The Hard Way

by Julie Luongo

Lucy Venier changes careers and boyfriends as often as she changes her socks. Although gifted with wit and artistic talent, Lucy lacks focus. While she tries out careers from crime reporter to sleep-deprived law student, her offbeat life experiences fuel her insatiable desire to create. Unfortunately “starving artist” isn’t exactly a desirable job title, so Lucy hides her creativity under her business suit.

As if figuring out her life isn’t hard enough, all of Lucy’s friends are getting married, but Lucy’s not sure if she’s capable of living happily ever after. With a string of loser former flames, giving up on love seems to be the best option. Until Ben—Lucy’s Mr. Right who comes at completely the wrong time.

In the tradition of The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing, The Hard Way is a scrapbook of stories from Lucy’s life. As she discovers more about the people around her, will she finally begin to understand herself?

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Book Club

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2008

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, oh man is this book good. Ok, sure, I wrote it. But still, I totally enjoyed reading it. I laughed, I cried, I remembered that I'm not alone.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It jumps around on the timing, which is a cool technique, but threw me off grasping the timeline of what was happening, BUT keep reading... I LOVED the last chapter the most. Such a cute ending.

[Merredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

i almost marked this just ok, from "i liked it" because there was something about it that was off... i like the style of short, bloggish stories, that could be non fiction, but actually are fiction. one of my favorite chapters was the one from her sister's point of view. i liked how the woman was so messed up and had no idea what she wanted to do/be. lol like me!

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is set up in the way that each chapter is like a short story. I was turned off by the tone of the book at the beginning (sounded like the author was trying too hard) but at the end there were a couple chapters that I enjoyed. Also, it was tied up a little too neatly for my taste.

[Simi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hated the begninning of this book, it was misery to read. But one I got into it and realized why Lucy was self destructive I couldn't get enough!!! It's NOT your average chick lit :)

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. It was interesting to see Lucy's character evolve as the book progressed. I seldom give 5 stars, this one should really be a 4.5!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love with Lucy. She is quirky, flawed, caring, confused..in other words, human with a heart. Lucy is not perfect, but she is beautiful. In her I felt I found a true kindred spirit. If Lucy were real, I'd want to sit outside the 'crazy cabin' and drink lagers with her until the sun came up!

The story of self discovery is not foreign to any of us, but, unfortunately, many of us go it alone, to afraid to show anyone our vulnerable side. But, with Julie Luongo's book, in its warmth, in its comedy, in its pains and heartaches, in its tears and frustrations, we are shown a person who isn't afraid to learn, to grow, to laugh, to find comfort and acceptance in herself and the world around her, and to share.

And, one of the BEST parts of this book for me is I found one quote deeply profound and it will stay with me forever...I don't want to give the story away, but I will say this paragraph shows Julie Luongo's mastery not only of story telling, but the softer, more poetic side to her writing...can you guess which passage I'm talking about? Just read the book to find out ;p

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was more of a collection of short stories that eventually related by the end than a normal fiction read. I didn't love that aspect of it, but I also hate short stories so that would make sense. By the end of the book, I found that I liked it and felt invested in Lucy's life. However, it took me quite a while to really care about her in any way. The first few chapters did not hook me at all, but it did get a lot better. I enjoyed the book overall, but I don't feel any desire to read more of her books.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one got better as it continued. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a collection of previously published stories or this author's shtick is to switch tenses and perspectives for each segment of the novel, but it got confusing - for example, the character of Kate pops up with no introduction, and we only find out later when reflecting on Lucy's childhood that they've known each other since then. Some of the chapters were vastly better than others. Unique approach, but I'll probably forget I've read this in a few years.

[Kourtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't realize this book was about one character but told (1) in short story format and (2) in many different tenses. One minute it's Lucy this Lucy that, then it's I did this I did that (as Lucy) and then the great narrator in the sky says Lucy did this Lucy did that. Not my cup of tea.
I found myself only reading the first line of paragraphs, then skipping pages. This book was just not for me.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hilariously funny, then thoughtful and sweet.

Sorry, Book, but I have to take away stars for plagiarism. The chapter "Reflections" is basically taken from The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing, as is the character's belief that a trash-filled car will deter thieves. In both books, that's prominently used for characterization. It feels like stealing a character. How is that not plagiarism? Perhaps because it's too obvious?

[Selena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting something fun and flirty and got a neatly-packed philosophy of life presented in an unobtrusive way. The beginning was a bit of a stretch but then again, the second half of the book was an enjoyable read and hard to put down. There are some deep insights that take you by surprise when you least expect them and when you have already settled for the read to while away your time.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the chapters were a little weird - backtracking in the story a bit as if it - but an interesting look at how our view of ourselves & other's view of us differ
Sometimes I just wanted to shake Lucy & say "get it together" - but she figures it out on her own eventually

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great character development. Found through a review at the library. Enjoyed it very much.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but had a hard time relating to the main character.

[Tonyia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book borders on chick lit, but not quite. It was funny and quirky. Started off slow, but I loved the end.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in 3 days. It was addicting. I loved the characters in the book. I related with the main character so much. This book made me laugh and cry. It was just a great book.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

-- Not bad but totally forgettable

[Elizabeth Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book. It literally had me laughing out loud. I love the structure of the story - and Lucy is someone I feel like I know.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

reminded me of The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing. In a good way.