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Dedication
Thirteen years after the love of her life abruptly leaves town hours before the senior prom only to become the world's biggest recording star, twenty-nine-year-old Kate Hollis decides to resolve her lingering resentments by confronting him during a home visit. By the authors of The Nanny Diaries. 150,000 first printing.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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2,596 people want to read
About the author
Emma McLaughlin
19?books960?followersMy partner, Nicki, and I have been writing together for 12 years. We're obsessed by what makes a satisfying story. I'm excited to hear from our readers what does it for them -- and what doesn't. As a working mom, the only book time I manage to steal these days is right before bed. I'm not the girl who can watch SVU and go to sleep with a smile. Ruling out kids/the economy/the world in peril as subject matter leaves sweeping Wharton epics or swift funny observations. The best is when a book makes you feel like you're still talking in the whee hours with your best college friend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 583 reviews
April 6, 2011
There are two ways to appreciate this book, either by giving 2 stars or 4 stars. 2 stars because the protagonist of the story acts like 13 year old girl than 30. Well, that made the story interesting and it changed in the end. She grow and so do her love to somebody else, if you believe to things that aren't we used to be we can get it like a falling star waiting to be catch by the dreamer. 4 stars because I can't stop from reading the book, it was simple but the concept was far different to other books I've read or I'm not a chic-lit hoarder, I only read chic-lit if I want to unwind myself.
I really liked the book because the protagonist, Kate, have a certain thing that produces a greater outcome in the end. Far from what I expected and her last decision was the most outstanding thing ever happened between the reader and the protagonist. From the first chapter of the book until the end, I can't stop form turning the pages one at a time and reading every wonderful words that popping in front of your naked eyes.
While the story progress you can feel the tension and the annoyance of the protagonist being so obsess to one guy that cares for her but wanted fame. She met this guy whose name is Jake Sharpe, he was like Bieber in real life, I'm not joking and it was true. Being cocky and everything, jeez, that's what a fangirl all about or maybe I'm wrong. Believe it or not Jake broke with Kate to made millions and platinum records. I don't know if he really has the guts to face her after the end of the story.
The story was absolute, she had a friend who always cares for her, Laura, a bandmate who always on her side for fun and a family who always cares for her. She's blind and getting rotten waiting for Jake, not realizing there are still million of cute guys waiting for her and those people who cares for her were the greatest treasure she can get. Jeez, that's what love can do, made you blind. Kidding.
The story alternates from year 2005 and her childhood years with Jake, well that made the story again unique and I enjoyed this one than Nanny Diaries. I think her friend Laura, should receive the high dedication in her life and most important is she is sick of love. Dedication is a story of a woman waiting for her soulmate until the end of life in Earth.
Kate, a 30 year old woman, a successful, intelligent and educated but one thing that really lacks in her life. It was someone who can comfort her forever and she thought that soulmate of her will last forever. It was like a song, a three minutes song for a 17 year old girl is a lifetime but for a 30 year old woman it's just a song. A song that only last for 3 minutes and nothing in the end.
Pete Doherty is a great disappointment after all those hard work he just waste it because of drugs and alcohol. I only read one of the articles online that he's trying to change, a no drug Pete Doherty. I pity them.
Rating - Dedication: A Novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, 4 Sweets and to Laura, no to Kate. (I can't wait to read more of your works, girls you did a great job for this book although some readers don't liked it. Everyone have different tastes.)
Challenges:
Book #58 for 2011
I really liked the book because the protagonist, Kate, have a certain thing that produces a greater outcome in the end. Far from what I expected and her last decision was the most outstanding thing ever happened between the reader and the protagonist. From the first chapter of the book until the end, I can't stop form turning the pages one at a time and reading every wonderful words that popping in front of your naked eyes.
While the story progress you can feel the tension and the annoyance of the protagonist being so obsess to one guy that cares for her but wanted fame. She met this guy whose name is Jake Sharpe, he was like Bieber in real life, I'm not joking and it was true. Being cocky and everything, jeez, that's what a fangirl all about or maybe I'm wrong. Believe it or not Jake broke with Kate to made millions and platinum records. I don't know if he really has the guts to face her after the end of the story.
