Customer Reviews

The Way Men Act: A Novel

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Because I am a male, I tend to shy away from what I call the 'girlfriend' genre of novels, books by women about a group of fictional women, written for a female audience. Truth be known, I would have never bought this book were it not for the fact that good literature is hard, very hard to come by in Japan. Ms. Lipman gave me a pleasant surprise. Her book was a fast, easy read, and presented me with a dashing, clever female character that I not only fell in love with, I probably would have married her if I got the chance. Ms. Lipman has created a work of art, a truly wry and insightful look at being young, single and a bit carefree and sassy in a small town. This book had excellent characterizations, good plot development, fast, enjoyable dialogue, and an unstoppable momentum. I must confess- I LOVED IT! OK, I have learned my lesson. I will never judge a book by its cover ever again.

My book club read "The Inn at Lake Divine" but the bookstore clerk recommended this book as Lipman's best. What a great read! I did enjoy this book much more. Her descriptions of the fly fishing shop and the customers and staff were wonderful. The interactions between the characters seemed very plausible. I've now read a third of her books. Each is written in a different style and I've enjoyed them all. I'm looking forward to many more works from Lipman.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Melinda was a great character, and so were all the others. I could see so much of myself and others in her. A very believable read. Living in the area the author was writing about, I can tell you she has captured Main Street perfectly. This book had me smilling and thinking and smiling again. It is worth the read. Check it out, you won't be sorry. You'll have fun, see yourself, see your friends, understand a little more about human nature.

I've read all of Lipman's novels, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. If you think about it, there's not really much that you can object to -- the flaky characters are likable, the plot is helped along by various humorous/embarassing/poignant incidents, and the writing is quite good. Lipman's books are well-packaged reflections of real life, suitable for a bit of entertainment and escapism. After all, it's much more fun to read about the dating woes of someone else than to dwell on your own. The Way Men Act falls into this category as well. It's a fun book, full of quick-paced dialogue, interesting characters, and humorous observations.

She's a chronic complainer, completely self engrossed, vindictive and adorable. Melinda LeBlanc is my new hero.

I really loved this book. The characters are so real and entertaining! They make you wish you lived in Harrow. The story is very engaging; I also like the smaller plotline about Melinda's mother. The writing is so clever! Elinor Lipman is a definite must-read!

When Melinda LeBlanc returns home to Harrow after years away and approaching thirty, she is almost licking her wounds. Life after her high school popularity hasn't turned out the way she'd hoped. She has moved in with her mother and started a career as a designing florist--but working for her cousin and his wife.

This last part sticks in her craw, but she relishes her creativity and popularity as a designer, and the venues she enjoys--weddings, etc.--and her proximity to a certain musician offer some consolation. While he is not The One, he is certainly Mr. Right Now.

Then she enjoys a one-night-stand with an old high school athlete and next-door businessman, Dennis Vaughan, but even though she wants more from their relationship, it doesn't seem to be in the cards.

Add to the mix her old high-school friend Libby Getchel, whose vintage dress design shop is next door, and there would supposedly be friendship and commiseration in large quantities. But not so much.

When disappointing events turn out to be devastating for her career and seemingly for her love life, Melinda has to reinvent herself as a designer. But unexpectedly, love turns out to be right in front of her.

What seemingly negative events turn into a positive for Melinda? And what confrontations lead to freedom?

The Way Men Act: A Novel was a surprisingly fun and quick read, earning five stars for humor, drama, and unexpected happenings.

The Way Men Act was an enjoyable read. Being worn out by all the super serious and meaningful, often depressing books, I found this one to be light, enjoyable and often humerous. Written in first person with a flair for description, the characters and environment developed fluidly and naturally as you read. For those looking for something positive, I recommend reading this book.

I sped right through this book and I'm terrible about finishing books. I was kinda sad when it was over -- you really get to know the characters. This was the first Elinor Lipman book I had read and I immediately went out and got the rest of her books. Right now I'm reading "Isabel's Bed'' and so far it's great. Can't wait for the new book

It was really a very simple book and story to read...and VERY enjoyable. Before this I didn't like reading. But while shopping for a friend at a bookstore I started to read a bit of this book and was so drawn into it, I read ten pages in the store and knew I had to finish it. Since then I read a few more of her books and was on-line right now to see if she had any new ones out. I can't wait to read Ladies' Man.