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The List
Phoebe Henderson may be single but she sure doesn't feel fabulous. It's been a year since she found her boyfriend Alex in bed with another woman, and multiple cases of wine and extensive relationship analysis with best friend Lucy have done nothing to help. Faced with a new year but no new love, Phoebe concocts a different kind of resolution.
The List: ten things she's always wanted to do in bed but has never had the chance (or the courage!) to try. A bucket list for between the sheets. One year of pleasure, no strings attached. Simple, right?
Factor in meddlesome colleagues, friends with benefits, getting frisky al fresco and maybe, possibly, true love and Phoebe's got her work cut out for her.
The List: ten things she's always wanted to do in bed but has never had the chance (or the courage!) to try. A bucket list for between the sheets. One year of pleasure, no strings attached. Simple, right?
Factor in meddlesome colleagues, friends with benefits, getting frisky al fresco and maybe, possibly, true love and Phoebe's got her work cut out for her.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2013
319 people are currently reading
2213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
February 19, 2019
3,5, pero redondeo hasta las 4 estrellas por lo mucho que me he reído, sobre todo con la primera parte, pues la segunda -aunque sigue teniendo sus toques de humor- me ha parecido más triste.
Vaya por delante que no considero este libro una historia romántica, es... otra cosa. Es la historia de una chica escocesa, que se parece a Christina Hendricks pero se siente insegura y sola tras el engaño de su último (y gilipollas) novio, y la lista que hace a principios de año para superar su ruptura sentimental y llevar a cabo un montón de actos sexuales que siempre le han llamado la atención pero nunca se ha atrevido a realizar. ¿El elegido para hacerlo? Su mejor amigo, Oliver, un tío bueno (en ambos sentidos de la palabra), con un gran éxito entre las mujeres. Aunque no sea para nada igual, este inicio me ha hecho acordarme de Nate y Olivia, de Calle Jamaica, una de mis parejas favoritas ever.
Narrado en forma de diario, como si de una especie de Bridget Jones escocesa se tratará, igual de borrachuza pero mucho más liberada, más bruta y peor hablada, vemos cómo Phoebe afronta los retos de esa lista y un trabajo que odia, se relaciona con los hombres y con su divertidisimo grupo de amigos (Lucy es para darle de comer aparte), descubre lo vacía que está su vida y, de paso, el amor.
Leida por recomendación de las haggards (podéis ver su crítica aquí), la recomiendo. Está en español, pero yo la he leído en inglés, más que nada por el precio. ¿Cómo es posible que un libro que lleve traducido años cueste 6,64€ en su edición digital en español y 0,99 en inglés?
#Popsugar 2019. Reto 50: Un libro sin capítulos o con una numeración poco convencional
Vaya por delante que no considero este libro una historia romántica, es... otra cosa. Es la historia de una chica escocesa, que se parece a Christina Hendricks pero se siente insegura y sola tras el engaño de su último (y gilipollas) novio, y la lista que hace a principios de año para superar su ruptura sentimental y llevar a cabo un montón de actos sexuales que siempre le han llamado la atención pero nunca se ha atrevido a realizar. ¿El elegido para hacerlo? Su mejor amigo, Oliver, un tío bueno (en ambos sentidos de la palabra), con un gran éxito entre las mujeres. Aunque no sea para nada igual, este inicio me ha hecho acordarme de Nate y Olivia, de Calle Jamaica, una de mis parejas favoritas ever.
Narrado en forma de diario, como si de una especie de Bridget Jones escocesa se tratará, igual de borrachuza pero mucho más liberada, más bruta y peor hablada, vemos cómo Phoebe afronta los retos de esa lista y un trabajo que odia, se relaciona con los hombres y con su divertidisimo grupo de amigos (Lucy es para darle de comer aparte), descubre lo vacía que está su vida y, de paso, el amor.
Leida por recomendación de las haggards (podéis ver su crítica aquí), la recomiendo. Está en español, pero yo la he leído en inglés, más que nada por el precio. ¿Cómo es posible que un libro que lleve traducido años cueste 6,64€ en su edición digital en español y 0,99 en inglés?
#Popsugar 2019. Reto 50: Un libro sin capítulos o con una numeración poco convencional
January 8, 2015
We don’t get to pick who we fall in love with, and it doesn’t happen like it should.
----No Strings Attached
Actually that was the underlying story of 32-year old Phoebe Henderson’s solitary life. Phoebe Henderson is the protagonist of Joanna Bolouri’s debut novel, The List, which is an amusing story about a single woman’s crazy sexual adventures.
Synopsis:
Phoebe Henderson may be single but she sure doesn't feel fabulous. It's been a year since she found her boyfriend Alex in bed with another woman, and multiple cases of wine and extensive relationship analysis with best friend Lucy have done nothing to help. Faced with a new year but no new love, Phoebe concocts a different kind of resolution.
The List: ten things she's always wanted to do in bed but has never had the chance (or the courage!) to try. A bucket list for between the sheets. One year of pleasure, no strings attached. Simple, right?
Factor in meddlesome colleagues, friends with benefits, getting frisky al fresco and maybe, possibly, true love and Phoebe's got her work cut out for her.
Joanna Bolouri crafted a mind-blowing “No Strings Attached” style tale but its way more hilarious, way more striking, and way more adventurous and at times, things got pretty heated up while I was reading the book (I meant to say way more passionate!) So what happens when a 32-year old lonely and single woman wants to make a bucket list of what kind of sexual adventures she will have? Well, if she’s got a cute guy best-friend, then undoubtedly he will be the first person on her list to have those adventures with.
Written in a diary entry style, the author, Bolouri wanted to show us about her protagonist’s sexual adventures right from her eyes and words and thus that made me feel like Phoebe’s only talking to me. With the author’s glorious vivid descriptions about the sexual adventures of Phoebe, the book was one hell of an roller-coaster ride of sweat, some filthy between the sheets adventures and a lot of ROFL moments that will surely going to crack you up! And honestly most of time, I found that it was quite difficult for me to get a grip on when Phoebe’s silly moments cracked me up. I must say I never read such a hilarious book of erotica, where sex is going on but in a rather funny way!
The characters from lonely, brave and funny Phoebe to her coolest best friend, Lucy to her annoying and sly boss, Frank to her cheating ex, Alex to her cutest guy best friend, Oliver to the rest of the lot- each and every one depict the characters from our everyday life, meaning which they are realistic and believable and I could instantly relate to the people in my life. And for that I’d like to hats off to the author for drawing inspiration from the daily characters. Moreover, Phoebe sounds like an epitome of every lonely, single woman. For me, Phoebe Henderson rocks! And Oliver sounds like every woman’s dream boy!
The narrative style is equally witty and entertaining and that kept me stuck like glue till its very end. I even loved the articulate and crisp prose that the author used to describe her story and since written in a diary entry style, the book had got a fast pace and can be read in a one go. Apart from that, I learnt a lot of new stuffs which I had no idea about, so thanks to the author for enlightening me/ her readers with her well-crafted and humorous story and honestly I had a hard time while reading this book, since my stomach was hurting like hell as I could not control myself from laughing and rolling and crying out with joy. So yeah read this book, on a lazy afternoon and watch how this book can actually take the stress off your shoulders!!
Verdict: Damn! It’s been a long time since I read such a funny and lively book. So don’t waste a minute, girls, pick up this book now! And if you are still single this year, then this book can be your perfect guide. As for me it was the perfect guide!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Joanna Bolouri, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
----No Strings Attached
Actually that was the underlying story of 32-year old Phoebe Henderson’s solitary life. Phoebe Henderson is the protagonist of Joanna Bolouri’s debut novel, The List, which is an amusing story about a single woman’s crazy sexual adventures.
Synopsis:
Phoebe Henderson may be single but she sure doesn't feel fabulous. It's been a year since she found her boyfriend Alex in bed with another woman, and multiple cases of wine and extensive relationship analysis with best friend Lucy have done nothing to help. Faced with a new year but no new love, Phoebe concocts a different kind of resolution.
The List: ten things she's always wanted to do in bed but has never had the chance (or the courage!) to try. A bucket list for between the sheets. One year of pleasure, no strings attached. Simple, right?
Factor in meddlesome colleagues, friends with benefits, getting frisky al fresco and maybe, possibly, true love and Phoebe's got her work cut out for her.
Joanna Bolouri crafted a mind-blowing “No Strings Attached” style tale but its way more hilarious, way more striking, and way more adventurous and at times, things got pretty heated up while I was reading the book (I meant to say way more passionate!) So what happens when a 32-year old lonely and single woman wants to make a bucket list of what kind of sexual adventures she will have? Well, if she’s got a cute guy best-friend, then undoubtedly he will be the first person on her list to have those adventures with.
Written in a diary entry style, the author, Bolouri wanted to show us about her protagonist’s sexual adventures right from her eyes and words and thus that made me feel like Phoebe’s only talking to me. With the author’s glorious vivid descriptions about the sexual adventures of Phoebe, the book was one hell of an roller-coaster ride of sweat, some filthy between the sheets adventures and a lot of ROFL moments that will surely going to crack you up! And honestly most of time, I found that it was quite difficult for me to get a grip on when Phoebe’s silly moments cracked me up. I must say I never read such a hilarious book of erotica, where sex is going on but in a rather funny way!
The characters from lonely, brave and funny Phoebe to her coolest best friend, Lucy to her annoying and sly boss, Frank to her cheating ex, Alex to her cutest guy best friend, Oliver to the rest of the lot- each and every one depict the characters from our everyday life, meaning which they are realistic and believable and I could instantly relate to the people in my life. And for that I’d like to hats off to the author for drawing inspiration from the daily characters. Moreover, Phoebe sounds like an epitome of every lonely, single woman. For me, Phoebe Henderson rocks! And Oliver sounds like every woman’s dream boy!
The narrative style is equally witty and entertaining and that kept me stuck like glue till its very end. I even loved the articulate and crisp prose that the author used to describe her story and since written in a diary entry style, the book had got a fast pace and can be read in a one go. Apart from that, I learnt a lot of new stuffs which I had no idea about, so thanks to the author for enlightening me/ her readers with her well-crafted and humorous story and honestly I had a hard time while reading this book, since my stomach was hurting like hell as I could not control myself from laughing and rolling and crying out with joy. So yeah read this book, on a lazy afternoon and watch how this book can actually take the stress off your shoulders!!
Verdict: Damn! It’s been a long time since I read such a funny and lively book. So don’t waste a minute, girls, pick up this book now! And if you are still single this year, then this book can be your perfect guide. As for me it was the perfect guide!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Joanna Bolouri, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
August 22, 2015
Review on my blog: The Fictional Reader
Review
When I requested this, I was expecting a good adult romance story. I believe that my expectations of what this book was going to be like may be one of the reasons I didn’t really like this book. I know that many people love this book -as it has so many 5 star ratings on Goodreads- but I just couldn’t agree with them. Here’s why.
I do not think this is a romance novel. Which is fine! I’m not saying that every book should be. But this is advertised as a romance novel. Am I the only one who thought there was nothing even remotely romantic or emotional in this book? This is a book about a woman who is trying to drown her sadness in a bucket list of sex. Which brings me to my next point.
I can’t believe these people are in their thirties. I’m not saying that you can’t have fun when you’re over 30. Or that you can’t make mistakes. But I can’t believe that there is an entire group of friends in their thirties who act like they are 16. All they do or think about is sex and profanity. They hate their jobs. They don’t even know themselves well enough to recognize their own feelings. Totally incapable of having a normal conversation. I just… No. I normally have no problem with using swearwords in novels. I mean, we all use them once in a while, no? So it’s only natural. But Phoebe can’t say a single sentence without the use of one.
