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Who Got Liz Gardner
WHO GOT LIZ GARDNER, by Elizabeth Allen, is a coming-of-age novel about the (mis)adventures of a dysfunctional, self-centered but essentially good-hearted aspiring actress growing up during the hedonistic 80s and 90s. A first-person narrative, the story is mostly set in New York City and later Los Angeles, as Liz pursues her twin goals of finding A) a career in acting, and B) a decent man (The One). Both of these goals prove elusive, though not from any lack of trying on Liz's part.
The daughter of a five-time drama queen divorcee and a thoroughly despicable wealthy philandering shrink, Liz starts out with more psychological baggage than most people collect in a lifetime. It's no surprise that she soon seeks out male companionship to fill her emotional void, or that the assorted men she beds invariably prove to be disposable ciphers. But instead of caving in and becoming a basket case, Liz summons up her inner moxie and sets out on her quest to find a good life and someone with whom to share it.
Who Got Liz Gardner is a complete meal with flavors, textures and ingredients reminiscent of "50 Shades of Grey", and "Sex and the City" combined with a dash of "Fear of Flying". Readers who enjoy feasts of this caliber will want to indulge in this extraordinary repast and encourage others to take a taste! However, be warned - while some like it hot, this meal hits the top of the Scoville scale. Muy caliente!
(edited by author)
The daughter of a five-time drama queen divorcee and a thoroughly despicable wealthy philandering shrink, Liz starts out with more psychological baggage than most people collect in a lifetime. It's no surprise that she soon seeks out male companionship to fill her emotional void, or that the assorted men she beds invariably prove to be disposable ciphers. But instead of caving in and becoming a basket case, Liz summons up her inner moxie and sets out on her quest to find a good life and someone with whom to share it.
Who Got Liz Gardner is a complete meal with flavors, textures and ingredients reminiscent of "50 Shades of Grey", and "Sex and the City" combined with a dash of "Fear of Flying". Readers who enjoy feasts of this caliber will want to indulge in this extraordinary repast and encourage others to take a taste! However, be warned - while some like it hot, this meal hits the top of the Scoville scale. Muy caliente!
(edited by author)
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2009
10 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Allen
3 books2 followersLiz is a Florida girl - born and raised in the Sunshine State. Her career path has spanned from physical to fiscal to literary starting in nutrition, then riding the roller coaster we call the stock market as a financial advisor and ultimately penning her first book at age 49. Before meeting her husband and marrying in 1992 Liz lived in New York City and Los Angeles. In 1995 she had a child but fear and impatience with unpredictable earthquakes in California motivated her to move back to Florida in 1999 - just in time for that y2k scare...
Liz' debut novel "Who Got Liz Gardner" was published in April 2009 as the result of an international contest and is now enjoying tremendous popularity in book clubs around the world. Recently, some critics have called her novel "the intelligent and better-written 'Fifty Shades of Grey'". She was also reviewed and highly recommended by USA Today in April 2012. The sequel to WGLG - Discovering Arugula - was released January 2011. She recently released her third novel "Ima Pigg" a young adult/scifi tale which has been described as "Charlotte's Web" meets "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".
Liz has been a contributing writer for several women's magazines as well as a popular speaker for women's groups.
Liz lives with her husband, daughter and Catahoula Leopard dog. Her unrealized dream is to ride horseback across the fields of Provence for one week. In the meantime, she rides dressage once a week and goes to Epcot. She will not ride Mission Space. She does, however,practice her high school French when she orders crepes.
Liz' debut novel "Who Got Liz Gardner" was published in April 2009 as the result of an international contest and is now enjoying tremendous popularity in book clubs around the world. Recently, some critics have called her novel "the intelligent and better-written 'Fifty Shades of Grey'". She was also reviewed and highly recommended by USA Today in April 2012. The sequel to WGLG - Discovering Arugula - was released January 2011. She recently released her third novel "Ima Pigg" a young adult/scifi tale which has been described as "Charlotte's Web" meets "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".
