Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him

by Danielle Ganek

As The Devil Wears Prada demystified the world of high fashion, this funny and insightful debut novel dishes the crazy and captivating Manhattan art scene. When painter Jeffrey Finelli is run over by a cab, the art world clamors for the instantly in-demand work by the late “emerging artist”—especially an enormous painting called Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him.Gallery receptionist and aspiring artist Mia McMurray fi nds herself at the center of the hype. She is an amused witness as a Birkin-toting collector, a well-muscled Irish artist, a real estate baron, and Lulu herself, the artist’s niece and muse, battle over the brand-new masterpiece. In the midst of the madness, Mia finds her own creative expression and artistic identity, not to mention love.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Art, Novels, Contemporary, Romance, Adult

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boss at church, Monica, picked up this book at a bookstore and insisted that we both read it because the title was way too cool to pass up . . . largely because our youth ministry kids call me Lulu for reasons which are way too complicated to explain but involve a seven-year-old trying to insult me and mixing up "loopy" and "loco" or something like that. Anyway, you don't care. But the point is that our reasons for wanting to read this book were entirely superficial and completely focused around the SHEER THUNDERING AWESOMENESS of the title.

The title doesn't really tell you anything about the book. But the book is still really good. It's a cute fluffy sparkly pink book about the glamorous world of New York artists, and how not-actually-all-that-glamorous that world really is. Having been there, I appreciated the author's honesty. But it's a charming romance combined with a classic woman-finds-herself-through-creative-expression story and the narrator has a likeable, quirky voice. And Lulu, the title character, totally fascinated me.

All in all, I think this was perfect for exactly what it was - a fabulous poolside read for when I was in Arizona at a 4-day conference but wanted to decompress during the few hours of the day I didn't have to be at Mass or taking notes in youth ministry seminars.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say this book was a solid 3.5 stars but I'm rounding down because I actually didn't love how the story started and it was a bit slow. Once we meet Lulu, the story picks up a bit. I do think I learned some interesting tidbits about the NYC art world, though, and I liked the main character (it was even a coming-of-age story since she definitely goes through some life changes). The beginning was a bit slow and I'm not sure we needed the first chapter only to go back in time. We meet Mia at an auction; she's there to see what happens to late painter Jeffrey Firelli's masterpiece, Lulu Meet God and Doubts Him. This giant painting is now worth millions when it was sold originally for a fraction of the cost. I think the novel would have been more interesting had it started with Chapter 1, when we learn that the story starts with the death of the artist. I enjoyed the friendship Mia has with Lulu, the relationship that unfolds between her and Zach, and although I figured out that Lulu is actually Jeffrey's daughter, it was still a nice scene between Jeffrey's partner and Lulu. But my question is when did he paint her? It sounds like they hadn't seen each other since she was small but he painted her when she was 9? That didn't make much sense to me.

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about contemporary art, the gallery world in NYC, and especially the characters. Lulu meets God and Doubts Him is the name of the huge Finelli painting displayed at the gallery where Mia works as a gallery girl, better described as an office assistant to the owner. There are wealthy patrons, art connoisseurs (not necessarily art lovers), and Lulu, niece of the painter. As the characters develop, I was happy to know them better and enjoyed seeing the story develop.

[Liz Whittaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a pretty intense book hangover from "Station Eleven," so it was hard to get very into this book. I did enjoy it, but I didn't think much about it when I wasn't reading it. But that probably has more to do with how much I enjoyed the book I read before this one than it does with this book itself.

[liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason I think this book tends to get lumped into the Devil Wears Prada/Nanny Diaries "let's take a cheeky look behind the scenes of ________ New York social/professional institution" faux-genre. Which is a shame, because it's pretty good. In this case, we're looking at the downtown gallery circuit. Our narrator works as the front desk girl at a minor gallery with a dubiously British owner. They're showing the works of an artist who hasn't been seen in New York for 20 years (decamped to Italy), when said artist is hit by a car when standing in the street smoking a cigarette outside the gallery. His renown skyrockets, due especially to the power of one work in particular, "Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him" (I was so happy the protagonist wasn't named Lulu). The narrator gets taken along for the ride, and befriends the real Lulu, now an adult searching for the uncle she'd never known.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rating this book 4 stars because I'm in a giving mood. If it didn't have the Chelsea art scene twist it would have been just another chick lit novel. However, there's just something that makes me feel innately cool about knowing all the artists mentioned in the book. So, I'm really giving this piece of literature 4 stars because of how it makes me feel.

It also doesn't help that, as fluffy and unrealistic the romantic storyline was, I still felt that it was something I could achieve.. or attain.. or could happen to me.. or whatever. A boy who is rich and loves art history?! To quote Rachael Ray (even though I loathe her): "YUM-O!"

