Cupid and Diana (Thorndike Large Print Americana Series)

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Summary: Dickinson Alumna Makes Fine Debut
Review: Having graduated Dickinson College along with Christina, I can humbly say that the writer did fictionalize certain aspects of her own life. While it's hard to like or admire a main character who two-times her fiancée, the Christina I remember was a kind-hearted, very likeable person, who showed signs even then of becoming a talented writer. When she dramatizes her own life in her first novel, it is only for the sake of a good story. Novelists, by my definition, should have the ability and wherewithal to reflect upon themselves in the way that she has done. I'm looking forward to her next novel. Good job, Chris!

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Summary: so much better than the movie
Review: Having known Chris for years, I was of course thrilled with her success! I read the book immediately upon printing, and again after seeing the television movie. Having gone the catholic school route coupled with my knowledge of the DC area, I enjoyed every minute of the read. Looking so forward to her next book. Chris, I hope you'll be in touch if you read this ([e-mail])!

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Summary: Painful
Review: How can such a short book take so long to read? I hate to say that, because the first chapter sucked me in. Just when I thought the plot was going to move along, she starts to get into a bunch of backstory. Okay, fine, we need a little expostion. Then the book turned out to be more whiny backstory than any real plot. The book lacked any real character development and Diana just couldn't stop whining to save her life. To top it all off, the author used Tom Waits in vain. It didn't sound like she was really into Tom Waits, just using crib notes in the hopes that it would make the book sound "edgy." It only made her look like a poseur. If this book had a soundtrack, Tom Waits wouldn't fit the bill. Try some Dan Fogelberg next time, Ms. Bartolomeo.

Rating:
Summary: Painful
Review: How can such a short book take so long to read? I hate to say that, because the first chapter sucked me in. Just when I thought the plot was going to move along, she starts to get into a bunch of backstory. Okay, fine, we need a little expostion. Then the book turned out to be more whiny backstory than any real plot. The book lacked any real character development and Diana just couldn't stop whining to save her life. To top it all off, the author used Tom Waits in vain. It didn't sound like she was really into Tom Waits, just using crib notes in the hopes that it would make the book sound "edgy." It only made her look like a poseur. If this book had a soundtrack, Tom Waits wouldn't fit the bill. Try some Dan Fogelberg next time, Ms. Bartolomeo.

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Summary: Cute, but oh so predictable
Review: I can relate to a lot of the story, but still it lacked in character development. although I liked Diana, i really didn't care what happened to her. Its good for a quick summer beach read.

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Summary: I thought this book was adorable!
Review: I could not put this book down and was truly sorry when I finished it. It is the perfect summer reading - a romantic comedy of the 1990s which any woman or man can enjoy. The main character's attempt to handle her overbearing Italian family and her complicated romantic life had me rolling in laughter. In sum, a delicious book!

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Summary: Cleverly written -- it takes "romance" novels to a new level
Review: I don't read much fiction because much of what I've encountered suffers from lackluster writing and mundane storylines. This book is quite an exception. It's a clever and humorous story of the pursuit of love, juxtaposed by the tensions and expectations presented by family members. Unlike other writers, Bartolomeo paints a picture that we too as readers can see and, more importantly, one we want to see.

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Summary: I used to write like this in junior high school
Review: I had high hopes for the author within the first few pages. But then all the fluffy and agonizing descriptions of every person's outfit just reminded me of how I used to write at a very juvenile level. The other reviews are right: it's very predictable, but worse than that, it seems that Diana just wants a man around just to have one around. Please, haven't we all evolved past that stage in our lives?

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Summary: A great book when your own love life is going under!!
Review: I love this book!! I found the a small blub in Cosmo, and was head strong on getting my hands on it. A book that i read, in times that my own heart and mind was running wild like Diana's. I found comfor in her like an old friend. A book that consumes you. Yet you savor, for the right time of day.

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Summary: A fun read, even for guys!
Review: I picked up this book after I saw it reviewed in the New York Times Book Review, and was not disappointed. It was a really fun read for me. When I was done, I pestered my wife to take a look at it and she found it enjoyable as well. I can see why people get exasperated at the behavior of the characters, but it's like this in real life too!