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It's About Your Husband
A funny, heart-wrenching romantic comedy about starting over and coming to terms with the gray areas of falling in love.
32-year-old Iris Hedge isn't exactly on sure footing. She's left her husband in LA and moved to New York for her dream job as a marketing researcher at one of the world's most prestigious firms. But after only five weeks, she's laid off. Now Iris is in a new town with no job, has a divorce on the horizon, and only one friend to speak a wild-child named Val.
When Val's twin sister, Vickie, asks Iris to spy on her possibly-cheating husband, Iris is desperate (and poor) enough to agree. Soon, she has a whole new business on her spying on men for the doubting women in their lives.
Things get complicated when Vickie's husband, Steve, catches on to the fact that their coincidental meetings aren't coincidental at all—not to mention how Steve makes Iris's heart race.
32-year-old Iris Hedge isn't exactly on sure footing. She's left her husband in LA and moved to New York for her dream job as a marketing researcher at one of the world's most prestigious firms. But after only five weeks, she's laid off. Now Iris is in a new town with no job, has a divorce on the horizon, and only one friend to speak a wild-child named Val.
When Val's twin sister, Vickie, asks Iris to spy on her possibly-cheating husband, Iris is desperate (and poor) enough to agree. Soon, she has a whole new business on her spying on men for the doubting women in their lives.
Things get complicated when Vickie's husband, Steve, catches on to the fact that their coincidental meetings aren't coincidental at all—not to mention how Steve makes Iris's heart race.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2006
18 people are currently reading
1412 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Lipton
4 books54 followersLauren Lipton is an author and journalist who specializes in wellness, beauty, travel and trend stories. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Travel, Town & Country and Allure.
She lives in New York City and in Litchfield County, Conn.
She lives in New York City and in Litchfield County, Conn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 18, 2007
Lauren Lipton's “It's about Your Husband” does many things a good book should do, and does them all remarkably well.
The book is funny as hell. The humor comes from the characters themselves, and never takes us away from the main thrust of the story--though there are a number of delightful “set pieces,” which reminded me of a wonderful cross between Carrie Bradshaw and Lucille Ball--but instead leads us deeper into understanding and caring for each of the characters, especially, of course, our heroine, Iris.
The book also achieves poignancy without ever become maudlin, without ever, even in its darkest moments, abandoning the underlying absurdity of the situations Iris finds herself in. Even when it's her own flaws and less-than-thought-out decisions that land her in the corners she find herself painted into, we can't judge her harshly. Before we know her fully, we suspect there is someone to root for here, and we do. And thus, when she emerges from the mysteries and uncertainties she finds herself in--gets herself into--the payoff is sweeter.
It also, in the end, is a love song to New York, sung, tremulously as first, but then in a stronger and stronger voice, by an outsider. Aside from the actual places that serve as setting for the events in the book, Lauren displays a keen grasp of the psychic aspect of the city, how people, all of us millions of people, regard and react and respond to each other, in our distance and in our forced proximity. And how, to someone used to a more placid pace and less bruising manner, this city can be an assaultive and bewildering
It's About Your Husband, finally, is about the strange and twisted paths we sometimes take to wind up in the place we belong; where we look back in wonder at the course not necessarily chosen, but walked down anyway--on sometimes inappropriate footwear--and how we wind up with not what we wished for, but perhaps what we needed, all debts paid, all accounts settled.
The book is funny as hell. The humor comes from the characters themselves, and never takes us away from the main thrust of the story--though there are a number of delightful “set pieces,” which reminded me of a wonderful cross between Carrie Bradshaw and Lucille Ball--but instead leads us deeper into understanding and caring for each of the characters, especially, of course, our heroine, Iris.
The book also achieves poignancy without ever become maudlin, without ever, even in its darkest moments, abandoning the underlying absurdity of the situations Iris finds herself in. Even when it's her own flaws and less-than-thought-out decisions that land her in the corners she find herself painted into, we can't judge her harshly. Before we know her fully, we suspect there is someone to root for here, and we do. And thus, when she emerges from the mysteries and uncertainties she finds herself in--gets herself into--the payoff is sweeter.
It also, in the end, is a love song to New York, sung, tremulously as first, but then in a stronger and stronger voice, by an outsider. Aside from the actual places that serve as setting for the events in the book, Lauren displays a keen grasp of the psychic aspect of the city, how people, all of us millions of people, regard and react and respond to each other, in our distance and in our forced proximity. And how, to someone used to a more placid pace and less bruising manner, this city can be an assaultive and bewildering
It's About Your Husband, finally, is about the strange and twisted paths we sometimes take to wind up in the place we belong; where we look back in wonder at the course not necessarily chosen, but walked down anyway--on sometimes inappropriate footwear--and how we wind up with not what we wished for, but perhaps what we needed, all debts paid, all accounts settled.
