Caren Lissner

Can you call something a Mary-Sue if the author doesn't really write a happy ending for herself? I had read the book years ago and forgotten what I thought of it (I suspected I liked it), so when it came back to the book exchange, I decided to give it another try. I could not finish it.

At first, I felt a real connection to the character: I too am too smart for my own good (I am hardly a genius but I would qualify for Mensa, if you would believe that is any measurement of intelligence), am doing nothing with my degree, unemployed, living alone mired in my belief in the bullshit of the world (surprisingly, my nickname is "cheerleader" for my optimistic disposition - few know what a cynic I am). You would think this book would be right up my alley (I thought this book was right up my alley!) but, for a character meant to be so intelligent she really lacked any insight for herself (forgiveable, she was going through something) or any of her rants. The rants, which I feel this book was actually meant to be a vehicle for as it lacked plot (even for a character exploration) were not some witty nor intelligent observations of the world but merely depressive whining. I'm usually all for depressive whining but it just didn't work.

It also bugged me how she "proofread" the legal documents: while the job is now obsolete, it was never as easy as holding the two documents over one another to look for differences. IF it was that easy, law firms would have been doing it for years! A significant reason proofreaders are necessary is due to documents rarely being exactly the same size. The character copped out, just like the writer. That inattentive detail just took me out of the story.

It might be interesting for a teen, who is developing intelligence and a healthy dose of cynicism, but not for an adult who already has.… (mere)

Can you call something a Mary-Sue if the author doesn't really write a happy ending for herself? I had read the book years ago and forgotten what I thought of it (I suspected I liked it), so when it came back to the book exchange, I decided to give it another try. I could not finish it.

At first, I felt a real connection to the character: I too am too smart for my own good (I am hardly a genius but I would qualify for Mensa, if you would believe that is any measurement of intelligence), am doing nothing with my degree, unemployed, living alone mired in my belief in the bullshit of the world (surprisingly, my nickname is "cheerleader" for my optimistic disposition - few know what a cynic I am). You would think this book would be right up my alley (I thought this book was right up my alley!) but, for a character meant to be so intelligent she really lacked any insight for herself (forgiveable, she was going through something) or any of her rants. The rants, which I feel this book was actually meant to be a vehicle for as it lacked plot (even for a character exploration) were not some witty nor intelligent observations of the world but merely depressive whining. I'm usually all for depressive whining but it just didn't work.

It also bugged me how she "proofread" the legal documents: while the job is now obsolete, it was never as easy as holding the two documents over one another to look for differences. IF it was that easy, law firms would have been doing it for years! A significant reason proofreaders are necessary is due to documents rarely being exactly the same size. The character copped out, just like the writer. That inattentive detail just took me out of the story.

It might be interesting for a teen, who is developing intelligence and a healthy dose of cynicism, but not for an adult who already has.… (mere)

Oh CARRIE PILBY...how I love thee (the book not a literal person..hehe), let me count the ways. I love your spunk and personality even though at times I found bits of myself in you. I love your willingness to right wrongs no one else would touch. I love your hermit like nature that grows to accept others in your own time and space. I love...the story OVERALL! A great read from cover to cover...if her "personal ad" doesn't draw you in with it's straight forward nature and humor to boot...you might want to check your pulse! Recommended read for girls of all ages....definitely one to check out. Happy reading!… (mere)