Liz has been a contributing writer for several women's magazines as well as a popular speaker for women's groups.
Liz lives with her husband, daughter and Catahoula Leopard dog. Her unrealized dream is to ride horseback across the fields of Provence for one week. In the meantime, she rides dressage once a week and goes to Epcot. She will not ride Mission Space. She does, however,practice her high school French when she orders crepes.
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January 10, 2010
Who Got Liz Gardner, by Elizabeth Allen, is a coming-of-age novel about the (mis)adventures of a dysfunctional, self-centered but essentially good-hearted aspiring actress growing up during the hedonistic 80s and 90s. A first-person narrative, the story is mostly set in New York City and later Los Angeles, as Liz pursues her twin goals of finding A) a career in acting, and B) a decent man (The One). Both of these goals prove elusive, though not from any lack of trying on Liz's part.
The daughter of a four-time drama queen divorcee and a thoroughly despicable wealthy philandering shrink, Liz starts out with more psychological baggage than most people collect in a lifetime. It's no surprise that she soon seeks out male companionship to fill her emotional void, or that the various men she beds invariably prove to be disposable ciphers. But instead of caving in and becoming a basket case, Liz summons up her inner moxie and sets out on her quest to find a good life and someone with whom to share it.
Because I'm a rather starchy middle-aged prude, I have to admit that I was nervous about reading the novel because I guessed it might contain a lot of rather explicit passages. And in fact it does; however, since these "sex scenes" are largely composed of wisecracking euphemisms and are never gratuitously grafted onto the story, I didn't find them out of place or disturbing. (I'm sure that readers who are less priggish than I am --which means just about everybody-- will take it all in stride.)
Since the plot is summarized elsewhere I needn't do so again, but I'll offer a few personal observations. Having come of age myself in similar time frames and locales as the novel's protagonist, I compliment Ms. Allen for the verisimilitude of her descriptions, especially in the New York City sections. (Her depiction of a filthy rented apartment is at once sidesplitting and horribly realistic.) The contrasting Los Angeles scenes also rang true for me, evoking memories of my brief sojourn in that unique city.
As for the character of Liz herself, I found myself in conflict. On the one hand, I admired her pluck, her humor, and her determination. But I also found her occasional deliberate cruelty very off-putting, even though I understood that such behavior was caused by her aforementioned emotional baggage. (She does suffer remorse for this meanness, and more than once redeems herself with acts of great kindness and generosity.) By the end of the novel, it's abundantly clear that Liz has a big and loving heart.
When I reached the last sixty pages or so, the narrative held me in its grip and I read straight through to the end. I won't offer any "spoilers", but suffice it to say that the entire story came together in a pleasing -and very poignant- way, and I closed the book with a sigh of combined satisfaction and regret; the satisfaction of a tale well-told, and regret that the ride was over.
As a novel, Who Got Liz Gardner accomplished three things that don't happen very often in the course of my reading. First, it caused me to laugh out loud several times. Second, on more than one occasion it made me think to myself, "Gosh, I wish I'd written that!" Third, and most importantly, it has stayed with me for longer than a day or so. In this age of cookie-cutter generic McNovels, that's a genuine rarity. Chris, Radiance, Taylor, and of course Liz herself, with all their flaws and foibles, are memorable characters who made this book not only an engaging read, but one that I will not forget.
The daughter of a four-time drama queen divorcee and a thoroughly despicable wealthy philandering shrink, Liz starts out with more psychological baggage than most people collect in a lifetime. It's no surprise that she soon seeks out male companionship to fill her emotional void, or that the various men she beds invariably prove to be disposable ciphers. But instead of caving in and becoming a basket case, Liz summons up her inner moxie and sets out on her quest to find a good life and someone with whom to share it.
Because I'm a rather starchy middle-aged prude, I have to admit that I was nervous about reading the novel because I guessed it might contain a lot of rather explicit passages. And in fact it does; however, since these "sex scenes" are largely composed of wisecracking euphemisms and are never gratuitously grafted onto the story, I didn't find them out of place or disturbing. (I'm sure that readers who are less priggish than I am --which means just about everybody-- will take it all in stride.)
Since the plot is summarized elsewhere I needn't do so again, but I'll offer a few personal observations. Having come of age myself in similar time frames and locales as the novel's protagonist, I compliment Ms. Allen for the verisimilitude of her descriptions, especially in the New York City sections. (Her depiction of a filthy rented apartment is at once sidesplitting and horribly realistic.) The contrasting Los Angeles scenes also rang true for me, evoking memories of my brief sojourn in that unique city.
As for the character of Liz herself, I found myself in conflict. On the one hand, I admired her pluck, her humor, and her determination. But I also found her occasional deliberate cruelty very off-putting, even though I understood that such behavior was caused by her aforementioned emotional baggage. (She does suffer remorse for this meanness, and more than once redeems herself with acts of great kindness and generosity.) By the end of the novel, it's abundantly clear that Liz has a big and loving heart.
When I reached the last sixty pages or so, the narrative held me in its grip and I read straight through to the end. I won't offer any "spoilers", but suffice it to say that the entire story came together in a pleasing -and very poignant- way, and I closed the book with a sigh of combined satisfaction and regret; the satisfaction of a tale well-told, and regret that the ride was over.
As a novel, Who Got Liz Gardner accomplished three things that don't happen very often in the course of my reading. First, it caused me to laugh out loud several times. Second, on more than one occasion it made me think to myself, "Gosh, I wish I'd written that!" Third, and most importantly, it has stayed with me for longer than a day or so. In this age of cookie-cutter generic McNovels, that's a genuine rarity. Chris, Radiance, Taylor, and of course Liz herself, with all their flaws and foibles, are memorable characters who made this book not only an engaging read, but one that I will not forget.
June 30, 2014
This book came into my life at just the right time. Call it serendipity if you will. Whatever it was, it was exactly what I needed.
I really didn't know what to expect when I first started reading it but boy did I ever feel connected to her. Not saying Liz and I are 100% the same but there are points, and many points when I would pause and go wow, too freaky, too close to home. Word for word thoughts that she has had I have experienced. There was a higher power, some other entity that led me to this particular book at this particular time.
The story of Who Got Liz Gardner is a coming of age story like no other, because it goes past the typical age frame of most and moves into a story of a young woman finding who she really is. The assorted lovers and potential lovers, relationships with her parents, soul searching, self discovery, defeat and finally victory.
I know this "review" is not really discussing the book which was well thought out and wonderfully written by the way, just to toss some normal reviewing into the mix. But for me I got so much more from just a story about a girl/woman. It has been sort of a healing process for me and I am so happy to have read this book, I feel a better person for doing so. Enlightened even. It really has helped me in what is a difficult time in my life.
I really didn't know what to expect when I first started reading it but boy did I ever feel connected to her. Not saying Liz and I are 100% the same but there are points, and many points when I would pause and go wow, too freaky, too close to home. Word for word thoughts that she has had I have experienced. There was a higher power, some other entity that led me to this particular book at this particular time.
The story of Who Got Liz Gardner is a coming of age story like no other, because it goes past the typical age frame of most and moves into a story of a young woman finding who she really is. The assorted lovers and potential lovers, relationships with her parents, soul searching, self discovery, defeat and finally victory.
I know this "review" is not really discussing the book which was well thought out and wonderfully written by the way, just to toss some normal reviewing into the mix. But for me I got so much more from just a story about a girl/woman. It has been sort of a healing process for me and I am so happy to have read this book, I feel a better person for doing so. Enlightened even. It really has helped me in what is a difficult time in my life.
January 26, 2013
Who Got Liz Gardner reads more like a woman’s diary of her past loves culminating with the one “who got liz gardner” than a work of fiction. It’s never overly chick-litty. It’s more humorous than I think most guys expect from a woman’s recountenance.
