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Judith G. (Ewa Beach, HI)
A Page Turner
This book kept me entertained and amused. Twists and turns (no spoilers here) that might be expected. Chapter III ... Ruby...had me smiling at each new page. The jargon of the characters was spot on. I read this the day it arrived because I didn't want to put it down. It was plain fun to read.
Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)
Choose Your Own Adventure
Who is Jane Young --- really? Readers come to know and admire her through the author's incredible talent for weaving wisdom and wit from beginning to end. SECRETS, DECISIONS, CONSEQUENCES abound in this novel I couldn't recommend more highly. I want everyone to immerse themselves in this book that resounds, especially when you hear yourself laugh out loud. (It's evident I'm not revealing the story line; readers will enjoy making those discoveries about the characters' decisions and the processes involved. Definitely a winner! Thank you, Book Browse, for introducing me to Jane, Ruby, Rachel, Esther, and Mimmy.
Diane S. (El Paso, TX)
Engaging and Clever
Very engaging and cleverly written, Young Jane Young grabbed me immediately, and I couldn't put it down. It's a story about women in various stages of life, and I identified with the struggles and triumphs of each one: young girl, teenager, college coed, mother, and grandmother. The story is effectively told from the various women's points of view, the topics and themes are 21st century (ripped from the headlines), and the characters are strongly developed and likeable. On top of all that, the book was a fun read---parts made me laugh out loud. I highly recommend Young Jane Young and will pitch it to my book club.
Vicki R. (York, PA)
Excellent!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Young Jane Young" by Gabrielle Zevin. Told through the eyes of various people in Aviva Grossman's life we get a different perspective on being a woman from each one. Along with the main story we also hear from a young girl working through the difficult teenage years and an older woman navigating the dating scene after divorce. This is a very nice, easy yet intelligent read that warms the soul.
Liz D. (East Falmouth, MA)
Cautionary Tale
Young Jane Young By Gabrielle Zevin In her gentle sometimes funny way gives the reader a cautionary tale for the modern technically challenging we navigate today.
This engaging read tells the experiences of a young woman who makes a mistake that affects her life seemly forever. But her spunk and durability win out and we see a strong young woman emerge to take her place in her world.
As with her previous book The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
the characters so likeable we would like to have coffee with them and get to know them better.
The book will keep the reader fully engaged first page till last.
Books like Young Jane Young are a pleasant respite from the difficult day to day world. They give me hope
Shirley L. (Norco, LA)
Excellent Author
I had read The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, and was eager to read Zevin's new novel. I loved it. It was breezy and fun but had a quiet depth to it. It was about mothers and daughters and making the best of an imperfect life. Zevin does a great job using several different voices throughout the novel. The Choose Your Own Adventure section was delightful. I'm ready for the sequel. A light, fun read with a soul.
Jane H. (Prospect, KY)
Young Jane Young
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing style was unique but not distracting. The characters were just that ... true characters. I could just see this as a first-rate movie in the right hands. I thought the portrayal of the wife was straight-on, having worked in the political arena myself in my younger years.
Cheri S. (Newburgh, IN)
You Really Don't Need to Know Everything You Think You Do
Do we ever find peace with who we are, where we come from, or the choices we have made? And if we do, are we ever totally honest with anyone – including ourselves – about any of that? In Young Jane Young, Gabrielle Zevin takes on those questions and their answers in a humorous yet haunting manner through the well-crafted characters in her latest adult novel.
Although broken up into five segments, each focusing on one of the primary players at a pivotal time in their part of the story as a whole, and each being written in a different voice/style, Zevin made the book feel as if it was a through-composed piece, seamless and complete. I admit I was a bit put off when I saw the physical structure laid out in the table of contents since I think many contemporary authors use structural gimmicks in the place of creating continuity in their writing. But I was thrilled to learn I was concerned in vain: she didn't use a trick – she used her talent. And she used it well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for many reasons but perhaps the main one is what I see as an underlying premise of the book: forgiveness and fresh starts are possible and in order to achieve both, you must always be true to yourself. I do believe we can always use a reminder about that and Gabrielle Zevin gave us that in Young Jane Young.