could they truly accept each other and say they’re now best friends? I cannot imagine either one changing due to their reformed association. Sure, they could forgive each other’s past transgressions and learn to be civil but friends? One simple road trip isn’t enough.
What don’t really work are the twists at the end and that the story wraps up too neatly. There’s not enough adequate foreshadowing to believe it or be shocked enough to amp up the ending. Scooby Doo cartoons echoed during the climax which spun out of control. I could almost hear the villain grumbling that “I would have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids.” Maybe if Lancaster posed the ending in that framework, it would be an awesome parody and another throwback to days gone by.
For some reason, the antics and capers the characters engaged in never elicited laughs for me. I know Lancaster can deliver the laughs – please read her memoirs! – but this novel didn’t do it. Having been apoplectic with laughter while reading most of her books, not even able to hold the book while in hysterics and veering into tears, I think things can only get better, and I do commend Lancaster for branching out into fiction. She has the chops for it.
More Reviews of Jen Lancaster’s Books:
http://jerseymomsblog.com/2011/08/wha...
While I read The Best of Enemies, I found myself bored and somewhat disappointed. It’s funny here and there but not laugh out loud which is usually the norm. Since I like Jen Lancaster’s style of writing and think she’s quite skilled at it, I could dismiss how banal the story turns out to be. Again, I feel like I’m telling a friend that she looks too fat in pair of jeans which makes me feel terrible. Only my sister and I would critique each other that severely, but I must be honest.
Anyway, three women – two who are sworn enemies from college and polar opposites – journalist Jack Jordan and stay-at-home mom Kitty Carricoe – come together for the funeral of the newly deceased husband of the third, Sarabeth Chandler. Essentially, Sarabeth is the unlikely glue between the three, much to the chagrin of Jack and Kitty. Both ladies suspect that Sarabeth’s husband is not dead, so they set off on a madcap adventure to seek out the truth. Oddly, Sarabeth does not accompany them or know about this road trip.
One of the main problems is that it takes too long to get to the bulk of the story. Although Lancaster introduces the characters and scenarios through humorous memos and letters, the plot is too predictable. She usually peppers her writing with fun 1980s references that are accurate and apt to the story, but the excessive Top Gun references overwhelmed the book to the point of eye-rolling. If she toned them down or eliminated a few, they would have been more effective. Regarding the use of slang, she was right on (my 1970s example) with present day terms, but it filters in to the flashbacks which just don’t fit.
As for the characters, I disliked Jack who was too dry and serious. Once the book nears its conclusion, her personality suddenly shifts, and I couldn’t buy it. I couldn’t successfully believe Jack changing by observing Kitty’s vastly different lifestyle. Jack’s “acting” skills in pulling off a few capers seem implausible even beyond the suspension of disbelief in fiction. Also, in retrieving information during their spy missions, it was too easy and didn’t really employ Jack’s expertise to great effect.
However, I loved her character Kitty and not because I’m a blogger and stay-at-home mom like her. Despite her flaws, she’s likable, believable and so much fun. Lancaster could build a series on Kitty and continue with the outrageous stories of suburbia, she’s that appealing. But in keeping Sarabeth, who goes by two different nicknames in maintaining how diametrically opposed Jack and Kitty are, under wraps, I didn’t sufficiently grasp her present day character. When she is finally featured, it doesn’t make sense. Her past was painted with broad strokes but didn’t gel for today.
I found Jack and Kitty’s eventual bonding forced and not a real meeting of the minds. How could they truly accept each other and say they’re now best friends? I cannot imagine either one changing due to their reformed association. Sure, they could forgive each other’s past transgressions and learn to be civil but friends? One simple road trip isn’t enough.
What don’t really work are the twists at the end and that the story wraps up too neatly. There’s not enough adequate foreshadowing to believe it or be shocked enough to amp up the ending. Scooby Doo cartoons echoed during the climax which spun out of control. I could almost hear the villain grumbling that “I would have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids.” Maybe if Lancaster posed the ending in that framework, it would be an awesome parody and another throwback to days gone by.
For some reason, the antics and capers the characters engaged in never elicited laughs for me. I know Lancaster can deliver the laughs – please read her memoirs! – but this novel didn’t do it. Having been apoplectic with laughter while reading most of her books, not even able to hold the book while in hysterics and veering into tears, I think things can only get better, and I do commend Lancaster for branching out into fiction. She has the chops for it.
More Reviews of Jen Lancaster’s Books:
http://jerseymomsblog.com/2011/08/wha...