I have read other reviews of people who say that Phoebe is trying to discover herself and trying to find what she wants from life. I did not get that at all. For example, she hates her job. Why not do something about it? HELLO? Are you going to spend the rest of your life at a job you hate because you were too lazy to look for alternatives? And about her cheating ex-boyfriend. I can’t even deal with how she “handled” that. Because she didn’t. The only self-discovery she does is find out what and who she likes in bed. Oh, and the big reveal at the end of course.
Like I said, I didn’t really enjoy this novel. The entire time I was reading this, I was thinking: “what is this mess?”. It just wasn’t for me. But there are many people who do enjoy this book, so if you want to take a look at their reviews to figure out whether this is a book you’d like, I have left the link to the Goodreads page!
★★
Review
When I requested this, I was expecting a good adult romance story. I believe that my expectations of what this book was going to be like may be one of the reasons I didn’t really like this book. I know that many people love this book -as it has so many 5 star ratings on Goodreads- but I just couldn’t agree with them. Here’s why.
I do not think this is a romance novel. Which is fine! I’m not saying that every book should be. But this is advertised as a romance novel. Am I the only one who thought there was nothing even remotely romantic or emotional in this book? This is a book about a woman who is trying to drown her sadness in a bucket list of sex. Which brings me to my next point.
I can’t believe these people are in their thirties. I’m not saying that you can’t have fun when you’re over 30. Or that you can’t make mistakes. But I can’t believe that there is an entire group of friends in their thirties who act like they are 16. All they do or think about is sex and profanity. They hate their jobs. They don’t even know themselves well enough to recognize their own feelings. Totally incapable of having a normal conversation. I just… No. I normally have no problem with using swearwords in novels. I mean, we all use them once in a while, no? So it’s only natural. But Phoebe can’t say a single sentence without the use of one.
I have read other reviews of people who say that Phoebe is trying to discover herself and trying to find what she wants from life. I did not get that at all. For example, she hates her job. Why not do something about it? HELLO? Are you going to spend the rest of your life at a job you hate because you were too lazy to look for alternatives? And about her cheating ex-boyfriend. I can’t even deal with how she “handled” that. Because she didn’t. The only self-discovery she does is find out what and who she likes in bed. Oh, and the big reveal at the end of course.
Like I said, I didn’t really enjoy this novel. The entire time I was reading this, I was thinking: “what is this mess?”. It just wasn’t for me. But there are many people who do enjoy this book, so if you want to take a look at their reviews to figure out whether this is a book you’d like, I have left the link to the Goodreads page!
★★
December 10, 2014
Read more reviews at What Danielle Did Next
There’s nothing I love more than a sexy, sassy, fresh read to pull me out of a reading rut and THE LIST was the perfect remedy for my recent reading slump. I devoured the book in a matter of hours, unable to put it down as it kept me chuckling, gasping and experiencing a little blushing. :)
In THE LIST we meet Phoebe; ringing in the New Year she’s feeling conspicuously single after discovering her ex in bed with his boss months before. Eager to change her life and get out of a rut she decides to focus on one area of her life that could do with a little more excitement – her sex life. Making a list of the sauciest, risqué and hottest acts that have ever entered her fantasies, she recruits her “up for anything” handsome best friend Oliver and determined to earn a Gold Medal in the Sexual Olympics she embarks on her passion filled adventure.
THE LIST is such a warm, funny, heart-felt book; I adored every minute of it and loved Phoebe. She’s ballsy, eager to put herself out there and willing to make mistakes – and boy does she make a boat-load! What I loved about her is how she knows she’s not perfect, she knows she’s not always right but she takes the risk anyway, determined to commit to her project no matter what and by doing so she learns a lot about herself and we the readers are right there with her on her topsy-turvy rollercoaster of a journey.
I’m all for a steamy read every now and then but the idea of a book based around a sex list seemed a bit overwhelming but THE LIST is an honest, hilarious and frank look at the sexcapades Phoebe gets involved in and the result is an uber fun read that is thoroughly enjoyable.
Of course to work through a list of sexual adventures, a heroine needs a partner in crime and boy is Oliver the whole package. With his cheeky Irish humour, smouldering good looks and sweet yet saucy personality, he is the perfect companion to accompany and at times guide Phoebe through her list.
With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, awesome characters, wonderful displays of friendship, plenty of swoons and sensual moments, THE LIST is a fantastic, funny, quirky read that will charm you from page one and take you on one hell of a ride. I loved it!
There’s nothing I love more than a sexy, sassy, fresh read to pull me out of a reading rut and THE LIST was the perfect remedy for my recent reading slump. I devoured the book in a matter of hours, unable to put it down as it kept me chuckling, gasping and experiencing a little blushing. :)
In THE LIST we meet Phoebe; ringing in the New Year she’s feeling conspicuously single after discovering her ex in bed with his boss months before. Eager to change her life and get out of a rut she decides to focus on one area of her life that could do with a little more excitement – her sex life. Making a list of the sauciest, risqué and hottest acts that have ever entered her fantasies, she recruits her “up for anything” handsome best friend Oliver and determined to earn a Gold Medal in the Sexual Olympics she embarks on her passion filled adventure.
THE LIST is such a warm, funny, heart-felt book; I adored every minute of it and loved Phoebe. She’s ballsy, eager to put herself out there and willing to make mistakes – and boy does she make a boat-load! What I loved about her is how she knows she’s not perfect, she knows she’s not always right but she takes the risk anyway, determined to commit to her project no matter what and by doing so she learns a lot about herself and we the readers are right there with her on her topsy-turvy rollercoaster of a journey.
I’m all for a steamy read every now and then but the idea of a book based around a sex list seemed a bit overwhelming but THE LIST is an honest, hilarious and frank look at the sexcapades Phoebe gets involved in and the result is an uber fun read that is thoroughly enjoyable.
Of course to work through a list of sexual adventures, a heroine needs a partner in crime and boy is Oliver the whole package. With his cheeky Irish humour, smouldering good looks and sweet yet saucy personality, he is the perfect companion to accompany and at times guide Phoebe through her list.
With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, awesome characters, wonderful displays of friendship, plenty of swoons and sensual moments, THE LIST is a fantastic, funny, quirky read that will charm you from page one and take you on one hell of a ride. I loved it!
December 8, 2013
I translated this book into German, so I had to read it several times over. Having read it about five times, translated it and reviewed the translation, I still found myself laughing out loud in the middle of my work. Bolouri has a brillliant sense of humour and the same warm approach to her characters I have come to admire in Scottish authors. Phoebe, Lucy and all their friends are full of flaws - but everyone is lovable (apart from Alex, maybe).
A very enjoyable read!
A very enjoyable read!
August 12, 2016
He devorado el libro en cuestión de horas, sin poder dejar de leerlo, me mantuvo sonriendo y expectante durante toda la historia
Me gustó Phoebe, me parecio valiente, sincera, dispuesta a equivocarse y a no ser perfecta y sobre todo comica, sus anecdotas y ocurrencias me han hecho reir a carcajadas, en alguna que otra situacion me he visto reflejada, y yo tambien he hecho listas
Tiene el amigo perfecto para acompañarla en su lista de propositos/gymkana, no quiero decir mas, por si os animais a leerlo.
Me ha encantado,
Puede parecer otro chic-lit de verano, fresco y frivolo, pero me ha parecido original, y en ocasiones desternillante gracias a la protagonista y a sus amigas.
Por poner una pega, para hacerlo redondo le habria quitado algunas paginas de extension.
Me gustó Phoebe, me parecio valiente, sincera, dispuesta a equivocarse y a no ser perfecta y sobre todo comica, sus anecdotas y ocurrencias me han hecho reir a carcajadas, en alguna que otra situacion me he visto reflejada, y yo tambien he hecho listas
Tiene el amigo perfecto para acompañarla en su lista de propositos/gymkana, no quiero decir mas, por si os animais a leerlo.
Me ha encantado,
Puede parecer otro chic-lit de verano, fresco y frivolo, pero me ha parecido original, y en ocasiones desternillante gracias a la protagonista y a sus amigas.
Por poner una pega, para hacerlo redondo le habria quitado algunas paginas de extension.
January 18, 2019
3,5 estrellas
August 30, 2014
Also posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Writing a review for 'The List' feels like going into labour. No, no drugs or blood will be involved, however it's gonna be very very hard. I don't know about you, but for me the hardest reviews to write are those about the book I absolutely loved. I just feel like saying OH MY GOD, THIS WAS SO SOOOO GOOD, GET A COPY AND START READING IMMEDIATELY. But that won't be enough e? Also, there's the fear, the fear that no matter how much I try or how eloquent I try to be, I will never be able to write a review which will do this amazing book justice.
But I love challenges, so I'm gonna do my darn best to show the world just how much this book means to me. I honestly hope you will be intrigued enough to give this book a go.
Phoebe Henderson is newly single, in her thirties and just realized she spent almost all her life trying to please others will not living life to fullest. Imagine Bridget Jones with a sharper tongue and nasty habit of swearing and you pretty much get Phoebe. However, in my opinion, Phoebe is much cooler than Bridget, she's not singing to 'All by myself' and her New Years' Resolutions are much MUCH interesting and ..juicy? Phoebe makes a list of 10 things she always wanted to do in bed but never had the guts to do them and is on a mission to complete them all and change the course of her life.
Now ok, based on what I say you might think it's just another chick lit with a braver heroine. But hell, you're so mistaken. This book is so funny, you're gonna laugh so hard you won't be able to catch a breath! Also, make sure you don't read it in public, because you will be seriously considered a bit ga-ga.
There are so many reasons why I loved this book, one of them being the fact that Joanna Bolouri is probably the funniest author out there. The List is a bloody revolutionary chick lit novel, stepping out of all the cliches most chick lits fall into, bringing freshness into a genre considered as 'nothing but beach read'. It takes a lot of talent and guts to write such a book, and not everyone can pull it off. But Joanna did and honestly she's the pioneer and I do hope more chick lit authors will follow her example and try to find their unique voice even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone.
Another thing which just adds to my whole fascination with Ms Bolouri beside the effortless humor is the fact even the side characters are well developed and totally add to the story. Oliver is one hell of a brilliant, not-your-normal book boyfriend and one of the BEST DUDES I've read about.
If I had to sum it up in just couple of words, I'd say 'The List' is a brilliant, fresh, hilarious read and Joanna Bolouri is just what the chick lit scene lacked so far. She's original and brave, knows how to make you laugh and is simply a breath of fresh air! There should be a new genre - BOLOURISM! That would mean 'as awesome & fabulous as Joanna Bolouri's writing'. Not sure how many books would fit that criteria, because THIS is the funniest, wittiest book I've EVER read! Fantastic book you don't want to miss out on!
February 3, 2016
After finishing a book which let's just say wasn't all that, I deliberately opted for this to liven me up and get me out of what I knew would become the dreaded bloggers reading slum. I need something quick, witty, spicy and shocking. And I was so hoping this would be that... My god, I was in seventh heaven when I got started. This was everything I wanted and much, much more.
When a diary book is done right it is a winner. The thoughts and feelings are pure and not ones you'd usually see or hear in a normal book. It's brilliant to get to know the entire person fully. Plus their take on the world as well. Joanna Bulouri has got this absolutely spot on. Heroine Phoebe is my kind of girl, she's quirky, quick witted and I love her and want to be her mate and it's great to get her most intimate thoughts. Her friend Lucy was also amazing with her I don't care attitude, loved them both I did.