I enjoyed more than I thought I would. It was a nice change of pace from previous slew of books I have read. About I a tenth way into the story I actually got lost to the destination and enjoyed the journey. That’s why when she found me it was like damn because, if I hadn’t looked down at the percentage left on my Kindle, I would have still known that the novel was almost over. It left me a little disappointed, really was enjoying my time with Liz Gardner.
I’m definitely going to start the next book in the series Discovering Arugula (Who Got Liz Gardner 2). I can't wait to find out where Liz Gardner is going. I’m hoping that a unresolved plot is answered because it's declared natural but it reeks something fierce.
I enjoyed more than I thought I would. It was a nice change of pace from previous slew of books I have read. About I a tenth way into the story I actually got lost to the destination and enjoyed the journey. That’s why when she found me it was like damn because, if I hadn’t looked down at the percentage left on my Kindle, I would have still known that the novel was almost over. It left me a little disappointed, really was enjoying my time with Liz Gardner.
I’m definitely going to start the next book in the series Discovering Arugula (Who Got Liz Gardner 2). I can't wait to find out where Liz Gardner is going. I’m hoping that a unresolved plot is answered because it's declared natural but it reeks something fierce.
September 8, 2011
Awesome and hilarious. I literally could not put it down, and found myself sharing Liz's adventures nearly until dusk on a workday.
December 27, 2009
Who Got Liz Gardner is the question. The answer could be "just about everybody."
If you like a fun, semi-erotic novel, this book is a fun read. I put off reading for awhile since it's not my kind of book, but now that I've finished it, I hope Elizabeth Allen can tell us another story either about Liz (hmm, Liz/Elizabeth--I wonder) or somebody else.
Ms. Allen has a deft and wry sense of humor that comes across nicely and keeps you reading. This book has been called a picaresque journey, and I'd have to agree with that description. Certainly, Liz Gardner has a whole lot of Tom Jones in her. And, if it were up to Liz, the singer of that name would literally be in her. But I'm referring to the William Fielding 18th C. novel. Liz isn't an orphan like Tom (might as well be given her mother's whatever attitude about child-rearing), however, the two have similar appetites for sexual experiences.
Liz G. reminisces on her life story when she comes upon a chat room populated by men who used to be her highschool classmates. When her own name comes up in the discussion, she's surprised and, probably, a little pleased. From that reawakening, the Financial Advisor/Mom Liz launches into the story of her life. And it's a hell of a story.
If you like a fun, semi-erotic novel, this book is a fun read. I put off reading for awhile since it's not my kind of book, but now that I've finished it, I hope Elizabeth Allen can tell us another story either about Liz (hmm, Liz/Elizabeth--I wonder) or somebody else.
Ms. Allen has a deft and wry sense of humor that comes across nicely and keeps you reading. This book has been called a picaresque journey, and I'd have to agree with that description. Certainly, Liz Gardner has a whole lot of Tom Jones in her. And, if it were up to Liz, the singer of that name would literally be in her. But I'm referring to the William Fielding 18th C. novel. Liz isn't an orphan like Tom (might as well be given her mother's whatever attitude about child-rearing), however, the two have similar appetites for sexual experiences.
Liz G. reminisces on her life story when she comes upon a chat room populated by men who used to be her highschool classmates. When her own name comes up in the discussion, she's surprised and, probably, a little pleased. From that reawakening, the Financial Advisor/Mom Liz launches into the story of her life. And it's a hell of a story.
December 14, 2012
How I wish I'd known about this book before I wasted time reading Fifty Shades. Apparently I was craving something for women with an edge and at the time, Fifty Shades was just there. But this is not a review of THAT book.
Who Got Liz Gardner was the debut novel of Elizabeth Allen, and while it seems to have been written as fiction, I couldn't help but think all the way through "this is really about her." True or not, Ms. Allen has a gift for writing in such a way that you just "know" she lived it - and you're thankful it was her and not you! I only compare this book to Fifty Shades in that there is sex, a lot of it. But again, it's spicier, hotter, more fun and more honest. There is one scene that somewhat objectifies Liz as opposed to ALL the sex in Fifty.
