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Waverly Bryson #1
Perfect on Paper: The Misadventures of Waverly Bryson
Anything can look perfect…on paper. When her fiancé calls off their wedding at the last minute, Waverly Bryson wonders if her life will ever turn out the way she thought it would…or should. Her high-powered job in sports PR? Not so perfect. Her relationship with her dad? Far from it. Her perfect marriage? Enough said. Perfect...on Paper is a humorous tale of Waverly’s efforts to cobble the pieces of a broken yesterday into a brand new tomorrow. What does the future have in store for her? Will she finally find what she’s looking for? *Her dates? Cringe-inducing at times, definitely entertaining *Her friends? Often amused, definitely supportive *Her new crush? Possibly intrigued, definitely a catch *The results? Hardly perfect, definitely just right
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
615 people are currently reading
1826 people want to read
About the author
Maria Murnane
17 books326 followersThe way Maria became an author is a little crazy. She used to work in high-tech PR but hated it, so one day she quit and ended up playing semi-pro soccer in Argentina for a year. While she was down there she decided to write a novel, which was something she'd always dreamed of doing. Fast forward a few years and she's now the best-selling author of Perfect on Paper, It's a Waverly Life, Honey on Your Mind, Chocolate for Two, Cassidy Lane, Katwalk, Wait for the Rain, and Bridges. And yes, she still plays a lot of soccer!
Learn more and sign up for her mailing list at www.mariamurnane.com
Learn more and sign up for her mailing list at www.mariamurnane.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 481 reviews
September 1, 2010
I know how hard it is to write a book and put yourself out there and be subject to criticism and I totally appreciate the author for all the work she put into making this book happen but I just didn't like it.
I'm not going to go into a synopsis since it's been done to death but I found the book and the lead character (and all the characters for that matter) to be incredibly annoying. You know that person you know, perhaps it's a coworker or friend of a friend says one funny thing and runs the joke over and over like it's new and still funny but it pretty much makes you want to dig your eyeballs out? Well Waverly does that throughout the whole book. "Hi, have we met? My name is Waverly" we know dammit! Brad Cantor... Brad Cantor... Brad Cantor... yeah WE GET IT! ha. ha. (btw... as much as you're running into him, he's also running into you! perhaps you're the weird one)
The only thing more annoying than Waverly and her (mis)adventures (which are really only an annoying collection of every annoying thing your own friends have probably already done)are those stupid honey notes. It hurt my fingers and my eyes just to write that. I never want to hear those two words together ever again in life. They were so incredibly un-funny and annoying in their own right.
The book was just unfocused and far fetched and not in a cute chick lit way. There was no actual story or plot. There were just things that happened and not in a hilarious Seinfeld way. If even one of those things had been developed, expanded and focused on it would have made for a better book.
The cover was cute. (The New Amazon one. Not the one here)
I'm not going to go into a synopsis since it's been done to death but I found the book and the lead character (and all the characters for that matter) to be incredibly annoying. You know that person you know, perhaps it's a coworker or friend of a friend says one funny thing and runs the joke over and over like it's new and still funny but it pretty much makes you want to dig your eyeballs out? Well Waverly does that throughout the whole book. "Hi, have we met? My name is Waverly" we know dammit! Brad Cantor... Brad Cantor... Brad Cantor... yeah WE GET IT! ha. ha. (btw... as much as you're running into him, he's also running into you! perhaps you're the weird one)
The only thing more annoying than Waverly and her (mis)adventures (which are really only an annoying collection of every annoying thing your own friends have probably already done)are those stupid honey notes. It hurt my fingers and my eyes just to write that. I never want to hear those two words together ever again in life. They were so incredibly un-funny and annoying in their own right.
The book was just unfocused and far fetched and not in a cute chick lit way. There was no actual story or plot. There were just things that happened and not in a hilarious Seinfeld way. If even one of those things had been developed, expanded and focused on it would have made for a better book.
The cover was cute. (The New Amazon one. Not the one here)
July 4, 2022
*Easy Read Chick Lit*
**3.5 Stars**
I had this in my kindle library for quite sometime. It is a very easy read and funny in parts.
Waverly Bryson thinks she has all she needs in life a good job, a fiancé and she is about to walk up the aisle. Well so she thought. This is not the way it was supposed to be now what? She starts to reassess her life she starts to jot down what she refers to as Honey Notes. Her dream is to have a line of greeting cards with her own notes to help singleton’s.
She decides to get herself back on the dating scene and a comedy of bad dates ensue and her closet two girlfriends share her laughter and disappointments.
Will anyone decide to take her up on her Honey Notes idea… will she finally find a date…
No huge plots or twists but ideal for a time when you want something light and do not need to concentrate lol
**3.5 Stars**
I had this in my kindle library for quite sometime. It is a very easy read and funny in parts.
Waverly Bryson thinks she has all she needs in life a good job, a fiancé and she is about to walk up the aisle. Well so she thought. This is not the way it was supposed to be now what? She starts to reassess her life she starts to jot down what she refers to as Honey Notes. Her dream is to have a line of greeting cards with her own notes to help singleton’s.
She decides to get herself back on the dating scene and a comedy of bad dates ensue and her closet two girlfriends share her laughter and disappointments.
Will anyone decide to take her up on her Honey Notes idea… will she finally find a date…
No huge plots or twists but ideal for a time when you want something light and do not need to concentrate lol
August 29, 2008
I would like to write a book myself, and admire this author's (a fellow DG!) first effort. It was a fun, light read--nothing unpredictable or profound--formulaic chick lit, heavy on the cliches and stereotypes. But overall, a nice wrap-up to my summer reading and even a nice segue to my own next career move -- Perfect on Paper tells of Waverly ("like the cracker?") Bryson's her busted engagement and her struggle back to coupledom and career satisfaction.
January 2, 2011
Since this book was given to me as a gift, with a personalized autograph on the first page, I'm rather sorry to post this negative review, but I cannot tell a lie.
The author is a former student of my step-mother. I'm sure she's a lovely girl and I applaud her for writing a novel and for getting her book published. It's something a lot of us would like to do. But I just could not cozy up to her characters.
Waverly Bryson is supposed to be 28 years old but she thinks, speaks and acts like a high school freshman whose parents have left her alone with an unlocked liquor cabinet for the weekend. I found her constant self-deprecation, which I think was meant to be somehow charming, beyond annoying. Her attitude about herself and her little world represented something that should be eschewed by every modern human being. She repeats a pattern of "eat - feel guilty - get drunk - make an ass of yourself - worry about what everyone's thinking of you" until I wanted to barf. While her alcohol-fueled self-humiliation might have been used as a lesson the first time, she repeats this pattern time and again.