What I loved most about this book is how genuine it is. There is no 'oh I really shouldn't write that it may offend someone' crap, it's straight and honest and to be fair written how we speak. No matter where you are in the world, when we are with the girls or on our own we are vile. We have potty mouths and by god we can use it to crucify. This is what I love and this is what I crave when reading. Lucy Robinson gave me my first literal orgasm and now we have Joanna Bolouri who could well have just knocked our Lucy into a clear second by the use of tit-wank. I love the whole sex thing. Girls do have needs, we are sexual creatures with a passion much bigger than men, but we have to be quiet and pretend otherwise where as men shout out from rooftops, tits!
Anyway, buy this book. Treat yourself to something new, refreshing. It's an absolutely fantastic debut. Hysterically funny and a great romance story. Joanna Bolouri has taken both chick lit and erotica and flipped them on their heads creating a stand-alone book of absolute joy. I swear down you will fall in love with the characters, fall in love with Joanna Bolouri, and fall into writing a list of your own.
There so best be a sequel.
5/5
When a diary book is done right it is a winner. The thoughts and feelings are pure and not ones you'd usually see or hear in a normal book. It's brilliant to get to know the entire person fully. Plus their take on the world as well. Joanna Bulouri has got this absolutely spot on. Heroine Phoebe is my kind of girl, she's quirky, quick witted and I love her and want to be her mate and it's great to get her most intimate thoughts. Her friend Lucy was also amazing with her I don't care attitude, loved them both I did.
What I loved most about this book is how genuine it is. There is no 'oh I really shouldn't write that it may offend someone' crap, it's straight and honest and to be fair written how we speak. No matter where you are in the world, when we are with the girls or on our own we are vile. We have potty mouths and by god we can use it to crucify. This is what I love and this is what I crave when reading. Lucy Robinson gave me my first literal orgasm and now we have Joanna Bolouri who could well have just knocked our Lucy into a clear second by the use of tit-wank. I love the whole sex thing. Girls do have needs, we are sexual creatures with a passion much bigger than men, but we have to be quiet and pretend otherwise where as men shout out from rooftops, tits!
Anyway, buy this book. Treat yourself to something new, refreshing. It's an absolutely fantastic debut. Hysterically funny and a great romance story. Joanna Bolouri has taken both chick lit and erotica and flipped them on their heads creating a stand-alone book of absolute joy. I swear down you will fall in love with the characters, fall in love with Joanna Bolouri, and fall into writing a list of your own.
There so best be a sequel.
5/5
January 6, 2015
The List is the debut novel from Scottish freelance writer, Joanna Bolouri and was long listed for the 2014 Guardian’s Not the Booker prize.
Though it's been a year since Phoebe Henderson found her boyfriend in their bed with another woman, she is still an emotional wreck. Desperate for something to change, on New Years Eve she decides to make a list designed to add excitement to her life - and comes up with ten sexual experiences she wants to try, from watching another couple have sex to mastering the art of dirty talk. All Phoebe needs is a willing partner to agree to a 'no strings attached' year of sexual experimentation, and luckily her best friend, Oliver, is willing to oblige.
Told in the first person, in a diary-like format, The List has a story that follows the classic arc of modern chick lit, but with a heroine that channels her angst into her sex life instead of finding romance. At thirty two, Phoebe is working in a job she hates selling advertising, living in a tiny flat, is still in love with her cheating ex-boyfriend and hopes completing The List will both re-energize her and exorcise the ghost of Alex. It all seems like a lot of fun at first but it quickly grows complicated when both hearts and minds become involved.
The List isn't a story for anyone who blushes easily, the language is often lewd and the sexual interactions are described with candour. These things I don't mind, but I have to admit I am a little uncomfortable with the idea that sex is the answer to Phoebe's emotional issues. Personally I find it difficult to divorce sex from intimacy so I found her adventures to be a little sad and tawdry, even though I also admired her willingness to put herself out there.
A fast paced, witty and raunchy novel, The List is a feel-good read, in every sense of the phrase.
December 20, 2014
Now I'm gonna tell you how much I hated this book.
Okay, maybe "hate" is a little too harsh of a word, but even after sleeping on it, I still can't find a better word to explain my feelings. This says a lot.
Yet, I think sleep helped me find the problem: I can't stand characters with self-esteem this low. I can understand feeling depressed after being cheated on, and I can understand second-guessing yourself after a break-up. These are no stranger to most of us, including me. Still, none of these made me want to hug and console her but punch her in the face. Chances are, the main reason was the writing.
Oh boy, the writing was horrible. Seriously. True enough, dialogue parts were fun except they were way too full of info-dumping, especially at first, and there were sentences that I liked. For the most part, they were Oliver's, by the way.
Speaking of Oliver. I can't say much about the characters, but I think I kinda liked him. I wouldn't reread the book, or buy a sequel, to see more of him, I didn't like him to that extend, but he was easily the best character in the book. Not that he's not a total jerk by the way, but I'm trying to like at least one thing about the book, so shut up.
Overall, it was a 2/5. Points lost mostly from the writing (2 stars), characterization (half a star) and info-dumping (another half star) which can easily be added to writing part, but I wanted the emphasis on it. Storyline was okay, easy to follow at least and though it was nothing new revolutionary, the content wasn't bad to read. It's the writing that needs some more work. Better luck next time.
Okay, maybe "hate" is a little too harsh of a word, but even after sleeping on it, I still can't find a better word to explain my feelings. This says a lot.
Yet, I think sleep helped me find the problem: I can't stand characters with self-esteem this low. I can understand feeling depressed after being cheated on, and I can understand second-guessing yourself after a break-up. These are no stranger to most of us, including me. Still, none of these made me want to hug and console her but punch her in the face. Chances are, the main reason was the writing.
Oh boy, the writing was horrible. Seriously. True enough, dialogue parts were fun except they were way too full of info-dumping, especially at first, and there were sentences that I liked. For the most part, they were Oliver's, by the way.
Speaking of Oliver. I can't say much about the characters, but I think I kinda liked him. I wouldn't reread the book, or buy a sequel, to see more of him, I didn't like him to that extend, but he was easily the best character in the book. Not that he's not a total jerk by the way, but I'm trying to like at least one thing about the book, so shut up.
Overall, it was a 2/5. Points lost mostly from the writing (2 stars), characterization (half a star) and info-dumping (another half star) which can easily be added to writing part, but I wanted the emphasis on it. Storyline was okay, easy to follow at least and though it was nothing new revolutionary, the content wasn't bad to read. It's the writing that needs some more work. Better luck next time.
November 2, 2016
One of the most confused, witty and adventurous heroines I have ever come across. I haven't often liked or even respected Phoebe for how she went about doing things, but she's one heck of a character to read about.
And so much sex! This woman just blew my head off with the number of encounters she has had. Nothing explicitly described, thankfully (mostly) so I didn't have to go through her embarrassing life incidents. And were there so many unfortunately embarrassing incidents.
I have no idea why Joanna Bolouri isn't more popular. She's definitely got a certain 'hell with life' kind of an attitude in her books. It's frankly quite invigorating to read the kind of stories she writes. Such lively characters. Even the ones that are written off as boring are actively so. How often does someone say that! LOL.
And so much sex! This woman just blew my head off with the number of encounters she has had. Nothing explicitly described, thankfully (mostly) so I didn't have to go through her embarrassing life incidents. And were there so many unfortunately embarrassing incidents.
I have no idea why Joanna Bolouri isn't more popular. She's definitely got a certain 'hell with life' kind of an attitude in her books. It's frankly quite invigorating to read the kind of stories she writes. Such lively characters. Even the ones that are written off as boring are actively so. How often does someone say that! LOL.
March 31, 2014
A naughty read with a great big heart. I enjoyed the contemporary Scottish setting, I really want to go to The Witchery in Edinburgh now! Once you're in a few chapters it becomes a bit unputdownable (autocorrect tried to change that to unpardonable, always knew it was a prude). I recommend sitting down in front of a log fire with copious chocolate - there's some positive body image stuff in the book that will help you do this - and marathon reading it.
February 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 “After the morning sales meeting, Marion announced that she was taking her maternity leave a week earlier than planned, her reason being: I am too fat and too tired for this shite.” My oh my this book was hilarious. I made a catastrophic error and read the second book in the series first, however, it was quite nice to revisit the characters in their youths. It probably makes more sense if you read it in order, but I loved it nonetheless.
Phoebe is still suffering after a break-up nearly a year on where she found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. Determined to start this new year on a high, she decides to come up with a list of 10 things she's always wanted to do in the bedroom. She enlists her long time best friend Oliver for a helping hand (quite literally) in order to help her push her boundaries. However throughout the year she encounters numerous other men, her boss for one, and Phoebe learns a thing or two about herself and why her relationships always seem to end on a damper. This is a hilarious read, with frightfully witty characters, as well as a sexually liberating list.
The characters yet again made this book for me. All the workers in Phoebe's office made me want to work there, no matter how mundane it sounded to be. Her best friends have her back through the storms and encourage this new side of her who is ready to explore a different side to her. Her relationship with Oliver is incredible, and also very realistic. They both agree that they will sleep with each other, however, it is not stated to be exclusive. They both just want to remain good friends. They do not shy away from the fact they find different people attractive. However, I did love it when the jealousy that was simmering suddenly reached boiling point. Phoebe as a character in this book is also just very honest. She knows she has faults, she knows she needs to change, however she is not sure how too. Which is where therapy comes in. I love how casual it was mentioned in this book, in particular as she had been going for numerous years.
This book is sexy and hilarious and so easy to recommend to anyone. I just preferred the second book to this one, thats the only reason I've rated it slightly lower!
Phoebe is still suffering after a break-up nearly a year on where she found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. Determined to start this new year on a high, she decides to come up with a list of 10 things she's always wanted to do in the bedroom. She enlists her long time best friend Oliver for a helping hand (quite literally) in order to help her push her boundaries. However throughout the year she encounters numerous other men, her boss for one, and Phoebe learns a thing or two about herself and why her relationships always seem to end on a damper. This is a hilarious read, with frightfully witty characters, as well as a sexually liberating list.
The characters yet again made this book for me. All the workers in Phoebe's office made me want to work there, no matter how mundane it sounded to be. Her best friends have her back through the storms and encourage this new side of her who is ready to explore a different side to her. Her relationship with Oliver is incredible, and also very realistic. They both agree that they will sleep with each other, however, it is not stated to be exclusive. They both just want to remain good friends. They do not shy away from the fact they find different people attractive. However, I did love it when the jealousy that was simmering suddenly reached boiling point. Phoebe as a character in this book is also just very honest. She knows she has faults, she knows she needs to change, however she is not sure how too. Which is where therapy comes in. I love how casual it was mentioned in this book, in particular as she had been going for numerous years.
This book is sexy and hilarious and so easy to recommend to anyone. I just preferred the second book to this one, thats the only reason I've rated it slightly lower!
October 29, 2020
Myslím, že je všetkým jasné, že toto nie je môj obvyklý žáner. No i ja mám občas na niečo podobné chuť a tak som sa naslepo dostala k tejto knihe. Knihe, o ktorej som vedela len to, čo sa píše na obálke a tiež to, že má hrozn�� obálku a ešte horší názov. Strašne lacné.
Som prišiel už po prvých stranách - ono to bolo výborne napísané a veľmi vtipné. Tak som si nalistovala informácie o autorke - a hľa! Táto žena písala scenáre ku komediálnym seriálom na BBC. Spomínala som už niekedy, že úplne milujem britský humor? Nie? Tak už to viete. Niekoľkokrát som vybuchla od smiechu - a to sa mi pri knihách tak často nestáva.
