Baby Proof by Emily Giffin

Title: Baby Proof
Author: Emily Giffin
Genre: Women's fiction, contemporary fiction
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007
Source: Borrowed from my sis-in-law

Claudia does not want children. She's known this since she was a little girl, playing "aunt and niece" with her baby dolls instead of pretending to be the mother. Her husband, Ben, feels exactly the same way, as she found out on their first date. They both want freedom and autonomy, and no matter how fulfilling their friends and family say children are, they are more interested in their current lifestyle. That is, until their good friends have a baby, and Ben starts feeling fatherly urges. Claudia is forced to evaluate her goals and her relationship and decide what is most important to her.

I am going to preface this by saying that from the back of the book, I thought that this would be a book about a woman finding out she was pregnant and learning how to deal with the news. In reality, having a baby isn't really the central issue of this book -- it is relationships and how they change with time, how issues two people agree on at first may not remain constant throughout a relationship.

The book followed Emily Giffin's selfish woman syndrome. Claudia knows what she wants, and she is resentful towards Ben that he has changed his mind about what he wants. As a woman who very much wants to have a baby, her attitude was a little incomprehensible to me (I am one of the baby-hungry women that drove Claudia insane throughout the story), but I tried to understand the difficulty of having what she thought were very solid life plans uprooted. I would be frustrated if my spouse completely changed his tune on a significant issue, just as she was. However, the way she reacted to that change frustrated me -- instead of working through it, they both decided that on either side they were unchangeable. And while the book is Claudia's journey through dealing with her stubborn opinions, it still bothered me, that two adults, supposedly mature, would be so stubborn and so unwilling to work through their issues. Throughout the book, I really didn't connect with any of the characters -- they all struck me as immature and selfish, unwilling to budge from their rigid viewpoints. The only character I really did enjoy was Ethan, a character from Something Borrowed and Something Blue who popped up unexpectedly and who of course managed to direct Claudia towards better behavior during his brief few pages in the book.

While I didn't enjoy the characters, the book still entertained, and I caught myself peeking ahead more than once to see how things played out. Giffin's writing style is addictive, and she enmeshes her characters in dramatic quandaries that drive me crazy until I can know how things will come together.

Giffin fans will probably read and enjoy this book; I didn't hate it, despite its being my least favorite of the books (yes, I enjoyed Darcy's narrative voice more than Claudia's). However, I would recommend another of her novels rather than this one.

2.5 stars

Warnings: Language, sensuality

Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

Title: Love the One You're With
Author: Emily Giffin
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 2008
Source: Borrowed from my sister-in-law
Read for: Fun

Ellen has a perfect life -- a job she is passionate about, and a handsome, caring, and rich husband who also happens to be her best friend's older brother. However, Ellen starts to doubt her life when Leo walks across her path at a crosswalk in New York City. Leo, who she loved intensely. Leo, with whom she never found closure. Now Leo seems as if he misses their relationship, and Ellen is forced to decide if she wants to try again with him or stick with her perfect but slightly predictable life.

I've come to the conclusion that Emily Giffin writes books about selfish women -- women who do things that are either socially or morally reprehensible. Women I would never emulate. And yet, I can't help but enjoy the stories. I'm not sure what the secret element is that makes me get over my disapproval of the characters' actions. Somehow Giffin manages to pull together likable (if flawed) characters and a juicily dramatic plot, and she tops it off with fantastic writing.

Ellen was more down to earth than any of the other Giffin characters, although she does fall into some of the stereotypes -- strong, almost dominating female friendship, lawyer love interest, New York. Once she starts to reconnect with Leo, she loses some of her down-to-earth outlook, starting to rationalize her behavior and to get grumpy and frustrated with her husband. At times she is overly passive, relying on others' reactions and opinions to dictate what she does, but in the end, she becomes assertive and takes matters into her own hands, finally coming to a point where she makes her own decisions and comes to her own peace. Despite her flaws, I enjoyed being in her head, going through her emotions and trying to come to a decision that was right and yet also fulfilling.

The plot was just as addictive as other Giffin novels. As a rule, I am not the type of person who reads the last page. It is a taboo, a line I never cross. Except with books by Emily Giffin. I always read the last page, because I just can't wait to see what will happen. Sometimes I'll even read what is on the next page before I finish the page I am reading because I can't stand wading through all of the words to find what is happening next. The stories are soap opera brain candy of the highest order.