In a word, this book is better. Better story, better characters and WAY better written.
On to her second book - Discovering Arugula!
Who Got Liz Gardner was the debut novel of Elizabeth Allen, and while it seems to have been written as fiction, I couldn't help but think all the way through "this is really about her." True or not, Ms. Allen has a gift for writing in such a way that you just "know" she lived it - and you're thankful it was her and not you! I only compare this book to Fifty Shades in that there is sex, a lot of it. But again, it's spicier, hotter, more fun and more honest. There is one scene that somewhat objectifies Liz as opposed to ALL the sex in Fifty.
In a word, this book is better. Better story, better characters and WAY better written.
On to her second book - Discovering Arugula!
June 22, 2011
This book is for those women who fantasize about sexual adventures, and who enjoy “coming of age” books where the character finally “gets it”. Not to mention you will laugh out loud at times. Being the product of a dysfunctional family Liz Gardner is a free spirit who goes through men like butter and doesn’t look back. She knows what she wants and she takes it no matter the consequences. This book is her guide through her acting career, her wild and wacky relationships and finally a fitting ending. To say it in Liz’s words, “I drove through my life without a safety belt, miraculously surviving my reckless choices”. This is a fast-paced, hilarious first novel by Elizabeth Allen which I hope you will enjoy as much as I did.
Thank you to Elizabeth Allen for giving me the opportunity to review her novel.
Thank you to Elizabeth Allen for giving me the opportunity to review her novel.
March 7, 2010
Won this on Good Reads!!! This book came in the mail a few days ago and I put down my other book and plowed right through it. I have to say...Liz/Elizabeth...is this a tale of your life? Liz has many sexual adventures and the ending is not what I expected. I could see this book turning into a major motion picture. It was a Good Read and look forward to more books by Elizabeth Allen.
August 23, 2010
Find my review at either of the links below...
http://reviews.thedeepening.com/2010/...
http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2010/...
http://reviews.thedeepening.com/2010/...
http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2010/...
July 26, 2015
I hated this book. By the time I realized I hated it I was too far into it to quit. I stuck with it until the end and can't believe I did.
February 13, 2013
I was surprised I liked this book as much as I did. It got off to a slow start, but just a few chapters in I was hooked. It kept getting better and better as I read.
February 12, 2013
I freakin' loved this book!
October 15, 2020
DNF
This isn't for me. I'm bored and this is just way to strange and twisted for me to get any enjoyment out of it.
This isn't for me. I'm bored and this is just way to strange and twisted for me to get any enjoyment out of it.
December 20, 2010
Liz Gardner is eavesdropping in an alumni chat room when one of the men asks, "Who got Liz Gardner?' Wild speculation ensues to Liz's amusement because her story is both simpler and more complicated than they imagine. This fictional memoir, loosely based on the authors real life experiences, follows Liz's journey from hedonistic wild child to a happily married mother of one.
Allen barely takes a breath as she lays out Liz's family dysfunction and formative years with disturbing bluntness and flippant one liners in the first chapters. Initially I struggled with the frenetic pace of what is almost a stream of consciousness of Liz's recollections. It wasn't until a quarter of the way into the book that I felt that Liz's character was distinct from the drama surrounding her.
Liz spends most of her twenties trying to become an actress with limited success and the culture allows her an extended adolescence. Her career though is simply background to her dominant personal life. There is a lack of subtlety to Liz, the nuances of her emotions are overwhelmed by a mixture of crude humor and pathos. She is unapologetically aggressive and self centered yet despite Liz's brash manner, she has a surprising, unpretentious charm. What you see is what you get and Liz makes no concession to the consequences of her attitude.
Allen makes no attempt to couch her characters and their behaviours in euphemisms. Their strengths and weaknesses are displayed with an almost brutal authenticity.
It's entertaining to observe Liz's sybaritic lifestyle but I would have preferred some more introspection during her journey to illustrate growth in her character. I didn't feel that Liz matured over the course of the book so much as she finally ran out of steam.
Much of the Liz's story graphically details her shallow relationships and sexual exploits with a cast of wildly appropriate men, and women, including Phil, who is 32 to her 17, long term lover Chris and a young and nubile Taylor. Her encounters are often clumsy, funny and largely devoid of emotional connection. Despite the explicit language, I wouldn't identify it with erotica as the tone is oddly casual.
"Who Got Liz Gardner?" is the tale of one woman's pursuit of love and desire. It can be hilarious, crude and disturbing in turn but is an entertaining and enjoyable read for a mature audience.
Allen barely takes a breath as she lays out Liz's family dysfunction and formative years with disturbing bluntness and flippant one liners in the first chapters. Initially I struggled with the frenetic pace of what is almost a stream of consciousness of Liz's recollections. It wasn't until a quarter of the way into the book that I felt that Liz's character was distinct from the drama surrounding her.
Liz spends most of her twenties trying to become an actress with limited success and the culture allows her an extended adolescence. Her career though is simply background to her dominant personal life. There is a lack of subtlety to Liz, the nuances of her emotions are overwhelmed by a mixture of crude humor and pathos. She is unapologetically aggressive and self centered yet despite Liz's brash manner, she has a surprising, unpretentious charm. What you see is what you get and Liz makes no concession to the consequences of her attitude.
Allen makes no attempt to couch her characters and their behaviours in euphemisms. Their strengths and weaknesses are displayed with an almost brutal authenticity.
It's entertaining to observe Liz's sybaritic lifestyle but I would have preferred some more introspection during her journey to illustrate growth in her character. I didn't feel that Liz matured over the course of the book so much as she finally ran out of steam.
Much of the Liz's story graphically details her shallow relationships and sexual exploits with a cast of wildly appropriate men, and women, including Phil, who is 32 to her 17, long term lover Chris and a young and nubile Taylor. Her encounters are often clumsy, funny and largely devoid of emotional connection. Despite the explicit language, I wouldn't identify it with erotica as the tone is oddly casual.
"Who Got Liz Gardner?" is the tale of one woman's pursuit of love and desire. It can be hilarious, crude and disturbing in turn but is an entertaining and enjoyable read for a mature audience.
March 20, 2015
Wow, so this book really wasn't what I was expecting. I think I got it as a kindle freebie (or at least as a cheapie) and assumed it would just be a light easy chick-lit. I never imagined that it would make me think so deeply about my own life.
Liz Gardener is nothing like me at all. I wasn't able to identify with any of her childhood nor really any of her adulthood. My life is stable and boring when compared to hers and yet she spoke to me. I didn't necessarily understand / agree with her life choices, however there were numerous times when I found myself thinking "OMG! Yes, I know exactly what you mean!" or "OMG! I've thought that exact same thing"... I don't think I've ever read a book where I've highlighted so many thoughts thinking "how does she [the author] know what I'm thinking?".
The style of writing is conversational and extremely engaging and, unlike so many other books, it's real and believable. Life isn't portrayed as perfect, the heroine is far from perfect, and her story is not sugarcoated. It is, in equal measures, honest, in your face, and laugh out loud funny.
It's a coming of age chick lit novel like none other I've ever read and I would definitely recommend it.
Liz Gardener is nothing like me at all. I wasn't able to identify with any of her childhood nor really any of her adulthood. My life is stable and boring when compared to hers and yet she spoke to me. I didn't necessarily understand / agree with her life choices, however there were numerous times when I found myself thinking "OMG! Yes, I know exactly what you mean!" or "OMG! I've thought that exact same thing"... I don't think I've ever read a book where I've highlighted so many thoughts thinking "how does she [the author] know what I'm thinking?".
The style of writing is conversational and extremely engaging and, unlike so many other books, it's real and believable. Life isn't portrayed as perfect, the heroine is far from perfect, and her story is not sugarcoated. It is, in equal measures, honest, in your face, and laugh out loud funny.