Knihu som si teda nesmierne užívala, postavy boli naozaj skvelé a s Phoebe som sa vedela vo viacerých smeroch stotožniť. Celkovo bola kniha a postavy veľmi realistické. Dokonca aj erotické scény, ktoré zväčša čítam bez akéhokoľvek záujmu, pretože sú nudné a repetatívne, ma pri tejto knihe veľmi bavili, pretože autorka do nich vždy priniesla niečo nové. A tiež humor.
Negatívom však pre mňa bol mesiac december, čiže záver knižky. Ten zvrat sa mi vôbec nepáčil a celkom mi pokazil môj dojem z knižky. No toto je skôr o mojej preferencii a určite vám odporúčam dať knihe šancu pretože nechápem, že sa o nej veľmi nehovorí.
(Asi preto, že je kvalitná, čo sa o väčšine populárnych kníh vrámci žánru povedať nedá.)
Táto kniha sa mi dostala do rúk úplnou náhodou a som za to veľmi rada. Určite si veľmi rada prečítam aj ďalšie knihy od autorky.
Som prišiel už po prvých stranách - ono to bolo výborne napísané a veľmi vtipné. Tak som si nalistovala informácie o autorke - a hľa! Táto žena písala scenáre ku komediálnym seriálom na BBC. Spomínala som už niekedy, že úplne milujem britský humor? Nie? Tak už to viete. Niekoľkokrát som vybuchla od smiechu - a to sa mi pri knihách tak často nestáva.
Knihu som si teda nesmierne užívala, postavy boli naozaj skvelé a s Phoebe som sa vedela vo viacerých smeroch stotožniť. Celkovo bola kniha a postavy veľmi realistické. Dokonca aj erotické scény, ktoré zväčša čítam bez akéhokoľvek záujmu, pretože sú nudné a repetatívne, ma pri tejto knihe veľmi bavili, pretože autorka do nich vždy priniesla niečo nové. A tiež humor.
Negatívom však pre mňa bol mesiac december, čiže záver knižky. Ten zvrat sa mi vôbec nepáčil a celkom mi pokazil môj dojem z knižky. No toto je skôr o mojej preferencii a určite vám odporúčam dať knihe šancu pretože nechápem, že sa o nej veľmi nehovorí.
(Asi preto, že je kvalitná, čo sa o väčšine populárnych kníh vrámci žánru povedať nedá.)
Táto kniha sa mi dostala do rúk úplnou náhodou a som za to veľmi rada. Určite si veľmi rada prečítam aj ďalšie knihy od autorky.
May 13, 2014
Oh my days, where do I start....Well if you want a simple chick lit with the occasional kiss, this is NOT the book for you. If you want to sit reading, mouth opened, laughing out loud, cringing, toe curling and then thinking wtf, this might be your type of book! Phoebe has a broken heart and decides to make a TO DO list but not like most peoples, go on holiday, change a hair cut style of list, it's to broaden her mind and try new ideas sexually. To do this she needs a mans input (laughing at my own little joke) so asks the help of male best friend Oliver, who is more than happy to oblige. Roller-coaster of sexual acts and help from her girlfriends she completes her list. A very liberating read!!!! X
February 14, 2017
Cheesy, trashy and predictable but some amazing laugh out loud moments that made up for it!
August 3, 2014
I can't believe what I'm doing. Me, rating this book 5 stars. But really, while I reading it, i just wanted to yell, 'THIS BOOK FUCKED UP. IT'S GROSS. IT'S SEX EVERYWHERE AND ALL THE CHARACTERS ARE BITCHES.'
I even thought it doesn't have any plot line.
Yes, it's about sex. Yes, it's naughty. Yes, it made me want to throw up. Yes, it's making me wonder if the people in the world were all freak. Yes, it's making me think if LIFE STYLE LIKE THIS EXISTED.
But, what make me shocked, I enjoyed it anyway. Not because the sex things, I mean there were even hardly explained, but the way the story told, how phoebe told us THE WHOLE year about her way of making me this 'New Phoebe' by doing her 10 lists. And her relationship with Oliver made me Smile, even It made me sick almost every chapter they fucked, Oliver is the one deserves phoebe, and he's the right guy for her, and he's charming, handsome, funny, smart, sweet and all!
I do think this plot line is mainstream. There are bunch plots out there like this, but 'The List' has its unique, you don't even get bored reading the narrations, it's goddamn funny! And the ending, ahhhhhh the ending *swoon* *fangirling* *smile like a douchey*
Call me naïve, but I never read such a very simple ending that brought happy tears in my eyes and smile on my face. It's the simplest ending ever, they don't even say 'I love you, will you stay here?' Or bullshit like, 'Let's married soon and raise this baby!!!'. In fact, this is what Oliver said,
He grinned, 'Let's fucking do this.'
See? But once you read it you'll understand how cute the ending was and I hope the best for Phoebe and Oliver, I wish Ruth just go to hell or die in an empty road with pathetic issues of losing Oliver cause he's SO INTO PHOEBE Yaaaaay!!!!
P.S At first, I was nerveous reading this. It's british literature and I get used to American literature. But you know what? IT'S SO FUCKING EASY TO UNDERSTAND CAUSE THE LANGUAGE IS FULL OF HUMOR AND THE AUTHOR'S ROCK! LOVE IT xD
Happy Reading!!
I even thought it doesn't have any plot line.
Yes, it's about sex. Yes, it's naughty. Yes, it made me want to throw up. Yes, it's making me wonder if the people in the world were all freak. Yes, it's making me think if LIFE STYLE LIKE THIS EXISTED.
But, what make me shocked, I enjoyed it anyway. Not because the sex things, I mean there were even hardly explained, but the way the story told, how phoebe told us THE WHOLE year about her way of making me this 'New Phoebe' by doing her 10 lists. And her relationship with Oliver made me Smile, even It made me sick almost every chapter they fucked, Oliver is the one deserves phoebe, and he's the right guy for her, and he's charming, handsome, funny, smart, sweet and all!
I do think this plot line is mainstream. There are bunch plots out there like this, but 'The List' has its unique, you don't even get bored reading the narrations, it's goddamn funny! And the ending, ahhhhhh the ending *swoon* *fangirling* *smile like a douchey*
Call me naïve, but I never read such a very simple ending that brought happy tears in my eyes and smile on my face. It's the simplest ending ever, they don't even say 'I love you, will you stay here?' Or bullshit like, 'Let's married soon and raise this baby!!!'. In fact, this is what Oliver said,
He grinned, 'Let's fucking do this.'
See? But once you read it you'll understand how cute the ending was and I hope the best for Phoebe and Oliver, I wish Ruth just go to hell or die in an empty road with pathetic issues of losing Oliver cause he's SO INTO PHOEBE Yaaaaay!!!!
P.S At first, I was nerveous reading this. It's british literature and I get used to American literature. But you know what? IT'S SO FUCKING EASY TO UNDERSTAND CAUSE THE LANGUAGE IS FULL OF HUMOR AND THE AUTHOR'S ROCK! LOVE IT xD
Happy Reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2014
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
Have you ever read a book you enjoyed so much, that you’d even pretend to be the characters? Well, The List is one of them and I did swear a bit too much after reading it! Which is a good thing, but it does garner me hushes and disapproving stares.. But still, I really enjoyed every page of it and I think you would too! If you don’t mind the swearing.
The List follows the story of newly single woman in her thirties, Phoebe Henderson who is an incredibly funny heroine with a habit of swearing. A lot. After finding her long-term boyfriend in bed with another woman and a series of therapy sessions, Phoebe decides to write a list of all the things that she has yet to explore.. in bed. One year, ten things on a list and a out-of-world adventure!
I can’t tell you how much I flipping loved this book. It’s fast-paced, naughty and simply delightful! I polished this book really quickly and was awfully gutted when I finished it. I hope Joanna Bolouri would write a sequel! The heroine, Phoebe is pretty much just like every heroine you read in novels, but different in some ways, one way or another. The other characters, mainly Phoebe’s best friends, Lucy and Hazel, and the charming Oliver, were such well-written characters.
The plot is really engaging and it just draws you to read on and on, it’s no wonder I finished it so quickly and it’s your fix of fabulous romance and some extremely naughty bits which will make you cringe or blush, but at the same time, humour works well with Joanna Bolouri’s writing voice, which is rather snarky and tart – but it’s quite fitting with the premise of the novel.
The List is an absolute treat! It’s hilarious, naughty and highly enjoyable with the perfect amount of sass and charm. Sexy, saucy and a whole lot of trouble, it’s the ideal treat for yourself if you are in need of a laugh! Great characters, funny and witty dialogue. The List is chick lit with a very wicked twist!
Rating: 8/10
Have you ever read a book you enjoyed so much, that you’d even pretend to be the characters? Well, The List is one of them and I did swear a bit too much after reading it! Which is a good thing, but it does garner me hushes and disapproving stares.. But still, I really enjoyed every page of it and I think you would too! If you don’t mind the swearing.
The List follows the story of newly single woman in her thirties, Phoebe Henderson who is an incredibly funny heroine with a habit of swearing. A lot. After finding her long-term boyfriend in bed with another woman and a series of therapy sessions, Phoebe decides to write a list of all the things that she has yet to explore.. in bed. One year, ten things on a list and a out-of-world adventure!
I can’t tell you how much I flipping loved this book. It’s fast-paced, naughty and simply delightful! I polished this book really quickly and was awfully gutted when I finished it. I hope Joanna Bolouri would write a sequel! The heroine, Phoebe is pretty much just like every heroine you read in novels, but different in some ways, one way or another. The other characters, mainly Phoebe’s best friends, Lucy and Hazel, and the charming Oliver, were such well-written characters.
The plot is really engaging and it just draws you to read on and on, it’s no wonder I finished it so quickly and it’s your fix of fabulous romance and some extremely naughty bits which will make you cringe or blush, but at the same time, humour works well with Joanna Bolouri’s writing voice, which is rather snarky and tart – but it’s quite fitting with the premise of the novel.
The List is an absolute treat! It’s hilarious, naughty and highly enjoyable with the perfect amount of sass and charm. Sexy, saucy and a whole lot of trouble, it’s the ideal treat for yourself if you are in need of a laugh! Great characters, funny and witty dialogue. The List is chick lit with a very wicked twist!
Rating: 8/10
January 6, 2014
This has to be one of the funniest novels I have read. I spent the majority of it laughing until I cried. It was hilarious, endearing, at times cringe-worthy in an “OMG how could she say/do that?” kind of way, filled with fabulously real characters and incredibly unusual and yet entirely believable situations.
Ms Bolouri really out did herself with this novel. It speaks to women of a crazy overtly sexualised society and shows them the funny side of finding out who you are both in and out of bed. It explores relationships, lust, love, friendship, breakups, rebounds, the drudgery of work and the need within all of us to be brave and explore our desires and boundaries. To top it all off, underneath the lust, faux pas and hilarity is a true love story, that will have you on the edge of your seat and pulling your hair.
This is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t handle sex – all different kinds of naughty sex – then this may not be a book you will read comfortably.
Wittily written, beautifully characterised and ‘un-put-down-able’ this is a corker of a novel. I couldn’t recommend this highly enough and I look forward to following Joanna Bolouri throughout her career.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joanna Bolouri for ARC copy.
Ms Bolouri really out did herself with this novel. It speaks to women of a crazy overtly sexualised society and shows them the funny side of finding out who you are both in and out of bed. It explores relationships, lust, love, friendship, breakups, rebounds, the drudgery of work and the need within all of us to be brave and explore our desires and boundaries. To top it all off, underneath the lust, faux pas and hilarity is a true love story, that will have you on the edge of your seat and pulling your hair.