Waverly's constant negative viewpoints might have a place in a novel about depression, but this purported to be a "humorous tale of affection, rejection and the search for perfection." Spoiler alert: she does not achieve perfection.
The tale begins with her fiancé calling off the wedding (better than deciding she wasn’t right for him after the ceremony, right?), meanders through her spending two years emotionally bleeding all over her friends (eating donuts, getting drunk, and crouching behind cars to avoid uncomfortable situations), then becoming “complete” when a man gives her attention. Not any man; like Seinfeld, she has a long list of disqualifiers (which are shared with the reader in a snarky, “Oh good lord, jorts? Am I right, ladies?” way). No, this man is one who makes her skin hot when he touches her. And, ladies, we all know that’s the way to determine which man one should spend one’s life with, am I right?
I’m sorry, Maria, I really wanted to like your book. But a 28 year old woman should not be interrupting her friends to snicker because someone’s names match the names of characters on 90210. She should not be shimmying on her back under a stuck door in a public bathroom rather than using her cell phone to call for help. She should not be finding fame and fortune by publishing her bitterness at being single. And she absolutely should not be “finding herself” by finally getting attention from “the right man.” If not for my promise to read the book I would have abandoned it by page 15.
The author is a former student of my step-mother. I'm sure she's a lovely girl and I applaud her for writing a novel and for getting her book published. It's something a lot of us would like to do. But I just could not cozy up to her characters.
Waverly Bryson is supposed to be 28 years old but she thinks, speaks and acts like a high school freshman whose parents have left her alone with an unlocked liquor cabinet for the weekend. I found her constant self-deprecation, which I think was meant to be somehow charming, beyond annoying. Her attitude about herself and her little world represented something that should be eschewed by every modern human being. She repeats a pattern of "eat - feel guilty - get drunk - make an ass of yourself - worry about what everyone's thinking of you" until I wanted to barf. While her alcohol-fueled self-humiliation might have been used as a lesson the first time, she repeats this pattern time and again.
Waverly's constant negative viewpoints might have a place in a novel about depression, but this purported to be a "humorous tale of affection, rejection and the search for perfection." Spoiler alert: she does not achieve perfection.
The tale begins with her fiancé calling off the wedding (better than deciding she wasn’t right for him after the ceremony, right?), meanders through her spending two years emotionally bleeding all over her friends (eating donuts, getting drunk, and crouching behind cars to avoid uncomfortable situations), then becoming “complete” when a man gives her attention. Not any man; like Seinfeld, she has a long list of disqualifiers (which are shared with the reader in a snarky, “Oh good lord, jorts? Am I right, ladies?” way). No, this man is one who makes her skin hot when he touches her. And, ladies, we all know that’s the way to determine which man one should spend one’s life with, am I right?
I’m sorry, Maria, I really wanted to like your book. But a 28 year old woman should not be interrupting her friends to snicker because someone’s names match the names of characters on 90210. She should not be shimmying on her back under a stuck door in a public bathroom rather than using her cell phone to call for help. She should not be finding fame and fortune by publishing her bitterness at being single. And she absolutely should not be “finding herself” by finally getting attention from “the right man.” If not for my promise to read the book I would have abandoned it by page 15.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2008
Great light chick lit to read that takes place in San Francisco. I met the author-wonderful person. Hillariously funny.
March 3, 2011
I was hoping for a fun, light, chick-lit book to breeze by and make me feel great. While this book was an easy read I felt as though I was reading something written by a high school teenager who got dumped on prom night.
The story is told in the first person by a woman who is 28 and got dumped on her wedding day. The entire book she struggles to admit she gets dumped and dates a string of unbelieveable losers. Her attitude is that of a bitter old woman who will "never" find love and her speech is of an adolescent teen who just discovered boys. Yet, in my opinion the plot was not the worst part, the writing was.
I found multiple grammatical errors in the book and often the book had repetitve lines that were not funny the first time around. The only reason I read the book to begin with was all of the rave reviews I read about it. I also finished the book until the end just to give it a fighting chance. Sadly it just keeps getting worse.
The story is told in the first person by a woman who is 28 and got dumped on her wedding day. The entire book she struggles to admit she gets dumped and dates a string of unbelieveable losers. Her attitude is that of a bitter old woman who will "never" find love and her speech is of an adolescent teen who just discovered boys. Yet, in my opinion the plot was not the worst part, the writing was.
I found multiple grammatical errors in the book and often the book had repetitve lines that were not funny the first time around. The only reason I read the book to begin with was all of the rave reviews I read about it. I also finished the book until the end just to give it a fighting chance. Sadly it just keeps getting worse.
September 20, 2010
Every once in a while I like to read a litte chick lit to see how the other half thinks. And I can only hope they find this novel as appalling as I do. The heroine so epitomises the obnoxious, spoiled Marina/Pac Heights bimbo it's hard to know where to begin. All I can say is honey, if you have a height requirement, don't come whining to me when he has a cup-size requirement.
May 15, 2013
This book was one of the worst books I have ever read. It was recommended to me by a friend...we're not friends anymore. I kid, but seriously, it was that bad. If I were 12 I might like this book, but I'm not, I'm almost 30 and I am frankly embarrassed to confess to the world that I read this book start to finish. As a disclaimer I couldn't finish 50 Shades of Grey because the writing was so bad. This book makes 50 Shades read like a work of art, I may even consider trying it again....nah, who am I kidding. Stay far away from Waverly and the gang.
April 20, 2012
A trio of alcoholics? I wonder if the drinking and drunken behavior in this book was just fillers?
I commend the author on finishing her book; that was no small task. The characters, for me, had no substance and it seems that all they could think about was the next drink. I borrowed this book from Kindle. Happy I didn't spend any money on it. I wanted to stop reading it many times but continued to the end hoping for more substance.
I commend the author on finishing her book; that was no small task. The characters, for me, had no substance and it seems that all they could think about was the next drink. I borrowed this book from Kindle. Happy I didn't spend any money on it. I wanted to stop reading it many times but continued to the end hoping for more substance.
January 12, 2009
When the opportunity to review a book about bad and surprising break-up that happened to a woman in San Francisco came my way, well, I had to take it. . . . perhaps I had mysteriously written this book in my sleep, and if I had, well, I really should read it, right? And I'm glad I did.
Marian Murnane's debut book, Perfect on Paper, is funny, insightful, and just real. The story is of Waverly Bryson, a woman in her late 20s whose fiance decides to call off their wedding two weeks before the date because he doesn't love her anymore. This devastating act takes place in the first chapter of the book, and the rest of the novel shows Waverly's misadventures in dating and, most importantly, her ability to come to terms with her own passions and identity.