November 25, 2022
This was a book I read strictly because of who wrote it...and I'm not gonna lie...it got on my damn nerves A LOT. These women were horrible to spend time around and the longer I read, the more I couldn't stand them. I would be able to spend very little time with anyone who spoke and acted the way these characters did. I love Jen Lancaster when she is writing funny memoirs but this one didn't do much for me at all. And I kind of feel like anyone who gave it four or five stars is damn well lying.
September 7, 2015
Although I've loved every book that Jen Lancaster has written, I have always preferred her memoirs to her fiction. However Best of Enemies totally changed my mind... I LOVED this book! The characters were terrific and kept me laughing out loud from the first page to the last. There were so many twists and turns. I wasn't able to put the book down and I think I am going to re-read it again - that is how much I enjoyed it!
July 28, 2015
Obviously, this is a book written for women. My issue is that it is written for a particular subset of women. I am not sure exactly who these women are, but I am not one of them. It is hard for me to find the humor in PTAs, blogging for business, and catty frenemy-ships (Is that a word?).
This book alternates between the voices of Kitty and Jack (Jacqueline), two frenemies with an overly dramatic past and a mutual friend - Sarabeth. There are occasional ‘inserts’ throughout the book – such as invitations, blog comments, book reviews – which works well to put our characters in context. However, I wish the stuff at the beginning of the book was in another place. It is difficult to care about these things or understand their significance when I have no clue who these people are in the story. I went back to the beginning after I finished the book and things made a heck of a lot more sense. But at that point, I really did not care.
The story is sometimes funny – especially Kitty – but otherwise predictable. And I have to say, these characters are very stereotypical, which made it difficult for me to care too much for them. If you want a lighthearted, somewhat humorous, beach/vacation read – this will probably suit you fine. But long story short, this is about a bunch of ladies that I’m pretty sure I would never be friends with and the dirt bag/idiotic men in their lives.
**I received an advanced copy of this book from Penguin's First to Read**
This book alternates between the voices of Kitty and Jack (Jacqueline), two frenemies with an overly dramatic past and a mutual friend - Sarabeth. There are occasional ‘inserts’ throughout the book – such as invitations, blog comments, book reviews – which works well to put our characters in context. However, I wish the stuff at the beginning of the book was in another place. It is difficult to care about these things or understand their significance when I have no clue who these people are in the story. I went back to the beginning after I finished the book and things made a heck of a lot more sense. But at that point, I really did not care.
The story is sometimes funny – especially Kitty – but otherwise predictable. And I have to say, these characters are very stereotypical, which made it difficult for me to care too much for them. If you want a lighthearted, somewhat humorous, beach/vacation read – this will probably suit you fine. But long story short, this is about a bunch of ladies that I’m pretty sure I would never be friends with and the dirt bag/idiotic men in their lives.
**I received an advanced copy of this book from Penguin's First to Read**
February 23, 2016
The Best of Enemies starts out with a fluffy chick lit feel, which was all I was expecting when I picked it up. I enjoyed the little snippets of flashbacks showing how the two main characters relationship had developed over the years. Somewhere in the middle, the story twisted and became more of a mystery. The plot thickened, the pace picked up and I found it difficult to put down. Although the two main characters didn't like each other, I liked both of them and was glad I wasn't caught up in their feud. I'd hate to have to choose sides.
This was the first of Jen's books I've read and I'd be interested to see what else she has published. I listened to the audiobook edition. The narrator was fantastic.
This was the first of Jen's books I've read and I'd be interested to see what else she has published. I listened to the audiobook edition. The narrator was fantastic.
August 25, 2015
I'm so bummed because this book started out AMAZING! SO lame.
September 10, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
Review brought to you by OBS staff member Andra
From the beginning I felt that the book was kind of frivolous and hard to get into. The back and forth with the chapters did not work so well in the electronic format for me this time. AND…The actual conflict is not spelled out until about 40% through the book….so I was confused for the beginning portion. The present / past and not so recent past continuum was confusing. Luckily for this reader, once I was past this …the book and my enjoyment level increased exponentially….whew….so I persevered and quite enjoyed the book in the end.
I enjoyed the interactions between Jackie and Kitty – Whitney University, Central Illinois October 1994 – when the girls were getting ready for rush. The story about the blue pantyhose (when Jackie dressed as a smurfette for Halloween) and how it is affecting Jackie’s ability to be comfortable wearing nylons now is priceless.