January 10, 2009
Wow, this books takes a twist at the end. I did something you should never do in a book, in my going along I was thinking how can she resolve this, so I flipped to the end to see what might happen. This is not a good idea I know that, but I did it. It just made me want to read faster at least so I could see how she pulled off what it said was going to happen. And wow, I am so going to need to re read this book so that I can catch the little nuances and clues that are set up in the book that you know what to be looking for. Anyway, though it seemed slow at times and you were like where is this going in the end it amazing writing.
As for the story Iris has just relocated her life to New York only lose her job. The story is about how she comes into her own as she discovers the city and herself. She goes to meet one of her friends and ends up being hired to spy on her friend's sister's husband. Mistakes and hilarity ensue as through it all Iris discovers herself and becomes conformable with herself.
I would recommend it, I enjoyed reading it and the twist still amazes me.
As for the story Iris has just relocated her life to New York only lose her job. The story is about how she comes into her own as she discovers the city and herself. She goes to meet one of her friends and ends up being hired to spy on her friend's sister's husband. Mistakes and hilarity ensue as through it all Iris discovers herself and becomes conformable with herself.
I would recommend it, I enjoyed reading it and the twist still amazes me.
August 26, 2008
Cross Bridget Jones with Nancy Drew and you get Iris Hedge, accidental detective. She tracks down husbands suspected of cheating, but she makes a mess of her own relationships, has a little trouble with her hair color(s), and she can't quite hold her own with a pair of rollerblades. This was the perfect book to read on my ride in to work, because it was funny enough to take my mind off my day. Iris' exploits left me laughing and rooting for her the whole way through.
I also loved (and I'm ganking this from another review I read of this book) how NYC is as much a character in this book as the actual characters. I've only been to NYC once, but I could feel the energy of the city, hear the noises, smell the smells as I was reading. I also love the "city girl" tips...spraying deodorant on your feet to keep your shoes from slipping -- genius! I now have a can of (CFC-free) Dove on my shoe rack.
Overall, a funny book that I really enjoyed, and I look forward to the author's next efforts.
I also loved (and I'm ganking this from another review I read of this book) how NYC is as much a character in this book as the actual characters. I've only been to NYC once, but I could feel the energy of the city, hear the noises, smell the smells as I was reading. I also love the "city girl" tips...spraying deodorant on your feet to keep your shoes from slipping -- genius! I now have a can of (CFC-free) Dove on my shoe rack.
Overall, a funny book that I really enjoyed, and I look forward to the author's next efforts.
February 9, 2014
After reading this book, I'm kind of surprised that no one has tried to turn it into a movie, it would be perfect! Iris leaves her husband behind in California and heads out to NYC for her "dream job." The company ends up downsizing and Iris finds herself unemployed. After bumping into her best friend's twin sister (Vickie), Iris is hired to follow Vickie's husband to see if he's cheating on her.
I really liked Iris, and thought that the author did a good job of making her relate able and endearing. Instead of coming across as a pathetic person, she actually seemed like a normal person going through a tough time; I'd be her friend. Although I have to admit, Simon is definitely my favorite character. I mean come on, who wouldn't want to have a random stranger call them "kitten" can give them amazing clothing and hair style advice?
My friend told me that there was a twist at the end and so I spent the entire book trying to guess what it was. I was completely surprised by the ending and wonder how I didn't see it from the begining, there were so many clues! Yet another reason why this book should be made into a movie, with someone like Katherine Heigl playing Iris (if you've seen One for the Money, you'd know why).
So, in conclusion, was this book a piece of literary art? Heck no! Was this book thoroughly entertaining and exactly what I was looking for ? HECK YES!
I really liked Iris, and thought that the author did a good job of making her relate able and endearing. Instead of coming across as a pathetic person, she actually seemed like a normal person going through a tough time; I'd be her friend. Although I have to admit, Simon is definitely my favorite character. I mean come on, who wouldn't want to have a random stranger call them "kitten" can give them amazing clothing and hair style advice?
My friend told me that there was a twist at the end and so I spent the entire book trying to guess what it was. I was completely surprised by the ending and wonder how I didn't see it from the begining, there were so many clues! Yet another reason why this book should be made into a movie, with someone like Katherine Heigl playing Iris (if you've seen One for the Money, you'd know why).
So, in conclusion, was this book a piece of literary art? Heck no! Was this book thoroughly entertaining and exactly what I was looking for ? HECK YES!
January 16, 2008
Loved this book! This is the book that got me reading again. The story pulled me right along. Fun, light, sexy, stylish. If you know New York City you'll love it all the more. Well written dogs play a central roll.
December 14, 2007
This was given to me by a girlfriend and labels as an "easy read".
