Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend [Paperback]

Lynda Curnyn (Author)

Book Description

Series: Red Dress Ink (Numbered Paperback) | Publication Date: April 1, 2002

Ex-girlfriend Emma Carter has a lot on her mind. Her boyfriend got a life -- in L.A. Her hairdresser found God. And that extra 10 pounds of "relationship flab" she acquired while falling in love with a commitmentphobe has just put her out of the running for a new romance -- or so she thinks. But before Emma can get on with her life, she's got to face a few startling truths about being single in New York City....

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

First-time novelist Curnyn pens an easy, breezy first novel that's part Sex in the City with more heart, and part Bridget Jones with less booze. A frustrated would-be writer and an editor at Bridal Best, Emma Carter becomes an ex when her beau of two years sells a screenplay and moves to L.A. without her. ("You have so much here," he tells her; needless to say, she doesn't agree.) Her two 30-something girlfriends, Alyssa and Jade, each beautiful and romantically challenged in her own way, try to coax Emma out of her rut with either tough love or encouragement, depending on the day. But Alyssa is considering cheating on her longtime love Richard (a lawyer and the "best guy she's been with") and Jade, who was recently hurt by a man, too, has sworn off anything but casual sex. Drawing comfort from snack cakes and diet ice cream (for which she must atone at the gym) as well as her own confessions ("I would marry for a below-market one bedroom"; "I am ready for my miniature schnauzer") Emma eventually does meet a new guy. He's a writer, too, but he doesn't call after she sleeps with him; meanwhile her father's drinking and her mother's upcoming third marriage give her lots to stew about, as does her potential promotion. But the lost relationship haunts her until a few final moments of self-empowerment in the book's conclusion. This is light, occasionally amusing fare, but it's nothing new. Emma may be a New Yorker and a nonsmoker, but her story feels pretty derivative of you-know-who's.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Suddenly single when her aspiring screenwriter boyfriend takes off for a hot job in L.A., bridal magazine editor Emma Carter is forced to reassess her appearance, her job, and her prospects-and take action. A diverse cast of engaging, occasionally offbeat characters, the hilarious sayings attributed to them, and a fast-paced style facilitated by Emma's pithy sound-bite "confessions" add to the fun in a lively Manhattan-set story that, while not a true romance, leaves the heroine happily pursuing her dreams and involved in a satisfying romantic relationship. This work may appeal to those who enjoy Bridget Jones-type books and like their stories urban, trendy, and slightly ambiguous. Curnyn is a fiction editor and lives in New York. This is her first novel.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Red Dress Ink (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373250150
• ISBN-13: 978-0373250158
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,589,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Confession: I loved this book!, December 3, 2002

By 

Dianna Johnston "Compulsive Reader" (Joplin, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend (Paperback)

Chalk up another point for Red Dress Ink! Ever since being introduced to this new line of books, I will admit to being addicted. And while they are mostly predicable and breezy reads, sometimes you get one that is surprising and deep. Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend is one of the latter.

Meet Emma Carter, Ex-Girlfriend Extraordinaire. After being dumped by her boyfriend of two years, Emma suddenly finds herself smack-dab in the middle of Single Girl-dom. And for a girl who hasn't been single for quite awhile, for a girl who thought she'd be married by now, Single Girl-dom is no place to be! But with the help of her two best friends, Jade and Alyssa, her job as contributing editor at Bridal Best magazine, and the preoccupation with her mother's forthcoming wedding, somehow, someway Emma will make it to the other side. Or will she....?

I rank this book up with my other favorite Red Dress Ink book, Dating Without Novocaine. Both were surprisingly thoughtful, deeper-meaning reads. However, Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend did not clue me in on anything -- I had no idea where it was leading. Would Emma find a new boyfriend? Would she get back together with Derrick? Would she stay single and enjoy her new-found self? I loved not knowing the outcome, which made this novel a bit different from the rest. Highly recommended for all chick lit lovers.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, April 5, 2004

By 

R. Combs (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend (Paperback)

I was in the mood for "chick lit" when I picked this book up, so was predisposed to enjoy it. But although it had amusing moments, I was fairly bored throughout. None of the characters are really defined, and the main character is derivative of far too many other books, television shows and movies. There are better "Bridget Jones" ripoffs out there.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confession: Curnyn's Writing Style is Addictive!, September 20, 2003

By 

"redridinghead" (COLUMBUS, OHIO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend (Paperback)

This book was a fantastic read! Not only was I sincerely interested in seeing Emma get over her stagnant relationship with Derrick, the beau who ditched his cozy life with her so nonchalantly, but I was in stitches from her wit and charm.

Lynda Curnyn did a fabulous job taking us through Emma's journey-one to which many of us can relate-of a sassy & single woman who's just floating through life with a job (and lifestyle?) that is only half of what it could be to a life that has so much more promise.

The modern day heroine, Emma, is so easy to love and it's impossible NOT to route for her. I found myself cheering out-loud for her during her moments of clarity and gusto. You will WANT to see her get out of her funk and take those scary and daring steps towards the life she really wants to live! I emphatically recommend this book! This might be my favorite RED DRESS INK publishing yet!