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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN num: 9780061187896
ISBN number: 0061187895
Label: Harper Perennial
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 544
Printing Date: March 01, 2008
Publishing house: Harper Perennial
Release Date: February 26, 2008
Sale Popularity Level: 24169
Studio: Harper Perennial
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
American children's book illustrator Irina McGovern enjoys a secure, settled life in London with her smart, loyal, disciplined partner, Lawrence—until the night she finds herself inexplicably drawn to kissing another man, a passionate, extravagant, top-ranked snooker player. Two competing alternate futures hinge on this single kiss, as Irina's decision—to surrender to temptation or to preserve her seemingly safe partnership with Lawrence—will have momentous consequences for her career, her friendships and familial relationships, and the texture of her daily life.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers -
It seems to me that the negative reviews overwhelmingly express the disappointment of not being amused and punish the author for her lack of intent to please by denigrating and dismissing her (rather sharp) political opinions and generally dark observations of human nature. People, this is NOT A CHICK LIT NOVEL. For that matter, perhaps it was mis-marketed to housewives' book clubs. Indeed, the characters are not very likeable, but they are very, very real and alive. You may not want to hang out with them -- or with the author herself -- but it's not the point. Shriver took two "what if" situations and followed each through to its logical end. The unlikeability of the characters to some readers is not a failing: they are so real that, like in real life, some people can relate to them, some may recognize themselves or parts of themselves in them, some may sympathize, and some may have emotional baggage preventing them from even being in the same room with these characters. Her sometimes annoying and unnecessary penchant to overflaunt her vocabulary aside, Shriver's style is brilliant, and her turn of a phrase is what makes her a writer with a capital WRITE. She's not perfect. She's not flawless. But she's always interesting and she never takes the easy way in or out.
Rated by buyers 
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The Post-Birthday World: A Novel (P.S.)
I can always tell when I really liked a book... I keep thinking about it days and even weeks after I've read it. That's the way it is with this book - pieces of the story just pop into mind at odd times, reminding me of parts of the book. Like a song on the radio that sticks with you all day, this great book will keep you entertained long past the last chapter read.
Rated by buyers -
One of the best books I have read this year. (and I read alot) I am in 2 bookclubs and listen to 4-8 audiobooks a month. ALL of my girlfriends are buzzing about this book.
Rated by buyers -
I'll be the very first to admit I thought the literary 'Sliding Doors' was simply going to be a clever device to map out a story with obvious results. I couldn't of been more wrong. This was a book I kept closing at night and found it replaying in my head like scenes form a movie. This is the very first book I'd read by Shriver and found her writing both exceptional, and her observations on love and life both keen and razor sharp in their exactness. Yes, the book can be uncomfortable, especially for anyone whose been in a long term relationship, but that's why the book is so affecting.It pushes buttons and provokes discourse, whether verbal or not, about love, life, and the choices we make. What I appreciated is that as an author she takes a completely unbiased view and just presents two mirrored alternatives from which you can draw your own conclusions. I didn't, like many people, find the book depressing, and actually found it pretty affirming ultimately.
Rated by buyers -
I loved this book and still hated it at times. In the end, it left me thinking. What more can you ask? It's absolutely perfect for a book club - both for the reasons it's likeable and for those that it's not:
I loved the writing!: I've never read a Shriver book, so maybe unlike others I'm not disillusioned by comparison to others - but WOW, CAN SHE WRITE. Few authors could carry this ambitious concept off well.
I loved the univeral theme and concept: The passionate, temptuous roller-coaster ride of love or the relaxed, dependable love that's like an old, comfy sweater? Which is really best? Who in the end is the best choice? Both come with their ups and downs. What woman hasn't faced this?????
I loved the clever writing - particularly when the protaganist (and I don't think this is a spoiler) as a children's illustrator creates 2 different themed children's books that parallel the novel - WOW!
I loved that I still thought about and debated which was the best of her choice- long after the last page. Even though, deep inside, I wished SHriver had told me her answer.
I hated that both of the heroine's choices had terrible, abusive flaws. It would have been better, if she'd made both choices more likable. Though, in the end, I've decided she was illustrating that the "grass is always greener on the other side". Each choice is more likable when she's not with them.
And what I hated about it is also what makes it so great for endless pondering and discussion. What route should our heroine have chosen --- it's up to you. Fascinating reading!
Bottom Line: I think if you liked Sliding Doors or The Time Traveler's Wife, you'll really like this one!
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