hlparis's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book's easy prose and dialogue. An enjoyable read especially for those who have called themselves writers. It did make me miss writing and taking writing classes. A bonus: each chapter has a writing exercise for the reader to do if he/she wishes.
mollymctouch's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. While this book is not "Literature" it is wonderful--tenderly written and quite funny, the main character Arabella is drawn wonderfully. This book felt almost autobiographical and as such was incredibly poignant for me to read. It was great. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good afternoon read.
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad read, but not a great one either. The plot was predictable, and at times the author was too enamored with her skills and vocabulary. The structure of the book is set on Wednesdays (mostly), during a Fiction Class and Arabella's visits to her dying mother in a Westchester County nursing home. After each of the classes, there's an Assignment. What would have made the book far more interesting is if each chapter showed the progress, or utilized the assignment. Also predictable, but less bland that what I actually read.
406knits's review against another edition
3.0
I think most readers want to be writers. Not all, but certainly the majority of them.You can tell this novel was written by a reader who wants to be a writer--but the book was really nothing more than mediocre. The setting is predominately in a classroom where Arabella is teaching a writing class. It's ironic to me that Arabella discusses character development--and yet, the author does a really poor job of character development.
The story moved along relatively quickly, but there was nothing really remarkable about the characters or the storyline. It was all pretty tame, with virtually no climax in the storyline. It's there, but it's more like a hiccup than an actual heart rate peak. My recommendation? Leave this one on the bookstore's bookshelf.
The story moved along relatively quickly, but there was nothing really remarkable about the characters or the storyline. It was all pretty tame, with virtually no climax in the storyline. It's there, but it's more like a hiccup than an actual heart rate peak. My recommendation? Leave this one on the bookstore's bookshelf.
julieawallace's review against another edition
This is not a handbook for wannabe writers, but rather a short novel about a writing teacher and one writing class she'll never forget. Adult education instructor Arabella Hicks (named after a heroine in a romance novel) is struggling to cope with a dying mother, a longing for love, and a frustration with both life and writing. The writing exercises after each chapter are completely optional, and you do not have to read what you've written if you don't want to. Read this book instead.
kmc95i's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed it!! Great for anyone who is a writer. Its a sweet story.
zoewellington's review against another edition
4.0
Worth multiple reads ;)
First finished 01/Jun/08
Second finish 19/Jul/16
First finished 01/Jun/08
Second finish 19/Jul/16
hyacinth_girl's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay. It had some touching moments but overall I wasn't overwhelmingly moved or changed by this book. It had a predictable plot progression and ended the way I thought it would. I liked the characters, though, so that definitely made it a bit better.
brianajae's review against another edition
4.0
I'm an aspiring novelist so I really liked the exercises and writing tips the protagonist gave to her students. I want to try some of them.
charmaineclancy's review
3.0
I liked the concept of this story. Enjoyed the interwoven fiction writing lessons amongst the narrative. I looked forward to the classroom's activities but couldn't warm to the main character and found her POV a little dull. It was an okay read, but after reading The Writing Class, this one just didn't measure up.