“I can’t put my finger on how or why, but I feel like this exchange has somehow brought up to a new level in our relationship, and that makes me so happy. Despite how we differ, Jackie’s awesome and I want us to be friends forever. And very soon, sorority sisters.”
‘Nairgate’ did have me chuckling. And the chocolate fountain incident had me in stitches. The ensuing antics to get back at each other was quite humorous, until Jackie went too far (sleeping with Kitty’s boyfriend. That is when the friendship developed the big divide.
Nana Baba is wise “All’s I’m saying is sometimes you have to forgive your enemies.” Is it so true that nana’s always give sage advice!
When Kitty and Jackie start working together to solve the mystery of Trip’s death I really liked how they interacted. “Our tentative truce holds while we compare notes and form our plan of attack.” Slowly they were able to realize their friendship was precious and get back to what they were about as friends all those years ago. While the mystery was somewhat predictable, there were a few moments that were a surprise. While this read got off to a rocky start for me, I thoroughly enjoyed the story once I reached the half way mark. The humor in the book was what saved it for me.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Review brought to you by OBS staff member Andra
From the beginning I felt that the book was kind of frivolous and hard to get into. The back and forth with the chapters did not work so well in the electronic format for me this time. AND…The actual conflict is not spelled out until about 40% through the book….so I was confused for the beginning portion. The present / past and not so recent past continuum was confusing. Luckily for this reader, once I was past this …the book and my enjoyment level increased exponentially….whew….so I persevered and quite enjoyed the book in the end.
I enjoyed the interactions between Jackie and Kitty – Whitney University, Central Illinois October 1994 – when the girls were getting ready for rush. The story about the blue pantyhose (when Jackie dressed as a smurfette for Halloween) and how it is affecting Jackie’s ability to be comfortable wearing nylons now is priceless.
“I can’t put my finger on how or why, but I feel like this exchange has somehow brought up to a new level in our relationship, and that makes me so happy. Despite how we differ, Jackie’s awesome and I want us to be friends forever. And very soon, sorority sisters.”
‘Nairgate’ did have me chuckling. And the chocolate fountain incident had me in stitches. The ensuing antics to get back at each other was quite humorous, until Jackie went too far (sleeping with Kitty’s boyfriend. That is when the friendship developed the big divide.
Nana Baba is wise “All’s I’m saying is sometimes you have to forgive your enemies.” Is it so true that nana’s always give sage advice!
When Kitty and Jackie start working together to solve the mystery of Trip’s death I really liked how they interacted. “Our tentative truce holds while we compare notes and form our plan of attack.” Slowly they were able to realize their friendship was precious and get back to what they were about as friends all those years ago. While the mystery was somewhat predictable, there were a few moments that were a surprise. While this read got off to a rocky start for me, I thoroughly enjoyed the story once I reached the half way mark. The humor in the book was what saved it for me.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
July 10, 2015
I'll be honest. I didn't think she had it in her. I knew that Jen Lancaster can be fantastically funny but mystery writer?? However, she does a solid here with this story. You know how three friends can't ever really be "best friends"? There is always one who feels left out? Well, this is what makes this story so much fun. Sarabeth is the math whiz who is the childhood friend of Jacqueline "Jack" Johnson. Jack is the tomboy in the neighborhood. As they go off to college, they meet Kitty, a girlie-girl who divides their friendship as she also tries to keep them together. They begin their in-fighting, which is where the story gets juicy. A great read by Lancaster. I will be recommending this one to my girlfriends!
Thank you to First to Read program for the Advanced Copy.
Thank you to First to Read program for the Advanced Copy.
August 11, 2015
The first half was extremely long & drawn out. The action picked up from there. Not sure why I continued to read it as long as I did. Lancaster's memoirs continue to be much more entertaining than her fiction and that's not saying much.
July 4, 2018
Jen Lancaster is a very funny author. Fact. But The Best of Enemies. Oh honey, no. TBH, this is a bit of a mess. I don't like throwing shade on my of my all-time fave authors, but...she's done better. The Best of Enemies uses not one, but two, writing contrivances popular in fiction today 1) alternating narrators and 2) skipping from past to present and in between. When you combine BOTH of these in the same book, it's a little confusing/chaotic, amirite? And that ending??? It's one thing to wrap things up tidily; it's another to warp the story altogether, which IMO is what happened. The Best of Enemies is still passable as a beach read, but since Lancaster has so many more gems out there, if you haven't read her before, don't start with this book.
March 23, 2025
Registered on Bookcrossing - https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
My Review: I really loved this one. The characters were so wonderful, not perfect but interesting, funny, and strong. I haven't read much of Jen Lancaster's fiction, but would love to read more. The ending is a kicker. Totes!
My Review: I really loved this one. The characters were so wonderful, not perfect but interesting, funny, and strong. I haven't read much of Jen Lancaster's fiction, but would love to read more. The ending is a kicker. Totes!
August 29, 2021
3.75 stars. Very cute story with a little bit of mystery. Some of the characters are very unlikeable…until they aren’t, and the ending is very predictable, but still satisfying. Great beach read.
March 17, 2024
I love reading Jen Lancaster memoirs, they are hilarious! This was a work of fiction by the author. I enjoyed the story and laughed several times with the characters or at them. A fun read.
July 4, 2016
I received this book from Penguin Random House, in exchange for an honest review.
Jack Jordan, a somewhat smug foreign correspondent, shares her best friend Sarabeth with the somewhat shallow stay-at-home supermom Kitty Carricoe. Jack and Kitty have been sworn enemies since a misunderstanding during college and the rivalry has escalated out of control over the last couple of decades. When Sarabeth's husband in involved in a fatal plane crash, Jack and Kitty rush to Sarabeth's side. They become suspicious of the circumstances of the husband's death and team up to investigate.
The chapters alternate between Jack's and Kitty's points of view. The main story takes place in 2014, but there are also lots of flashbacks. Before the story starts there is a series of invitations and hotel letters, which I think was a really fun way to start the book. The Best of Enemies really illustrates the importance of communication and how the littlest misunderstandings and assumptions can drive the biggest wedges between people. All of Kitty's and Jack's drama could have been avoided with a little communication and empathy.
I chose this book because of the comparison to Bridesmaids (which I loved) and Big Little Lies (which I liked). The Best of Enemies is this the deepest I have gone down the chick lit rabbit hole and the book was a little bit of a mismatch for me as a reader. I have to say, this is the first time I have come across the terms "amazeballs," "totes legitamittens," and "faboo" in a book! There is a lot of (tongue-in-cheek) modern lifestyle blogger lingo, texting speak, pop culture references and brand name/celebrity name dropping. I have never seen Top Gun or Risky Business (I know, I know!), so many of the references were lost on me. Those who were teenagers or young adults in the 1980s will probably get the maximum enjoyment from this book.
The alternating chapters technique is really effective for this story, because you get to read Jack's and Kitty's hilariously different interpretations of the same event! My favorite part of the entire book was when Jack and Kitty teamed up. The back and forth of their dialogue was really fun to read. I wished they could have partnered up earlier, because the introductions and set-up seemed to take ages. The first 200 pages seemed so slow and then a lot happened in the last 100 pages.
I think the author did a great job of making Kitty seem really unlikable in the beginning and then slowly making the reader want to be her friend! Jack was an interesting character as well and I really liked her close relationship with her family. All the other characters were a bit one dimensional. There is a lot of fun, snarky dialogue. Sometimes when the subjects got more serious, the dialogue was more stilted (a conversation between Kitty and Bobby discussing raising kids in the internet age and a scene at John-John's house). Things got totes ridic at the end!
Even though this was just an okay read for me, I think it will be enjoyable for fans of the genre. I think it would make a really fun movie!
(How I define 2 Stars: It was OK. Forgettable. I started daydreaming about the next book I would read while reading it. If it is a subject/genre that you love, it might be worth a read.)
Jack Jordan, a somewhat smug foreign correspondent, shares her best friend Sarabeth with the somewhat shallow stay-at-home supermom Kitty Carricoe. Jack and Kitty have been sworn enemies since a misunderstanding during college and the rivalry has escalated out of control over the last couple of decades. When Sarabeth's husband in involved in a fatal plane crash, Jack and Kitty rush to Sarabeth's side. They become suspicious of the circumstances of the husband's death and team up to investigate.
The chapters alternate between Jack's and Kitty's points of view. The main story takes place in 2014, but there are also lots of flashbacks. Before the story starts there is a series of invitations and hotel letters, which I think was a really fun way to start the book. The Best of Enemies really illustrates the importance of communication and how the littlest misunderstandings and assumptions can drive the biggest wedges between people. All of Kitty's and Jack's drama could have been avoided with a little communication and empathy.