While it is undoubtedly a gratuitous piece of "chick lit", i couldn't put it down. There were moments i hated it for predictability... but it was fun in a guilty way.
Destined to be produced for the Oxygen network...
While it is undoubtedly a gratuitous piece of "chick lit", i couldn't put it down. There were moments i hated it for predictability... but it was fun in a guilty way.
Destined to be produced for the Oxygen network...
March 24, 2009
I loved this book. A recent transplant from Calif. to New York City finds herself unemployed. Through a chance meeting, she becomes a domestic private detective. And finds herself transformed by her interactions with her clients and "suspects".
Great read!
Great read!
December 27, 2007
This book was great. It went a direction I just could not have even imagined.
January 23, 2008
Fun easy read. It was entertaining.
September 4, 2016
This was a cute one, though I must say I predicted the twist pretty early on.
May 16, 2008
This one is a easy and entertaining read. This woman's husband's antics are appalling. Watching the drama unfold is interesting. I recommend it.
May 23, 2008
F-U-N-N-Y.
May 13, 2015
It took me a bit to get into this one but after sticking with it I ended up enjoying it.
January 2, 2009
Nice chick lit read. Storyline was somewhat predictable, but enjoyable, nonetheless.
June 10, 2009
It's a very cute premise and wildly unbeleivable series of events. Still, it was original and entertaining.
October 3, 2009
A fun, funny, clever story! I'll be looking for more from this author.
My one tiny complaint: her lone wineglass is broken in chapter 23 and she uses it in chapter 29?!
My one tiny complaint: her lone wineglass is broken in chapter 23 and she uses it in chapter 29?!
April 16, 2010
I couldn't put this book down. I absolutly loved it, It was one of the best books ever. I read it in one day and it has some great twists and turns.
October 12, 2007
Really good! It has a great plot twist at the end.
October 11, 2022
Thought this would be a light, summer read. It's funny and quirky throughout but a much deeper book than I was anticipating. Related to our protagonist, a young professional trying to make it in NYC (I never lived there but other big cities where I struggled to pay the bills) while also struggling with whether leaving her immature husband was the right thing to do and falling for the right man at the wrong time. Or maybe not. Lauren Lipton keeps you guessing and makes it fun, even during the deep and heart-wrenching parts.
March 26, 2025
After the last book I read that was boring but somewhat interesting, this is the book I needed. I was in a reading slump when I started this book and it took me a while to get out of it. That, and the pressure of needing to return it to the library, got me going and I got into it fairly quickly.
This is a fun, easy to read book that is a frivolous, entertaining, beach read type book. It's full of confusions and mix ups, the push and pull of doing the right thing or not, and many blunders abound. I enjoyed it and needed a good think of nothing book and this fulfilled my wish.
This is a fun, easy to read book that is a frivolous, entertaining, beach read type book. It's full of confusions and mix ups, the push and pull of doing the right thing or not, and many blunders abound. I enjoyed it and needed a good think of nothing book and this fulfilled my wish.
July 17, 2022
I think 3.75 is my review. I thought the writing was really very good. There's a bit of a mystery, some romantic playfulness, some good relationship development, and it's hard to put down. A hint of Shakespearean mistaken identity and it's clever. The reason not a 5 is the somewhat cliche moments in describing sex, in the ending, ... Not how it ends but how that part is written, the reveal is a bit coy perhaps? Nevertheless I very much enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
I couldn’t wait to finish this one but mostly because it dragged and I was bored. The main character, after separating from her husband, moves to New York and finds herself unemployed. She is offered money for getting information about a woman’s cheating husband and 99% of the book is what happens as a result. I found the beginning and end of the book interesting but the middle was meh. Easy read, a few little chuckles.
June 11, 2019
I would give this a 3.5 because there were too many times that were dragging on. Interesting ending that I didn’t see coming. The last 25% of the book was great. It rarely takes me two weeks to finish a book like it did with this one.
January 12, 2020
Well for the first book of 2020 I was disappointed. I found this book to be quite boring and then bam at the end was the twist I read about in the reviews. Definitely wasn’t expecting it at the end but overall was just meh for me. Probably wouldn’t recommend. Onto the next!
December 20, 2021
Out-of-work Iris stumbles into a job as a PI when an acquaintance hires her to tail her husband she suspects of philandering. What ensues is a comedic NYC-set tale with a likable heroine who begins to find herself and possibly love despite her life appearing to be in shambles all around her.
March 25, 2017
This was a fun read.
May 7, 2017
I've been crazy busy and stressed so I was looking for an easy read. This book was perfect! The storyline was simple and easy to read. I feel like it dragged on at certain parts though.
July 13, 2017
Very cute. And I loved the twist.
March 13, 2018
It was a quick/fun read. No real substance though.
June 28, 2019
Light and funny rom com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews