A few weeks ago, Kristen Buckley, author of How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, placed a comment on my blog asking me to read a novel that she wrote that will be available in July. Totally flattered that someone wanted me to read something they wrote and review it on my site, I of course said YES! I received an uncorrected proof of the novel from her public relations person, making me feel totally in the loop and cooler than heck. Unfortunately, it arrived during finals, so I had to set it aside for a while. After a few hectic weeks, I finally had a free Sunday, so I settled in to read. It's a good thing my main task for the day was sitting by the phone waiting for a call, because I couldn't put it down. I just have two words: PHE NOMINAL. This is not heavy literature; it is HIGH quality entertainment, but it does make a few deep points. The one that spoke very loudly to me was about not transforming yourself into what you think your guy wants (take home lesson: if you don't normally double condition your hair, don't start to make a good impression on your man). I totally do that all the time, then when I am comfortable, I act like myself, fighting ensues, and a breakup follows swiftly thereafter.
Key highlights of the book:
1. It is set in Manhattan.
2. "Fordam?" "No Columbia." Fordam is for losers. He looks really impressed.
3. Blackmail.
4. Crazy-ass, more entitled than thou, rich college dropout activist motherfuckers get their comeuppance.
5. The main character lies. A lot.
6. She flips off her guitar.
7. She writes on walls.
8. She is just so fucking cool.
9. The main character is very human. She talks about BO, etc. I like her.
10. Did I mention that the main character rocks?
If you liked Bridget Jones' Diary or Confessions of a Shopaholic, you will probably like this. This book was better than both of those, however, since the main character just fucking kicks ass.
When I told some of my friends about the plot (involving a girl guitarist who lost her raison d'etre and her process of finding meaning in her life), they begged to read it, but I won't let anyone touch my uncorrected proof. I am the cool one, not them. (OK, so I am posing. I am not really cool. Let me have my moment.) Lisa (whom the main character reminds me of a bit), wants an autographed copy as soon as it comes out. I would love to see this turned into a sitcom. This girl is way cooler than Felicity or Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Ally McBeal.