This is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t handle sex – all different kinds of naughty sex – then this may not be a book you will read comfortably.
Wittily written, beautifully characterised and ‘un-put-down-able’ this is a corker of a novel. I couldn’t recommend this highly enough and I look forward to following Joanna Bolouri throughout her career.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joanna Bolouri for ARC copy.
November 27, 2014
I really loved this book! It took me quite a few chapters to really get into it but once I did, I was addicted.
By the middle of it, I was sure I'd give The list at least 4 stars. Sure, it wasn't perfect. Some sex scenes could have been better written.I didn't always believe the way the characters were acting or feeling and I had to make up stories in my mind to explain their feelings and behaviour but none of that really brothered me because I had so much fun reading it. The main character was one of the funniest characters I've seen in a while. The characters were charming. I had a blast. Then came the ending. Don't get me wrong...I like the ending. I like the way the story technically end. My problem is that I feel like I skipped a few chapters before reading the last one. I thought that it wasn't as well executed as I was hoping. Some very important things were left unresolved and some issues weren't tackled and it brothered me enough that I had to lower my rating to 3.5.
I'd still recommend it, I'm just hoping for a sequel or at least a short story to make peace with the ending. I'M not the biggest fan of sequels for these kind of books but I'd do an exception for The list.
By the middle of it, I was sure I'd give The list at least 4 stars. Sure, it wasn't perfect. Some sex scenes could have been better written.I didn't always believe the way the characters were acting or feeling and I had to make up stories in my mind to explain their feelings and behaviour but none of that really brothered me because I had so much fun reading it. The main character was one of the funniest characters I've seen in a while. The characters were charming. I had a blast. Then came the ending. Don't get me wrong...I like the ending. I like the way the story technically end. My problem is that I feel like I skipped a few chapters before reading the last one. I thought that it wasn't as well executed as I was hoping. Some very important things were left unresolved and some issues weren't tackled and it brothered me enough that I had to lower my rating to 3.5.
I'd still recommend it, I'm just hoping for a sequel or at least a short story to make peace with the ending. I'M not the biggest fan of sequels for these kind of books but I'd do an exception for The list.
September 24, 2014
The perfect book to read when you fancy a bit of a pick me up. Has to be the only book that has actually made me laugh out loud. Recommend it girls!
February 24, 2014
I sped through this book at a rate of knots, managing to finish it in a day. It's by no means short and I felt a little cross-eyed by the end, but it was totally worth it. I thought it would be one of those books that I could drift in and out of but I literally couldn't bear to be parted from it. I cursed the fact that I had to, you know, eat and move.
My initial reaction on finishing the book? YES. Bolouri you effing beauty. I was only part-way through when I texted friends telling them to read it. You know when you just get a gut feeling and a gut certainty about a book? Bam. That's what I got with this.
The List is written in the form of a diary, so we don't get "chapters" per se; rather, we have days and dates across the entire year. I liked this device because it immerses you within Phoebe's world and Phoebe's challenge, to the point where you feel like you really are snooping through a friend's diary. Also, if we're being blunt, it means that the "chapters" were never going to be eye-watering in length: there's only so much that characters can fit into a day. So, I found myself doing the 'just one more bit, it's only short' and the next thing I knew it was dark outside and I was punching the air as I read the last page.
It's crude and uncompromising on sexual detail and I LOVED that. I was in awe of Phoebe; I think she's everything that I want to be. She's the kind of friend that I'd love to have so that I could live vicariously through her. She's heartbroken over her dickhead ex, Alex, so she decides to set herself an unusual challenge, as opposed to the typical "I'm going on a diet" New Year's resolution. What does she do? She creates a list of 10 things that she's always wanted to try in the bedroom department. Obviously, I'm not going to tell you what they are because I want to leave an air of mystery. Instead, I'll let your minds concoct weird and wonderful things. I digress! Phoebe is a cracker of a character, yet it's possible that she is...intimidating? Yes, intimidating. She can be brash, out there and she's very much a capable, modern woman. Then, on top of that, she creates a list and becomes adventurous in bed. She's what a lot of women would hope to be; hell, I'll admit that I'm jealous of her. But, Bolouri manages to walk the fine line between annoyingly exuberant and a genuinely likeable creation. With a character like Phoebe, it would have been easy to make her so outlandish and so overly confident that it would have undermined the entire story. However, I think Bolouri gets the balance just right. Phoebe is brave enough to embark on her challenges and she swears like a sailor, yet there's self doubt and a core vulnerability about her.
Phoebe is tentatively exploring her sexuality in a pretty grown up way, and trying to learn something about herself in the process. I guess what The List shows us is that sex isn't taboo and neither does it have to be male dominated or explicit erotica. It's possible to write a book where the female protagonist is proactive but not overly aggressive; adventurous but within her own set comfort confines; isn't just some submissive sex object; is confident yet isn't afraid to write of her failings and despair and, all the while, remaining completely relatable. Sex is the vessel for her personal exploration and that, to me, is a pretty fantastic way of approaching a story.
I loved the mixed bag of men that we are presented with. There are a great selection of male characters who are everything in-between the usual male literary stereotypes: the good, the bad and the ugly, to copy Clint. A real cross section of personalities and uhm, you know, capabilities. Aside from the list and the men, Bolouri does a sterling job of creating funny and realistic friendships, as well as a hilarious working environment. This book really does have it all.
While we're on that topic: when it's proclaimed that a book is "funny", I tend to roll my eyes and grit my teeth, expecting to be disappointed. I've never been one to laugh hysterically at literature and I doubt I ever will. Do I have some sort of internal malfunction? Anyway, the point is, it's not often that I physically laugh out loud at books but with The List I certainly laughed loudly and unattractively every couple of pages. Bolouri has a wonderfully witty way with the written word. (Accidental alliteration).
The List isn't sickly sweet and "polite" romance, oh no. It's realistic emotions and vigorous, bent-over-a-kitchen-worktop kind of sex. I hate this cliche, but it really was a breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong, I like the lovey dovey stuff, but this was on the dirtier end of the "wholesome, lovely romance" scale and I hadn't realised how much I needed it. The story isn't particularly conventional, the setup of romance isn't hugely conventional, the characters aren't necessarily conventional either in the chick-lit sense. All of this should spell disaster, or should sound alarm bells. However, The List is indicative of a new age of women's fiction that is both relevant and feisty. Slowly, we're starting to see more and more books where empowered women are taking charge of their own sex lives, rather than being a startled faun to a man's impressive...ego. We've all read books where the men are generally domineering and yes, we kind of like that in a sexy way. Dare I say it though: it gets tiresome after a while. Phoebe's vulnerable and makes silly decisions, but she's got balls. She isn't meek. She's proactive and follows through on her challenges. I'll say it again: balls. I had to admire her for it.
Certainly, this will not appeal to everybody. I can already imagine what criticisms will centre around: bad language, crude discussions on sex, bit too much description, lewd, women who are almost "laddish". It's precisely because of all this that I loved it so much. It goes against the grain of books that usually have this kind of sexual exploration story. I guess the nearest comparison is Sex and the City if you were to put me on the spot.
I cannot wait to see what else this author can write. Her work screams ability and endless possibility. A fantastic, fantastic debut. A genuine pleasure (ahem) to read. Just wanted to read it with my iTunes constantly alternating between Bloodhound Gang's 'The Bad Touch' for the crap sex and Kings of Leon's 'Sex on Fire' for the better experiences. Here's my very own list for The List: daring, bold, original, fantastic humour, a variety of men, liberating, complex, great sense of sexual freedom and at the heart is a girl who could be your best mate. What more could you want?
*Originally posted on http://miscrawl.wordpress.com/
My initial reaction on finishing the book? YES. Bolouri you effing beauty. I was only part-way through when I texted friends telling them to read it. You know when you just get a gut feeling and a gut certainty about a book? Bam. That's what I got with this.
The List is written in the form of a diary, so we don't get "chapters" per se; rather, we have days and dates across the entire year. I liked this device because it immerses you within Phoebe's world and Phoebe's challenge, to the point where you feel like you really are snooping through a friend's diary. Also, if we're being blunt, it means that the "chapters" were never going to be eye-watering in length: there's only so much that characters can fit into a day. So, I found myself doing the 'just one more bit, it's only short' and the next thing I knew it was dark outside and I was punching the air as I read the last page.
It's crude and uncompromising on sexual detail and I LOVED that. I was in awe of Phoebe; I think she's everything that I want to be. She's the kind of friend that I'd love to have so that I could live vicariously through her. She's heartbroken over her dickhead ex, Alex, so she decides to set herself an unusual challenge, as opposed to the typical "I'm going on a diet" New Year's resolution. What does she do? She creates a list of 10 things that she's always wanted to try in the bedroom department. Obviously, I'm not going to tell you what they are because I want to leave an air of mystery. Instead, I'll let your minds concoct weird and wonderful things. I digress! Phoebe is a cracker of a character, yet it's possible that she is...intimidating? Yes, intimidating. She can be brash, out there and she's very much a capable, modern woman. Then, on top of that, she creates a list and becomes adventurous in bed. She's what a lot of women would hope to be; hell, I'll admit that I'm jealous of her. But, Bolouri manages to walk the fine line between annoyingly exuberant and a genuinely likeable creation. With a character like Phoebe, it would have been easy to make her so outlandish and so overly confident that it would have undermined the entire story. However, I think Bolouri gets the balance just right. Phoebe is brave enough to embark on her challenges and she swears like a sailor, yet there's self doubt and a core vulnerability about her.
Phoebe is tentatively exploring her sexuality in a pretty grown up way, and trying to learn something about herself in the process. I guess what The List shows us is that sex isn't taboo and neither does it have to be male dominated or explicit erotica. It's possible to write a book where the female protagonist is proactive but not overly aggressive; adventurous but within her own set comfort confines; isn't just some submissive sex object; is confident yet isn't afraid to write of her failings and despair and, all the while, remaining completely relatable. Sex is the vessel for her personal exploration and that, to me, is a pretty fantastic way of approaching a story.
I loved the mixed bag of men that we are presented with. There are a great selection of male characters who are everything in-between the usual male literary stereotypes: the good, the bad and the ugly, to copy Clint. A real cross section of personalities and uhm, you know, capabilities. Aside from the list and the men, Bolouri does a sterling job of creating funny and realistic friendships, as well as a hilarious working environment. This book really does have it all.
While we're on that topic: when it's proclaimed that a book is "funny", I tend to roll my eyes and grit my teeth, expecting to be disappointed. I've never been one to laugh hysterically at literature and I doubt I ever will. Do I have some sort of internal malfunction? Anyway, the point is, it's not often that I physically laugh out loud at books but with The List I certainly laughed loudly and unattractively every couple of pages. Bolouri has a wonderfully witty way with the written word. (Accidental alliteration).
The List isn't sickly sweet and "polite" romance, oh no. It's realistic emotions and vigorous, bent-over-a-kitchen-worktop kind of sex. I hate this cliche, but it really was a breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong, I like the lovey dovey stuff, but this was on the dirtier end of the "wholesome, lovely romance" scale and I hadn't realised how much I needed it. The story isn't particularly conventional, the setup of romance isn't hugely conventional, the characters aren't necessarily conventional either in the chick-lit sense. All of this should spell disaster, or should sound alarm bells. However, The List is indicative of a new age of women's fiction that is both relevant and feisty. Slowly, we're starting to see more and more books where empowered women are taking charge of their own sex lives, rather than being a startled faun to a man's impressive...ego. We've all read books where the men are generally domineering and yes, we kind of like that in a sexy way. Dare I say it though: it gets tiresome after a while. Phoebe's vulnerable and makes silly decisions, but she's got balls. She isn't meek. She's proactive and follows through on her challenges. I'll say it again: balls. I had to admire her for it.
