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Book Reviews of Bookends

Bookends
Bookends
Author: Jane Green
ISBN-13: 9780767907811
ISBN-10: 0767907817
Publication Date: 5/27/2003
Pages: 368
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 618

3.8 stars, based on 618 ratings
Publisher: Broadway
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

86 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Bookends on + 53 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This was my first book by this author. I have since read several more. She is very witty and the British tone is hilarious.
reviewed Bookends on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This was a cute book. My favorite part was the well developed characters and of course, the bookstore! Who wouldn't want to open a bookstore.
Bookfanatic avatar reviewed Bookends on
Helpful Score: 4
A story about a strong friendship and the ups and downs of life, love, and health. I enjoyed the novel very much.
Melinda avatar reviewed Bookends on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book started off well, but soon deteriorated into a cheesy PSA for AIDS prevention...it reminded me of those after school specials that used to air back in the 70s and 80s. Skip it and read something else...
reviewed Bookends on + 45 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Yet another wonderful Jane Green book! If you have ever read any of her books you will not be disappointed with this one. If you haven't read her before then what are you waiting for?? LOL
candieb avatar reviewed Bookends on + 239 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I started this book thinking it would be some nice fluff. It definitely lived up to that. It was a light, quick read, but it was also really well done and a fabulous story. Oh, it was a little trite in places, but ya know... it's what I wanted to read when I wanted to read it. It was a cute book, but had a few deeper issues that were interesting, nothing ultra heavy, but very well done. Would be the perfect book to bring along to the beach or on an airplane.
reviewed Bookends on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Really cute, engaging chick lit. Good for a summer read.
reviewed Bookends on + 136 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this book! My first by Jane Green and I can't wait to read another by her. I really liked her style of writing. The story just flowed really well (though the beginning was all over the place). I liked James a lot, great guy! And how fun to open a bookshop! Lucky girls! Two thumbs up from me.
reviewed Bookends on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Not the best Jane Green novel. While I loved her Jemima J., I honestly would not read this one again or recommend it unless you just love everything Jane Green writes.
reviewed Bookends on + 331 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Popular British author Green (Jemima J and Mr. Maybe) follows up her two hits with a less sparkling effort that examines the intricacies of enduring friendships. In college 10 years ago, a small group of misfits ¢dowdy Catherine, gay Simon, cute naOf Josh and his object of affection, the regally beautiful Portia¢were best friends. After a messy split from Portia, the others have continued their friendship without her. While promiscuous Si and celibate Cath have lousy luck with men, Josh is happily married to earthy Lucy. The members of the tightly knit quartet commiserate about extra body weight, job dissatisfaction and the search for love, but are basically content¢until Portia reenters their lives and threatens their stability. Green touts her return as almost sinister, but the forecasted tornado ends up a mere zephyr. The novel opens with a promising bang, only to peter out before fulfilling its potential. Green has a knack for creating both atmosphere and characters that ring true, but the dialogue is sometimes strangely stilted and does little to propel the oft-meandering plot. There are some bright spots, like Cath's blossoming relationship with dreamboat James, but they are too few and far between to steady the pace.
reviewed Bookends on + 73 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first novel I read by Jane Green and now I am hooked! I was quickly drawn in and captivated by the her style of writing and her interesting characters. I found myself saying "Okay after this chapter, I'll put the book down" - but wound up reading at least two more chapters. This witty story about strong friendships and love is fabulous.
