Like most women of a certain age, I totally revere Judy Blume. Thus, I really looked forward to this anthology of essays by women writers, many of whom I already enjoy. Each writes a very personal essay,which she connects in some way to the impact J.B. had on her life, her girlhood, or her writing. Before my comments on the essays, why don’t I share my own J.B. thoughts?
Not surprisingly I was a voracious reader as a kid. I loved Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Starring Sally J. Freedman Herself, and Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret? Then, of course, I read Forever. Read the rest of this entry »
Thanks go to Melissa for putting this into my hands on Monday! Here it is Wednesday and I’m already done! (In pre-baby days, not a big feat, but my reading time is much slower nowadays.) What a charming, funny, nice read. I really enjoyed this (I feel very repetitive saying that over and over again, must come up with a new phrase), as I thought it had a clever plot and interesting details. Jill and Jodi are two sisters who’ve made a huge name and business/financial success for themselves as The Spinster Sisters. They have books, merchandising deals, and a satellite radio show. Women tune in to hear their advice on being strong and independent, dating as one chooses, and not feeling the need to settle down. Their personal and business lives are thrown into a bit of a tailspin when Jill announces her engagement. Suddenly they will no longer both be spinsters! Add to that Jodi’s ex-husband’s weaselly ways and a growing attraction to one of the men she dates, and trouble abounds. An interesting story line to be sure, but what I liked best about the novel were the details about the characters, in particular Jill and Jodi’s aunts Ruth and Shirley, two funky elderly spinsters in their own right. Also fascinating? How rich they were and all the lovely things they spent their money on. The description of Jill’s tasteful but extravagant bachelorette weekend was astonishing. I liked how the four women had so many traditions together, but were always open to new things.