The book isn't profound; you won't suddenly go sell your possessions and fly to the Sudan to work in a refugee camp (but wouldn't it be great if more of us did that?). But this novel is fun and really, well, cool. I absolutely loved reading it. My favorite scene is when Waverly finds herself at a wedding alone and has to sit at the dreaded Singles Table (can anyone besides me relate?). She and her table-mates do their best to make the most of the situation by listing "dating disqualifiers," those traits or habits that immediately eliminate someone from a person's list of potential dates. The list included:
- cheerleaders - one man says, "I don't care how smokin' you are. If I find out you once had pom poms in your locker, you're out on your ass." (That one made me, the non-cheerleader, smile with a goofy grin that showed all my teeth.)
- personalized license plates
- "jorts (jean shorts)"
- any guy who weighs less than the girl
- black Levi's . . .
- etc.
- (anyone have anything to add?)
I've considered penning this list into my journal just so I can avoid some crazy snafus in my dating life.
As all good comedies do, this one ends well (but I won't give it away), and perhaps the ending is contrived. But isn't that we all want when we read for a good laugh - the belief that someone is working "all things out for the good?" So much of life doesn't work out well; sometimes you just need to believe it will . . . even if you can maintain that belief for just a few hundred pages.
Marian Murnane's debut book, Perfect on Paper, is funny, insightful, and just real. The story is of Waverly Bryson, a woman in her late 20s whose fiance decides to call off their wedding two weeks before the date because he doesn't love her anymore. This devastating act takes place in the first chapter of the book, and the rest of the novel shows Waverly's misadventures in dating and, most importantly, her ability to come to terms with her own passions and identity.
The book isn't profound; you won't suddenly go sell your possessions and fly to the Sudan to work in a refugee camp (but wouldn't it be great if more of us did that?). But this novel is fun and really, well, cool. I absolutely loved reading it. My favorite scene is when Waverly finds herself at a wedding alone and has to sit at the dreaded Singles Table (can anyone besides me relate?). She and her table-mates do their best to make the most of the situation by listing "dating disqualifiers," those traits or habits that immediately eliminate someone from a person's list of potential dates. The list included:
- cheerleaders - one man says, "I don't care how smokin' you are. If I find out you once had pom poms in your locker, you're out on your ass." (That one made me, the non-cheerleader, smile with a goofy grin that showed all my teeth.)
- personalized license plates
- "jorts (jean shorts)"
- any guy who weighs less than the girl
- black Levi's . . .
- etc.
- (anyone have anything to add?)
I've considered penning this list into my journal just so I can avoid some crazy snafus in my dating life.
As all good comedies do, this one ends well (but I won't give it away), and perhaps the ending is contrived. But isn't that we all want when we read for a good laugh - the belief that someone is working "all things out for the good?" So much of life doesn't work out well; sometimes you just need to believe it will . . . even if you can maintain that belief for just a few hundred pages.
March 28, 2012
I downloaded this book for free via amazon prime looking for some light reading but I wasn't expecting such a painfully stupid book. Im not saying I'm above books like these -- I read Y/A novels for goodness sakes, but man this was mind-numbingly painful. I could barely get through the first few chapters, I hated the characters so much. I kept reading how this was the next Bridget Jones, how funny and witty the main character was, etc. All I have to say is no wonder the fiance left Waverly at the altar. She and her friends talk like the vapid, uninteresting (yet think they are so funny) type of girls that make my skin crawl.
August 2, 2012
I am trying to make my way through this book and I keep asking myself, why bother? I am hating it. I feel like I am reading one of my high school friends' creative writing projects for 11th grade creative writing class. It's painful. The deja vu that goes on from chapter to chapter is disturbing. I can't believe I paid for this book.
Read
July 12, 2021I read all four of these in one sitting, and they were all TERRIBLE - these women are people who I would very much dislike in real life (for the love of God, stop going on about being single/not being upfront with the men you're dating... you're 30, not 15). But whatever, I'm still counting them.
November 7, 2010
This was the worst book I've read in a while and quite possibly ever. I can not understand how this author was published.
June 25, 2011
Waverly Bryson is a successful public relations executive who manages a big account for a San Francisco-based PR firm. Just days before her wedding, her fiance decides he can't go through with it. Waverly is so embarrassed, she tells everyone that she was the one who did the dumping. As she tries to move on, she goes through a number of bad dates, and realizes that not only is she unhappy with her love life, she's not exactly happy at work, either. When a new account manager joins the office, Waverly is convinced that she is out to get her job, and does everything she can to snub her. Somewhere along the way, Waverly starts writing "Honey Notes" to herself, almost as a mechanism for coping with the loneliness of single-hood and the frustrations associated with her job. It is these "Honey Notes" that open up a whole new world that Waverly never imagined was possible.
Perfect on Paper was laugh out loud funny! While it is not one of the best-written books that I have read lately, it was certainly entertaining, and enjoyable as a summer "beach read." I work in PR, and before starting my own consulting practice many years ago, I worked for an agency, so it was really easy for me to identify what Waverly is going through in her professional life. The book really brought back some memories! What I enjoyed most about this book was the plot, it was interesting with lots of twists and turns. The dialog, however, seemed forced at times and a little jagged in places. This is why I gave the book three stars. For a first novel, though, I think it was great, and I hope that Murnane continues writing, I'd love to hear more about Waverly's adventures, or perhaps she has another story in her?
Perfect on Paper was laugh out loud funny! While it is not one of the best-written books that I have read lately, it was certainly entertaining, and enjoyable as a summer "beach read." I work in PR, and before starting my own consulting practice many years ago, I worked for an agency, so it was really easy for me to identify what Waverly is going through in her professional life. The book really brought back some memories! What I enjoyed most about this book was the plot, it was interesting with lots of twists and turns. The dialog, however, seemed forced at times and a little jagged in places. This is why I gave the book three stars. For a first novel, though, I think it was great, and I hope that Murnane continues writing, I'd love to hear more about Waverly's adventures, or perhaps she has another story in her?
November 22, 2008
Waverly Bryson has just been dumped by her fiancé. Waverly is through with men. Luckily for Waverly she has friends like Andie and McKenna to help her pick up the pieces. Friends are great but nothing beats a couple good stiff drinks. Just one piece of advice and that is “Always drink in moderation”; unfortunately for Waverly she should have followed this advice, especially while attending a business event. Not a great way to represent Jag, the company Waverly works for in the sports public relation’s department. For Waverly not all is lost when she meets Jake. To find out if Waverly and Jake hook up, you will have to read Perfect on Paper for yourself.
Waverly has got to be one of the most hilarious characters I have met. When she around, you can guarantee there will never be a dull moment. One of my other favorite characters is Scott, Waverly’s best gay guy friend. Every girl needs to have at least one good gay friend in their lives.