Despite the fact that I sometimes can't stay in the words because I am so curious as to what happens next, Giffin's writing is stellar. She has the ability to bring her characters to life; they all have authentic voices, whether they are main narrating voices or supporting characters. Giffin has a strong grip on some of the less attractive human emotions like jealousy, and can make them come to life in a way that is powerful and evocative while not detracting from our sympathy with the character (even though the character is often undeserving of sympathy).

Love the One You're With follows Emily Giffin's pattern of a somewhat selfish modern woman dealing with a moral problem. It is entertaining and dramatic, but the frothy plots are supported by strong writing, resulting in a highly entertaining and relatable read.

4 stars

Warnings: One bedroom scene, some language, some innuendo and talk of sensuality

Book to Movie: Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed is based on the novel by Emily Giffin. Rachel and Darcy have been best friends since childhood, and Darcy has always been the leader - the most stylish, the one the men flock to, even getting into Rachel's top choice college when she was rejected. It makes sense that Dex fell for her when Rachel introduced them years ago. However, after a party with a little too much drinking, Rachel and Dex discover that they have strong feelings for each other. The major problem? Dex and Darcy are getting married in a few months. 


Here's what RottenTomatoes.com had to say about this movie: 
"Something Borrowed" is something ... ew."
"An intoxicated condition might be the best one in which to watch this terrible movie."
"It should have borrowed some charm."
"Prepare to leave feeling something blue."


So why did I like it so much? It's about cheating, a subject I hate. It's extremely cheesy. But for some reason, I absolutely enjoyed it. I think that reason is probably Ethan, played by John Krasinski (aka, Jim Halpert. Need I say more?). In the book, he was living in London for the entire story. However, in this movie he is actually in New York, with the characters. They also throw in a more direct allusion to Ethan's feelings for Rachel that made me just want to cry. There is a kiss on the forehead scene that gave me visceral pain because it was so sweet. I am clearly revealing my weakness for chick flicks, here - feel free to scorn me. So, Ethan is the main thing that this movie has going for it. I also enjoyed Ginnifer Goodwin's performance as Rachel (and can I just say it is extremely obvious that Ginnifer Goodwin is a much better dancer than Kate Hudson?).


Another small departure that the movie had from the book was that I think I had a clearer sense of Dex and Rachel's attraction to each other before Darcy's entrance into Dex's life. Nearly everything that happened in the movie was also in the book, but for some reason seeing it visually had a stronger impact for me than reading it in this case. In the book, I still felt as if it was a stretch that Dex and Rachel had been in love before. However, in the movie, I could see the attraction and the emotions at play. 


I didn't like the portrayal of Marcus or Dex. In this movie, Marcus was just a big, dopey moron. He was definitely more of a caveman than the other male characters in the book, but he was still credible as a person Rachel could show interest in. In the movie, he is not even remotely believable as an adult. I cringed whenever he was on the screen. I also didn't love Dex. I already wasn't wild about him - in my opinion Rachel should have just gone for Ethan and everyone would have been happy - but in the movie he seemed so eager to please and unsure of himself. He never went for what he wanted, except when he was drunk. 


Obviously, this movie is a huge drama fest. We don't learn anything fundamental about human nature, and I don't think it will last through the ages. However, if you need a little drama fix or if you read the book and are as much of an Ethan fan as I am, this movie is probably a frothy little diversion you will enjoy. 

Something Blue by Emily Giffin

Title: Something Blue

Author: Emily Giffin

Genre: Chick lit

Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 2005

Source: Borrowed from my sis-in-law

Humiliated and infuriated with her former best friend Rachel, Darcy is nonetheless dealing with bigger problems than embarrassment that she had to cancel her wedding and concern that Rachel and Dex's relationship is more than a one-time fling. Pregnant with Dex's best friend's child, she is determined to turn this new relationship into the fairy-tale that never came to fruition with Dexter. However, when things work out differently than Darcy wanted (and when has that ever happened to her before!?!), she moves to London, desperate to escape her family, former friends, and situation. However, in London, Darcy's previously golden rules for manipulating situations and people to her benefit seem to be failing. Will she find happiness there?

Does that scream "soap opera" to you? Because, my friends, that is exactly what it is. If you thought Something Borrowed was dramatic, wait until you hear Darcy's take on the situation. I must say I didn't enjoy being in Darcy's head quite as much as I enjoyed being in Rachel's. Darcy is much crasser and pathologically self-centered. Instead of being entertained, I found myself cringing multiple times per page. Add Marcus, who in Something Borrowed didn't seem as awful, and we have a few painfully awkward scenes.