Certainly, this will not appeal to everybody. I can already imagine what criticisms will centre around: bad language, crude discussions on sex, bit too much description, lewd, women who are almost "laddish". It's precisely because of all this that I loved it so much. It goes against the grain of books that usually have this kind of sexual exploration story. I guess the nearest comparison is Sex and the City if you were to put me on the spot.
I cannot wait to see what else this author can write. Her work screams ability and endless possibility. A fantastic, fantastic debut. A genuine pleasure (ahem) to read. Just wanted to read it with my iTunes constantly alternating between Bloodhound Gang's 'The Bad Touch' for the crap sex and Kings of Leon's 'Sex on Fire' for the better experiences. Here's my very own list for The List: daring, bold, original, fantastic humour, a variety of men, liberating, complex, great sense of sexual freedom and at the heart is a girl who could be your best mate. What more could you want?
*Originally posted on http://miscrawl.wordpress.com/
May 31, 2014
Also available on http://chicklitpad.blogspot.com
Imagine This: Since your cheating, SOB boyfriend dumped you it has put a hole in your sex life. Hole, (I use this word loosely) since he was not much of an experimentalist and loved the old-fashioned way even missionaries stopped using when they came down to Africa to ‘spread the—ahem, babies—gospel… anyway!
Point is, he messed up your year when you caught him rolling in bed with some unknown creature of giant tits, Miss Tits, you like to refer her. (Even I would have seen it coming since we all men love giant tits, but hey, not all of us love missionary!).
It’s the New Year, and at a celebratory party with your bestest friends in a hotel, you vow to get him off your mind and move on. Thankfully you have your girlfriends, Lucy—the serial dater and Hazel—the mother, to help you through. But your friend Oliver says, “Isn’t this another year where you make shitty resolutions about losing weight and you don’t?” As much as you hate it, the dickhead is right, you need to make more realistic resolutions. But what would they be? No, no change of job. You cannot afford to even do that!
So what if you vow to revamp your sex life? Try all those things you’ve never done. Be more adventurous than your old unimaginative boyfriends were. You make a list of all the things you want to try to update your sex life. This year, you are going to create a new you who’s raunchy, who isn’t too frigid, who isn’t afraid to try that or tap that. Your friends scream, “Atta girl!” You are scared shitless but still would go through this mumbo-jumbo.
But fuck, you need a partner. Someone skillful and adventurous to help you. Oh, and did I mention you are single? Fuck, it must have skipped my mind.
Phoebe Henderson’s life for your entertainment.
MY REVIEW
I loved, loved this book! So in my review, you all know I’ll be screaming at you to go get this!
(I read through cold nights!) The storyline is perrrrr-fect! Not done before, or rather, not executed the way Joanna Bolouri did it. Ordinary girl makes new year resolutions that she’d actually follow through this year (so new), ordinary girl brings up the most bizarre sex list (so new), ordinary girl really goes through all this sex list and really comes out with a change—mind you, a very positive one (so new)! Who would have known sex could make a good girl turn best? I love the whole brain behind this story. Marvelous execution.
Joanna Bolouri made me remember why I love debut authors. The needle in the haystack published authors. The ones who have so unique voices among the pile, it’s a must-publish. But, I’m digressing here…
(I walked around the house hiding my hard-on from five brothers, one inquisitive mother and one dad who wouldn’t quit making me ran errands for him!) I loved, loved Phoebe. God, knows how much I did! Ballsy characters are New Age Chick-lit, everyone now wants a character who’d venture paths no one tries, who’d go all the way. And as if that is not enough, she’s funny, she’s adorable (even when she’s not polite). I couldn’t resist yelling, “Pick me! Pick me!” after I saw her jaw-dropping list. She’s probably the reason guys would convert to strict chicklitarians, and while she might put many women off she’d do that because they’d die to be her (because who really isn’t sick of that monotony New Year resolution shits: lose weight, get married, get job, then a New Year comes and you achieved nothing! Urgh!) So fuck, she’s relatable!
(I found out two of my brothers read this book, explains the smug smiles in my direction whenever they saw me reading in the garden! Fuck! Awkwardly embarrassed!) The characters in this book were awweeesoome! From Lucy who had the bad girl appeal I loved, loved and who wouldn’t bother dumping men because they write poetry even if the sex is amazing (Poor me). From Hazel, the mother who wouldn’t make her single friends hate hanging out with her because she wouldn’t make them feel being single sucked thinking being married is the closest to being in heaven. I loved Oliver, really, I’m more like him, very open to other options, only I wouldn’t be brave enough to try some of the things he’d already done. Frank, the annoying boss who I’d hate forever for getting into a position (I mean the word with a double entendre) that I’d always wanted to get in from the start of the book. Alex, the moron cheater, who for some reason I think really, women all around the globe should read this book and beware of such exes (who want to make a comeback. Lonely Bag of Shit!). Phoebe’s parents who were outrageous, adventurous and were always never around. Kelly, the office cat, always meowing in languages no one understood. Brian, the young, office dickhead who screamed his workplace conquests at the top of his lungs. All the characters and the ones I failed to mention, made this reading worthwhile.
(I laughed so hard it surpassed the number of times I felt some growth under my jeans) It was really hilarious, really. I am nuts for how Joanna portrayed the sex scenes, not like your average porn where everything is up-close and makes you want to gag… like I just did (sorry for the imagery). No, thank you, I’m into soft core where they actually teach you kissing is stimulating… I’M NEVER GOING TO DIGRESS AGAIN, I CROSS MY HEART! And everyone loves sex scenes that leaves them imagining (and fantasizing—but no, I promised I’d stick to the topic).
(I vowed not to read this book anywhere outside my house, but why did it find its way with me in the conference room, anytime an annoying coworker was giving a suggestion) So yes, I couldn’t put this book down, if I didn’t have work I’m sure I’d read it all in a sitting. Wait a minute, no, that would have been hurting myself (I’m a guy, unlike you ladies, I have to occasionally walk around to blow off steam).
Imagine This: Since your cheating, SOB boyfriend dumped you it has put a hole in your sex life. Hole, (I use this word loosely) since he was not much of an experimentalist and loved the old-fashioned way even missionaries stopped using when they came down to Africa to ‘spread the—ahem, babies—gospel… anyway!
Point is, he messed up your year when you caught him rolling in bed with some unknown creature of giant tits, Miss Tits, you like to refer her. (Even I would have seen it coming since we all men love giant tits, but hey, not all of us love missionary!).
It’s the New Year, and at a celebratory party with your bestest friends in a hotel, you vow to get him off your mind and move on. Thankfully you have your girlfriends, Lucy—the serial dater and Hazel—the mother, to help you through. But your friend Oliver says, “Isn’t this another year where you make shitty resolutions about losing weight and you don’t?” As much as you hate it, the dickhead is right, you need to make more realistic resolutions. But what would they be? No, no change of job. You cannot afford to even do that!
So what if you vow to revamp your sex life? Try all those things you’ve never done. Be more adventurous than your old unimaginative boyfriends were. You make a list of all the things you want to try to update your sex life. This year, you are going to create a new you who’s raunchy, who isn’t too frigid, who isn’t afraid to try that or tap that. Your friends scream, “Atta girl!” You are scared shitless but still would go through this mumbo-jumbo.
But fuck, you need a partner. Someone skillful and adventurous to help you. Oh, and did I mention you are single? Fuck, it must have skipped my mind.
Phoebe Henderson’s life for your entertainment.
MY REVIEW
I loved, loved this book! So in my review, you all know I’ll be screaming at you to go get this!
(I read through cold nights!) The storyline is perrrrr-fect! Not done before, or rather, not executed the way Joanna Bolouri did it. Ordinary girl makes new year resolutions that she’d actually follow through this year (so new), ordinary girl brings up the most bizarre sex list (so new), ordinary girl really goes through all this sex list and really comes out with a change—mind you, a very positive one (so new)! Who would have known sex could make a good girl turn best? I love the whole brain behind this story. Marvelous execution.
Joanna Bolouri made me remember why I love debut authors. The needle in the haystack published authors. The ones who have so unique voices among the pile, it’s a must-publish. But, I’m digressing here…
(I walked around the house hiding my hard-on from five brothers, one inquisitive mother and one dad who wouldn’t quit making me ran errands for him!) I loved, loved Phoebe. God, knows how much I did! Ballsy characters are New Age Chick-lit, everyone now wants a character who’d venture paths no one tries, who’d go all the way. And as if that is not enough, she’s funny, she’s adorable (even when she’s not polite). I couldn’t resist yelling, “Pick me! Pick me!” after I saw her jaw-dropping list. She’s probably the reason guys would convert to strict chicklitarians, and while she might put many women off she’d do that because they’d die to be her (because who really isn’t sick of that monotony New Year resolution shits: lose weight, get married, get job, then a New Year comes and you achieved nothing! Urgh!) So fuck, she’s relatable!
(I found out two of my brothers read this book, explains the smug smiles in my direction whenever they saw me reading in the garden! Fuck! Awkwardly embarrassed!) The characters in this book were awweeesoome! From Lucy who had the bad girl appeal I loved, loved and who wouldn’t bother dumping men because they write poetry even if the sex is amazing (Poor me). From Hazel, the mother who wouldn’t make her single friends hate hanging out with her because she wouldn’t make them feel being single sucked thinking being married is the closest to being in heaven. I loved Oliver, really, I’m more like him, very open to other options, only I wouldn’t be brave enough to try some of the things he’d already done. Frank, the annoying boss who I’d hate forever for getting into a position (I mean the word with a double entendre) that I’d always wanted to get in from the start of the book. Alex, the moron cheater, who for some reason I think really, women all around the globe should read this book and beware of such exes (who want to make a comeback. Lonely Bag of Shit!). Phoebe’s parents who were outrageous, adventurous and were always never around. Kelly, the office cat, always meowing in languages no one understood. Brian, the young, office dickhead who screamed his workplace conquests at the top of his lungs. All the characters and the ones I failed to mention, made this reading worthwhile.
(I laughed so hard it surpassed the number of times I felt some growth under my jeans) It was really hilarious, really. I am nuts for how Joanna portrayed the sex scenes, not like your average porn where everything is up-close and makes you want to gag… like I just did (sorry for the imagery). No, thank you, I’m into soft core where they actually teach you kissing is stimulating… I’M NEVER GOING TO DIGRESS AGAIN, I CROSS MY HEART! And everyone loves sex scenes that leaves them imagining (and fantasizing—but no, I promised I’d stick to the topic).
(I vowed not to read this book anywhere outside my house, but why did it find its way with me in the conference room, anytime an annoying coworker was giving a suggestion) So yes, I couldn’t put this book down, if I didn’t have work I’m sure I’d read it all in a sitting. Wait a minute, no, that would have been hurting myself (I’m a guy, unlike you ladies, I have to occasionally walk around to blow off steam).
April 10, 2014
I have spotted The List on NetGalley already in November or December last year and my gut feeling told me it is going to be a great read. But because I like my great reads to be in paperback I didn't request it then and waited for my physical copy to arrive. And well, let me tell you, it was absolutely worth the wait and my gut feeling didn't disappoint me. It was BLOODY BRILLIANT read, for sure one of my must - reads in 2014.