Ok, so you want to know when you can tell if the book you are reading is a winner? I read a few of the Honey notes to my husband and he started laughing. When your man thinks the book you are reading is laugh out funny, that’s when you know you have a winner in your hands. I couldn’t get enough of Waverly and to see what the next day would bring for her. Right after I finished reading Perfect on Paper, the next day I already was recommending this book to my friend. Maria Murnane’s Perfect on Paper is a must read. If you aren’t reading this book than shame on you as you are missing out on some great laughs. I hope Maria’s next book also features Waverly.
Waverly has got to be one of the most hilarious characters I have met. When she around, you can guarantee there will never be a dull moment. One of my other favorite characters is Scott, Waverly’s best gay guy friend. Every girl needs to have at least one good gay friend in their lives.
Ok, so you want to know when you can tell if the book you are reading is a winner? I read a few of the Honey notes to my husband and he started laughing. When your man thinks the book you are reading is laugh out funny, that’s when you know you have a winner in your hands. I couldn’t get enough of Waverly and to see what the next day would bring for her. Right after I finished reading Perfect on Paper, the next day I already was recommending this book to my friend. Maria Murnane’s Perfect on Paper is a must read. If you aren’t reading this book than shame on you as you are missing out on some great laughs. I hope Maria’s next book also features Waverly.
April 23, 2010
This is a really lovely book, sweet and funny with a cast of characters who are definitely very relatable — the annoying guy who just seems to be everywhere you are, the bitchy competitive co-worker who seems intent on stealing your job, the hot guy in whose presence you just can’t seem not to make an ass of yourself, etc. After being jilted at the altar by her fiance, Waverly sets out on a series of hilariously bad dates in an attempt to overcome her heartbreak and find that ever-elusive Mr. Right. But in the process, she finds herself instead.
Of course there are lots of bad date / overcoming evil ex novels, but what’s original here is Waverly’s knack for coming up with clever little sayings, sometimes darkly comical, that speak well to the single urban career girl, such as, “Ever had to work with a total nightmare? Honey, just wait until the company holiday party. We’ll see who’s all alone in the corner.” And, “Not everyone can have a cookie-cutter family, right? Honey, I’d cut your losses and settle for the cookies.” Waverly eventually creates a line of greeting cards bearing said clever sayings, and voila, her real calling emerges. Also, Waverly works in sports PR (as did Murnane — I like it when authors put their job details into their books; you can learn a lot about other walks of life that way) so there are some interesting, amusing scenes about the sports world — making this a book not only for women, but for men as well.
Basically, a great summer beach / plane / park / outdoor cafe — wherever you read when it’s warm out — read. I will definitely look for more from Murnane.
Of course there are lots of bad date / overcoming evil ex novels, but what’s original here is Waverly’s knack for coming up with clever little sayings, sometimes darkly comical, that speak well to the single urban career girl, such as, “Ever had to work with a total nightmare? Honey, just wait until the company holiday party. We’ll see who’s all alone in the corner.” And, “Not everyone can have a cookie-cutter family, right? Honey, I’d cut your losses and settle for the cookies.” Waverly eventually creates a line of greeting cards bearing said clever sayings, and voila, her real calling emerges. Also, Waverly works in sports PR (as did Murnane — I like it when authors put their job details into their books; you can learn a lot about other walks of life that way) so there are some interesting, amusing scenes about the sports world — making this a book not only for women, but for men as well.
Basically, a great summer beach / plane / park / outdoor cafe — wherever you read when it’s warm out — read. I will definitely look for more from Murnane.
July 31, 2010
love Waverly Bryson. It is impossible not to. She is adorable.
Maria Murnane’s comic romp, “Perfect on Paper” takes us into the tunnel of love that was Waverly’s last year in her twenties, starting at what seemed like the best day of her life (her wedding day to an imminently eligible bachelor) and then following her through the wreckage that ensued the following year (she got left at the altar). Watching Waverly struggle with dating, office politics and self-discovery, it is impossible not to fall in love with her. She is the ideal girlfriend, confidant, office pal and best friend.
The story races along as Waverly tries to put her life back together while at the same time trying to figure out what it is that she actually wants out of life. Some of the funniest scenes are from Waverly’s dating disasters, which her friends loving recall as ‘Waverly moments’ such as the dinner date where Waverly pulled off her sweater in a busy restaurant, but somehow had forgotten that she was not wearing a camisole underneath. Equally funny are the stories that her friends share of their first dates, like the flatulent Porsche owner guy, or the guy who tried to borrow money for his LSATs via email after the date. Much of the enjoyment of reading this book comes from the intimate back and forth between Waverly and her friends as they commiserate with each other, usually over cocktails. The dialog is pitch-perfect and full of the subtleties that exist in talk between close friends that are unafraid to tell the truth to each other.
To read my entire review and my interview with Maria Murnane on The Current Reader:
http://thecurrentreader.com/?p=72
Maria Murnane’s comic romp, “Perfect on Paper” takes us into the tunnel of love that was Waverly’s last year in her twenties, starting at what seemed like the best day of her life (her wedding day to an imminently eligible bachelor) and then following her through the wreckage that ensued the following year (she got left at the altar). Watching Waverly struggle with dating, office politics and self-discovery, it is impossible not to fall in love with her. She is the ideal girlfriend, confidant, office pal and best friend.
The story races along as Waverly tries to put her life back together while at the same time trying to figure out what it is that she actually wants out of life. Some of the funniest scenes are from Waverly’s dating disasters, which her friends loving recall as ‘Waverly moments’ such as the dinner date where Waverly pulled off her sweater in a busy restaurant, but somehow had forgotten that she was not wearing a camisole underneath. Equally funny are the stories that her friends share of their first dates, like the flatulent Porsche owner guy, or the guy who tried to borrow money for his LSATs via email after the date. Much of the enjoyment of reading this book comes from the intimate back and forth between Waverly and her friends as they commiserate with each other, usually over cocktails. The dialog is pitch-perfect and full of the subtleties that exist in talk between close friends that are unafraid to tell the truth to each other.
To read my entire review and my interview with Maria Murnane on The Current Reader:
http://thecurrentreader.com/?p=72
May 30, 2017
ווברלי ננטשת דקה לפני החתונה. ארוסה החתיך והעשיר מגלה שהוא לא אוהב אותה ועוזב והיא נשארת עם לב שבור, אגו שבור והערכה עצמית בקרשים.
ווברלי עובדת בחברת יחסי ציבור והחשבון הגדול שלה הוא בתחום הספורט. גם בעבודה החיים לא וורודים ובכדי להתאושש מכל המשברים ווברלי מתחילה לכתוב לעצמה פתקי "יקירתי" משעשעים, תובנות על החיים ועל מצבים בחיים.
