Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Wonder Spot

The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank

I found this book for $1.50 at a used book store. Having previously read Bank's other book, I was tempted to buy it, especially at that price. It was, quite bluntly, not a good choice, even at $1.50. Sophie Applebaum is our heroine, an everyday Jewish girl. The book illustrates small parts of her life from age 12 through 30-something. Each piece has a different impact on her life and is important in one way or another. The thing is, you never know why they're important. I suppose I expected everything to come around, for things to be explained, but they never were. Sophie kept going with her job she hated and love life that never went her way, but she never changed. Instead, she complained. She never grew or became someone better. And because of that, I really didn't like her. The ending left me confused and wondering what, exactly, the point of the book was. To give Bank credit, though, her writing is good. Her descriptions are fantastic and the book is engaging. It's just not worth it in the end.

6 comments:

Dogs Mom said...

I loved this book! It was hilarious and clever. I actually listened to this on CD and the woman who reads it - can't remember who - did a great job!

Dogs Mom said...

Oh, and I would certainly NOT categorize it as "chic lit" - it's a bit deeper than that!

Lauren said...

I'm glad you liked it! I always feel bad giving books poor reviews. I categorized it as chick lit primarily because it's sold in that section in Borders. But I do agree, it's deeper than your typical Bergdorf Blonde.

Anonymous said...

i dont know what to think havent read it!!

rachaelgking said...

She never grew or became someone better. And because of that, I really didn't like her.

I can't abide that, either. It's like, what did I READ this for? Sounds like a good one to skip.

brandyismagic said...

I didn't like this one either. I really loved "A girls guide to hunting and fishing" but this just seemed... too much. Too much the same, yet not enough of what made "A girls guide..." so interesting. Honestly, it felt like a knock off version of her other book. Definitely not worth the read.