The List is about Phoebe who, I'm not afraid to tell, is one of the best characters ever. She is celebrating a New Year and has not totally recovered from a break - up with her boyfriend Alex. She decides to write a New - Year Resolutions List but doesn't want it to be abandoned two days later, so her List is going to be a little different this time. With a help of her friend Lucy she creates a List of 10 Things that she wants to try in the bedroom department . It is a very daring List and Phoebe is going to complete it, no matter what.
There are really different things on the list but I'm not going to tell you exactly what, I don't want to spoil your reading! Just let me tell you that you are for a real treat there and that the things are a real game, very innovative (well, for me at least), very interesting, and the situations that Phoebe puts herself into because of her List are sometimes ridiculous and always scream fun, fun, fun. I don't know if it was Joanna's intention but I laughed out loud reading how Phoebe adapted to all the new situations around.
I loved Phoebe. Simple as that. She is my kind of girl and I could imagine her as my new best friend. She is as normal as a chick - lit heroine can be but she is different in many ways. Fun, eloquent, with a fantastic sense of humour, witty and sharp but also one of the bravest and most open girls that I have ever read about, pushing her boundaries and testing her limits.
Have I already said that I loved her? If not, please let me tell you that I loved Phoebe.
Oliver was also in other league of male characters. Oliver, who was going to help Phoebe to complete her list. I could eat him. Period. I so much would like to see him in his kilt on the New Year party. If I had a list of 10 things that I'd like to try in bed I'd like to do this with Oliver (my husband doesn't read my reviews, sighing with relief). Sexy, clever, with a sharp tongue, charming, hot but also friendly and so... human.
There are also some other characters, as Phoebe needs some other people to fulfil her challenge, and this a great cast of fantastic, funny, strange people, written in a brilliant, engaging, realistic way, and Joanna is a really great observer of people's characters and their possible behaviours.
The story is told in a form of a diary with a perfect ratio between fun and naughty. It's written in a very open, detailed way but it's not any kind of porn, no way. It is brave but it's not vulgar, although I am sure you will find yourself sometimes with red cheeks. The List says: Troubles, baby, troubles.
This book is very similar to Some Girls Do by Clodagh Murphy in its plot but it's written in very different way. But certainly, like Some Girls Do (which I also loved, BTW) it will not appeal to everybody. I can imagine that it will be criticized because of bad language, too realistic descriptions, frankness, and so I can only say that if you can't handle talking about sex in an open way, this book is not for you. But I LOVED IT. It's uncompromising, this is the best mix between Bridget Jones and Sex and The City.
It's not erotica, oh no, it's not about deviations, it's about exploring our boundaries and getting to our limits. The book covers all, from love, broken relationships to lust, taboos, friendship. It is about being brave and following your desires, about exploring our boundaries and getting to the limits.
This book was funny, very touching and so realistic that it sometimes hurt. It's convincing and I really can't believe that it's a debut work, as it's written in such mature, perky, self - confident way. It's fast - paced and there are moments that it's veeeerrry naughty, but oh my, how much I liked this naughty! It's a delicious read and I just want to start reading it all over again. The storyline is maybe not new but totally differently written and hooking from the very fist page, Joanna's sense of humour is up to my street and this book ticks all my boxes for a book of the year, really. A warm, feel - good read and I can only say: go and get your copy. NOW.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
The List is about Phoebe who, I'm not afraid to tell, is one of the best characters ever. She is celebrating a New Year and has not totally recovered from a break - up with her boyfriend Alex. She decides to write a New - Year Resolutions List but doesn't want it to be abandoned two days later, so her List is going to be a little different this time. With a help of her friend Lucy she creates a List of 10 Things that she wants to try in the bedroom department . It is a very daring List and Phoebe is going to complete it, no matter what.
There are really different things on the list but I'm not going to tell you exactly what, I don't want to spoil your reading! Just let me tell you that you are for a real treat there and that the things are a real game, very innovative (well, for me at least), very interesting, and the situations that Phoebe puts herself into because of her List are sometimes ridiculous and always scream fun, fun, fun. I don't know if it was Joanna's intention but I laughed out loud reading how Phoebe adapted to all the new situations around.
I loved Phoebe. Simple as that. She is my kind of girl and I could imagine her as my new best friend. She is as normal as a chick - lit heroine can be but she is different in many ways. Fun, eloquent, with a fantastic sense of humour, witty and sharp but also one of the bravest and most open girls that I have ever read about, pushing her boundaries and testing her limits.
Have I already said that I loved her? If not, please let me tell you that I loved Phoebe.
Oliver was also in other league of male characters. Oliver, who was going to help Phoebe to complete her list. I could eat him. Period. I so much would like to see him in his kilt on the New Year party. If I had a list of 10 things that I'd like to try in bed I'd like to do this with Oliver (my husband doesn't read my reviews, sighing with relief). Sexy, clever, with a sharp tongue, charming, hot but also friendly and so... human.
There are also some other characters, as Phoebe needs some other people to fulfil her challenge, and this a great cast of fantastic, funny, strange people, written in a brilliant, engaging, realistic way, and Joanna is a really great observer of people's characters and their possible behaviours.
The story is told in a form of a diary with a perfect ratio between fun and naughty. It's written in a very open, detailed way but it's not any kind of porn, no way. It is brave but it's not vulgar, although I am sure you will find yourself sometimes with red cheeks. The List says: Troubles, baby, troubles.
This book is very similar to Some Girls Do by Clodagh Murphy in its plot but it's written in very different way. But certainly, like Some Girls Do (which I also loved, BTW) it will not appeal to everybody. I can imagine that it will be criticized because of bad language, too realistic descriptions, frankness, and so I can only say that if you can't handle talking about sex in an open way, this book is not for you. But I LOVED IT. It's uncompromising, this is the best mix between Bridget Jones and Sex and The City.
It's not erotica, oh no, it's not about deviations, it's about exploring our boundaries and getting to our limits. The book covers all, from love, broken relationships to lust, taboos, friendship. It is about being brave and following your desires, about exploring our boundaries and getting to the limits.
This book was funny, very touching and so realistic that it sometimes hurt. It's convincing and I really can't believe that it's a debut work, as it's written in such mature, perky, self - confident way. It's fast - paced and there are moments that it's veeeerrry naughty, but oh my, how much I liked this naughty! It's a delicious read and I just want to start reading it all over again. The storyline is maybe not new but totally differently written and hooking from the very fist page, Joanna's sense of humour is up to my street and this book ticks all my boxes for a book of the year, really. A warm, feel - good read and I can only say: go and get your copy. NOW.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
April 8, 2014
Review: wow, I picked this book up and I literally couldn't put it down! I started reading it after work and before I knew it, it was midnight and I was 300 pages in! If I didn't have work the next day I definitely would've finished it then and there, it was such an original story, funny and relatable with the most-well described Glasgow setting I have ever read in a book!
I talked a couple of weeks ago about things I'd like to see in the books I read, books set in Glasgow was one of those things. This book hit the nail right on the head mentioning places I used to live, used to eat and drink and really did the city justice. I think sometimes Scottish cities don't come off so well in novels, but this novel paints Glasgow to be the vibrant, cosmopolitan place that it was and I could totally picture phoebe and her mates in every location that was described here. I would like to thank this author for representing Glasgow so well in such a fabulous novel!
The story itself was so original and yet so simple and that's what's made for such a wonderful read. A woman working her way through a sexual wish list-I LOVE this idea! I can't believe it hasn't been done before. But far from being erotic or sexy, this book is funny and relatable. Each encounter comes with it's own trials and tribulations and there are more than a few mishaps along the way, physically and emotionally. The structure of the book is a diary form and I love this form because it means I read faster as, rather than getting to the end of the chapter, i try and get to the end of that day or even month-it's super! The ending of this book had me howling though-total cliffhanger alert! It KIND of wrapped things up, we know what's going to happen but I want so so badly to find out how it's all going to pan out. Yes, this ending was rather predictable but I honestly don't think that that's a bad thing in this case, but please please, let me have more of these fab characters!
I loved all of the characters in this book, well loved to hate the villains of the book of course! Phoebe is fabulous and totally relatable, Oliver her best friend is so laid back and again, I relate him to some guys I know. She has a really strong female friendship group who I totally idolised, I wish they were my friends. The only people really lacking in terms of characters were her parents, thankfully they lived in Canada and so didn't really feature in the storyline. I don't think they would've really fitted in to what was going on over the course of the novel, so it was a good decision by this author to leave them out of it for now.
Overall this was just a really fun, quick, amusing read. It does contain a a lot of sex but nothing amazingly graphic or offensive. It did make me wonder if this book could've been written in the days pre-sex and the city/50 shades, has our reading become more liberated. If you don't fancy reading about a lot of sex then maybe give this one a miss but if you don't mind an open account of one woman's horny adventures with a bit of romance, a whole heap of humour and tons of totally relatable moments then I urge you to read this book now!
I talked a couple of weeks ago about things I'd like to see in the books I read, books set in Glasgow was one of those things. This book hit the nail right on the head mentioning places I used to live, used to eat and drink and really did the city justice. I think sometimes Scottish cities don't come off so well in novels, but this novel paints Glasgow to be the vibrant, cosmopolitan place that it was and I could totally picture phoebe and her mates in every location that was described here. I would like to thank this author for representing Glasgow so well in such a fabulous novel!
The story itself was so original and yet so simple and that's what's made for such a wonderful read. A woman working her way through a sexual wish list-I LOVE this idea! I can't believe it hasn't been done before. But far from being erotic or sexy, this book is funny and relatable. Each encounter comes with it's own trials and tribulations and there are more than a few mishaps along the way, physically and emotionally. The structure of the book is a diary form and I love this form because it means I read faster as, rather than getting to the end of the chapter, i try and get to the end of that day or even month-it's super! The ending of this book had me howling though-total cliffhanger alert! It KIND of wrapped things up, we know what's going to happen but I want so so badly to find out how it's all going to pan out. Yes, this ending was rather predictable but I honestly don't think that that's a bad thing in this case, but please please, let me have more of these fab characters!
I loved all of the characters in this book, well loved to hate the villains of the book of course! Phoebe is fabulous and totally relatable, Oliver her best friend is so laid back and again, I relate him to some guys I know. She has a really strong female friendship group who I totally idolised, I wish they were my friends. The only people really lacking in terms of characters were her parents, thankfully they lived in Canada and so didn't really feature in the storyline. I don't think they would've really fitted in to what was going on over the course of the novel, so it was a good decision by this author to leave them out of it for now.
Overall this was just a really fun, quick, amusing read. It does contain a a lot of sex but nothing amazingly graphic or offensive. It did make me wonder if this book could've been written in the days pre-sex and the city/50 shades, has our reading become more liberated. If you don't fancy reading about a lot of sex then maybe give this one a miss but if you don't mind an open account of one woman's horny adventures with a bit of romance, a whole heap of humour and tons of totally relatable moments then I urge you to read this book now!
January 31, 2015
I had heard so many great things about this book I was itching to read it, and was absolutely delighted to be approved for a review copy.
If you want a book that will make you laugh (alot) this could be the one for you to pick up. Phoebe and her exploits had me laughing throughout. A word of warning that it does contain lots of references to sex, and some scenes set in the bedroom (and other locations), but it is all written with great humour, and I wouldn't say in an offensive way at all.
We start the book on New Year's Day. Phoebe has been single for a year since she walked in and found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She and her friends are at their annual New Years get together when she decides that she wants to come up with a list of things to achieve in the coming year. However this list is slightly less conventional than usual as they are all based around sex and things she wants to try, such as having a threesome etc.
The book is written in diary format, and we follow her throughout the next 12 months as one by one she works her way down the list. Her best friend Lucy is very encouraging of this and some of their conversations about making the list happen are hilarious. I loved the banter between the two of them.