הספר הזה יכל להיות מצויין לולאי בשליש האחרון של הספר חברות של ווברלי הרווקה משתלטות על הספר ועל העלילה.
נכון שלאורך הספר החברות והסיפורים שלהן הם חלק אינטגרלי מהעלילה על רווקה מודאגת וממורמרת בסאן פרנסיסקו. אבל בשליש האחרון די נשבר לי מהן. ומהעובדה. שמפרחי רקע הן הפכו למרכז העלילה.
זה מתאזן לקראת הסוף אבל זה ממש איכזב אותי. כי רציתי כבר להגיע לתכלס ולראות איך ווברלי משנה את חייה.
סוף הספר הוא כשנתיים אחרי הנטישה הצורבת. ווברלי בת 30, היא עדין רווקה אבל שלמה יותר עם עצמה. הספר מלווה באנקדוטות מדייטים משעשעים של ווברלי. הוא גם מלווה באנקדוטות שוברות לב של ווברלי על הארוס לשעבר והוא ספר חמוד ביותר קצת מזכיר את בריגט גונס אבל אמריקאי יותר.
ווברלי עובדת בחברת יחסי ציבור והחשבון הגדול שלה הוא בתחום הספורט. גם בעבודה החיים לא וורודים ובכדי להתאושש מכל המשברים ווברלי מתחילה לכתוב לעצמה פתקי "יקירתי" משעשעים, תובנות על החיים ועל מצבים בחיים.
הספר הזה יכל להיות מצויין לולאי בשליש האחרון של הספר חברות של ווברלי הרווקה משתלטות על הספר ועל העלילה.
נכון שלאורך הספר החברות והסיפורים שלהן הם חלק אינטגרלי מהעלילה על רווקה מודאגת וממורמרת בסאן פרנסיסקו. אבל בשליש האחרון די נשבר לי מהן. ומהעובדה. שמפרחי רקע הן הפכו למרכז העלילה.
זה מתאזן לקראת הסוף אבל זה ממש איכזב אותי. כי רציתי כבר להגיע לתכלס ולראות איך ווברלי משנה את חייה.
סוף הספר הוא כשנתיים אחרי הנטישה הצורבת. ווברלי בת 30, היא עדין רווקה אבל שלמה יותר עם עצמה. הספר מלווה באנקדוטות מדייטים משעשעים של ווברלי. הוא גם מלווה באנקדוטות שוברות לב של ווברלי על הארוס לשעבר והוא ספר חמוד ביותר קצת מזכיר את בריגט גונס אבל אמריקאי יותר.
August 15, 2017
I switched between reading this book and listening to the audiobook. I truly enjoyed this book. The main character was fun, self-deprecating, and (best of all) real. Her support group consisted of very loving friends and genuine co-workers. When her engagement is shattered by her cold-footed fiance, she does her best to move on, which didn't always prove easy.
Things I liked: the realistic way her stressful, competitive career was portrayed; the constant self-doubt of a scorned woman; the haunting father/daughter relationship.
Things I didn't like: the in-your-face contrived love story; the almost bully mentality of the girlfriends at times, especially when discussing men; the way too perfect career changing scenario that forms the basis for the book.
Overall, though, I loved reading and listening to this book. What it lacked in originality, it made up for with realistic scenarios.
Things I liked: the realistic way her stressful, competitive career was portrayed; the constant self-doubt of a scorned woman; the haunting father/daughter relationship.
Things I didn't like: the in-your-face contrived love story; the almost bully mentality of the girlfriends at times, especially when discussing men; the way too perfect career changing scenario that forms the basis for the book.
Overall, though, I loved reading and listening to this book. What it lacked in originality, it made up for with realistic scenarios.
October 16, 2008
As a former San Franciscan who lived on Bush and Fillmore for far too many of my single years, I can totally relate to Waverly's misadventures. I'm recommending it to all my friends who share past memories of living in an amazing city, during our single years, and experiencing all the crazy dating, intense jobs and wonderful friends the City has to offer. It's a light, easy, but fun read and the story pulls you in from page 1.
April 14, 2009
This charming story was just the thing to take the sting out of the first several days of a doctor ordered mobility restriction. When I was told to stay off my left leg as much as possible and keep it elevated last January, I was really discouraged and tempted to be blue but that mood could not be sustained under the force of the witty dialogue and hilarious, sometimes slapstick shenanigans of Waverly Bryson the protagonist of Maria Murnane's romantic comedy.
Waverly is in her late twenties, has a high-power job in PR for the sports industry the envy of many for the close collaboration with celebrity athletes it entails. She has a rent-controlled apartment in a swanky San Francisco neighborhood near the Golden Gate Bridge. She's about to be married to Aaron Vaughn III, the scion of an affluent local family who, having followed his parents into corporate law, already had two homes of his own and lived a lifestyle as far removed from the trailer park of her childhood as Cinderella's home had been from that of her Prince. And she had two loyal, close friends with whom to gush over how perfect it all was. Perfect...on paper.
Those two loyal friends, McKenna and Andie, are there to catch her when it all starts unraveling two weeks before the wedding when Aaron backs out, supporting her through months of mourning and gently encouraging her to get back in the dating scene. When she does finally venture out on dates again, they are there to commiserate with her over the many fiascos that ensue. The three of them laugh til they cry over the many social faux pas of these guys. They are there to help with every crisis from fashion to fractured ankle.
Waverly is a bit of a klutz and that tendency is enhanced whenever a certain Jake McIntyre, one of the ball players she encountered through her job, is near. The first time they met she was choking on a Milky Way. Another time she ended up wearing a whole tray of sports arena snack food and beer, having been keeping her eyes on the field where he stood instead of the steps she was climbing to the nose-bleed section. In the middle of their first slow dance she had to rush to the restroom for a 'consultation' with the toilet of the up close and personal kind.
One of the scenes that had me choking on my own snickers was the one when she found herself trapped in a restroom stall two minutes before a very, very important interview. I will say no more. You must read it for yourself.
Meanwhile, all is not so perfect at work either. Office politics is not her forte and she finds herself passed over for an account she thought sure would be hers. Nor is her relationship with her father anywhere near perfect, with him coming up with a new scheme for making money every few months and needing her to 'invest' in it.
Waverly has a little hobby of jotting down observations about her life and life in general in a quirky little question/answer format that she imagines could be a line of greeting cards for single women. She calls them Honey Notes. They are scattered throughout the novel and also head every chapter. I found myself really looking forward to them. Here are a few examples:
Oh, I could so see this as a movie. Either a big screen or a Hallmark or Lifetime made-for-TV. It would be perfect for the screen as so much of the story is in the witty dialogue and the sight gags and slapstick. Since I had been watching Hallmark's Nanny Express with my Mom and sister around the time I started this book, I ended up seeing Waverly as Vanessa Marcil who played Kate.