The story was absolute, she had a friend who always cares for her, Laura, a bandmate who always on her side for fun and a family who always cares for her. She's blind and getting rotten waiting for Jake, not realizing there are still million of cute guys waiting for her and those people who cares for her were the greatest treasure she can get. Jeez, that's what love can do, made you blind. Kidding.
The story alternates from year 2005 and her childhood years with Jake, well that made the story again unique and I enjoyed this one than Nanny Diaries. I think her friend Laura, should receive the high dedication in her life and most important is she is sick of love. Dedication is a story of a woman waiting for her soulmate until the end of life in Earth.
Kate, a 30 year old woman, a successful, intelligent and educated but one thing that really lacks in her life. It was someone who can comfort her forever and she thought that soulmate of her will last forever. It was like a song, a three minutes song for a 17 year old girl is a lifetime but for a 30 year old woman it's just a song. A song that only last for 3 minutes and nothing in the end.
Pete Doherty is a great disappointment after all those hard work he just waste it because of drugs and alcohol. I only read one of the articles online that he's trying to change, a no drug Pete Doherty. I pity them.
Rating - Dedication: A Novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, 4 Sweets and to Laura, no to Kate. (I can't wait to read more of your works, girls you did a great job for this book although some readers don't liked it. Everyone have different tastes.)
Challenges:
Book #58 for 2011
September 13, 2008
Well... I'm not exactly sure what to say about this one. I liked the way that the book was laid out -- the chapters jumping to a different period in the past, and then back to the present setting, back and forth. The authors are pretty good at writing novels that don't involve a lot of thinking, that are east to get through, compelling, make you want to keep going & find out what happens next.
Unfortunately, I had a really hard time relating to the main character, Kate. I'm younger (24) than she is (30), but I've been able to relate to older protagonists going through that 'what the hell do I do with my life' phase before. Kate struck me as whiny and, to be honest, completely obsessed with her first love, a young man who wound up betraying her, her best friend and his bandmates by stealing the bandmates' music and claiming it as his own... and by writing about their relationship, so when he took off, it haunted her from the radio. Okay, sure, that's gotta be tough, but something like ten years had passed between the break-up and when the novel was set. You'd THINK that Kate would have gotten over it by NOW, especially since Jake is shallow and manipulative, and a liar. He's completely unappealing, unless all you want out of him is a one-night stand. He's the sort of man who will suck you in with charm and sweet words he doesn't mean, and then leave in the morning, or a week later. Unreliable. A teenager might fall for it. And yet grown-up Kate is still stuck on him.
My favorite parts involved the minor characters - particularly her best friend, Laura (I wonder why - that's my name too, haha), her husband Sam, Kate's parents. Their stories were more interesting than Kate's, who despite having a good life, a job she enjoys, etc etc, is stuck in a rut over a boy.
The end was probably the best part, because Kate finally grew a back-bone and dumped his ass. Didn't really redeem the rest of the book, because she goes back to him before she tells him to go screw himself (figuratively). I'd lost any sympathy I had for Kate by that point.
Unfortunately, I had a really hard time relating to the main character, Kate. I'm younger (24) than she is (30), but I've been able to relate to older protagonists going through that 'what the hell do I do with my life' phase before. Kate struck me as whiny and, to be honest, completely obsessed with her first love, a young man who wound up betraying her, her best friend and his bandmates by stealing the bandmates' music and claiming it as his own... and by writing about their relationship, so when he took off, it haunted her from the radio. Okay, sure, that's gotta be tough, but something like ten years had passed between the break-up and when the novel was set. You'd THINK that Kate would have gotten over it by NOW, especially since Jake is shallow and manipulative, and a liar. He's completely unappealing, unless all you want out of him is a one-night stand. He's the sort of man who will suck you in with charm and sweet words he doesn't mean, and then leave in the morning, or a week later. Unreliable. A teenager might fall for it. And yet grown-up Kate is still stuck on him.
My favorite parts involved the minor characters - particularly her best friend, Laura (I wonder why - that's my name too, haha), her husband Sam, Kate's parents. Their stories were more interesting than Kate's, who despite having a good life, a job she enjoys, etc etc, is stuck in a rut over a boy.
