Rating: 
Summary: A Funny, Uplifting, Engaging Feminist Novel
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'd have to say that out of the many books I've read, this one is the best since "Patty Jane's House of Curl". Of course, it's a totally different kind of book from "Patty Jane" but equally deep in characters and plot. The story is realistic, the characters are human and likeable, Lauren Fontaine is a hero, and at last I can recommend a feminist novel that is a very good read. This is a great book.
Rating:
Summary: A Funny, Uplifting, Engaging Feminist Novel
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'd have to say that out of the many books I've read, this one is the best since "Patty Jane's House of Curl". Of course, it's a totally different kind of book from "Patty Jane" but equally deep in characters and plot. The story is realistic, the characters are human and likeable, Lauren Fontaine is a hero, and at last I can recommend a feminist novel that is a very good read. This is a great book.
Rating:
Summary: delightful,sexy,fun and one of the best reads this year
Review: Ms. Faulk has a wonderful talent to paint a story with words and she sure captured my attention! What a sexy, witty and rollicking read. I could not wait to get back to Holding Out when made to put it down. It was one of those books that I hated to finish. I felt that I WAS part of the story it was so much fun. Ms. Faulk, where is the next one? I am waiting.
Rating: 
Summary: A bit trashy for my effort
Review: Now my review will really reflect my taste in books. Jackie Collins, Olivia GOldsmith (etc) have never been my favorite reads. While I can admit that they may be a fun guilty pleasure as you lay by the pool the time it takes to read for the minimal plot is not a fair trade. Such style we read in Holding Out. Before buying be prepared for some explicit scenes (not exactly romantic but definitely HOT) and for a main character who is so stuck on herself I was actually embarassed for her. The dialog is a bit elementary and I felt idealistic to portray the cool,rich characters in a smooth way, but for me it didn't work. Maybe you might feel differently if you like a more "light" read, but this is not really book club material. I did get a laugh out of flipping to the Author photo in the back cover, who surprise surprise looks amazingly like the "heroine" of the book with their lives played out so much the same.
Rating:
Summary: A bit trashy for my effort
Review: Now my review will really reflect my taste in books. Jackie Collins, Olivia GOldsmith (etc) have never been my favorite reads. While I can admit that they may be a fun guilty pleasure as you lay by the pool the time it takes to read for the minimal plot is not a fair trade. Such style we read in Holding Out. Before buying be prepared for some explicit scenes (not exactly romantic but definitely HOT) and for a main character who is so stuck on herself I was actually embarassed for her. The dialog is a bit elementary and I felt idealistic to portray the cool,rich characters in a smooth way, but for me it didn't work. Maybe you might feel differently if you like a more "light" read, but this is not really book club material. I did get a laugh out of flipping to the Author photo in the back cover, who surprise surprise looks amazingly like the "heroine" of the book with their lives played out so much the same.
Rating: 
Summary: superficial, narcissism posing as feminism
Review: The characters are shallow, the plot unbelievable, the dialogue tedious and one dimensional...Faulk's male bashing, upper-class "feminists" are distorted caricatures of what feminism is all about and an insult to women and to men as well. The protagonist seems nothing more than a narcissic fix for the author to play out her 'fantasies' as the "Baracuda" of Wall Street. Poor misunderstood quasi-feminist...never got along with other females...just with men....don't hate her because she's beautiful..just hate her because she's a joke. hated the book, resented the author's portrayal of women...bristled at her male bashing...and wished I hadn't wasted my time on this one.
Rating:
Summary: Too perfect to be worth the read
Review: The characters were too perfect, too simplistic and much too implausible. While feeling their own impowerment, the women in charge seem to almost ignore the women in less-than-perfect living environments, who are taking the brunt of retaliation. Granted, the author gives a small nod to those who are less fortunate, but as the movement grows we hear less from that segment. When was the last time any of us experienced such an overwhelming desire to "bond" with those more fortunate than ourselves? I hope I'm not the only reader who could see through the gaps in this plot. It led little to the imagination.As for the audio presentation of this book, I am hoping that the unabridged copy was better than what I heard. The narrator chosen did a good job of voice-changes, but instead of the confident, throaty voice of a woman in charge, she came out sounding like a high-pitched school girl who flirts her way through life. Very disappointing.
Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing idea, clever dialogue,best beach book
Review: The idea of a "sex strike" still seems totally implausible to me, but I enjoyed the look at Wall Street and the new feminists. Lauren Fontaine was just too perfect for me..brilliant, gorgeous, surrounded by the most wonderful friends one could have. I was reminded of the 1987 book "Hot Flashes" by Barbara Raskin. The romance in the novel seems to me to be the stuff of Harlequins: charismatic, handsome author immediately falls for Lauren..sex strike keeps them from consummation..misunderstandings, etc. I can still suggest it to our library patrons as a step above the usual bodice ripper.
Rating:
Summary: Funny and smart!
Review: This book probes feminist theory in a way that is more accessible and engaging than Camille Paglia's diatribes. It's witty, heartfelt, and honest in its depiction of an tragi-comic heroine and her political exploits. Truly thought-provoking and entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: Funny, Steamy, and great for a new Feminist.
Review: Yes, the characters are a little extreme, but this IS fiction after all. What good is it to write a book without a little spice? They all have their fair share of problems that any person can relate to: a fiance that died, falling in love with a married man, and getting a divorce. I think the point of making Lauren so successful was to show women that they too can be. I read this book last summer, and it took me around two days. I couldn't put it down. I am re-reading it, and discussing the book with people is slightly difficult. I have found that the word feminist is like a dirty word; no one wants to hear it nor try to understand it. This book is great for anyone that is just getting into feminism. It blends romance, straight and gay people, feminism, and women coming together among other things. The one thing that really stood out for me was the way the women were tense around each other. That seems to be incredibly true. Any feminist that loves to read needs to buy this book.
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