Waverly is in her late twenties, has a high-power job in PR for the sports industry the envy of many for the close collaboration with celebrity athletes it entails. She has a rent-controlled apartment in a swanky San Francisco neighborhood near the Golden Gate Bridge. She's about to be married to Aaron Vaughn III, the scion of an affluent local family who, having followed his parents into corporate law, already had two homes of his own and lived a lifestyle as far removed from the trailer park of her childhood as Cinderella's home had been from that of her Prince. And she had two loyal, close friends with whom to gush over how perfect it all was. Perfect...on paper.
Those two loyal friends, McKenna and Andie, are there to catch her when it all starts unraveling two weeks before the wedding when Aaron backs out, supporting her through months of mourning and gently encouraging her to get back in the dating scene. When she does finally venture out on dates again, they are there to commiserate with her over the many fiascos that ensue. The three of them laugh til they cry over the many social faux pas of these guys. They are there to help with every crisis from fashion to fractured ankle.
Waverly is a bit of a klutz and that tendency is enhanced whenever a certain Jake McIntyre, one of the ball players she encountered through her job, is near. The first time they met she was choking on a Milky Way. Another time she ended up wearing a whole tray of sports arena snack food and beer, having been keeping her eyes on the field where he stood instead of the steps she was climbing to the nose-bleed section. In the middle of their first slow dance she had to rush to the restroom for a 'consultation' with the toilet of the up close and personal kind.
One of the scenes that had me choking on my own snickers was the one when she found herself trapped in a restroom stall two minutes before a very, very important interview. I will say no more. You must read it for yourself.
Meanwhile, all is not so perfect at work either. Office politics is not her forte and she finds herself passed over for an account she thought sure would be hers. Nor is her relationship with her father anywhere near perfect, with him coming up with a new scheme for making money every few months and needing her to 'invest' in it.
Waverly has a little hobby of jotting down observations about her life and life in general in a quirky little question/answer format that she imagines could be a line of greeting cards for single women. She calls them Honey Notes. They are scattered throughout the novel and also head every chapter. I found myself really looking forward to them. Here are a few examples:
Looking forward to a fresh start with the New Year?
Honey, I'm with you but I can't seem to leave behind my behind.
Have a tendency to put your foot in your mouth?
Honey, at least it is less fattening than putting ice cream in your mouth.
Life has its ups and downs, right?
Honey, if you're talking about my weight and my bank account, the unfortunate answer is yes, in that order.
Oh, I could so see this as a movie. Either a big screen or a Hallmark or Lifetime made-for-TV. It would be perfect for the screen as so much of the story is in the witty dialogue and the sight gags and slapstick. Since I had been watching Hallmark's Nanny Express with my Mom and sister around the time I started this book, I ended up seeing Waverly as Vanessa Marcil who played Kate.
January 6, 2012
Perfect on Paper roped me in from page one. I was a little unsure at first because I just recently read a different book that began with someone being left at the altar, but the casual way in which the story was written grabbed my attention immediately. The main character is a woman in her late 20s named Waverly Bryson. I was really able to relate to her in that many of the things she said are things I would say. In fact, more than once I read a line or two from the book to my boyfriend because I was so surprised by the coincidence!
A few things I really liked about this book: It was really funny and fast-paced, I never wanted to put it down! I love how the story didn't focus on Waverly and one particular love interest, although one man, Jake, makes several appearances. I enjoyed that it wasn't just constant Jake action or constantly running into each other all the time insanity. Murnane did a fantastic job of creating likable characters, and you didn't like the ones she probably didn't want you to like. Something that I noticed that I found really unusual was that I didn't feel like I had to root for Waverly.. she kind of just did stuff, and you knew whatever happened, she'd be ok, even if in the end she fell on her face. I think what I mean is that I never had to pity her, or find myself hoping she would end up happy, because, although the character was insecure, you never had to really feel bad for her. I enjoyed that!
A few things that kept me from going five stars: The characters have annoying catch phrases. Like Andie (one of Waverly's two best friends) always says "Way." after another character says "No way!" I get that that's like real life, but it sort of niggled at me. Also, Waverly has a habit of saying "Have we met? I'm Waverly Bryson." A lot. It's in situations where she's like "duh, isn't it obvious?" or "you should know this about me" kind of thing, but maybe if she said it twice it wouldn't have been so annoying.. However, it happened like nine times. These are petty, I know, but they were little thorns in my side that didn't really keep me from enjoying the story, but stood out enough to make me think more than once that it was worth dropping a star. There are a couple of other things, but I don't want any spoilers here, so I shall omit them!
Perfect on Paper is a perfect beach read, vacation read, or just a breezy light story for any day, really. I would highly recommend it despite the little annoyances I suffered. Enjoy!
A few things I really liked about this book: It was really funny and fast-paced, I never wanted to put it down! I love how the story didn't focus on Waverly and one particular love interest, although one man, Jake, makes several appearances. I enjoyed that it wasn't just constant Jake action or constantly running into each other all the time insanity. Murnane did a fantastic job of creating likable characters, and you didn't like the ones she probably didn't want you to like. Something that I noticed that I found really unusual was that I didn't feel like I had to root for Waverly.. she kind of just did stuff, and you knew whatever happened, she'd be ok, even if in the end she fell on her face. I think what I mean is that I never had to pity her, or find myself hoping she would end up happy, because, although the character was insecure, you never had to really feel bad for her. I enjoyed that!
A few things that kept me from going five stars: The characters have annoying catch phrases. Like Andie (one of Waverly's two best friends) always says "Way." after another character says "No way!" I get that that's like real life, but it sort of niggled at me. Also, Waverly has a habit of saying "Have we met? I'm Waverly Bryson." A lot. It's in situations where she's like "duh, isn't it obvious?" or "you should know this about me" kind of thing, but maybe if she said it twice it wouldn't have been so annoying.. However, it happened like nine times. These are petty, I know, but they were little thorns in my side that didn't really keep me from enjoying the story, but stood out enough to make me think more than once that it was worth dropping a star. There are a couple of other things, but I don't want any spoilers here, so I shall omit them!
Perfect on Paper is a perfect beach read, vacation read, or just a breezy light story for any day, really. I would highly recommend it despite the little annoyances I suffered. Enjoy!
December 16, 2008
Book synopsis:
Anything can look perfect…on paper
When her fiancé calls off their wedding at the last minute, Waverly Bryson wonders if her life will ever turn out the way she thought it would…or should. Her high-powered job in sports PR? Not
so perfect. Her relationship with her dad? Far from it. Her perfect marriage? Enough said.
Perfect on Paper is a humorous tale of Waverly’s efforts to cobble the pieces of a broken yesterday into a brand new tomorrow. What does the future have in store for her? Will she finally find what she’s looking for?
