{ Disclaimer: I’m rather biased, especially after meeting Dorothea (Middlemarch: A Study of Provincial Life), Becky Sharp (Vanity Fair) and Jane Eyre. Hah, apparently I don’t know the “modern woman”. Yes, I suppose I don’t read much chick lit, so I can’t properly judge this. }
This book is interesting, as it’s not as gushy or romantic as opposed to other chick reads out there. It revolves more on the story, as opposed to the sparkling personalities and the sex (although the sex mentioned here is brief and, I suppose, tasteful), though, of course, this book talks about those too.
To sum it up:
-We’ve got the hot guy and the “cluelessly beautiful” girl.
> Interestingly, the “hot guy” has his own character, as opposed to the ones who seem to “live for their ladies”. He’s his own man, although he does seem rather perfect.
> The girl here is “unknowingly attractive”, but what’s interesting about it is that she’s independent (of sorts?), and she knows how to act. She is, after all, 30 – and this book really talks about the issues of females (and males?) of that age.
-We’ve got the “ring of friends.”
> Support group, though interestingly labeled the “Marriage Club” + Tonio . Hah, Tonio seemed to be a closet homo to me. (highlight for spoilers)
-We’ve got the drama, the “villains” (no black and white scenarios here, though), the relationship.
Overall, the story’s ok, although I was interested in the portrayal of Carling. I have a respect for her, and I’m glad she had some self-actualization in the end.
Other notes:
(I typically need to be in a certain mood to read chick lit… But I suppose it’s been a while.)
No Strings Attached by Mina V. Esguerra
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