The end was probably the best part, because Kate finally grew a back-bone and dumped his ass. Didn't really redeem the rest of the book, because she goes back to him before she tells him to go screw himself (figuratively). I'd lost any sympathy I had for Kate by that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2008
This book was not even fit for an MTV/Lifetime movie. It was juvenile, implausible, and absurd. At NO time during the book did I ever believe that a woman of 30 years old would still pine for and be deeply affected by the boy she dated for a few months in high school, whether he¡¯s famous or not. Maybe if they dated for an extremely long time, had an long passionate affair with each other subsequent to the high school break-up, etc., I could believe it a bit more but not the way the story presented their relationship and her extreme immaturity at the age of 30.
July 3, 2007
I wish I could say I liked this one as well as the other books by these authors. It was cute, I guess. The story alternates between 2005, when the main character is confronting her ex-boyfriend in their hometown, and flashbacks to their high school years. Her ex became a famous musician and his most famous song is about losing his virginity to the main character. There are about ten zillion pop culture references to the early 90s, some of which are funny, but others just feel like they're trying too hard to bank on nostalgia. One word: Zima. Really? C'mon. Teenagers didn't really drink Zima, did they?
Anyway. Mostly the ex-boyfriend character seems like such an ass that you wonder why this girl would be hung up on him for 13 years. It's a bit insulting to read about an allegedly intelligent, successful young woman who is willing to stop everything in her life to track down some musician dude who seems suspiciously like John Mayer. Oh, whatever. I knew going into this book that it would be complete fluff. I just wanted some light summer reading. But I didn't think this book would be so light that it would practically float away. I thought these two authors had a more savvy slant on chick lit, something for the girl reader with a brain. Um, nope. Not this time.
Anyway. Mostly the ex-boyfriend character seems like such an ass that you wonder why this girl would be hung up on him for 13 years. It's a bit insulting to read about an allegedly intelligent, successful young woman who is willing to stop everything in her life to track down some musician dude who seems suspiciously like John Mayer. Oh, whatever. I knew going into this book that it would be complete fluff. I just wanted some light summer reading. But I didn't think this book would be so light that it would practically float away. I thought these two authors had a more savvy slant on chick lit, something for the girl reader with a brain. Um, nope. Not this time.
October 15, 2007
This comes from the same authors who produced 'The Nanny Diaries,' and I was really hoping that this book would capture the same light, witty charm the earlier book did. Unfortunately, the excessive teenage angst-iness and the awkward flashbacks make this read feel like you're being held hostage at a girls sleeopver that's 250 pages too long.
I've read great books that revolve around romantic relationships and their ensuing demise or success, but in my view, in order to be a good read, the reader has to have an investment in the protagonist *without* a romantic lead. The success of 'Nanny Diaries' hinged on an eminently likable (if beseiged) nanny; the protagonist of 'Dedication' is, at age 30, more or less as obsessed and irrational as she was at 13. Additionally, the whole book revolves around her studies obsession of a former high school flame that garners pretty much zero interest or empathy.
I've read great books that revolve around romantic relationships and their ensuing demise or success, but in my view, in order to be a good read, the reader has to have an investment in the protagonist *without* a romantic lead. The success of 'Nanny Diaries' hinged on an eminently likable (if beseiged) nanny; the protagonist of 'Dedication' is, at age 30, more or less as obsessed and irrational as she was at 13. Additionally, the whole book revolves around her studies obsession of a former high school flame that garners pretty much zero interest or empathy.
February 18, 2017
Dedication is a sweet book about young love. Even at the age where true youth is in the rear view mirror¡ªor perhaps especially because I'm at that age¡ªI really enjoyed it.
One of my favorite things about this book may also suit my contemporaries: the flash-back scenes through the main character's middle school, high school, and college years are perfectly timed to my own reminiscences. I actually giggled when recalling the one-hit-wonder songs, stirrup pants, and blue mascara (how I rocked blue mascara!). The best thing about these, well, historical references is that they never hit you over the head in a "we're making fun of this era to make you laugh" way; their mentions were so brief¡ªalmost parenthetical¡ªthat you could have a moment of nostalgia without ever losing your interest in the characters or plot.
Also, this was a book focused on all kinds of relationships, not just romance, which I truly enjoyed. The descriptions the main character's best-friend relationship and her relationship with her parents were as sweet as the love story itself.