It's a coming of age chick lit novel like none other I've ever read and I would definitely recommend it.
June 14, 2010
What I liked
I enjoyed this book so much. I laughed out loud and physically cringed in certain areas (due to the story, not the writing). The relationship that Liz has with her mother, her boyfriends, and her wacky roommate are great. And the way she reacts to everything, everyone of us would react the same way.
The author wrote this book almost in a memoir, journal way that results in an instant page turner.
What I didn't like
There were a couple of editing issues I found (nothing major - unless you are a George Michael fan - his name is misspelled twice). One thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the scene involving Harrison Ford and Melanie Griffith. While funny, there were some scenes that may not sit well for them. It would have sat better with me if the author had used fictional actors.
Overall
I enjoyed this book. One thing to note, there is ample sex going on in this book. It's not crude, but for those that don't like reading it, be aware. I passed this book on to three friends who also thoroughly enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this book so much. I laughed out loud and physically cringed in certain areas (due to the story, not the writing). The relationship that Liz has with her mother, her boyfriends, and her wacky roommate are great. And the way she reacts to everything, everyone of us would react the same way.
The author wrote this book almost in a memoir, journal way that results in an instant page turner.
What I didn't like
There were a couple of editing issues I found (nothing major - unless you are a George Michael fan - his name is misspelled twice). One thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the scene involving Harrison Ford and Melanie Griffith. While funny, there were some scenes that may not sit well for them. It would have sat better with me if the author had used fictional actors.
Overall
I enjoyed this book. One thing to note, there is ample sex going on in this book. It's not crude, but for those that don't like reading it, be aware. I passed this book on to three friends who also thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 18, 2010
I've been looking for a good romance novel for a long time, but all I kept finding were little girls books or skeevy sex books. Neither of which had what I was looking for. Until I found "Who got Liz Gardner." This book had it all! Deceit, love triangles, sex, aliens, past lives, marriage, and everything in between. It lived up to every expectation I had and some I didn't even know I could have for a book! Starting at the middle of her life, after everything had finally settled into place and then jumping head first into the very beginning of her life, you go on a tour of every experience, every heartbreak, every sexcapade that our Heroine has gone through. The best part that author Elizabeth Allen did was create a character and story plot that the reader can really get into. You feel for Liz and you root for her. This book was awesome and I would recommend it to any women, at any point in her life.
October 14, 2012
I really didn't care for this book. In addition to the lack of editing (which is always distracting), I found the ego of the main character got in the way of my liking her. Perhaps if the main character had been a little more realistic and a little less egocentric, I would've found the book more enjoyable. But that's just me.
I had no idea that this was a sort of(?) autobiographical book. But when I shared my comments on Amazon.com in a review, the author just went off on me and it was really creepy and weird. She accused me of being jealous of her life (wtf?) and accused me of being other people who'd also given her book bad reviews (apparently, in her mind, it's impossible that someone else on the planet might also have not cared for the book?).
It was very unprofessional and strange. I've never encountered anything like that before!
I had no idea that this was a sort of(?) autobiographical book. But when I shared my comments on Amazon.com in a review, the author just went off on me and it was really creepy and weird. She accused me of being jealous of her life (wtf?) and accused me of being other people who'd also given her book bad reviews (apparently, in her mind, it's impossible that someone else on the planet might also have not cared for the book?).
It was very unprofessional and strange. I've never encountered anything like that before!