reviewed Bookends on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Unexpected twists, but a very nice book.
reviewed Bookends on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Bookends is a super fast and fun read - look at one-fast friends and how their lives take the dips and turns back into each other. A little too stark portrayal of single women past 30 (gasp!) and similar to Bridget Jones in the message that the main character cannot be happy until a man is in her life, but overall a good, light read!
reviewed Bookends on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I had brought this book on vacation with me because I love Jane Green Books. It had started out slow so I started thinking I would not like it. Man am I glad I kept with it. After a little while it started getting really good and soon became my favorite Jane Green book to date. This book gets into some heavier subject matter than her usual novels. If you like Jane Green you dont want to miss this book.
tygerlily avatar reviewed Bookends on + 20 more book reviews
True to Jane Green's form, this book really reeled me in. It took me a couple of chapters to get interested, but once I did, I couldn't put the book down. The ending was wonderful and actually made me emotional a bit because I felt like I bonded with the characters. Well done and recommended.
reviewed Bookends on + 7 more book reviews
More good stuff from Jane Green -- a great beach or plane read! Classic chic lit.
jessielynn avatar reviewed Bookends on + 79 more book reviews
My favorite of Green's.
kathyk avatar reviewed Bookends on
Nice chick lit.
reviewed Bookends on + 149 more book reviews
A light, fun romantic comedy. Would make a great summer beach read. I enjoyed it.
reviewed Bookends on + 15 more book reviews
Loved this book - so touching in the end...much better than I was expecting!
bikeshoes avatar reviewed Bookends on + 70 more book reviews
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. big fan of Jane Green.
MissC avatar reviewed Bookends on + 100 more book reviews
Not my fave Jane Green book but I still enjoyed it. Liked the characters.
reviewed Bookends on + 82 more book reviews
One of my favorites. Felt like real people dealing with real problems. Could relate to the now and today aspect of life.
reviewed Bookends on + 11 more book reviews
I really got in to this one. Loved the characters.
reviewed Bookends on + 11 more book reviews
Unlike Jemima J, this book was believable and a good read. The plot is realistic and the characters are very easy to relate to. Nice easy read.
reviewed Bookends on + 7 more book reviews
This was a cute book, predictable but a good easy read.
reviewed Bookends on
pretty good. I didn't enjoy it as much as Jemima J.
reviewed Bookends on + 2 more book reviews
Great Read!
reviewed Bookends on + 47 more book reviews
well written book very interesting
reviewed Bookends on + 22 more book reviews
great book
reviewed Bookends on + 6 more book reviews
Great book and author
reviewed Bookends on + 66 more book reviews
Very good - I couldn't put it down! I enjoyed the characters and the story they told.
Gracious-Granny avatar reviewed Bookends on + 137 more book reviews
Wonderful book!!
reviewed Bookends on
Great beach read! Perfect book for a quick chic-lit indulgence.
reviewed Bookends on + 3 more book reviews
I loved this book! made me cry!!! So sweet and sad and funny!
reviewed Bookends on + 11 more book reviews
I am on a chick-lit kick and Jane Green writes some of the best of the genre out there. She writes characters I can relate too, and adds lots of real emotion and an exciting plot into the mix. I highly recommend this book.
reviewed Bookends on
Loved it...fun, hilarious, easy read!!
reviewed Bookends on + 10 more book reviews
Jane Green is a hoot! One of my faves!
reviewed Bookends on + 13 more book reviews
fun read
reviewed Bookends on + 25 more book reviews
Fun, easy read. Sometimes I felt, okay come on already, especially when it came to the main character and her love interest but what else should you expect with light, fun chic lit.
reviewed Bookends on
It seems appropriate to title this review with a quote from RENT, because about three-quarters of the way through, I had to get up and put the soundtrack on just to get it out of my head.