If I had one criticism, it would be that some of the transitions from one timeline to the next were a little abrupt. Toward the end, it almost felt like the authors' editors had said, "You've got to wrap this up, so get it moving along," which was unfortunate because I would have preferred a more emotionally well-rounded ending.
Definitely not for teens (due to language and love scenes that strayed slightly over the PG mark), but a great book for women perhaps 30 and up, who can appreciate thoughtful glimpses into the past with the main character.
One of my favorite things about this book may also suit my contemporaries: the flash-back scenes through the main character's middle school, high school, and college years are perfectly timed to my own reminiscences. I actually giggled when recalling the one-hit-wonder songs, stirrup pants, and blue mascara (how I rocked blue mascara!). The best thing about these, well, historical references is that they never hit you over the head in a "we're making fun of this era to make you laugh" way; their mentions were so brief¡ªalmost parenthetical¡ªthat you could have a moment of nostalgia without ever losing your interest in the characters or plot.
Also, this was a book focused on all kinds of relationships, not just romance, which I truly enjoyed. The descriptions the main character's best-friend relationship and her relationship with her parents were as sweet as the love story itself.
If I had one criticism, it would be that some of the transitions from one timeline to the next were a little abrupt. Toward the end, it almost felt like the authors' editors had said, "You've got to wrap this up, so get it moving along," which was unfortunate because I would have preferred a more emotionally well-rounded ending.
Definitely not for teens (due to language and love scenes that strayed slightly over the PG mark), but a great book for women perhaps 30 and up, who can appreciate thoughtful glimpses into the past with the main character.
March 6, 2009
I don't know why I continue to read their books (so far, I've only liked Nanny Diaries). This one is about a girl whose high school sweetheart turns into a major rock star and returns to her hometown to try to rekindle their romance - can we say cliche?! I hate the authors' style of writing - It's so confusing and I had to read and re-read several sentences, which is a waste of time for a book that's meant to be a fast read. I think they're trying to make the conversations between the characters seem real, but I feel like the reader was never part of their inside joke.
The book started off cute, especially the high school parts, which seemed realistic. The adult sections of the book were so overly dramatic and insanely unreal, and I didn't feel like I could respect the main character who is supposed to be smart and grounded.
I gave it two stars because atleast the book was moving along and the format (changing back and forth from high school to adult life) was interesting. Overall, not worth the read!
The book started off cute, especially the high school parts, which seemed realistic. The adult sections of the book were so overly dramatic and insanely unreal, and I didn't feel like I could respect the main character who is supposed to be smart and grounded.
I gave it two stars because atleast the book was moving along and the format (changing back and forth from high school to adult life) was interesting. Overall, not worth the read!
February 8, 2017
Wow, did I ever hate this book. I didn't like any of the characters! Not one made any sense to me. The book jumps all over the place. One chapter of the present, then you are randomly thrown into a chapter from the past...then the present picking up where the last one left off...then random past sometime later then the previous one. It's just a mess.
Jake is an ass...past and present. Katie is in love with him (which I get in high school), but then there is 10 years where she doesn't see him, but pines for him still! He treated her horribly, whatever his reasons. And then the end! To have read all that garbage about the messed up families and their relationship to have her finally get her closure and walk out on him? I don't know, seemed pretty unlikely that she wouldn't have figured this stuff out in the 10 years she didn't see (or hear from) him.
Jake is an ass...past and present. Katie is in love with him (which I get in high school), but then there is 10 years where she doesn't see him, but pines for him still! He treated her horribly, whatever his reasons. And then the end! To have read all that garbage about the messed up families and their relationship to have her finally get her closure and walk out on him? I don't know, seemed pretty unlikely that she wouldn't have figured this stuff out in the 10 years she didn't see (or hear from) him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2009
Loved this book. Loved it. As a child of the late 80s/early 90s, the details (Salon Selectives, anyone?) made this book completely believable to me. I was expecting this to be just plain old pleasurable chick lit, but Katie, the heroine, is so likable. I almost had to blink tears away during the very last page - the last flashback. Such a good story. I liked it even better than The Nanny Diaries, and I wasn't expecting to.
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April 22, 2008This is a ZERO star book - awful. Self-centered rock star comes back to his roots where jilted ex-girlfriend who swore vengeance years earlier "confronts" him. Despite advanced degrees, great job, and good friends, Kate is stupid, Jake is worse and there is NO redeeming value to this book! Language, sex, alcohol.
