I wasn't thrilled with this book.I picked it up at the library, the little library in town where I live, where they have a small collection of audio books on CD, as opposed to the city library which has tons.This was one of the few audio books the town library had in stock, and so I took a chance. I'm still trying to decide if the book was worth the five or so hours it took to listen to.Mainly, I felt depressed when I finished it. I don't want to ruin it for people who might actually venture to read it, but I just felt really depressed when it was all over - finally. all. over.The book is about several generations of women, mothers, daughters, granddaughters and in-laws who all have their squabbles with one another. Mothers, daughters, etc. squabbling with eachother isn't exactly original (and for those flighty types who enjoy going to happy ending movies just to escape reality, this part of the book might be too close to reality to be enjoyable.) Really, the squabbling wasn't what got me. It was all the cheating men in the women's lives who they get mixed up that makes their stories annoying and almost unbearable.I would say this is close to the type of book most people would consider good beach reading, because it's super fiction-ish (at least I hope it's all fiction - if any of it is based on truth, I can only imagine the therapy the people involved went through)and very girlish, drama-ish too.Some parts of the book were witty, and there were a few brief moments where the verses were actually clever, but even these moments aren't really appealing because I was so caught off guard that the otherwise unintelligent banter of the characters took an intellectual turn for the better that I was scratching my head - having a "what-the?" moment as opposed to an "ah-ha" moment.Take a gander at the book yourself and let me know what you think. Maybe I missed the bigger picture, but I don't think this book is one I want to revisit any time soon.
I love Michael Lee West's writing. Love, LOVE it. These women are a train wreck...but you love them, all the same. I took this book with me, everywhere, because I couldn't wait to see what Bitsy, Violet, Clancy Jane, and dear Dorothy would do next. The characters have their faults, are fully aware of their faults (mostly), and deal with their faults, and their family members' faults with grace (mostly) and humor (mostly). Nothing is tied up in neat little packages, but the novel ends on a wonderful note of "life goes on." I love the setting and the Southern characters...quirky, as they often are in novels, but classy, in their own way, and loveable. I can't wait to go back and read Crazy Ladies, so I can know more about Dorothy and Clancy Jane.I fully intend to read everything this author writes. :)
What do You think about Mad Girls In Love (2006)?
A fun book to read. It draws you in with just the first chapter. It is very entertaining and crazy. You never know what could happen. A nice escape from your life into one that is much more dysfunctional. I would recommend this book to anyone who remembers what it is like to be young, occasionally crazy and in love. The same author also wrote "Crazy Ladies" which is equally a fun book to read, however, I thought that "Mad Girls in Love" is better. In a way, Crazy Ladies is suppose to come before "Mad Girls in Love" but it isn't necessary to read it first (I didn't, I read it second, not knowing). All in all, both are fun reads.
—Kirsten
I was very hesitant to read this book - while I like dogs, I would not call myself a "dog" person. And the premise hearing a story told from the perspective of a dog did not entice me in the least. But, once I started reading it, I could not put it down. UNTIL....the middle. I had to stop reading. I am at a point in my life where I just cannot read anything that hits too close to home - particularly if it's sad. So, I am sure it's an amazing read. And maybe at a later point in my life I will be able to read it, but for now, it goes back to the library.
—Margaret
Recently during the summer of 2010 while attending the summer play Wizard Of Oz at CCTS. I happen to be taking break and since I can't stand boredom a friend of mine recommend a book. She always kept this novel in her purse, so I picked up the book by looking at cover really caught my eye and reading the blurb made want crack open a chapter. As the first few pages seem to suck me in leaving silent and focus I felled in love with the story the author was telling. The book seems almost real visualization was no problem after the first five pages. The book didn't start off boring and then got better or even start exciting and then got lame it was neither of those it was entertaining after entertaining nonstop the more you got into the novel it became more deep and scandals were dramatic.
—Lexiz
