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Wilhelmina H. (Russell Springs, KY)
Fast Paced Easy Read
This is a fun, fast-paced, easy to read book that kept me interested in the characters and the storyline. Although I found the storyline just a bit far-fetched, I read it for the 'fun' of it and feel the author pulled it all together to create an amusing, hard to put down story. Twists and turns galore including marital issues, a pretentious restaurant and a hostage situation that resembles the plot of the book written by the main character. I will look for other books by this author.
Dawn Z. (Canton, MI)
A quick read
I enjoyed parts of this book, including the humorous writing style, but the plot was a little outlandish. I read the book quickly a couple of weeks ago but remember little of the ending. I also received an ARC of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, which I enjoyed more than this book.
Bill B. (Choctaw, OK)
The End
I enjoyed Ms. Oakley's novel. She sustained suspense and a comic wit from the opening of their date night through the conclusion. Well done, Madame novelist.
Jamie K. (Berkeley, CA)
How Far Would You Go?
Jane and Dan at the End of the World
Jane and Dan go to one of the most elite restaurants on the planet to celebrate their 20th (or is it their 19th?) wedding anniversary. Just as they dig into some alien-like claws that Jane says look like they were harvested out of Sigourney Weaver's stomach, their dinner is interrupted by a group of eco-terrorists running a script that rings all too familiar to novelist, Jane. What follows is a twisty, crazy heist story with hostages, weapons, and a motley group of leaderless rebels who sometimes seem as confused as their hostages.
Well-plotted, highly entertaining, humorous,
…more and somewhat political, Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a fun, quick read about going to the end of the world only to find what you're looking for is right in front of you. It's a quick-paced caper, but sometimes just as the suspense builds and you're dying to know what happens next, the page turns and Jane or Dan start musing about their lives, breaking up the pace and taking you out of the story. I tried to rush back in, but these interruptions took away some of the magic of this original, keep-you-guessing, tale of love, anarchy, and the clash between the haves and have-nots. (less)I received this book for a free and fair review. I enjoyed Oakley's previous book, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise, this, her most recent book, and was excited to be able to review this one. And this one did not fail to deliver either, being a fun-filled romp of misadventure, miscommunication and missed steps that lead to a denouement that's unique and satisfying.
Jane and Dan are going to La Fin de Munde, an expensive and exclusive restaurant, precariously located over a cliff, to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary (though Dan keeps thinking it's their 20th). Jane's in a funk; she's ready to
…more leave Dan, feeling in a rut as her writing career hasn't taken off and she believes something's going on with Dan. The restaurant only seats five tables and is known as the restaurant that serves the most expensive dessert! Just a Jane announces to Dan that she wants a divorce a group takes over the restaurant and from there the adventure begins. As things unfold, Jane comes to realize that what is happening is based on the book she wrote, things get more curious as Dan begins to realize he might know someone in the group. No spoilers here. You have to read the book - and you won't be disappointed if you - to find out what the group wants, how the takeover ends and if Jane and Dan come to the "end of their world."
Overall, I enjoyed the read and believe others will as well. (less)
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.
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.
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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