July 22, 2013
Read the first couple of chapters and could not go further. I appreciate all the early 90's references and everything, but it's just....ugh. I understand holding a grudge and all but good lord! move on! Life is too short to read books that you're not really enjoying, so on to the next one.
December 9, 2024
I thrifted this book when I was like 16. I was speechless for days after I finished it. Raged for days onward. And none of this was in a good way! I never hated a main character so much in my life. The ultimate anti-hero. Her immaturity was palpable - and I wanted to hold it in my hands, mold it into the devil's face, and toss it into a towering flame! I told myself I would never read this book again. I am now 30 years old. I thought I had long gone gotten rid of my copy when there it was packed nicely away with all my Grandmother's hand-me-down Debbie McComber books. Alas, I will be reading it again. I admit I am actually looking forward to it for I am curious to see if I will react in the same way.
December 6, 2014
3 STARS
"Kate Hollis's ex-boyfriend's face plasters newsstands and TV, the Internet, and the multiplex. Jake Sharpe is one of the biggest recording stars on the planet, and every song he's famous for is about Kate. For over a decade his soundtrack has chased her -- from the gym to the supermarket, from the dentist's office to the bars. Now thirty-year-old Kate gets the call that Jake has finally landed back in their Vermont hometown for an MTV special. The moment she has been waiting for has arrived.
On the eve of their prom, Jake Sharpe vanished, resurfacing when his song "Losing" -- about his and Kate's first sexual experience -- shot to the top of the Billboard charts. And the hits kept coming, each more personal than the one before.
Now Kate gets her chance to confront Jake and reclaim her past. But after eleven years of enduring protracted and far-from-private heartbreak, everyone in Kate's life has a stake in how this plays out. Kate must risk betraying the friends Jake abandoned, the bandmates whose songs he plundered, and her own parents, who fear this will dredge up a shared past more painful than any of them want to acknowledge. But after getting the call in the dead of night and jumping on a plane, can she turn back now?" (From Amazon)
A fair romantic comedy.
"Kate Hollis's ex-boyfriend's face plasters newsstands and TV, the Internet, and the multiplex. Jake Sharpe is one of the biggest recording stars on the planet, and every song he's famous for is about Kate. For over a decade his soundtrack has chased her -- from the gym to the supermarket, from the dentist's office to the bars. Now thirty-year-old Kate gets the call that Jake has finally landed back in their Vermont hometown for an MTV special. The moment she has been waiting for has arrived.
On the eve of their prom, Jake Sharpe vanished, resurfacing when his song "Losing" -- about his and Kate's first sexual experience -- shot to the top of the Billboard charts. And the hits kept coming, each more personal than the one before.
Now Kate gets her chance to confront Jake and reclaim her past. But after eleven years of enduring protracted and far-from-private heartbreak, everyone in Kate's life has a stake in how this plays out. Kate must risk betraying the friends Jake abandoned, the bandmates whose songs he plundered, and her own parents, who fear this will dredge up a shared past more painful than any of them want to acknowledge. But after getting the call in the dead of night and jumping on a plane, can she turn back now?" (From Amazon)
A fair romantic comedy.
June 17, 2007
I saw the book in the bookstore...and of course I had to read the jacket cover, and now am counting down the days until I get it and bring it to its new home :) I'm such a bookjacket whore, I get sucked in by a well written synopsis. Imagine my delight when the little teaser lives up to its name. I'm hoping this will be one of those times.
Currently loving this book. The characters, the story...I've become invested in the ending, and am really hoping it doesn't disappoint. I started reading this last night, and I'm 3/4 of the way through it...
Okay. done, and I'm not left feeling disappointed, so really keyed up about that. In the first couple pages, I had a tough time getting into the authors stride, but I got it in short order, and loved the book. The plot about ex girlfriend getting vengeance on the guy who leaves to make it big in the rock scene..it was pretty good. I really loved the characters, and how the author humanized them in a way that was at once recognizable and painful...
Currently loving this book. The characters, the story...I've become invested in the ending, and am really hoping it doesn't disappoint. I started reading this last night, and I'm 3/4 of the way through it...