December 9, 2012
Liz Gardner is a self centered but good hearted actress. Growing up during the 80,s and 90,s. It starts out in New York than later on moves to Los Angeles. As Liz persues her goals of an acting career and a decent man. Her mother is a drama queen a four time divorcee , and also a wealthy philandering shrink. Liz has more psychological baggage than most. Liz seeks out men to fill her emotional void, but they all end up being losers. Instead of giving up she summons up her inner courage and sets out to find a good life and someone to share it with. Laugh out loud funny at funny at times. I loved the relationships Liz has with her mother her wacky roommate and her boyfriend I look forward to reading more from this author.Elizabeth Allen
June 9, 2011
This was an easy to read, fun novel for the summertime. Since it is based off events in the author's life, it is easy to get into her story and you want to keep reading to find out what happens. The relationships in the book are sometimes a bit unrealistic in my opinion, but for the most part they are more gritty and real then books with a more romantic feel. Liz's family dynamic is also very interesting to read, and I can appreciate that she didn't only write the good times, but the bad and horrible times as well. As you progress through her life by way of her relationships you see how Liz becomes the person she is at the end of the novel. Since I read them in sequence the rest of the review is to be continued....
Reviewed by Gabi for Book Sake. http://booksake.blogspot.com
Reviewed by Gabi for Book Sake. http://booksake.blogspot.com
March 9, 2012
Couldn't stop reading yet didn't want it to end! Liz Allen's writing is brilliant! She grabs you and doesn't let go. I was addicted from the beginning. Baby Boomers everywhere will absolutely relate to Liz Gardner, an adventurous and brave character full of wit, wisdom with a pinch of mysticism . I would read a chapter a night savoring the delicious adventures of this bright, sexy, brash, sensitive, searching character. I know her, she is parts of me and many friends both past and present. She is the ultimate female archtype. A beautifully crafted MUST read that will surprise and delight. Can't wait for her next book!
July 3, 2016
High school reunions are a time of remembrance of missed opportunities and puppy dog crushes. In Liz Gardner case, she wanders into a chat room where surprisingly the men are speculation on who she had sex with and where she ended up. Most of the story revolves around Liz’s dysfunctional family, multiple affairs by family members, and concludes with marriage and birth of a daughter. The author did a fine job of portraying how casually people will commit to each other in the throbs of lust, but will quickly move on to others when opportunities arise. The characters are shallow and lack remorse for the pain and suffering their actions caused.
September 24, 2015
I feel like I read two different stories just crammed together. The first two thirds of this book seem fairly light hearted with the unapologetically slutty lead character bouncing from man to man. Then the story takes a turn. From one page to the next this character is suddenly capable of catering a macrobiotic menu for a new age retreat and vows to give up sex and save herself for "the one". I think the author was trying to show how the character was growing and maturing but skipped a few steps that could have added to the story.
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February 12, 2013I don't know what to rate this one. It kept my attention. I wanted to know "Who got Liz Gardner". Some parts were funny and sassy (funny enough that I took pictures of the page with my phone and text them to a friend)....and then at the end this weird part was thrown in and I don't know how to feel about it. It just threw off the book for me. Other than that one section, the book was good.
February 5, 2012
Liz Gardner is trying to live her life, and she does it right in your face. Funny upbeat and snarky book about a young woman who wantd to be an actress and all of her exploits (sexual and otherwise) are laid bare for all. Quirky characters like her mother Radiance, make this book a funny and entertaining read. Not a bad way to spend a day in the sun.
January 19, 2014
Honestly, I did not find the main character very likable, and there were a lot of experiences she had that were't really my style. It's a quick read, probably good for the beach, but not much substance here.
November 10, 2010
This book was sexy and fun, but heartfelt and endearing. Written like a bibliography, it’s more like the main character sitting back with you one Saturday night, drinking wine, confiding in you her life’s journeys. Excellent book! I highly recommend to all!
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October 18, 2016
This story reminded me a lot of Laurie Graff's "You have to Kiss a Lot of Frogs"..single girl/actress floats between NY and LA. The last quarter of the book was very "New Age-y and seemed out of sync with the rest of the story.
June 15, 2013
This book had me going crazy @ times, but I honestly fell in love w/Liz!!! She was the free spirit I've always wanted to be (w/out the sleeping around) as crazy as this book was, I couldn't put it down & if I ever got confused on a part, well....I just reread the whole page again;)
July 31, 2010
A very unique book but don't read if you're easily offended by sexual depictions.
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