Things improve slightly when we head to London, for two reasons - London itself, and Ethan. I have never felt the allure of London. I'd much rather be in Paris (if you've ever read this blog, I'm sure you know that) or somewhere in Italy. However, this story placed London forever on my must-visit list. I loved the atmosphere and Darcy's experience of falling in love with the city. She isn't quite sure what to expect from this new culture that doesn't bow to her every whim, but she grows to love it as she learns to accept it, and it accepts her back.

And Ethan. He was easily my favorite part of Something Borrowed, and I really wanted Rachel to kick Dex to the curb and fall for Ethan instead. Ethan does exactly what he wants, not putting up with any nonsense from Darcy no matter what she does to toy with him. Despite this, he is still incredibly kind and generous, constantly giving to and supporting Darcy as she free-loads in his flat. The development of their relationship was interesting to watch. At first, I resisted their close friendship. I hated Darcy and love Ethan - I didn't want her claws in him. But their friendship transforms both of them into something infinitely better than what they were before, and that was a beautiful piece of the book.

If you are a fan of Emily Giffin, you might wonder if Rachel and Dex make any appearances in this sequel. The answer is yes, in a few ways. First of all, Darcy obsesses endlessly at the beginning (as can be expected). They also appear in a few other places, and we get some hints to how their lives are playing out. This second book is definitely about Darcy, but Rachel and Dex don't completely disappear from the picture.

For me, this book wasn't quite as enjoyable as Something Borrowed, mainly due to Darcy's obnoxiousness and crassness at the beginning of the book. However, the message of this book is far superior to that of the first one - it shows the transformation of a selfish, immature girl into a balanced and dynamic woman. While the actual reading process wasn't as smooth a reading experience as with the first book, I feel that Something Blue has more to offer in actual enrichment.

3.75 stars

Warnings for the sensitive reader: Some language, references to bedroom activities

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

Title: Something Borrowed

Author: Emily Giffin

Genre: Chick lit

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 2005

Source: Borrowed from my sister-in-law

Darcy and Rachel have been friends forever. They share memories of first crushes, taking the SATs, birthdays, family. Rachel even introduced Darcy to her fiance, Dexter. Maybe Darcy is a little pushy and controlling. Maybe she sometimes makes Rachel feel bad about herself. They've been through everything together. However, on the evening of Rachel's 30th birthday, when a few drinks with Dexter turn into something more, Rachel will have to decide whether she values her friendship with Darcy or her budding (and forbidden) relationship with Dexter more.

I read almost all of this book in the bathroom. My sister-in-law set it out for me one night when I was babysitting my niece, and I got hooked after she went to bed. However, I had another 600 pager due back to the library that week and I couldn't get caught up in a new book. So I stuck it in the bathroom to read while I brushed my teeth. And then I would sit there and keep reading for 20 minutes at a time. I finished the book in five days, with it rarely leaving my bathroom. That is a lot of tooth-brushing.

This is meant to illustrate that the book is addicting. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it - I am certainly not someone that condones cheating, and I wondered if I could identify with a character that does it with her best friend's fiance. However, Rachel's voice is endearing and down-to-earth. She is a smart girl who has done everything right, and now she is trying to navigate her way through her mistakes and desires to break from the good-girl mold. In fact, most of the characters were enjoyable - sweet Ethan with his boy-next-door best-friend role, Hillary with her tough girl attitude, and even Darcy with her sheer awfulness (I've always enjoyed those love-to-hate characters like Scarlett O'Hara).

The only character I didn't love was Dex, which put a slight damper on the central relationship. He was okay - I didn't hate him. I could see some of his endearing qualities. However, I felt like he handled the whole situation horrendously. In a way, I can't fault the book for this, because the situation was horrendous, and he handled it how any human male would - by going back and forth, saying some insensitive things, but really truly trying, in the end, to do what is right. (I won't tell you if he is successful or not). However (highlight the next few lines if you don't mind SPOILERS), I would have liked to see Rachel leave Darcy and Dexter behind, instead of shuffling from one dependency to another. I know this kind of happened when he temporarily broke things off and she went to visit Ethan in London, and she realized that she would be okay and kissed the British guy, but it still wasn't quite satisfying to me. I'm sure she and Dex are really in love and really meant to be together, but I maybe would have gotten more of that if I'd seen more of their background as friends in law school. Okay, end of spoilers, end of rant.