Okay. done, and I'm not left feeling disappointed, so really keyed up about that. In the first couple pages, I had a tough time getting into the authors stride, but I got it in short order, and loved the book. The plot about ex girlfriend getting vengeance on the guy who leaves to make it big in the rock scene..it was pretty good. I really loved the characters, and how the author humanized them in a way that was at once recognizable and painful...
July 15, 2008
I really liked this book. I admit it took some time to get into, but once you get passed the first few chapters, it starts to pick up speed. I really enjoyed the 80's and 90's references throughout the book as well since I was also in school at that time.
Katie/Kate had a crush on Jake since the 6th grade. They finally become a couple in high school - each other's first true loves. I think most women can relate that their first true love (especially if it was in high school) holds a special place in their heart. Jake leaves town without telling any of his friends (the members of his band) or the love of his life, Katie. In fact, he stands her up for the senior prom. Thirteen years later Kate has the opportunity to get revenge on Jake when he returns to their hometown for a MTV special. There are definitely still sparks between the two and what happens next may surprise you. In the end, Kate makes her choice and the reader also gets to see how the beginning came to be.
Definitely worth reading, but take your time. Don't try to rush through it.
Katie/Kate had a crush on Jake since the 6th grade. They finally become a couple in high school - each other's first true loves. I think most women can relate that their first true love (especially if it was in high school) holds a special place in their heart. Jake leaves town without telling any of his friends (the members of his band) or the love of his life, Katie. In fact, he stands her up for the senior prom. Thirteen years later Kate has the opportunity to get revenge on Jake when he returns to their hometown for a MTV special. There are definitely still sparks between the two and what happens next may surprise you. In the end, Kate makes her choice and the reader also gets to see how the beginning came to be.
Definitely worth reading, but take your time. Don't try to rush through it.
January 20, 2011
This is just one of those books that's a quick read. The F bomb is dropped more than several times, there are quite a few crude moments, and to be honest when I was finishing up the last hundred pages or so, I couldn't wait to be done with it. It was enough to keep me distracted for 3 hours tops, but I won't find myself pondering the meaning of life over this book anytime soon. The 30 year old main character, Katie, acts more like a 13 year old with hormone issues; her "I love him now, no I don't, yes I do, maybe I don't, of course I do" attitude gets old after a hundred pages, but at least that attitude didn't drag on longer than it did. And it might have just been me, but I felt like the conclusion could hardly be called one; then again, it's just me.
I did, however, like the switching back and forth between Katie's point of view as an adolescent and her present time point of view.
All in all, not really a book I would recommend. I picked it up in the library to unwind, get my mind of finals studying, and it did a pretty good job.
I did, however, like the switching back and forth between Katie's point of view as an adolescent and her present time point of view.
All in all, not really a book I would recommend. I picked it up in the library to unwind, get my mind of finals studying, and it did a pretty good job.
March 22, 2009
What does it take to make one's ex regret his entire existance?
McLaughin and Kraus explore that mission in detail here, but this book is less about revenge than understanding the complex history that has formed the present moment.
Kate Hollis has had to live with Jake's songs for years--they're number one hits, and they're all about her and their high school romance. Instead of being flattered, Kate is mortified and has even moved several states away rather than be in the same town with her high school classmates. But Jake has returned to their hometown for an MTV special . . . and Kate has her chance to make him feel regret.
This is a lovely novel, one I thoroughly enjoyed. The chapters alternate between 2005 and her adolescence. As readers, we see the slow courtship and chances that bring Jake and Kate together in the first place, and we see the chain of hurt he leaves in his wake.
McLaughin and Kraus explore that mission in detail here, but this book is less about revenge than understanding the complex history that has formed the present moment.
Kate Hollis has had to live with Jake's songs for years--they're number one hits, and they're all about her and their high school romance. Instead of being flattered, Kate is mortified and has even moved several states away rather than be in the same town with her high school classmates. But Jake has returned to their hometown for an MTV special . . . and Kate has her chance to make him feel regret.
This is a lovely novel, one I thoroughly enjoyed. The chapters alternate between 2005 and her adolescence. As readers, we see the slow courtship and chances that bring Jake and Kate together in the first place, and we see the chain of hurt he leaves in his wake.
