Kissing in Technicolor

Rating:
Summary: funny and sweet--but not too sweet
Review: A witty and fresh novel. Its acerbic, sharp-eyed, and hilarious observation of the movie business, academia, and what it's truly like to be young in New York, set it apart from and above the bushels of "Bridget Jones" and "Sex & the City" clones that deluge publishing houses daily. Jane Mendle has a gift for unfolding her story so vividly that the true-to-life characters and comical situations seem to pop off the pages. The movie, I predict, will not be far behind.

Rating:
Summary: Not a favorite
Review: Charlie (aka Charlotte), the main character, is not a super-sympathetic character. I did not root for her like I rooted for Bridget Jones or Rebecca from the Shopaholic books. She is one of the most narcissistic and pretentious main characters I've ever read in the genre of the "chick lit" novel. The romance between her and Hank was obviously going to go nowhere, and it took a heck of a long time to play it out and I did not care one iota whether she succeeded in the filmmaking world.

The author has the potential for a better novel next time as '...Technicolor' was readable despite the problems I had with the story.

Rating:
Summary: A Great November Read!
Review: Charlie Frost is 27, about to graduate from film school, and is trying to make a name for herself in the film industry. Making ends barely meet as a Yoga instructor, and having her latest screenplay rejected, she has no idea her life is about to change. On the advice of one her professors at school, she begins to revise one of her earlier plays in hopes it will be made into a movie. At the same time, she meets a handsome soap star, Hank, who is definitely interested in her.

When she receives the great news that she will be able to direct the play, Charlie is thrilled. Hank manages to convince her to give him the lead part, but she isn't too sure of her decision. When problems break out during the rehearsals and taping, she realizes it may not have been the best idea...

Kissing in Technicolor is a solid, highly readable story featuring a very strong and admirable main character, intellectual writing and bantering that will appeal to people who appreciate that (as I do), and a satisfying story that unfolds at a leisurely pace. Jane Mendle has definitely impressed me with her intelligent and wonderful novel - and I hope she plans to write more books!

Overall I highly recommend Kissing in Technicolor. There was nothing about the book that I didn't like. The supporting characters were realistic and likeable, and the author keeps a good handle on the story line. The main character is one of my favorite types in chick lit - strong, slightly flawed, intelligent and realistic. At a hearty 346 pages, the novel will keep you pleasantly occupied for many hours. (Or days, depending on your reading speed!)

Rating:
Summary: Austenesque
Review: How best to marvel at Jane Mendle's pataphysical kuntslerroman? What to praise? To begin, the comically outsized ambitions of our Type-A narrator, exceeded in scale only by the sharp jawline of her hunky Hank Destin, soap star--and cad? Surely the most entertaining character in this rogue's gallery of the loverlorn, however, must be the indefatigable Ned, the droll reader of Henry James, seasoned crackerjack of les jeux alcoolique, and soon-to-be prodigy of horse-breaking. Encore, Mendle!

Rating:
Summary: A stupid romantic comedy
Review: I didn't like this book, and I would definitely NOT recommend it. The author's attempt was a written romantic comedy, but instead, it just came out stupid. If this were a movie, it would be a bad one, and as a book, it's even worse. It's predictable, unintelligent and written on a 4th grade level.
Don't waste your time.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Worthwhile Read
Review: I thought this was a fabulous read! Mendle takes a novel spin on the standard tale of the twenty-something single girl by weaving witty commentary on academia, the film industry, and family relationships. Her writing style is sparse and simple; however, it is anything but amateurish. Among other things, her subtle literary references add sophistication and humor, and they serve to distinguish this book from its Bridget Jones counterparts. This is that rare book that truly captures the complexity of being an ambitious, multifaceted woman trying to balance personal and professional interests.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic read!
Review: I was up until 4am on my couch reading this book--I finished it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. The dialogue and monologues are laugh-out-loud funny and just plain smart, the main character (Charlotte) is believably and hilariously neurotic, and the scenes (particularly the one at ABC Carpet & Home) are exquisitely crafted.

Rating:
Summary: Clever and funny
Review: It's a great read, and really cleverly done. Hilarious. I definitely suggest reading it.

Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Accompaniment to Hot Chocolate & a Fluffy Couch
Review: Kissing in Technicolor is the perfect book to curl up with on a winter afternoon. It is engaging, amusing, and poignant, and most definitely a notch above its "chick-lit" counterparts. Mendle's writing is easy to read without being simplistic, and is characterized by a deep understanding of the simultaneous complexity and humor inherent to dating as a 20-something female in the 21st century. Although initially purchased as a mere "distraction read," I ended up falling in love with Charlotte (whom I did not find to be a narcissistic heroine, but, rather, witty, intelligent and charmingly self-deprecating), and being genuinely upset when I got to the last page. . . .

Rating:
Summary: Great read!! Many laughs!
Review: This book had me laughing out loud!! Maybe it's because I see myself in Charlie's neuroses, but this book had me tickled. Also being a graduate student with zero time myself(I managed to read this one while working as a door monitor to bring in some extra cash) I can appreciate Charlie's student life, though her love life is far from resembling mine!

In addition to a great story line, the writing is fabulous. The writing is witty and funny and the descriptions are great. Charlie is less than perfect but that makes her a more believable character - her faults become endearing. Really, what would a book based in New York be if it didn't incorporate some neurotic and cynical moments?

Well delivered, well written, and truly amusing. A great read!! Hope to see more from Jane soon!!