Jenny Gardiner

If any of you follow my reviews, you know I'm pretty stingy with those little pointy things. To rate a 4 or 5 stars from me, a book/story has to really grab me, make me laugh and cry and want more--and that's what Slim to None did for me. I have to confess that part of my "infatuation" with the story is my life-long struggle with weight. Ms. Gardiner captured so perfectly the sense of shame and humiliation I so often felt. But if this story had just been about a woman struggling with weight, show more I probably wouldn't have rated it so high. I love the way Ms. Gardiner blends humor with compassion, and truth, even those truths that are hard to face. Wonderful job. show less

Originally posted at http://www.skrishnasbooks.com

When Jenny Gardiner asked me to review a copy of her latest novel, I was more than happy to agree. She was part of the Debutante Ball of 2008, and considering I've loved every one of those books I've read so far, I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy Sleeping With Ward Cleaver. Plus the fact that the premise sounds hilarious - I knew this was a book that would make me laugh.

What I didn't expect was how much I would love this book. Yes, it show more made me laugh. Out loud. Hysterically. But it also made me pensive. It made me think about my brand new marriage, about where my husband and I would end up in 10 or 20 years. This book has a lot of heart. Yes, Claire's husband is a bit lacking. But instead of painting him as a one-dimensional distant husband, Gardiner delves into the depths of what made him this way. Claire discusses the death of Jack's brother, and how he retreated into himself and he was never the same again. Elements such as this give the book a depth which I wasn't expecting.

The book explores relationships and expectations, as well as some serious issues none of us really want to face. I don't know how Gardiner manages to incorporate humor into a realization that Claire doesn't like the man she is married to, or rather, what he has become, but yet she does. While there are some deep and penetrating looks at marriage, the book itself never feels heavy. Because of this, even those of you who aren't really the biggest fans of "chick lit" may enjoy this novel. When it comes down to it, it's hilarious and stomach-droppingly serious at the same time.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the way Gardner wrote Claire. She isn't perfect, not by the least stretches of the imagination. However, she tries to be the best wife and mother that she can, often forgetting that she has to take care of herself as well. For that reason, I think this book will appeal most to mothers. Gardiner manages to find humor in the ordinary situations that most of us would scream at; it's a great way of looking at life and a wonderful thing to read about.

That being said, I'm not a mother and I obviously adored this book. Gardiner's wit and sincerity will appeal to anyone; I highly recommend this book for the sheer pleasure and fun of reading it! show less

You may have noticed I'm on a Food-lit kick as of late. Author Jenny Gardiner did, and suggested her book, Slim to None. Of course, I purchased it immediately.

Abbie Jennings is not at home in her own skin which made it hard for me to be comfortable with her. No doubt, weight is a sensitive subject for most women, but that's not what made me uncomfortable. (For me, the person I see in my head is not the same as the one in the mirror... but I am fitting into some clothes I haven't worn in a show more while so... that's good, I guess.) No, it has to do with the same reason I can't watch most comedies; I have an abundance of empathy. I don't find embarrassing situations humorous, I find them highly distressing. Abbie doesn't know who she is,which can be okay if one is at peace with that, but Abbie isn't. She's not thinking and she's making bad decisions ~honestly, I just want to help her. I think this says quite a lot about Ms. Gardiner's writing style that I feel this strongly about her main character.

That said, I do love the interweaving stories and the respective characters. As a matter of fact Slim to None isn't so much about food as it is about relationships (with people and food). It's more women's lit with some food thrown in rather than food-lit. I thought the recipes, though befitting a food critic, were a little over the top for my personal repertoire and, though appreciated, almost a little extraneous. There are some lovely twists to the plot making a happy ending seem dubious. I love when an author can keep me guessing on that front.

It's not often I feel this entangled with a character, even if it wasn't necessarily all positive. Jenny Gardiner has a great 'voice' and it permeates the novel. If you are looking for a solid read about relationships and being comfortable with yourself, Slim to None is for you.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/jenns-review-slim-to-none.html
Final Take: 3.75/5 show less

In Winging It, Jenny Gardiner records the best and worst moments of her family’s story through the filter of life with Graycie, and she does it with warmth, humor, and just the right touch of snark. She succeeds in relating the sad moments without making them overly sentimental (a feat I think of as overcoming the urge to “Marley and Me” an otherwise solid story), speaks honestly about the challenges of parenthood—and parrothood—without resorting to tired cliches, and presents a show more tale that both warns and encourages us to stand by the commitments we make to the animals in our lives.

Anyone who has ever loved an animal will relate to and enjoy the stories and insight to be found in Winging It, and anyone who, like me, cannot remember what life was like before the beloved pet, will identify with this sentiment that sums up what Winging It is really all about.

Read my full review at The Book Lady's Blog. show less