Review: Quirky, zany fun
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 6, 2013
There's nothing really though-provoking about this book. It doesn't really teach any life lessons or make you reconsider your views on the world as you know it. But it IS chock full of quirky characters and zany situations. So much so that you'll laugh out loud.The story is narrated by Jane, a 30-something HR professional who is (not so) secretly stalking one of her neighbors, taking care of her 20+ year old goldfish Sparky, and dodging calls from her prying mother Pat1 (not to be confused with her dad, Pat2). Along the way we meet her hopelessly romantic brother and his ditzy but well-meaning fiance, a chain-smoking co-worker, a promiscuous friend, a latin lover, a couple of gay best friends, and a TV newscaster (among others).Pros: The narration is executed in such a way that it's like having lunch with an old friend. The dialogue is down-to-earth and believable, even if the plot developments aren't always. The characters are all unique and fairly well-developed, considering just how many characters there are.Cons: There weren't any major plot developments so while the characters and situations were fun, the story overall got a bit stale near the end. I'd have left happier if the book had been about 25% shorter.