I also must compliment Ms. Giffin on her writing. In general, these "chick-lit," dramatic relationship stories haven't stood out to me as sparkling examples of good craftsmanship, but the writing is impeccable in this story. The flow is very natural, and I felt Rachel's emotions as if they were my own. Giffin doesn't shy away from the complicated emotions in Rachel's mind. Yes, Darcy is a witch, but you can also see why they were best friends, why the thought of cutting off her friendship is almost as daunting as a life without Dexter. The tension was so irresistible because it was written so powerfully and clearly.

While this book had its imperfections (and really, they are hard to avoid when you are writing a novel where the protagonists are having an affair), it was addictive and difficult to put down. The book is well-written and the characters are a delight to read. I am looking forward to more of Giffin's work.

4 stars

Warnings for the sensitive reader: Sexuality (free of anatomy and play-by-plays, thankfully), some language

Sunday Salon: SiS Wrap-up and Paris in July

I'm not even going to link my Spring Into Summer Readathon info to Squeaky Books because I read so little, but I do want to write a final update. With a test coming up tomorrow (which I've studied only a shameful hour for) and my mom in town, reading just wasn't my first priority, as much as I had hoped to participate in this readathon. Yesterday I wound up reading another 40 pages of The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly and then jumping into Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin and reading 150 pages. I started the second book because I was babysitting for my niece with my husband and my sister-in-law had set out a few books for me to look through. This was one of them, and I knew she had really enjoyed it, so after my niece was in bed (7:00 pm... the little ones go to sleep so early!) and my husband had turned on a movie, I jumped into it and read for about an hour. It is pretty entertaining so far, and I might finish it before I go back to The Tea Rose just because I need something light for the next few days of ultimate school stress. So I didn't finish anything and only read about 260 pages. However, it was enjoyable and I'm glad I got in a little extra reading.

Secondly I want to bring up Book Bath's Paris in July event. This also went on last summer, but I was a newbie book blogger who had no idea that other book blogs even existed, much less challenges and book events. When I saw this event over at Gabriel Reads, I knew I had to participate. Ever since I spent a few months in Paris back in 2008, I have been missing it and dying to get back. There are also several books on my TBR that have to do with Paris, including a recent recommendation from a good friend of mine. So, in July I am trying to read four "Paris" books so I can have one review a week. They are:

The Last Time I Saw Paris by Lynn Sheene

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (which I have been reading for months, but as it is my arch-nemesis, it takes some time to get through).

I also want to do a photo feature on Sundays (usually my day off of blogging) just highlighting some beautiful places in Paris. I already did a book series on Bookish Spots of Paris (you can find those posts by clicking on the side bar) so I will just highlight some beautiful spots without focusing on the bookishness or lack thereof.

I am probably going to put a Parisian spin on my monthly features - for Poetry Corner I am going to try and read one of Victor Hugo's poems in French, for Literary Lyrics I'm going to highlight a French song, and for Quotables and Short Story Spotlight I will also try to find something. I'd also like to do a piece on French cooking. So it should be a busy but very fun month and I'm excited to share my love of Paris with you. At The Book Bath's blog linked above you can find a list of all the participants and/or join yourself!

I hope you are all having a fabulous Sunday. It's rainy here in Utah but that may be a good thing as I am hoping to get as much blogging as possible out of the way this week so I can catch up on all the schoolwork I didn't do tomorrow.

I also want to do a photo feature on Sundays (usually my day off of blogging) just highlighting some beautiful places in Paris. I already did a book series on Bookish Spots of Paris (you can find those posts by clicking on the side bar) so I will just highlight some beautiful spots without focusing on the bookishness or lack thereof.

I am probably going to put a Parisian spin on my monthly features - for Poetry Corner I am going to try and read one of Victor Hugo's poems in French, for Literary Lyrics I'm going to highlight a French song, and for Quotables and Short Story Spotlight I will also try to find something. I'd also like to do a piece on French cooking. So it should be a busy but very fun month and I'm excited to share my love of Paris with you. At The Book Bath's blog linked above you can find a list of all the participants and/or join yourself!

I hope you are all having a fabulous Sunday. It's rainy here in Utah but that may be a good thing as I am hoping to get as much blogging as possible out of the way this week so I can catch up on all the schoolwork I didn't do tomorrow.