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There are currently 40 reader reviews for Young Jane Young
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Kathleen B. (Las Vegas, NV)
Great Read
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was so witty and well written. I think it would be an excellent book for book clubs. It is the story of a young woman who has an affair with a married congressman. They are found out and he gets off scott free and she is slut shamed and run out of town. She goes on to give a multi-generational perspective on these issues which I found very interesting. You'll have some laugh out loud moments and we find this a very enjoyable read.
Laurie H. (Stuart, FL)
Smart as a Whip and fun too
I loved "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and keep up the love with "Young Jane Young". There are so many facets that make up each person and dwelling on one facet keeps you form appreciating the whole person. Each of the characters presented in this novel have been "one faceted" if you will by everyone but each other. Told with wit and compassion, this tale shows that you can make your own way even in this age of internet history and judgment. Ruby by far was my favorite, wise beyond her years.
Becky S. (Springfield, MO)
Another winner for Zevin
This was such a fun book to read! I love Zevins easy writing style, it was witty and flowed. The topic was relevant to the times... politics are at the forefront of the news these days and the storyline of an illicit affair with a congressman oh so familiar. The way Aviva chooses to to raise her daughter is admirable . The story follows 3 generations of women.. and I liked them all! The story addresses double standards which continue to be a constant theme in every woman's life... no matter the age. I truly enjoyed this book! I love it when I become so involved, that I hate to see the story end.
Suzi Smith
Thoughtful yet fun
This book engaged me immediately, partly because of the style and partly because the subject matter struck home. Each of these characters was genuine and each viewpoint was thought-provoking without being a serious read. I have already passed my copy of this book along to friends and recommended it to my book club.
Sonja J. (Tupelo, MS)
Run Jane run !
Escaping the past...especially if your past involves a high profile political scandal...is not easy. Ask Jane Young, the small town wedding planner who is rearing her daughter as a single mother. This novel is endearing as it explores the long term consequences of a youthful mistake on a young woman, her mother and her daughter. Ms. Zevin has a gift for writing characters who are likeable in spite of or because of the emotional baggage they carry.
Andrew P. (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Sluts Are People Too
So much to love about this book. The unconventional story structure and 'roving' POV not only keeps the story fresh and active it's a great way to introduce a multi-generational perspective on an age old topic. The characters read incredibly real and accessible (wanted to hang out with them longer!) and manage to get their not insignificant points across in a manner that's fun, meaningful and not over-wrought. Zevin's take on the 'Scarlet Letter' is original, emotionally satisfying and worthily constructed for today's audience.
Anita S. (Santa Barbara, CA)
Power to women
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down because it was written so well. The writing style was excellent with a section devoted to each character telling the story from their point of view. All the women characters are intelligent and strong even Ruby who is extremely precocious. To me, the theme was women empowerment and how decisions and events affect the women more than the men. When Aviva makes a very bad decision, she is the one who suffers the consequences, not Aaron who comes out of it with practically no consequences and goes on to a bigger and better life. Society judges women harshly.
…more This story was also very personal for me because I lived in Florida and knew all the locations mentioned and I knew women like Rachel and Roz. I have never met a woman like Embeth and at first I didn't like her. But when I read her section, I had a lot of sympathy for her. She did what she had to for her family and particularly her husband and for her own self-preservation but at a high cost to her mental health. This book was great and I have already told my friends about it. Book clubs will love it because there is so much to discuss. (less)Hold on and take a ride with a young woman who makes a mistake and see where it leads her. How unforgiving our society is towards women!
Zevin allows us to enter the minds of the young woman's mother, grandmother, "other woman" and finally we enter the mind of the young woman herself.
I couldn't put this down and read it in only two sittings.
