jtlars7's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Drew me in quickly and I really enjoyed it. Something about the main character and the tone reminded me a little of Lily King’s Writers and Lovers, which I loved.
lindasdarby's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and I genuinely laughed out loud at parts which is pretty awesome. I found Natalie to be an engaging, real and hysterical protagonist. This book isn't perfect but it was so enjoyable.
gwensadventure's review against another edition
4.0
"Think Jane Austen in the Catskills". That's what the cover of this 'blind date with a book' said. And I immediately knew I had to pick it up.
This book was funny and clever while also exploring antisemitism and the difficult relationships of families. I did not realize how amazing of a setting a Catskills resort in it's heyday would be for a book, but this was truly and incredible choice. I like Natalie and Kris and pretty much all the characters whose names I don't remember. There was pretty little needless drama and everything drove the plot forward without being annoying.
I really really enjoyed it and now I want to go on a vacation to one of those all inclusive Castskills Resorts and also read TONS more books with this setting!!
This book was funny and clever while also exploring antisemitism and the difficult relationships of families. I did not realize how amazing of a setting a Catskills resort in it's heyday would be for a book, but this was truly and incredible choice. I like Natalie and Kris and pretty much all the characters whose names I don't remember. There was pretty little needless drama and everything drove the plot forward without being annoying.
I really really enjoyed it and now I want to go on a vacation to one of those all inclusive Castskills Resorts and also read TONS more books with this setting!!
katiebrumbelow's review against another edition
4.0
This was a cute little book. It was not dramatic and events just unfurled. It seemed predictable but in a comforting way.
melissakuzma's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book 10 years ago and it's been a favorite ever since. I decided to reread it and I'm not recognizing any of it! I hope I still like it as much as I did in 1998!
Not the Best. Book. Ever. But still very cute and a fun, fast read.
Not the Best. Book. Ever. But still very cute and a fun, fast read.
carmenere's review against another edition
3.0
At a very early age, Natalie Marx knew it just wasn't right. How could a beautiful resort on the shores of Lake Devine shun her family from vacationing there solely because of their surname and the connotations it implies? Through her diligence and a little manipulation her curiosity is abated when an acquaintance from camp, yet not quite a friend, invites her to spend a week at Lake Devine with her Gentile family. Twenty years later, Natalie finds the relationships formed in that week will have lasting implications for everyone.
Author, Elinor Lipman, writes an enlightening and nostalgic story of a time when religious prejudice was the norm and how in later years, when it was illegal to continue the practice, many of the older generation, found it nearly impossible to adapt to a changing cultural climate.
Author, Elinor Lipman, writes an enlightening and nostalgic story of a time when religious prejudice was the norm and how in later years, when it was illegal to continue the practice, many of the older generation, found it nearly impossible to adapt to a changing cultural climate.
spahade's review against another edition
3.0
I like to read Elinor Lipman for a nice easy read, nothing to think too deeply about but still well written.
annap5519's review against another edition
3.0
Not what I expected given all the hype surrounding this title. Highly predictable and simplifies anti semitism. That part of the plot could have been addressed much more deeply. A missed opportunity and more of a beach read.
siria's review against another edition
4.0
This was a delightful read: a kind of comedy of manners set largely at a vacation resort in Vermont in the 1960s and 70s. Elinor Lipman has a deft hand at mixing together the bitter and the sweet, and the dialogue is often funny without striving too consciously to be quirky banter. The plot never entirely coheres, but the voice of the main character, Natalie, is so engaging that I couldn't bring myself to care too much. A lovely summer read.