This book accompanied me to multiple coffee shops, a bar, and my bed. It pleased every time.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a coming of age story about a girl making it in the gallery world, or perhaps a satire of the New York art scene. But instead, I discovered that it was chick lit -- and that realization highlighted for me what it is I don't like about chick lit. The characters were caricatures, most of the big moments felt unearned, and the plot was propelled by obvious misunderstandings and weighed down by little scenes where the main character decides which dress to wear and her friend comes over to help her accessorize.

I realize that I'm being unfriendly, and that there is good chick lit out there. In fact, this book probably qualifies as good chick lit. And that just means it was almost, but not quite, a good book.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sucked in by the title (who wouldn't be?) and I wasn't disappointed. This is definitely a light read, but it's still more substantial than your typical chick lit.

At times the love story is predictable, but the characters were so likeable that I overlooked that bit. More interesting to me was Mia's relationship with her art - anyone who's ever yearned to be a creative genius will relate to her struggles.

Great vacation or beach read for anyone who doesn't want to read another book about single girls who shop...

[Nicolette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned that people who write quasi-memoirs about their experience working in the art world are as annoying as many of the people i know who still work there. Oy, this one was painful to get through (maybe because I knew going into it that the author is the wife of a wealthy hedge fund manager - hate her!), but I managed. Gold star for me. And a big "Don't bother" for you.

[Zeynep Şen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, cleverly written read. It gives the reader great insights into the bubble of the art world & market. The plot twists on the whole are rather predictable (except for the one in the very beginning of the book) and the misunderstandings between certain characters are, well I don't want to say trite but they're a little too common. The book doesn't draw its stength from its story arch though, it draws it from its approach to creativity and the creative process. The outlook with which this process is approached packs a lot of punch and even provokes the reader into wanting to take on creative endevours such as writing or painting. So though this isn't the most captivating of novels, its one of the wittier ones, has relatable characters that you root for and gives you something to ponder over.

[Mrs. Bun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4+. A delightful surprise. "Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him" is the name of a painting in a gallery, and you are introduced to the art world in New York through the eyes of the gallery receptionist, Mia, an aspiring artist (in her mind) who falls in love with this painting. She is not the only one, and after the artist himself is hit by a taxi in front of the gallery and dies, the value of his limited works including "Lulu" skyrocket. The curtain is drawn back on the competitions between collectors, artists, gallery owners, art connoisseurs, investors, and others as the story of the artist and "Lulu's" fate continue to unfold. This is a fun read with memorable characters and twists and turns, parties, openings, naked dancing, scheming, the works.

[Lola · Rating 2 out of 5]

If an episode of Sex and the City (mid-run) was put through a grinder and turned into a book. I liked the beginning and I agree with others in that I was disappointed to realize that this book was simply "chick-lit" but I will say that if anything it's perfectly acceptable. It's very smooth and well edited, and has all the proper beats. If you asked a robot to give you chick-lit it would manufacture this for you. And I think that is baller awesome

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Genre fiction. Gave it a try because the title fit bizarrely with current life situation. Made it 50 pages in and thought," life is too short to waste on a crappy book." Returned to MIL who had same experience but keeps it for reason of the cover (explanation unnecessary- unless you know a LuLu and are agnostic or atheist, or you enjoy formulaic garbage, this is not the book for you."

[Courtney Deane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted this book to be better. It's definitely readable and somewhat entertaining, but the title and summary paragraph were just so compelling that I had really high expectations. I'd probably say download a sample and give it a try. It shouldn't necessarily be passed over, but know what you're getting into first.

[Jami M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book when it was first released. At the time it was a very accurate depiction of the contemporary art world. Now that I am older and far removed from that world this book is entertaining but mostly boring. I no longer want to read about wealthy people doing wealthy things. Probably won’t reread this one again.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without the Chelsea art scene, it would've been just another chick lit. I relate strongly to Mia, just as any aspiring creative would, but I found myself hoping for more out of a title this interesting.

[Aurianna Woodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I totally agree this is a 3 star book. Not bad, easy read on the plane, but a little superficial and melodramatic at the end. There's no depth to the writing, characters, or plot. But if you have a copy of the book and just want to kill some time, I dont think you'll be disappointed.

[Sue Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has the art scene and NYC, so it was a must read for me.

[Lydia Mazzullo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chick lit

It's a chick lit story. Only interesting part is the art scene. If you looking for that, enjoy the read. Otherwise skip it

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this a 3.5. The novel starts out slowly but it does get better. It took me a while to start caring about the characters

[Annette Boehm · Rating 3 out of 5]

a quick read and a nice escape, mentally, into the art gallery world of NYC.

[Caleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art world caricatures run wild in this genre novel.

[Teodor de Mas Valls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and funny

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story about the art world. I always love getting a 'behind the scenes' peak into different industries. The frenzy around art and the factors that drive up the price of specific pieces is fascinating. I wonder how much background research was done to prep for the story.

I will say that some of the characters fell flat to me, they weren't memorable and I had to go back and refresh my memory as to who they were. I did like Mia, her journey is similar to Andie's in the Devil Wears Prada, so I agree with that reference from the book description.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the first chapter, which is present day when Mia was at the auction where the painting 'Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him' is being sold. We get to meet a few of the characters before we're brought back in time to the day that the painting is originally revealed to the public at a gallery opening, the same day the artists, Jeffrey Finelli, is killed in a car accident

[Andrea Viesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandioso, habla tanto de arte y ese romance que ocurre❤

[Annie Stupik · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a fun read and good peek into a world I know nothing about (contemporary art) but the main character/narrator, in my opinion, was flat and lifeless.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed a book that wouldn't attempt to stand up to my last book, The Pillars of Earth. I could read "The Iliad" and be disappointed after that magnificent Ken Follett book (it took me a few days to recover from missing the characters). So I picked out a new one, a "quick" read of 277 pages vs. the 900+ I lovingly endured with Pillars.

And technically, it was quick for me. It was on the library's "Seven day loan" shelf and I challenged myself to reading it completely in seven days. Well, it didn't work out: I missed it by two days but still, a pretty good record for me.

And this one did a great job of keeping me entertained. A story of a gallery girl - sort of an administrative assistant for art galleries. This one is Mia McMurray, a wanna-be artist who struggles with her own sense of where she goes in the art world.

What inspires her, in more ways than one, is the painting by Jeffrey Finelli titled, well, "Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him". The painting is amazing, but Finelli is an unknown, um, "emerging" artist. But it depicts a beautiful 9 year old girl (his niece) with a slight smile...which mesmerizes everyone who sees it.

But it doesn't become a priceless piece of work until he is killed -- runned down by a car as he smokes a cigarette outside the opening of his art at Mia's gallery (the one she works at, not owns).

The story then delves into the business, and politics, of the art world. Finelli becomes an instant "hit" upon his death and there is a clamor of people wanting to buy any of his paintings. Then the elite of the elites, and wannabe elites, clamor for THE painting,.."Lulu Meets God".

Ganek shows how fake people can be, trying to act as though they are well-versed in the art world, with folks who are also trying to appear well-versed in the art world. Personally, if this is based on any fact of how art worlds work, I have no plans on being a part of that. It doesn't appear to be a part of "wow, this painting moves me" but more about "if I own this, I will be the envy of the art world".

But we meet Lulu, the inspiration to THE painting. And we see this world all through Mia's eyes.

Mia seems to be a sort of an 'eeyore' character: gray, just going through life with no real goal, or at least, no passion to pursue that goal. She's a depressing character without being to effective of making me feel sorry for her. Instead, I want to kick her and tell her "quit being so morose! do something with your life!"

But regardless of Mia's take on the art world, I was still entertained and am now ready to dig my heels into another rapturous novel.

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

""

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mia McMurray is a gallery girl, which gives her insight into parts of the art world but she really isn't sure what to do with that knowledge. The book follows Mia and the people she runs into as she finds herself and her places in the world. The books starts with an event and then heads back to explain how the came about and the changes the characters went through. The chain of events start with Finellis an emerging artist having his first art show, the highlight piece is Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him. Finellis dies during the opening and his work becomes much more desirable. Mia works for Simon who runs the gallery and is selling the works, she meets the Lulu of the painting Finellis' niece, collectors that want to purchase the pieces, other gallery owners and girls, as well as agents who work in the art world. Mia introduces Lulu to the art world and helps her find her creativity. While Lulu helps Mia find her creativity which leads Mia to finding her place in the world.

I picked up Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him after reading Ganek's other book. The Summer We Read Gatsby which I enjoyed. This book was a little slower in sections then Ganek's second book (Gatsby), but I did enjoy reading it. I do think a background on the art scene would be helpful for this book. Ganek tries to for kind of more intellectual chick lit. In striving for that something that seems to be lost somewhere. Parts of the book seem to intellectual and talk down to the reader if you don't understand the world she is writing about, while being to basic and almost too simple in other parts. There was a bit of jumping around in the character too. While Mia was trying to figure herself out and what she really wanted the reader was kept with her and felt some of hr confusion. But once she started to figure it out we weren't given as much insight. I still am glad I read it, but am not sure I would recommend this book necessarily.
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[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Art-world guilty pleasure. Recommended only for fellow ex-gallerinas.