books:

	Stern Men Elizabeth Gilbert Mariner Books, 2001 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 39 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

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Ruth, the protagonist in the story, is a blunt-spoken,independent, sometimes foul-mouthed young woman who has no trouble speaking her mind to the various fogies and other adults who all seem to know what is best for her. Her fresh, sarcastic, and witty responses make her come alive to the reader and provide plenty of laughs.

The novel does drag at about midpoint and delivers a fast and implausible ending that seems to have been thrown together without any preparation for the reader. Still, this is a refreshing story and a thoroughly enjoyable summer read. And the lobster facts at the beginning of each chapter are interesting as well as tied to the behavior of the book's characters. This one is worth your time and $$$.

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Unusual!

This is an amazing first novel! It has such an unusual group of characters, each engaging in their own way. It took a chapter or two for me to get really taken in by the book. Once Ruth was the central character I was hooked. She is tough and soft all at once. She had complexity that was believable and endearing. I felt the end was a little contrived. It felt very convenient or something I can't fully explain. I just felt it could have ended in a more interesting way. Otherwise, a great read with lots of warmth.


Nice Summer Read

Once Gilbert sets the story up in the first 50 pages, this book becomes a generally enjoyable summer read. The protagonist, Ruth, is an interesting character, although I had a hard time believing she was so head strong, yet as vulnerable as she appeared. There was something in the way her character was written that just rubbed me a little odd. Still, the story moves well, with interesting twists and the general plot is as quirky as promised. I agree that the ending seemed rushed and somewhat contrived. I was surprised that when I was really starting to get into the story and care about not only Ruth, but others on the islands, that there were only a handful of pages left to read. I probably should have given this book four stars, but considering I read it in a beach chair facing the Atlantic ocean, it should have affected me a little more. Still, it's a worthwhile read and good summer entertainment, just nothing award-winning.

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, page 6, 7, 8

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