July 21, 2003
A West Coast fashion writer pursues true love in La-La-Land in this fun, fab debut novel by "someone who knows" (Kizis is, after all, Elle's West Coast editor). The thin but oh so clever story is a must-have for fans of "Girlie Porn" (fashion mags) and "Girlie Crack" (shopping for clothes that cost more than what you make in a month). Inside, dating tips (illustrated with perky pink accents) from Benjamina Franklin enliven and sometimes distract from the dating-is-hell tone of the crisp first-person narration as Benjamina and Kiki, Ben's editor at Filly, mix with VIPs and wannabes in pursuit of the perfect party and romance. When 27-year-old Ben meets Max, a Hugo Boss type who owns Super Very Good, a trendy T-shirt company, fireworks go off. Plus, Ben's little sister is getting married, and Ben has to have a date for the wedding, so she falls for Max only to discover he's only a cute BOY (turning 21?!). Marshaling her own cougar ("older woman who picks up younger guys") dating skills—"Where's the J. Lo you? The Get-Your-Freak-On you?"—Ben tries to keep Max interested, but when he suffers a commitment-phobic anxiety attack and bails, she must re-evaluate her desires, leading to the only real flaw in this sexy popcorn farce—an indecisive resolution, which may inspire readers to scream, "Go ahead and jump!"
October 1, 2003
This is entertaining chick lit for those who enjoy reading about twentysomething single women with cool jobs and busy social lives who obsess about men. Twenty-seven-year-old Benjamina (Ben) Franklin writes about relationships for L.A.'s Filly magazine, mining her own love life (or lack thereof) for material. She has plenty to work with, in view of a recent breakup, her younger sister's engagement (their mother is thrilled that one of her daughters is getting married), her good friend Kiki's trials and tribulations, plus the younger man Ben recently met. Ben is a smart and funny heroine who wisecracks with the best of them. Her insights and dating/club adventures ring true. Particular highlights are the Filly magazine pieces (e.g., tips on eyebrow plucking, quizzes, first-date facts, and a horrorscope") written by Benjamina herself. Recommended for libraries where Bridget Jones and her ilk are popular. Kizis is the West Coast editor of Elle magazine.-Elizabeth Mellett, Brookline P.L., MA
Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from September 1, 2003
Kizis, the West Coast editor of " Elle "magazine, shines in this debut novel that details the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. While this novel may be part of the new "chick lit" genre, it's really better than most of the stuff that makes its way down the pipeline; more Nick Hornby than Bridget Jones and really more interesting and intelligent than a lot of the other chick-lit offerings. The story follows the life of Benjamina Franklin, a 28-year- old writer for the fictional " Filly" magazine, as she clumsily navigates the minefields of personal and familial relationships, and in particular as she doggedly pursues a relationship with a man who doesn't appear to be interested. Franklin is a more down-to-earth, smart, and thoughtful heroine than that found in many of the books in this genre, and as she awkwardly negotiates relationships with lovers, family, and friends, many readers will feel a kinship with, or at least an understanding of, her heartfelt, sometimes desperate and embarrassing, and yet essentially honest behavior. Throughout, the book contains samples of Franklin's contributions to " Filly," articles such as "Filly Quiz: Is He or Isn't He--Maybe He's Your Boyfriend and Maybe He's Not"; or "Filly Quiz: Are You or Are You Not, a Stalker? That is the Question," through which she shares with her readers her experiences and hard-earned knowledge. A very enjoyable book that will give a badly needed boost to the intelligence quotient of the entire genre; libraries should be sure to pick up a copy or two.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)