The Review

A girlfriend of mine who loves reading Chick Lit as much as I lent me this book. I have been in a happy, feminine reading mood all this week and treated myself to not one, but two Chick Lit books this week! It’s nice to pamper thyself!

Kim Gruenenfelder hit a home-run with her debut novel (published 2005/2006). Although I didn’t get a copy until recently, I am happy that I did. What I discovered is that this is one of a two-book series with Charlie as our heroine. Gruenenfelder has very recently published its sequel entitled Misery Loves Cabernet. I am so hoping to grab a copy and review it soon!

Back to A Total Waste of Makeup, our heroine Charlie juggles a cast of supporting characters in her life in addition to the movie star that she is a Personal Assistant for. Some parts of Charlie’s life are as glamorous as you’d want, although Charlie is as real and down-to-earth as you can get. She is attacked with a barrage of phone calls on her constantly ringing phone. It’s either her neurotic sister, looney mother, needy boss, or wimpy dad. Unlike Charlie’s best friends, who are described as being gorgeous and Size 2’s, Charlie is our Size 6, more classic gal. (O.K., I have to say… Charlie… a Size 6 is TINY!). She’s had some problems in the love department by picking the wrong men. However, by the end of this book, our heroine has what looks like the beginnings of something positive.

My favorite part of the novel was the trip that she and her friends took to Las Vegas for the Bachelorette Party. You could imagine yourself right there in the thick of it with them!

On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”

A great romantic comedy, A Total Waste of MakeUp is a perfect classic escape. For your tropical vacation, poolside, or summer fun, I would most definitely recommend this book. But, since the sequel is published, I’d get both books so that you can read on and find out what happens to Charlie. I know I can’t wait to find out!

For the genre Fiction:Women’s Fiction/ChickLit, I am going to rate this book a 9 OUT OF 10. ( )

I can't rave enough about this novel! Yes, it falls into the chick-lit genre, but it's completely devoid of the vapid, two-dimensional characters and highly unlikely escapades that are all too common in women's fiction. And, If that wasn't enough of a reason to pick it up, it's hilarious too.

Charlie is a perfect heroine - smart, funny and flawed, she will remind you of, well, you. What pushes this novel to the top are the great secondary characters. Her friends and family were all pretty realistic and well drawn out. Each brought their own brand of humor to the story as well as added to it's depth. Not only was I able to see bits of my family and friends amongst them, but I also found myself identifying with Charlie's utter embarassment at their hands...

...To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Hoarder. ( )

The thoughts to the great grandniece was very funny and true. I laughed out loud and would read another book by the author. ( )