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Woman on the Verge of Paradise
She's 4 feet, 8 inches of heartfelt ferocity, and nothing can stop this post-pubescent spitfire from claiming her fairytale--not jarring tragedy, not penile incompetence, not even the explosive demise of a new marriage. Not until Robyn finds her happily ever after...alone.
- GenresMemoir
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2015
18 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 9, 2015
I was fortunate to read this before it was released. It’s a powerful glimpse into one woman’s quest for happiness. Robyn will yank on your heartstrings one moment and then tickle your funny bone the next. She'll show you a woman's side we don't often get to see. Hang on for the ride!
October 29, 2015
4.5 Stars
Ms. Engel writes about her life growing up in a popular middle class Jewish family where all the neighborhood kids loved to gather. She writes about suffering emotional abuse throughout her childhood, not understanding it for what it was at the time.
She shares with us her journey, as she stumbles along in life trying to find her place, and her prince charming. We’re treated to the kind of humor that only Robyn can dish out. Her dating escapades are truly ‘one for the books’. I found myself laughing out loud more than once trying to picture myself a fly on the wall on some of these ‘dates’.
Robyn writes openly and honestly about the good and bad events that have happened in her life. For as much as I laughed, there were also moments I was near tears. The loss of her mother from cancer had a huge impact; I know it well.
Included in the book are excerpts from diaries she’s kept over the years. This memoir is poignant, yet funny. We’re even treated to a bit of Jewish culture, tradition, and language – Okay, Bubushka? Cue: “I’m NOT your Russian Grandmother!” LOL!
If you have an aversion to profanity being used in the telling of one’s story, or are narrow-minded in your views of the world around you, this may not be the book for you. For anyone that can relate to a life of seeking love, acceptance, and to finally finding some peace – I say get it!
Ms. Engel writes about her life growing up in a popular middle class Jewish family where all the neighborhood kids loved to gather. She writes about suffering emotional abuse throughout her childhood, not understanding it for what it was at the time.
She shares with us her journey, as she stumbles along in life trying to find her place, and her prince charming. We’re treated to the kind of humor that only Robyn can dish out. Her dating escapades are truly ‘one for the books’. I found myself laughing out loud more than once trying to picture myself a fly on the wall on some of these ‘dates’.
Robyn writes openly and honestly about the good and bad events that have happened in her life. For as much as I laughed, there were also moments I was near tears. The loss of her mother from cancer had a huge impact; I know it well.
Included in the book are excerpts from diaries she’s kept over the years. This memoir is poignant, yet funny. We’re even treated to a bit of Jewish culture, tradition, and language – Okay, Bubushka? Cue: “I’m NOT your Russian Grandmother!” LOL!
If you have an aversion to profanity being used in the telling of one’s story, or are narrow-minded in your views of the world around you, this may not be the book for you. For anyone that can relate to a life of seeking love, acceptance, and to finally finding some peace – I say get it!
April 11, 2016
Woman on the Verge of Paradise is the "memoir-ish" account of author, Robyn Engel's quest to find love in her life. It's funny, heart-felt, and irreverent. She shares stories of the men she dated, her not-so-lucky marriage, and subsequent divorce. Through it all, she remains resilient and keeps on going. The bottom line, she learns, is that women can find happiness within themselves, with or without a man.
Woman on the Verge of Paradise is a great read for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of dating, and who realizes that "happily ever after" might just be in fairy tales. As the author says, it is not recommended for children (due to adult content), the narrow-minded, or Martha Stewart. All others will find it witty and quite entertaining.
Woman on the Verge of Paradise is a great read for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of dating, and who realizes that "happily ever after" might just be in fairy tales. As the author says, it is not recommended for children (due to adult content), the narrow-minded, or Martha Stewart. All others will find it witty and quite entertaining.
August 31, 2016
Enjoyed this very open and honest look into this gal's personal relationship(s) with men. She hits the nail on the head so many times - I think most women can relate to her feelings. I would definitely recommend this book to all women. It is an easy read, has lots of humor but also pulls at your heartstrings.
August 6, 2015
What can I say? The author of this book is tough and tenacious, with a never-give-up attitude. Years ago, our kids had inflatable punching toys that kinda looked like Bozo the clown. No matter how hard or fast the kids bopped Bozo and toppled him over, he'd immediately pop back up again, still starry-eyed, and still smiling.
Well, Robyn bounces back kinda like that, too, and though life has delivered her more than a few sucker punches, she's still wearing a smile. And better yet, her sense of humor allows us to smile along with her. But alas, this little human dynamo no longer has stars in her eyes. She stopped believing in fairy tales a long time ago, and no longer expects Prince Charming to come charging up on a white horse to sweep her off her feel and gallop off into the sunset with her to live happily ever after. Now, if some handsome dude came charging up to her on a horse, she'd probably expect said horse to poop on her feet.
Yes, she's had her share of disappointments and heartbreaks, and so far, none of the frogs she's met through online dating has turned into a prince. Or even a normal guy. But her adventures and misadventures do make for some entertaining reading. She may break your heart a little, but she'll also make you laugh. A painful thirteen-month marriage, and years of hopeful searching for That Special Someone have taught her that happiness isn't a gift someone else can give her; she has to find it within herself. A gal like this definitely deserves her happily ever after, and I hope she finds it. I want her to find that paradise.
Well, Robyn bounces back kinda like that, too, and though life has delivered her more than a few sucker punches, she's still wearing a smile. And better yet, her sense of humor allows us to smile along with her. But alas, this little human dynamo no longer has stars in her eyes. She stopped believing in fairy tales a long time ago, and no longer expects Prince Charming to come charging up on a white horse to sweep her off her feel and gallop off into the sunset with her to live happily ever after. Now, if some handsome dude came charging up to her on a horse, she'd probably expect said horse to poop on her feet.
Yes, she's had her share of disappointments and heartbreaks, and so far, none of the frogs she's met through online dating has turned into a prince. Or even a normal guy. But her adventures and misadventures do make for some entertaining reading. She may break your heart a little, but she'll also make you laugh. A painful thirteen-month marriage, and years of hopeful searching for That Special Someone have taught her that happiness isn't a gift someone else can give her; she has to find it within herself. A gal like this definitely deserves her happily ever after, and I hope she finds it. I want her to find that paradise.
September 25, 2015
A fun book that will tug at your heart strings. This is a story about a girl who grows from awkwardly insecure little girl to the spunky chick who lives life by her own rules. Yes, there are still awkward moments, and some sad times, but now a grown-up Robyn knows and shares that life is hardly ever what you plan, you simply have to learn to laugh and roll with those things that don't come dipped in chocolate.
October 21, 2015
Full disclosure Robyn is a friend. She also is a heart-felt and detailed author. I would have bought the book just because it's cool to say, "oh yes, I know the author. Now do you have any grey poupon?" I love to read, I love the story-like comedy of everyday life, so check and check. I say I laughed and I cried is very over used. However I did. It's funny it's a bit sad at times. It is life, expressed honestly and fearlessly.
August 30, 2025
You know that one friend that you dread getting a phone call from? Yeah, she wrote a book. Purports so be a memoir, but is really just a public bashing of everyone the author thinks has done them a bad turn... which is pretty much everyone she's ever met. I've never met anyone this entitled and unselfaware, so it's truly a mystery how she has enough friends left to boost her rating over 3 stars.
May 17, 2017
This tongue in cheek memoir had me riveted from start to finish. I found myself rooting for Robyn as she attempted to navigate the perilous worlds of dating and adulthood. At times appalled by the depths her would be suitors sunk to and other times amused by her recounting of them. A wild ride from start to finish nothing about this book left me disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews