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There are currently 29 member reviews
for Jane and Dan at the End of the World
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Vivian H. (Winchester, VA)
A Quick Lighthearted Read
The premise of the book had so much potential. Author Jane and her husband Dan embarked on on a celebratory evening at an over-the-top dining establishment only to find themselves held hostage by a global warming activist group that seem to be using the plot of Jane's one moderately successful novel as a template. I expected the atmosphere to feel more surreal, tense, suspenseful and intriguing.
Instead, the plot felt forced and uncompelling. I kept skimming through pages hoping to be pulled into the story. But, I wasn't. Instead, the book, to me, felt more like a mildly distracting, easy, beach read that didn't require much focus.
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Ticey G. (Andover, KS)
Not the book for me
This started out promising but quickly became outlandish and I found myself skimming a lot of the book. This was a miss for me.
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Lauren C. (Los Angeles, CA)
Ho hum hostage situation
While this was billed as a hilariously bad dinner date in which the entire restaurant ends up being taken hostage, I never found it particularly hilarious or engaging. I did not find the main characters to be original or interesting and the twists were too coincidental to be "wow, I didn't see that coming" moments.
The book is light reading so if you're looking for something not very deep that has a few chuckles you might enjoy it.
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Lauri Z. (Washington, DC)
An easy and fast read, and pretty predictable
This book is about a struggling writer who rather unsuccessfully published a book long before this story takes place. That book, much to her surprise, is the footprint for the caper that occurs and in which she becomes a victim. The primary underlying theme of the author's story (the one I am reviewing- not the fictional book) is the characters' failing marriage. Almost a reflection of "be careful what you wish for". I actually think this book could be the book the fictional author wrote. I don't think I would recommend this for a bookclub that enjoys a book that allows for meaningful questions and deep interpretation. But if you are looking for a light read that doesn't require your undivided attention this is for you.
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Jennie R. (Plymouth, MN)
Fun to read
While I thought this book had many cheesy/corny moments, I did enjoy the fast paced storyline. It was a quick and easy read with some life advice thrown in (i.e. be careful what you wish for, etc.).
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Carmel B
Guerilla Marketing
Even though something kept me reading, I found Oakley’s fantasy to be implausible. Jane, the main character, is intelligent, likeable and funny. She seems to have good reasons for her fading love for her husband, Dan. Then, a band of ridiculous teenagers with an equally ridiculous leader has Jane slowly and inexplicably fading back to her needy, weak and dependent self. The ending is predictable and unsatisfying, despite a sprinkling of strained surprises. Still, who am I to judge any author who has found her way to being published? Oakley is a good writer, but this story is not for senior citizens, especially if they are not tech-savvy or into kinky sex. A believable story would make her a great writer.
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Suzi S
A quick, fun read
The title made me think this was going to be some kind of apocalyptic story, and in a sense it is. But it's not the end of THE world, just possibly the end of Jane's world. The author definitely created a character in Jane that I immediately knew and understood. It made sense to me that she'd decide to ask for a divorce during her anniversary dinner at a fancy restaurant. The ensuing drama was a little over the top at times, and I never for a moment doubted how the story would wrap up. Still the story was unusual and amusing, making for a fun read.
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