April 15, 2011
I got this as a clearance book at Books a Million. I'd had it sitting on the shelf for over a year, and almost got rid of it without reading it, but then I noticed it was written by the same authors who wrote "The Nanny Diaries", and I decided to give it a try. Verdict? I'd probably be upset if I'd paid full price for this book. It was okay, but just okay. There were times I found myself wanting to hit the narrator-- her high school boyfriend has become a big rock star, by writing songs about her-- very intimate songs about her. Here's the thing-- it's been YEARS. She's thirty and has a successful career, and she STILL wants to get back at this guy for doing her wrong. See what I mean about wanting to hit her and knock some sense into her?
I found the ending of the book to be unsatisfying. I don't want to give anything away, but I found myself saying "That's it? I read the whole book, and THAT'S how it ends?"
I found the ending of the book to be unsatisfying. I don't want to give anything away, but I found myself saying "That's it? I read the whole book, and THAT'S how it ends?"
September 25, 2007
The third book from the authors of 'The Nanny Diaries' does not hold up to the high standards set by their first book.
The book jacket reads great: a girl returns to her hometown to make her high school sweetheart (who's now famous) regret capitalizing on their intimate relationship through his chart-topping songs. However, the back story is told in a series of flashbacks that try too hard to be shocking (e.g. backstabbing, infidelity, mental illness).
It's easy to finish the book because you want from it the same thing main character Katie ('I go by Kate now') wants from her ex - closure.
Pros: Some funny flashbacks to adolescence and the horrific clothing trends, light fare
Cons: Mildly disappointing
The book jacket reads great: a girl returns to her hometown to make her high school sweetheart (who's now famous) regret capitalizing on their intimate relationship through his chart-topping songs. However, the back story is told in a series of flashbacks that try too hard to be shocking (e.g. backstabbing, infidelity, mental illness).
It's easy to finish the book because you want from it the same thing main character Katie ('I go by Kate now') wants from her ex - closure.
Pros: Some funny flashbacks to adolescence and the horrific clothing trends, light fare
Cons: Mildly disappointing
September 30, 2007
I think i forgot to add this one - not a very good sign, but it was about four books ago so i think that is why - anyway, very much a 3 star-er - the nanny diaries ple, so there is a lot of witty stuff in here, tho at times she was annoying in a jodi picoult sort of way; everyone has the same sense of humor, everyone magically has these pithy lines at the close of each chapter - but it was light with enough momentum to keep me interested, and the ending, which was really what earned it three stars, was ala circle of friends which is unusual for chick lit and therefore elevated its status in my opinion. a very good friday night on the couch read which you can finish and still have many hours left to sleep.
March 7, 2008
New plan: cranium candy + cardio = sleek Sarah. Nothing can go wrong.
Update: did not do a lick of movement while reading this.
I'm a little ashamed of liking this book. I'm skeptical of the joint writing process, the plot was about as implausible as they come, and it was nostalgia-heavy to the point of needing a forklift. However, the girl opts out of the guy at the end, which in itself is worth noting, and perhaps respecting, chick-lit-wise, and withing the characters' world that seems like a plausible, desirable, and appropriately complex outcome. Also, Mizzes Kraus and McLaughlin evoke adolescent sexuality uncomfortably well. Ahem.
Update: did not do a lick of movement while reading this.
I'm a little ashamed of liking this book. I'm skeptical of the joint writing process, the plot was about as implausible as they come, and it was nostalgia-heavy to the point of needing a forklift. However, the girl opts out of the guy at the end, which in itself is worth noting, and perhaps respecting, chick-lit-wise, and withing the characters' world that seems like a plausible, desirable, and appropriately complex outcome. Also, Mizzes Kraus and McLaughlin evoke adolescent sexuality uncomfortably well. Ahem.
May 7, 2008
I've come to realize that I need novels of nothingness, not just novels of note, to get through the hard times. Simple in structure and mundane in plot, this book was an insomniac's obsession for two days. Perfect for start-of-new-quarter reading; doesn't tax the brain... but it didn't do much else either. As I think more about it, I am aghast at my reading selections. Ah, well, it can't all be Kushiel. Teasing. It can't all be Krauss, Troung, and Chabon.
March 20, 2009
Maybe it's just because the main character in this book was in high school/college at the same time that I was, but this book really struck a chord with me. I literally could not stop reading it. I loved all of the 80s & 90s references--the music, the hair, the clothes, etc.--some of which were obscure and that I had long forgotten (or blocked from my memory).