Phoebes other best friend is Oliver. They have been friends for a long while, but after many chats with Lucy, Phoebe wonders if Oliver might also be the perfect friend to help her tick off her list. Oliver of course is more than happy to volunteer his services for the greater good. Cue hilarious scenes of them as they work through the ten items listed.
But will they remain friends? Or will it lead to more? Or destroy their friendship? I loved watching how the intimacy impacted on their relationship, and I guess I liked seeing how it affected the way that Phoebe views Oliver.
Yes, this book is hilariously funny, and yes, it is rude. But it is also touching. There are some lovely scenes as well, and some twists and turns that you wouldn't necessarily expect.
I loved Phoebe. A bit of a Bridget Jones character in some ways. She has a great personality who I found it easy to click with and warm to. Her approach to her list raises a smile. But I also found myself feeling protective towards her and not wanting to see her get hurt. It is obvious that her ex-boyfriend hurt her alot, and because she is so instantly likeable I didnt want to see her embarking on her list unless she was totally happy with it.
I would love to be part of this friendship group. They have eachothers backs totally, and a 100% loyal. But they would also be great fun to hang out with. Nothing would be off limits and I think there would be alot of laughter.
This is a book that will have you laughing out loud, I raised a few eyebrows in public when I couldn't hold my laughter in. I found it hard to put down, and would like to see what happens after the diary ends. It's full of fun, sex, and friendship. You may want to read it first before giving it to a parent, aunt etc though!
Thank you to the publisher to provided a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
If you want a book that will make you laugh (alot) this could be the one for you to pick up. Phoebe and her exploits had me laughing throughout. A word of warning that it does contain lots of references to sex, and some scenes set in the bedroom (and other locations), but it is all written with great humour, and I wouldn't say in an offensive way at all.
We start the book on New Year's Day. Phoebe has been single for a year since she walked in and found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She and her friends are at their annual New Years get together when she decides that she wants to come up with a list of things to achieve in the coming year. However this list is slightly less conventional than usual as they are all based around sex and things she wants to try, such as having a threesome etc.
The book is written in diary format, and we follow her throughout the next 12 months as one by one she works her way down the list. Her best friend Lucy is very encouraging of this and some of their conversations about making the list happen are hilarious. I loved the banter between the two of them.
Phoebes other best friend is Oliver. They have been friends for a long while, but after many chats with Lucy, Phoebe wonders if Oliver might also be the perfect friend to help her tick off her list. Oliver of course is more than happy to volunteer his services for the greater good. Cue hilarious scenes of them as they work through the ten items listed.
But will they remain friends? Or will it lead to more? Or destroy their friendship? I loved watching how the intimacy impacted on their relationship, and I guess I liked seeing how it affected the way that Phoebe views Oliver.
Yes, this book is hilariously funny, and yes, it is rude. But it is also touching. There are some lovely scenes as well, and some twists and turns that you wouldn't necessarily expect.
I loved Phoebe. A bit of a Bridget Jones character in some ways. She has a great personality who I found it easy to click with and warm to. Her approach to her list raises a smile. But I also found myself feeling protective towards her and not wanting to see her get hurt. It is obvious that her ex-boyfriend hurt her alot, and because she is so instantly likeable I didnt want to see her embarking on her list unless she was totally happy with it.
I would love to be part of this friendship group. They have eachothers backs totally, and a 100% loyal. But they would also be great fun to hang out with. Nothing would be off limits and I think there would be alot of laughter.
This is a book that will have you laughing out loud, I raised a few eyebrows in public when I couldn't hold my laughter in. I found it hard to put down, and would like to see what happens after the diary ends. It's full of fun, sex, and friendship. You may want to read it first before giving it to a parent, aunt etc though!
Thank you to the publisher to provided a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
December 11, 2013
I actually won a copy of The List in a giveaway and wasn’t really sure what to expect. I read the blurb and it sounded funny but I had no idea how much I would enjoy it, to the point of quite confidently being able to say it was one of the best books I’ve read in 2013. The List follows the story of Phoebe, a normal 30-something woman who has had her heart-broken. After a year of moping about, feeling sad about her failed relationship and 500 quid’s worth of therapy sessions, she decides to make a new years resolution to change one thing – her sex life. With the help of her best friend, Lucy, she devises a list of 10 things she’s always wanted to try in bed but never had the guts to do and sets out on a quest to complete them before the year is up. One problem, who is going to help her full-fill these challenges? That’s where her hot, charming, charismatic friend Oliver steps in…
This isn’t really the usual kind of book I’d read and especially review but I knew I was going to love this book from the sentence, ‘There were tables of Hipsters, ready to Instagram photos of their meal as soon as it arrived’. The narrative and dialogue was so natural and normal to me. Phoebe talks exactly how I talk and the conversations she has with her friends were like reading conversations with people I know! All the characters in this book were very well developed and had their own quirks which I loved. Not a single one of them was boring to read about. Phoebe is a delightful main characters as she’s so normal and exactly the kind of person I’d love to be friends with. In fact, by the end of the book, she kind of did feel like a friend! Oliver was also another great characters and he is exactly the type of guy girls go for – sexy, charming, charismatic and quite frankly, every single girl needs an Oliver in their life! This book was set out in months and dates instead of chapters which was quite different but I really liked it. I felt The List portrays a healthy and very realistic view of sex and relationships. Joanna doesn’t sugar coat anything to make it seem better than it really is because that’s not what happens in real life and on a serious note here, I think that’s very important. Although it’s great reading completely unrealistic sex scenes where everything is a bed of roses sometimes we need to bring ourselves back to reality.
I was in such a reading slump before this book and it was exactly what I needed to pull me out of it. Phoebe’s sexual encounters are not detailed in a way that makes you think you’re reading another 50 Shades book and not only does she push her sexual boundaries but discovers more about herself and the meaning of love and friendship along the way. This naughty tale of one girls quest to a better sex life will leave you laughing out loud with its witty, on-point humour and no-nonsense approach and will have you hooked from the very first page.
Find all my reviews here: www.jennyinneverland.wordpress.com
This isn’t really the usual kind of book I’d read and especially review but I knew I was going to love this book from the sentence, ‘There were tables of Hipsters, ready to Instagram photos of their meal as soon as it arrived’. The narrative and dialogue was so natural and normal to me. Phoebe talks exactly how I talk and the conversations she has with her friends were like reading conversations with people I know! All the characters in this book were very well developed and had their own quirks which I loved. Not a single one of them was boring to read about. Phoebe is a delightful main characters as she’s so normal and exactly the kind of person I’d love to be friends with. In fact, by the end of the book, she kind of did feel like a friend! Oliver was also another great characters and he is exactly the type of guy girls go for – sexy, charming, charismatic and quite frankly, every single girl needs an Oliver in their life! This book was set out in months and dates instead of chapters which was quite different but I really liked it. I felt The List portrays a healthy and very realistic view of sex and relationships. Joanna doesn’t sugar coat anything to make it seem better than it really is because that’s not what happens in real life and on a serious note here, I think that’s very important. Although it’s great reading completely unrealistic sex scenes where everything is a bed of roses sometimes we need to bring ourselves back to reality.
I was in such a reading slump before this book and it was exactly what I needed to pull me out of it. Phoebe’s sexual encounters are not detailed in a way that makes you think you’re reading another 50 Shades book and not only does she push her sexual boundaries but discovers more about herself and the meaning of love and friendship along the way. This naughty tale of one girls quest to a better sex life will leave you laughing out loud with its witty, on-point humour and no-nonsense approach and will have you hooked from the very first page.
Find all my reviews here: www.jennyinneverland.wordpress.com
February 4, 2014
Oh my giddy aunt, I bloody LOVE Phoebe! I want her to be my best friend. The List was a serious test of my willpower - I wanted to devour it in one sitting, but I also couldn't bear for it to end so I had to ration myself and only read a bit at a time.
It's chick-lit, but the really good type. It's not all namby-pamby romance and twee middle-class shenanigans. It's hilariously irreverent, bravely bolshy, brilliantly lewd and has one of the highest feel-good factors I've ever read. Seriously, this book put me in such a good mood. Improved my sex life too! Oh yes. The List has the best approach to sex. It approaches it as an adult, but one who's not a mire of hang-ups. It says 'Let's be grown up about this. Sex feels good, and if you step a little out of your comfort zone you'll probably find it can feel even better!' It's not erotica - there's too much comedy for that. It's raunchy and fun though.
I've decided I like books that are split up into a number of things. 16 Things I Thought Were True was another recent good read, and 13 Little Blue Envelopes was another. It's not that I need an easy paint-by-numbers story, it's just that there's just something fun about progressing through the list. Maybe I'm a list geek. Also, it's set in Glasgow, but not in a gritty, Trainspotting type way. More a modern-but-down-to-earth city sort of thing. And don't worry, it's not written in a phonetically Scottish way or full of unpronouncable slang, either. It's just Scottish in an excellent sense of humour, ballsy and outgoing way.
Now up until this point I was only about two thirds of the way through the book. I was just so excited about it that I had to write about it. I have to admit that after that point it did go a bit more standard chick-lit, but it was still really good. I just had to read faster because I couldn't leave it alone when things weren't going exactly as I wanted. Of course if it was all plain-sailing it wouldn't really by much of a story, so that is in no way a criticism. Actually, I've been reading a lot of New Adult and Young Adult angst lately, and it was so refreshing to read about people who aren't recovering from some horrific loss, abuse or sudden discovery of magical powers.
What's actually astounding is that it appears to be a debut novel. I went onto Goodreads to look up and obtain everything else Bolouri has ever written, because I'm obsessed with her, and it turns out there is nothing else. Get writing, woman! I need more of your books!
Copy supplied by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
It's chick-lit, but the really good type. It's not all namby-pamby romance and twee middle-class shenanigans. It's hilariously irreverent, bravely bolshy, brilliantly lewd and has one of the highest feel-good factors I've ever read. Seriously, this book put me in such a good mood. Improved my sex life too! Oh yes. The List has the best approach to sex. It approaches it as an adult, but one who's not a mire of hang-ups. It says 'Let's be grown up about this. Sex feels good, and if you step a little out of your comfort zone you'll probably find it can feel even better!' It's not erotica - there's too much comedy for that. It's raunchy and fun though.
I've decided I like books that are split up into a number of things. 16 Things I Thought Were True was another recent good read, and 13 Little Blue Envelopes was another. It's not that I need an easy paint-by-numbers story, it's just that there's just something fun about progressing through the list. Maybe I'm a list geek. Also, it's set in Glasgow, but not in a gritty, Trainspotting type way. More a modern-but-down-to-earth city sort of thing. And don't worry, it's not written in a phonetically Scottish way or full of unpronouncable slang, either. It's just Scottish in an excellent sense of humour, ballsy and outgoing way.
Now up until this point I was only about two thirds of the way through the book. I was just so excited about it that I had to write about it. I have to admit that after that point it did go a bit more standard chick-lit, but it was still really good. I just had to read faster because I couldn't leave it alone when things weren't going exactly as I wanted. Of course if it was all plain-sailing it wouldn't really by much of a story, so that is in no way a criticism. Actually, I've been reading a lot of New Adult and Young Adult angst lately, and it was so refreshing to read about people who aren't recovering from some horrific loss, abuse or sudden discovery of magical powers.
What's actually astounding is that it appears to be a debut novel. I went onto Goodreads to look up and obtain everything else Bolouri has ever written, because I'm obsessed with her, and it turns out there is nothing else. Get writing, woman! I need more of your books!
Copy supplied by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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