After Jane Eyre, this was definitely a nice rest for my reading. The story was interesting and light without seeming too superficial. The storyline is a little like the movie starring Drew Barrymore-- a reporter goes undercover to find the dirt in the education system. Of course the difference is that Drew Barrymore fell for a teacher as a high school student and Kathy (Katie) falls for her RA. I guess it has a bit of that forbidden RA-freshman thing going on like in First Daughter starring Katie Holmes.
I have to say that some parts of the story felt a little slow but I think that the characters were great and at times, I really did laugh out loud. It was an enjoyable read that makes you believe that love can happen no matter how old you are and that it's okay to not plan it out or to follow the traditional, conventional routes. ( )

Journalist Kathy Hopkins looks younger than she is--a lot younger. At 32, she's still getting carded in bars. Her professional life isn't living up to her expectations--she's just been promoted to education editor of Salad magazine, but it's boring. And her love life isn't any better. So when her ex-boyfriend calls up asking to collaborate on a juicy story about a prostitution ring at a local college, she jumps at the chance to both work on an exciting story and rekindle old flames.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. They're getting nowhere fast, when a janitor at the college mistakes Kathy for a student, and sparks the idea of enrolling her undercover.

So Kathy finds herself dealing with an annoying roommate, late nights, and an entirely inappropriate crush on a decade-younger guy.

I admit, I was predisposed to like this book before even opening it. Normally, I ignore cover quotes, but when it's from an author whose taste I know and trust, and who I know doesn't hand out quotes unless she means them, I pay attention.

It didn't let me down. I liked Kathy from the beginning. I too have always looked younger than my age, and like her, it's solely due to lucky genes. But a good quote and a likeable heroine will only take you so far. The writing managed the rest.

I was sucked right into this story. The characters' emotions and reactions are clear and real, and I could believe in them. More than that, the story went in a direction that surprised me, and made me believe that as well.

Been There, Done That is funny and serious, about growing and growing up, about discovering what you want and being brave enough to go for it. It's a suck-you-in read that had me immersed in the story and not wanting to put it down.

Speaking of sucking... I suck terribly at writing about books I really enjoy. Sorry about that. I'm even sorrier (and impressed!) that Been There, Done That is Carol Snow's first book and there aren't any more out there for me to look for... yet. I'll be watching for more. ( )

I enjoyed this book very much. It took a different idea than a lot of chick lit. I found the characters endearing and the story interesting. ( )