April 7, 2011
This is not their best, but I did enjoy it. Imagine if your high school boyfriend grew up to be a famous musician and all his songs are about your time with him. THAT is what this book is about and it was fascinating.
July 9, 2007
Not a classic by any means, but a quick fun read nonetheless.
March 10, 2008
Quite uneven writing--seems to come from the fact there are dual authors, you need to be really talented to pull that off.
Woman tries to get over high school boyfriend who has become a rock star.
Woman tries to get over high school boyfriend who has become a rock star.
July 23, 2008
Better than Citizen Girl but perhaps not as good as the Nanny Diaries. I really liked the premise of the story and the back and forth storytelling between the present and past. Good beach read.
August 26, 2017
This book was so bad that I didn't even want to finish it. I never thought I could actually hate a book. But I hate this one.
May 25, 2018
It only took me a month and a half to read this book? Felt like three months. How can I convey to you the poor writing or editing? The style of the book, going between the present and the past, that doesn¡¯t bother me. If well written, it can be quite dramatic. But I feel as though these authors took turns writing the story. And where the hell is the editor? There were so many sentences that were wordy and didn¡¯t make sense. I reread probably 30% of the book because I was trying to understand the syntax and the vernacular. I chose to read it because I liked the premise, the idea of revenge on a former flame. But the characters were so shallow and thin. I had little to no sympathy for most of them. I stuck with the book because I had to see it through¡ªtoo stubborn to give up! I will say, the ending was quite satisfactory, I was concerned it was going in the opposite direction. When I turned the final page, I was satisfied a)with the ending, b) that I finally finished it. It was not a page turner. It took a long time to figure out why they were so angry for much of the book. I feel like the first several chapters of grade 7, 8, 9 or whatever could haven summed up in several pages rather than chapters. The pace was slow, writing poor, plot device meh and characters...well, let¡¯s put it this way: I often feel melancholy when I finish a well written novel because I¡¯m going to miss spending time with the characters. I don¡¯t feel that way. At all. More Like I¡¯ve gotten dumped by the lousy boyfriend and I don¡¯t have to put up with his shit anymore. Thank God.
Don¡¯t read it.
Don¡¯t read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2017
To the fans of this book : please don't read this review if you don't want to be upset with me . I just want you to know that everyone has a different opinion and taste for books . Please respect Everyone's opinions . And I hope I won't get hate for this review .
I'm so sorry to say this but I'm going to give this book a one star . I hope whoever love this book won't be offended . And also , the writers . I'm so sorry to say this because I have never given any book a one star . I also don't think this book should even be published in the first place . This is just dumb.
I had no idea why I had bought this book in the first place because the story plot is just so stupid .
Kate, who is already about 30 years old and yet she's still acting like a teen. Even i as a teen won't do what she does . Like, get over your ex won't you? And ? Seeing him having a spouse, you, Kate, should get away from jake as far as possible ! Jake is already a jerk just to lie to the media and write songs about Kate when he's already taken . And , it's been like , how long was that ? Ten years ago ? Forget about him already ! He's not worth it . Not worthy enough for Kate ! She should have just dumped him forever long time ago ! Not until she's 30 ?!
I just can't finish it because it's so awful and boring to read . This book might be suitable for kids , or worse , no one :(
I'm so sorry to say this but I'm going to give this book a one star . I hope whoever love this book won't be offended . And also , the writers . I'm so sorry to say this because I have never given any book a one star . I also don't think this book should even be published in the first place . This is just dumb.
I had no idea why I had bought this book in the first place because the story plot is just so stupid .
Kate, who is already about 30 years old and yet she's still acting like a teen. Even i as a teen won't do what she does . Like, get over your ex won't you? And ? Seeing him having a spouse, you, Kate, should get away from jake as far as possible ! Jake is already a jerk just to lie to the media and write songs about Kate when he's already taken . And , it's been like , how long was that ? Ten years ago ? Forget about him already ! He's not worth it . Not worthy enough for Kate ! She should have just dumped him forever long time ago ! Not until she's 30 ?!
I just can't finish it because it's so awful and boring to read . This book might be suitable for kids , or worse , no one :(
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