Her dates? Cringe-inducing at times, definitely entertaining
Her friends? Often amused, definitely supportive
Her new crush? Possibly intrigued, definitely a catch
The results? Hardly perfect, definitely just right
****
Perfect on Paper is a story that reflects how a single woman can live a klumzy, chaotic and rollercoaster life, but still come out on top. Waverly Bryson is the funny, smart, girl next door that everyone wants to be around, but she doesn't realize it herself. She wades through her life trying to live the way she thinks it 'should' be and not the way 'she' wants it to be. This book has total chick lit all over it, but I loved it!! Maria Murnane's first book had me laughing out loud so much, my dog kept looking at me like something must be wrong! One 'story' Waverly's friend Andie tells around beer and pizza, just had me laughing all evening!! The "Honey" greeting card idea , that was used at the beginning of each chapter and throughout the book, was a creative idea that made you go 'oh yeah' each time you read one. Here are just 2 examples:
They say laughter is the best medicine? (front)
Honey, toss it in with girlfriends and beer, and you've found the fountain of youth. (inside)
Ever wonder why the new girl at work seems to hate you so much? (front)
Honey, think back to the angst of the high-school lunchroom. Then offer her a seat at your table. (inside)
From Waverly to her girlfriends, co-workers and men she dated, all of these characters are colorfully written in making a well rounded story. If you want to smile until your face hurts or laugh until you cry, then this is the book to get. So go buy a copy, get some hot chocolate and curl up in your favorite chair and enjoy the life of Waverly Bryson...you won't be disappointed.
Anything can look perfect…on paper
When her fiancé calls off their wedding at the last minute, Waverly Bryson wonders if her life will ever turn out the way she thought it would…or should. Her high-powered job in sports PR? Not
so perfect. Her relationship with her dad? Far from it. Her perfect marriage? Enough said.
Perfect on Paper is a humorous tale of Waverly’s efforts to cobble the pieces of a broken yesterday into a brand new tomorrow. What does the future have in store for her? Will she finally find what she’s looking for?
Her dates? Cringe-inducing at times, definitely entertaining
Her friends? Often amused, definitely supportive
Her new crush? Possibly intrigued, definitely a catch
The results? Hardly perfect, definitely just right
****
Perfect on Paper is a story that reflects how a single woman can live a klumzy, chaotic and rollercoaster life, but still come out on top. Waverly Bryson is the funny, smart, girl next door that everyone wants to be around, but she doesn't realize it herself. She wades through her life trying to live the way she thinks it 'should' be and not the way 'she' wants it to be. This book has total chick lit all over it, but I loved it!! Maria Murnane's first book had me laughing out loud so much, my dog kept looking at me like something must be wrong! One 'story' Waverly's friend Andie tells around beer and pizza, just had me laughing all evening!! The "Honey" greeting card idea , that was used at the beginning of each chapter and throughout the book, was a creative idea that made you go 'oh yeah' each time you read one. Here are just 2 examples:
They say laughter is the best medicine? (front)
Honey, toss it in with girlfriends and beer, and you've found the fountain of youth. (inside)
Ever wonder why the new girl at work seems to hate you so much? (front)
Honey, think back to the angst of the high-school lunchroom. Then offer her a seat at your table. (inside)
From Waverly to her girlfriends, co-workers and men she dated, all of these characters are colorfully written in making a well rounded story. If you want to smile until your face hurts or laugh until you cry, then this is the book to get. So go buy a copy, get some hot chocolate and curl up in your favorite chair and enjoy the life of Waverly Bryson...you won't be disappointed.
June 19, 2011
Perfect on Paper by Marie Murnane is a light and fun read that kept me hooked from the beginning to end. Waverly Bryson was days away from her wedding to wealthy Aaron Vaughn when he told her that he wasn't sure if he actually loved her and called the wedding off. Her life suddenly went from perfect to pointless. The year after the breakup she goes through the motions of living her life as a big-time sports agent and hanging out with her best friends.
The book really starts to pickup when she meets a new crush, Jake, at a convention. They hit it off right before she rushes to the bathroom to throw up. She sees him at a party a little while later with another woman on his arm and barely talks to him, but you know in the back of her mind that little crush never goes away. Meanwhile back at work she's losing ground to her most despised colleague who sucks up constantly to the boss.
I'm not quite sure what it was about this book that made it such a good read, but I found it hilarious and very relatable. With a name like Waverly Bryson, how can you not like the main character? Maybe because all of us have had those moments where we embarrass ourselves in front of a crush or feel like nothing is going to work out. Throughout the book Waverly writes out "Honey Do" notes about her experiences, and these were my favorite part of the book by far (even though the rest was great as well). The "Honey" notes are all things like:
Ever wonder why the new girl at work seems to hate you so much?
Honey, think back to the angst of the high school lunchroom. Then offer her a seat at your table.
The book is a lot deeper than it sounds at first. It's not just your typical chick-lit; it has a lot of these fun little anecdotes that really make you stop and think for a minute before moving on to the next funny adventure in Waverly's life.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone that enjoys reading a good, clean, and funny novel. There's something for everyone in the book, and I couldn't put it down.
The book really starts to pickup when she meets a new crush, Jake, at a convention. They hit it off right before she rushes to the bathroom to throw up. She sees him at a party a little while later with another woman on his arm and barely talks to him, but you know in the back of her mind that little crush never goes away. Meanwhile back at work she's losing ground to her most despised colleague who sucks up constantly to the boss.
I'm not quite sure what it was about this book that made it such a good read, but I found it hilarious and very relatable. With a name like Waverly Bryson, how can you not like the main character? Maybe because all of us have had those moments where we embarrass ourselves in front of a crush or feel like nothing is going to work out. Throughout the book Waverly writes out "Honey Do" notes about her experiences, and these were my favorite part of the book by far (even though the rest was great as well). The "Honey" notes are all things like:
Ever wonder why the new girl at work seems to hate you so much?
Honey, think back to the angst of the high school lunchroom. Then offer her a seat at your table.
The book is a lot deeper than it sounds at first. It's not just your typical chick-lit; it has a lot of these fun little anecdotes that really make you stop and think for a minute before moving on to the next funny adventure in Waverly's life.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone that enjoys reading a good, clean, and funny novel. There's something for everyone in the book, and I couldn't put it down.
June 28, 2015
"I'm Waverly, have we met?" (A line used all too frequently in the book.) Yes. Unfortunately, we have.
I really wanted to like this book, really, I did. Unfortunately, I just couldn't. If you don't care about a flat character that constantly repeats herself (we get it, you feel x about something), or a character that gets hung up on things for the sake of upping the book's word count ("My publisher said 80,000 words was the minimum. I'll just add fluff...Oh I know, I'll have her act like a frigid spinster to this guy for no reason!!") then this book might make you happy.