I chose this book because of the comparison to Bridesmaids (which I loved) and Big Little Lies (which I liked). The Best of Enemies is this the deepest I have gone down the chick lit rabbit hole and the book was a little bit of a mismatch for me as a reader. I have to say, this is the first time I have come across the terms "amazeballs," "totes legitamittens," and "faboo" in a book! There is a lot of (tongue-in-cheek) modern lifestyle blogger lingo, texting speak, pop culture references and brand name/celebrity name dropping. I have never seen Top Gun or Risky Business (I know, I know!), so many of the references were lost on me. Those who were teenagers or young adults in the 1980s will probably get the maximum enjoyment from this book.
The alternating chapters technique is really effective for this story, because you get to read Jack's and Kitty's hilariously different interpretations of the same event! My favorite part of the entire book was when Jack and Kitty teamed up. The back and forth of their dialogue was really fun to read. I wished they could have partnered up earlier, because the introductions and set-up seemed to take ages. The first 200 pages seemed so slow and then a lot happened in the last 100 pages.
I think the author did a great job of making Kitty seem really unlikable in the beginning and then slowly making the reader want to be her friend! Jack was an interesting character as well and I really liked her close relationship with her family. All the other characters were a bit one dimensional. There is a lot of fun, snarky dialogue. Sometimes when the subjects got more serious, the dialogue was more stilted (a conversation between Kitty and Bobby discussing raising kids in the internet age and a scene at John-John's house). Things got totes ridic at the end!
Even though this was just an okay read for me, I think it will be enjoyable for fans of the genre. I think it would make a really fun movie!
(How I define 2 Stars: It was OK. Forgettable. I started daydreaming about the next book I would read while reading it. If it is a subject/genre that you love, it might be worth a read.)
October 31, 2015
From inside the dust jacket:
Bridesmaids meets Big Little Lies in a novel told from the alternating perspectives of two women who define the term frenemies - from New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster.
The central characters of this story are Jacqueline Jordan, a hardcore journalist who has been in the Middle East for the past ten years, and Kitty Carricoe, soccer mom extraordinaire. The only thing these two women have in common is their mutual best friend Sarabeth Chandler, and their differences turned into mutual hatred back in college when Jack "accidently" hooked up with Kitty's boyfriend.
But their love of Sarabeth is greater than their differences, so both women drop everything to be with their friend when they learn that her wealthy and powerful husband has died in a suspicious plane crash. Eventually, they decide to put aside their differences and go on a road trip together in order to solve the mystery.
I will admit that I had a bit of a hard time getting started with this book. I found the prologue to be a bit confusing (albeit hilarious) and the first chapter was written from the point of view of the shallow and snobbish Kitty Carricoe. I wouldn't choose to spend time with her in real life and wasn't sure I would be able to stomach her personality in fiction. But I'm glad I stuck it out. This turned out to be a great women's friendship story, with the author using both humor and sarcasm to portray the challenges of a three-way friendship. In the end, this book was highly entertaining, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and enough plot twists to keep me up until the wee hours to find out the truth about the plane crash. Turns out Jen Lancaster is as gifted a fiction writer as she is a memoir writer. I can hardly wait to dig into her backlist!
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE in exchange for a written review. There was no expectation that this review be either positive or negative, and I was not given any financial compensation to read the book or write the review. This information is disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Bridesmaids meets Big Little Lies in a novel told from the alternating perspectives of two women who define the term frenemies - from New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster.
The central characters of this story are Jacqueline Jordan, a hardcore journalist who has been in the Middle East for the past ten years, and Kitty Carricoe, soccer mom extraordinaire. The only thing these two women have in common is their mutual best friend Sarabeth Chandler, and their differences turned into mutual hatred back in college when Jack "accidently" hooked up with Kitty's boyfriend.
But their love of Sarabeth is greater than their differences, so both women drop everything to be with their friend when they learn that her wealthy and powerful husband has died in a suspicious plane crash. Eventually, they decide to put aside their differences and go on a road trip together in order to solve the mystery.
I will admit that I had a bit of a hard time getting started with this book. I found the prologue to be a bit confusing (albeit hilarious) and the first chapter was written from the point of view of the shallow and snobbish Kitty Carricoe. I wouldn't choose to spend time with her in real life and wasn't sure I would be able to stomach her personality in fiction. But I'm glad I stuck it out. This turned out to be a great women's friendship story, with the author using both humor and sarcasm to portray the challenges of a three-way friendship. In the end, this book was highly entertaining, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and enough plot twists to keep me up until the wee hours to find out the truth about the plane crash. Turns out Jen Lancaster is as gifted a fiction writer as she is a memoir writer. I can hardly wait to dig into her backlist!
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE in exchange for a written review. There was no expectation that this review be either positive or negative, and I was not given any financial compensation to read the book or write the review. This information is disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
August 2, 2015
"The Best of Enemies" is the latest by Jen Lancaster. This is a fiction book of hers. I was looking forward to reading some of her fiction as I enjoyed her nonfiction memoirs so immensely. Lancaster is absolutely hilarious in her memoirs and that carries across in her fiction as well.
This book is about Jack, Betsy, and Kitty. Jack and Betsy have been friends since they were children and Kitty and Betsy have been friends since college. All three go to the same college where Jack and Kitty have a huge falling out but both remain friends with Betsy. When Betsy's husband suddenly dies, it brings Kitty and Jack together although something seems to be a little off with the way that he died. Part mystery, part madcap adventure, part rumination on what it means to be a friend and why we stay friends with the people we stay friends with. This is a hilarious book with lots of twists and turns.
Again, I'm already a huge fan of Jen Lancaster but this is the first one of her fiction books that I've read, I believe. So many of the things I liked about her memoirs seem to be present in this book. There is sparkling dialogue and hilarious stories. There's also a lot of heart. It was so easy for me to get into the book. Lancaster has a really great way of bringing characters to life.
It was easy for me to fall for these characters because they feel really realistic. I like the way that Lancaster portrayed friendship in this book. You have the friends that you know you're going to be friends with for forever and you also have people that you just have falling outs with where you can never really figure out what went wrong.
The premise of this book is definitely off the beaten path. I'm not particularly sure how realistic it is, however it's incredibly fun. This is the kind of book that you set aside an afternoon to read because you know that you're going to be incredibly engaged laughing with and at the characters. Overall, this was a immensely fun book and I'm looking forward to reading more of Lancaster's fiction.
This book is about Jack, Betsy, and Kitty. Jack and Betsy have been friends since they were children and Kitty and Betsy have been friends since college. All three go to the same college where Jack and Kitty have a huge falling out but both remain friends with Betsy. When Betsy's husband suddenly dies, it brings Kitty and Jack together although something seems to be a little off with the way that he died. Part mystery, part madcap adventure, part rumination on what it means to be a friend and why we stay friends with the people we stay friends with. This is a hilarious book with lots of twists and turns.
Again, I'm already a huge fan of Jen Lancaster but this is the first one of her fiction books that I've read, I believe. So many of the things I liked about her memoirs seem to be present in this book. There is sparkling dialogue and hilarious stories. There's also a lot of heart. It was so easy for me to get into the book. Lancaster has a really great way of bringing characters to life.
It was easy for me to fall for these characters because they feel really realistic. I like the way that Lancaster portrayed friendship in this book. You have the friends that you know you're going to be friends with for forever and you also have people that you just have falling outs with where you can never really figure out what went wrong.
The premise of this book is definitely off the beaten path. I'm not particularly sure how realistic it is, however it's incredibly fun. This is the kind of book that you set aside an afternoon to read because you know that you're going to be incredibly engaged laughing with and at the characters. Overall, this was a immensely fun book and I'm looking forward to reading more of Lancaster's fiction.
August 25, 2015
If you have not read Jen Lancaster’s books before you are seriously missing out. The Best of Enemies is a little different than some of her other books but it is just as good. I found this book to be just as quirky and fun but it had a mystery in it. Honestly, I had the mystery solved before the end but I was still thrilled with the ending. Just remember all is not as it seems.
The characters were all interesting. Jack (Jacqueline) is, of course, my favorite. I love that she is such a tomboy and knew it. She loved being one of the boys, although she becomes one of the boys almost by default of not having her mom around. Kitty was the wicked one of the book. I felt like she was always out to take someone for something. She felt she was very important and deserved more than she received. Don’t get me wrong, I liked her. Even the bad girl isn’t always bad. Finally, there is Sars (Betsy). She is the best friend to both Kitty and Jack. She is awkward in her youth and extremely successful when an adult. I felt that each character was developed well and had their own story line that was well written.
The storyline was interesting. When I started the book I was so confused. I didn’t really understand all the invites and the bills that followed for the destruction. I will admit that I giggled at the chocolate fountain incident. It took me a few chapters in to really understand what was going on. I enjoyed that the chapters alternated between Jack’s point of view and Kitty’s point of view. I always find it interesting to see how two people who are experiencing the same thing can have such different opinions and views on how things happen.
I definitely recommend checking out The Best of Enemies. Jen Lancaster is an author that is on my must read list.
The characters were all interesting. Jack (Jacqueline) is, of course, my favorite. I love that she is such a tomboy and knew it. She loved being one of the boys, although she becomes one of the boys almost by default of not having her mom around. Kitty was the wicked one of the book. I felt like she was always out to take someone for something. She felt she was very important and deserved more than she received. Don’t get me wrong, I liked her. Even the bad girl isn’t always bad. Finally, there is Sars (Betsy). She is the best friend to both Kitty and Jack. She is awkward in her youth and extremely successful when an adult. I felt that each character was developed well and had their own story line that was well written.
The storyline was interesting. When I started the book I was so confused. I didn’t really understand all the invites and the bills that followed for the destruction. I will admit that I giggled at the chocolate fountain incident. It took me a few chapters in to really understand what was going on. I enjoyed that the chapters alternated between Jack’s point of view and Kitty’s point of view. I always find it interesting to see how two people who are experiencing the same thing can have such different opinions and views on how things happen.
I definitely recommend checking out The Best of Enemies. Jen Lancaster is an author that is on my must read list.
August 6, 2015
SNARKY FLUFF!!!! This is when your two best friends absolutely hate each other – haven’t we all gone through something like this? It’s funny that the two characters could be so different, yet so complimentary. What I wouldn’t have given to have Kitty’s poise and confidence just out of high school and for the beginning of college. I welcomed Jack and Sars’ awkwardness during their freshman year in college – it’s kind of reminiscent of my own life.
What I loved: The prologue of invitations and letters – there is so much untold backstory hidden in just those few pages that could have made a whole other book (or at least added 50 pages to this one!). I’ve followed Jen Lancaster for many years through her blog, books, and in-person meet & greets so I feel like Kitty is all of the best qualities of Jen Lancaster while Jack is all Fletch, her husband, in female form which makes for some hysterical scenes.
What I didn’t love: Nothing! I’ve said before that Jen Lancaster’s Thundercats could all walk across her keyboard for 350 pages and, not only would I understand their gobbily-gook, but that I would love it.
I’ve always loved her non-fiction novels and this is one of her best fiction tales yet.
What I learned: I learned a ton of new things to call people who annoy me. I’m predicting “cum-muppet” will soon be taking over my vocab if not the world.
Overall Grade: A+
www.fsam15.wix.com/fluffsmutandmurder
What I loved: The prologue of invitations and letters – there is so much untold backstory hidden in just those few pages that could have made a whole other book (or at least added 50 pages to this one!). I’ve followed Jen Lancaster for many years through her blog, books, and in-person meet & greets so I feel like Kitty is all of the best qualities of Jen Lancaster while Jack is all Fletch, her husband, in female form which makes for some hysterical scenes.
What I didn’t love: Nothing! I’ve said before that Jen Lancaster’s Thundercats could all walk across her keyboard for 350 pages and, not only would I understand their gobbily-gook, but that I would love it.
I’ve always loved her non-fiction novels and this is one of her best fiction tales yet.
What I learned: I learned a ton of new things to call people who annoy me. I’m predicting “cum-muppet” will soon be taking over my vocab if not the world.
Overall Grade: A+
www.fsam15.wix.com/fluffsmutandmurder
August 24, 2015
This was by far Jen Lancaster's best novel so far, but that's not saying much. (Love her memoirs, hate her novels). The book had funny moments and I didn't want to give up on it, like I have in the past, but I hate how every one of her books has to have a character that is basically her. In this instance, it's Kitty, and I'm not sure if we're supposed to like her or not, but I didn't. I hated the way she talks (if I never read the phrase "This? Right here?" in a Jen Lancaster book again, it will be too soon), and the supposed young twenty-something dialogue was painful to read. I know twenty-somethings and NONE of them talk like that!
Jack was a likable enough character, other than the fact that she apparently became extremely uptight and serious after graduating from college, which bothered me a bit. Sarabeth was...essentially non-existent. There were a few predictable twists throughout the book. This is coming off like a bad review, but I didn't hate the book, just not the best ever either :)
Jack was a likable enough character, other than the fact that she apparently became extremely uptight and serious after graduating from college, which bothered me a bit. Sarabeth was...essentially non-existent. There were a few predictable twists throughout the book. This is coming off like a bad review, but I didn't hate the book, just not the best ever either :)
February 8, 2017
3.5 stars
Originally posted on http://www.lostinanotherbook.blogspot.ca
This is my second time reading this book but I didn't have it marked as 'read' in my Goodreads so... GRRRR... and I didn't remember reading it but parts of it were super familiar.