I understand the author's point - HIV/AIDS is a non-sequiter that completely disrupts lives. That said, it ran away with the narrative and turned the book from enjoyable chick lit escapism to, well, RENT (complete with reference to a drag queen named Angel!) A guide for my fellow musical theater buffs:

Cath = Roger, closed off from the world until the right person comes along
James = Mimi, flawed but still the right person
Lucy = Mark, the straight friend who wants to help everyone
Josh = Benny, gets a bad rep but isn't so bad after all
Portia = Maureen, every time she came into the story I heard "Tango: Maureen" even before the plot shifted!
Si = sometimes he's Collins, sometimes he's Angel

Luckily, I love RENT. I enjoyed this book even though it threw me for a loop. It's worth a read if you like Jane Green's writing (although Jemima J is still hands down my favorite book of hers), or if you're in the mood for chick lit with a message. Just make sure you have your RENT CDs handy if you're prone to adding soundtracks to books in your head!
reviewed Bookends on + 30 more book reviews
great book!
reviewed Bookends on + 4 more book reviews
Cute book.....would recommend it to fans of chick lit books!
reviewed Bookends on + 10 more book reviews
funny chic lit...contemporary romance
jsellers11 avatar reviewed Bookends on + 2 more book reviews
Great Book! I loved it!
reviewed Bookends on + 11 more book reviews
Just a feel good story. Not the best I've read, but an enjoyable, and quick, read. Great book for those of you who ride public transportation and like to read while enroute.
reviewed Bookends on + 4 more book reviews
I had a hard time with the first couple of chapters, but once I got through those this book was great! Nothing like having dreams come true!
reviewed Bookends on + 8 more book reviews
I thought it was great light reading.
reviewed Bookends on + 53 more book reviews
Lovely book but gets a lil soap opera-y with the HIV storyline. That parts seems a lil fake, a little to after school special.
reviewed Bookends on + 43 more book reviews
I liked this book alot, but i like most British books! I nice quick read!
Pampdi avatar reviewed Bookends on + 29 more book reviews
Just another of Jane Greens great books...this one touches many topics..
Lissa avatar reviewed Bookends on + 224 more book reviews
Very good book - about friendship
CarrieBerry avatar reviewed Bookends on + 3 more book reviews
Funny book!! Couldn't put it down.
reviewed Bookends on + 30 more book reviews
A really good Brit chick lit book!
reviewed Bookends on + 30 more book reviews
fantastic. funny. touching. loved it.
reviewed Bookends on + 29 more book reviews
Quick, enjoyable read!
reviewed Bookends on + 5 more book reviews
Funny and with a good twist on the imagination.
reviewed Bookends on + 234 more book reviews
Wow, another great book from Jane Green, but with a little more depth in it than some of her others. This was a very quick read for me as hers normally are.
reviewed Bookends on + 13 more book reviews
I enjoyed this Jane Green book, but was not light and cheery as I was expecting after Mr. Maybe and Jemima J.
wyldfairy avatar reviewed Bookends on + 13 more book reviews
it was ok. entertaining in some parts; too much useless detail in some other parts.
reviewed Bookends on + 21 more book reviews
A fun and easy read.
reviewed Bookends on + 42 more book reviews
Great stuff!
Deb avatar reviewed Bookends on + 38 more book reviews
This is a very good chick lit book, about friends living in London and their lives, struggles and opening a new bookstore/cafe.
reviewed Bookends on + 23 more book reviews
Another excellent offering from the always-reliable Jane Green.
reviewed Bookends on + 57 more book reviews
Jane Green is always good - this is a good story about friendship.
sharalsbooks avatar reviewed Bookends on + 259 more book reviews
I have enjoyed every book I've read by this talented author. The characters were great and the storyline kept me interested and intrigued at the outcome.
reviewed Bookends on + 203 more book reviews
Another wonderful book by this amazing author.
reviewed Bookends on
Jan Green is always great.
reviewed Bookends on + 25 more book reviews
Good book, intriguing charecters, dragged a bit towards the middle but a good read.
reviewed Bookends on + 3 more book reviews
Very cute, easy read.
reviewed Bookends on + 6 more book reviews
Great "chick fic" with depth and wit.
katatonicstate avatar reviewed Bookends on
Not my favorite book by Green but very good. A little heavy at the end.
reviewed Bookends on + 16 more book reviews
Fun and easy read.
reviewed Bookends on + 17 more book reviews
Wonderful book! I think this is the best Jane Green book I've read..highly recommended!
reviewed Bookends on + 38 more book reviews
Good book, quick read. Love Green, this book was no exception.
reviewed Bookends on + 45 more book reviews
jane green is a great author...will read more from her in the future!
reviewed Bookends on + 10 more book reviews
Great book for those who love chic lit ! One of Jane Green's best books.
horselover419 avatar reviewed Bookends on + 33 more book reviews
Very cute. My second favorite of hers behing Jemima J. Nice light reading.
reviewed Bookends on + 42 more book reviews
Jane Green is a wonderful writer within the chick-lit genre. If you are into these kinds of books, you will love this one!
reviewed Bookends on + 13 more book reviews
Well written chick lit, set in London
my2luvsemmyandmally avatar reviewed Bookends on + 758 more book reviews
Enjoyed this book.
berd avatar reviewed Bookends on + 214 more book reviews
I wish there was a sequel to this book so I can see what happens next! This was a fairly quick read. It was full of fluff, but it had a very believable story line and kept my interest from page one until the end.
reviewed Bookends on + 59 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book.
reviewed Bookends on + 56 more book reviews
Hilarious
reviewed Bookends on + 81 more book reviews
typical cute book by the author.
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From Booklist
Green\'s third novel to be published in the U.S. concerns the plight of four friends in their thirties. Cath, Simon, and Josh have been friends since college. Josh married Lucy, and they have a son, Max; Simon is desperately looking for Mr. Right; and Cath is shirking relationships altogether and dreaming of owning her own bookstore. When Lucy proposes that she and Cath make that dream a reality, Cath decides to take a chance: she leaves her boring but stable job, and she and Lucy find a location for the bookstore and begin to renovate it. Meanwhile, Simon has met a man, Will, but Cath finds him pretentious and condescending. Cath herself is receiving attention from James, the gorgeous real estate agent who sold her and Lucy the space for the bookstore, but she\'s not sure she wants to get involved. Then they find out that Portia, a gorgeous former friend of theirs who broke Josh\'s heart in college, may be after him again. When Cath finally gives in and goes out to dinner with James, she spots Josh and Portia together at the restaurant and fears the worst. As always, Green\'s characters are winning and fun and her plot entrancing. For the many fans of her previous novels, Jemima J and Mr. Maybe.