Another thing, Waverly Bryson tries to be cute by saying what she thinks are cute phrases that she made up that she has to explain, example: it's raining puppycats.
Waverly, stop trying to make fetch happen! It's not going to happen!!! It's not cute, it's annoying and it makes you look stupid.
It's hard to find good first person writing, especially in chick-lit. Perfect on Paper perfectly illustrated why that is. When I set out to read chick-lit I know what I'm getting into. I'm not looking for the next great American novel, but I'm also not looking to bang my head against the wall for 300 pages. I'm looking for lighthearted escapism. This book fell flat for the most part. It started off fun and then got lost midway through.
I'm sorry if this is harsh, but I wish I had read the other reviews before trudging through 353 pages of knock-off American Bridget Jones.
It scares me that this character, Waverly Bryson, is now part of a trilogy.
Save yourself the $3.99 and find another book.
I really wanted to like this book, really, I did. Unfortunately, I just couldn't. If you don't care about a flat character that constantly repeats herself (we get it, you feel x about something), or a character that gets hung up on things for the sake of upping the book's word count ("My publisher said 80,000 words was the minimum. I'll just add fluff...Oh I know, I'll have her act like a frigid spinster to this guy for no reason!!") then this book might make you happy.
Another thing, Waverly Bryson tries to be cute by saying what she thinks are cute phrases that she made up that she has to explain, example: it's raining puppycats.
Waverly, stop trying to make fetch happen! It's not going to happen!!! It's not cute, it's annoying and it makes you look stupid.
It's hard to find good first person writing, especially in chick-lit. Perfect on Paper perfectly illustrated why that is. When I set out to read chick-lit I know what I'm getting into. I'm not looking for the next great American novel, but I'm also not looking to bang my head against the wall for 300 pages. I'm looking for lighthearted escapism. This book fell flat for the most part. It started off fun and then got lost midway through.
I'm sorry if this is harsh, but I wish I had read the other reviews before trudging through 353 pages of knock-off American Bridget Jones.
It scares me that this character, Waverly Bryson, is now part of a trilogy.
Save yourself the $3.99 and find another book.
November 27, 2012
I was really disappointed in this book. I was expecting something more along the lines of Sophie Kinsella where the main character is this adorkable female that always seems to be the one getting into a ridiculous situation that is hilarious to readers, and everything seems to work out in the end....but it wasn't. Actually, the only parts that I liked about this book were the Honey Notes and the quick wit banters between friends. Those parts were golden. It was everything else that was the disappointment.
I was about 48% the way through the book when I thought to myself "Surly something positive is going to happen now!". I mean, if I had to summarize the book in one word my first instinct would be "downer". The ratio of good vs bad were very unbalanced and it just took way to long to get to the good parts.
Also, I feel like this book could have cut out about 30-40 pages. There were so many descriptions of everyday normal stuff like walks/runs/hitting a bar, where a page is dedicated to internal dialoge (that doesn't amount to anything), or chatter with a friend (that also didn't amount to anything). In the middle of the book where i could tell this was a pattern, I just started to skim over these parts.
Overalll, I feel like this book had huge potential but the execution was off. Throw in a super cheesy ending that didn't make anything sense and you have yourself a wasted day. Bummer.
I was about 48% the way through the book when I thought to myself "Surly something positive is going to happen now!". I mean, if I had to summarize the book in one word my first instinct would be "downer". The ratio of good vs bad were very unbalanced and it just took way to long to get to the good parts.
Also, I feel like this book could have cut out about 30-40 pages. There were so many descriptions of everyday normal stuff like walks/runs/hitting a bar, where a page is dedicated to internal dialoge (that doesn't amount to anything), or chatter with a friend (that also didn't amount to anything). In the middle of the book where i could tell this was a pattern, I just started to skim over these parts.
Overalll, I feel like this book had huge potential but the execution was off. Throw in a super cheesy ending that didn't make anything sense and you have yourself a wasted day. Bummer.
March 13, 2012
Everything I hate about Chick Lit - every thought the author had made it to the final edit of this book. Is it ever necessary to have this much detail about each and everything that happens in an individual's daily life and dialogue of conversation with every person in the novel. This read like a novel from a 12 year old author,
Main character: "Like OMG I can't believe he said blah blah. Response: "OMG he said blah blah".
Main character: "No really, he said blah blah." And on and on....
Then there is the constantly questioning yourself, main character "I'm just not loveable because Aaron left me, if I was prettier, skinnier, smarter, richer, friendlier, nicer clothers etc" blah blah. Then proceed to say this to each and every character you come across in the story so they can tell you that you truly are, pretty, skinny, smart, monetarily stable,friendly, and have fab looking clothes etc blah blah freaking blah.
Women who need this constant approval from others and self esteem stroked to make them feel good I just can't deal with. Sorry get over yourself already. Can you tell this hit a nerve for me? lol oh well moving on.
Main character: "Like OMG I can't believe he said blah blah. Response: "OMG he said blah blah".
Main character: "No really, he said blah blah." And on and on....
Then there is the constantly questioning yourself, main character "I'm just not loveable because Aaron left me, if I was prettier, skinnier, smarter, richer, friendlier, nicer clothers etc" blah blah. Then proceed to say this to each and every character you come across in the story so they can tell you that you truly are, pretty, skinny, smart, monetarily stable,friendly, and have fab looking clothes etc blah blah freaking blah.
Women who need this constant approval from others and self esteem stroked to make them feel good I just can't deal with. Sorry get over yourself already. Can you tell this hit a nerve for me? lol oh well moving on.
June 25, 2013
It was so painful to keep on reading. I just finished it because a) I try by all means to end books, and b) it was a really short and silly book so I didnt want it to beat me.
The story at first feels not-so-trite but it gets awful as the book progresses. I never cared much for the girl, I dont know if she was that likeable, but I never got to care for here. I was hoping that the boy who always finds them whenever they are would be the one but he was just a distractor and that pissed me off.
Avoid this by all means
The story at first feels not-so-trite but it gets awful as the book progresses. I never cared much for the girl, I dont know if she was that likeable, but I never got to care for here. I was hoping that the boy who always finds them whenever they are would be the one but he was just a distractor and that pissed me off.
Avoid this by all means
September 11, 2010
I was not the target audience for this book. The protagonist thinks people with children are annoying (ahem) and that skating by at work deserves promotions (I detest slackers) and that being rude and aloof, you will eventually land the man of your dreams who is wealthy, good looking and has been pining away for your immature aloofness. So... I thought this book was a 20-year-old's vision of what adult life is like... in other words, not reality. It could have been categorized as fantasy.
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