I am sad to say that I didn't love this book. The characters were unlovable and overly annoying and the whole premise of the book was a little to 'out there' for me. Yes, it's fiction, but I still like a story that has a little bit of fact behind it. While I found the relationship of Jack and Kitty to be enjoyable and funny at times, their personalities were a little too much for me and once they kindof figure eachother out and stop pretending, they turn into much nicer characters and I really wish that they had been written that way from the get-go.
Overall I think that this was a good book... not the usual Jen Lancaster funny that I have come to expect but it was enjoyable enough that I will continue to read her fictional stories.
Originally posted on http://www.lostinanotherbook.blogspot.ca
This is my second time reading this book but I didn't have it marked as 'read' in my Goodreads so... GRRRR... and I didn't remember reading it but parts of it were super familiar.
I am sad to say that I didn't love this book. The characters were unlovable and overly annoying and the whole premise of the book was a little to 'out there' for me. Yes, it's fiction, but I still like a story that has a little bit of fact behind it. While I found the relationship of Jack and Kitty to be enjoyable and funny at times, their personalities were a little too much for me and once they kindof figure eachother out and stop pretending, they turn into much nicer characters and I really wish that they had been written that way from the get-go.
Overall I think that this was a good book... not the usual Jen Lancaster funny that I have come to expect but it was enjoyable enough that I will continue to read her fictional stories.
June 6, 2015
Goodreads Giveaway ARC.
I've been a fan of Jen Lancaster since her first hilarious memoir, "Bitter is the New Black". This is the first work of fiction I've read by her, and she maintains her trademark wit and sarcasm throughout. Jack and Kitty start off as caricatures of their respective archetypes: married to her career and ubermom. As the story progresses we go back in time and discover more about their pasts, why Jack hasn't settled down and Kitty's disappointments. The center mystery was interesting and the plot was very well paced in general. I found the end a little too prettily wrapped up, but all in all, this was a really fun read.
I've been a fan of Jen Lancaster since her first hilarious memoir, "Bitter is the New Black". This is the first work of fiction I've read by her, and she maintains her trademark wit and sarcasm throughout. Jack and Kitty start off as caricatures of their respective archetypes: married to her career and ubermom. As the story progresses we go back in time and discover more about their pasts, why Jack hasn't settled down and Kitty's disappointments. The center mystery was interesting and the plot was very well paced in general. I found the end a little too prettily wrapped up, but all in all, this was a really fun read.
August 21, 2015
I have loved every book by Jen Lancaster and this one doesn't disappoint! This book is a great book about being a grown up and regardless of your feelings of an enemy who is your best friend's friend, you come together to be there for your mutual friend in their time in need. I was not expecting the ending one bit! What a great twist! This book would be great for a group of friends to read so you can discuss how you relate to any of the parts, especially if you have a friend that has a friend you can't stand.
October 14, 2015
I love Jen Lancaster. But if I had to add up all the pages of actual real dialogue and not just snarky barbs, this book would be five pages long.
The first 30 pages were off to a fun and great start. I was excited. Then after another 30 I was asking myself why the heck I was reading this and what the point even was.
I love Jen's other books but this downright sucked for me.
The first 30 pages were off to a fun and great start. I was excited. Then after another 30 I was asking myself why the heck I was reading this and what the point even was.
I love Jen's other books but this downright sucked for me.
September 29, 2015
Sometimes you need to read a certain type of book; these last two days, I needed to read a Jen Lancaster book. Full of twists and turns, fun and friendship, I laughed out loud and even had some tears of happiness. Easy to read, chick lit at its best. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for chick/women's lit that is a fun and funny escape.
November 5, 2015
My favorite Jen Lancaster book so far!
Here's my shortlist why:
Set in Chicago suburbs
Catty insults aplenty
An amazing Godzilla simile
Totes legitamittens
Baba Nana
Top Gun references
Perfect twist reveal
Here's my shortlist why:
Set in Chicago suburbs
Catty insults aplenty
An amazing Godzilla simile
Totes legitamittens
Baba Nana
Top Gun references
Perfect twist reveal
January 14, 2017
Continuing to love Jen Lancaster. I would write a review of this very funny book with its spot-on social commentary, but I have to go look for another one of her books to read. Every time I finish one, I experience anxiety and loss until I can locate another. Where will it all end?
August 25, 2015
I could not even get through chapter 2. Jen Lancaster is best when writing memoirs.
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