Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Author of Crazy Beautiful
About the Author
Series
Works by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Constance in Love 1 copy
Bardolatry 1 copy
Kr̃lekens bojor 1 copy
I love you Michael Collins 1 copy
I love you Michel Collins 1 copy
Emma Speaks Out 1 copy
Sisters 1 copy
Associated Works
Flirting with Pride & Prejudice: Fresh Perspectives on the Original Chick-Lit Masterpiece (2005) — Contributor — 242 copies, 9 reviews
Literary Cash: Unauthorized Writings Inspired by the Legendary Johnny Cash (Smart Pop series) (2006) — Contributor — 17 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 20th Century
- Gender
- female
- Education
- University of Connecticut at Storrs (BA ∙ Psychology)
Western Connecticut State University - Occupations
- doughnut salesperson
bookseller
window washer
freelance editor
book reviewer - Organizations
- Readerville
- Agent
- Pamela Harty (Knight Agency)
- Relationships
- Logsted, Greg (husband)
Baratz, Lucille (mother) - Short biography
- Lauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her mother and father owned a drugstore. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!). Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed. Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent bookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years. In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum. Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991. In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time. Lauren’s favorite color is green. Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Monroe, Connecticut, USA
- Places of residence
- Monroe, Connecticut, USA
Danbury, Connecticut, USA - Associated Place (for map)
- Connecticut, USA
Members
Reviews
Crazy Beautiful is a very unique retelling of the beloved tale of Beauty and the Beast. Lucius is a tortured soul. Every day he is reminded of the mistakes he made in the past. He has hooks for hands and is always stared at, made fun of, called all sorts of names, and/or completely avoided by the kids in his new school. On the bus ride to his first day of school he meets Aurora. Aurora who is everything he is not. She is beautiful, trendy, bright, popular and perfectly normal. Aurora who show more instantly feels a connection with Lucius but is hesitant because of the rumors surrounding him... the explosion, his hands, the hooks, the possibility that he might be crazy.
The story is told through alternating viewpoints between Lucius and Aurora. I think Ms. Baratz-Logsted did a fantastic job providing us with both perspectives giving you a more in depth feel for both characters. Plus you get the added bonus of seeing how one situation can be perceived differently by either character.
Now I will forewarn you, if you plan on reading this because it is marketed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, then you will be in for a surprise. For in this story you will find no magic, no rose, no castle. Instead you will find a monster who wasn't overcome by vanity, but instead made the wrong choices in life and now has to live with the repercussions of his own making. This is a love story, but more than just a story about two very different kids falling for each other. It is a story of two kids living life the only way they know how. It is about forgiving and loving oneself. About seeing someone for who they are and not for what they look like. About healing and second chances.
Ms. Baratz-Logsted's writing is lovely and I felt it lent this modern story just the right hint of enchantment and fairytale splendor. My only complaint was that it was so short (208 pages). I read it in one sitting and was saddened that it ended so quickly. I would really have liked there to be more but I also want to make it clear that in no way did I feel like it lacked anything either. On the other hand, it gives you the feeling that you are taking a glimpse into Lucius and Aurora's life. You know there was more before you came along and you know there will be more after you are gone. I think it was pulled off beautifully.
This book was provided for review by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley. show less
The story is told through alternating viewpoints between Lucius and Aurora. I think Ms. Baratz-Logsted did a fantastic job providing us with both perspectives giving you a more in depth feel for both characters. Plus you get the added bonus of seeing how one situation can be perceived differently by either character.
Now I will forewarn you, if you plan on reading this because it is marketed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, then you will be in for a surprise. For in this story you will find no magic, no rose, no castle. Instead you will find a monster who wasn't overcome by vanity, but instead made the wrong choices in life and now has to live with the repercussions of his own making. This is a love story, but more than just a story about two very different kids falling for each other. It is a story of two kids living life the only way they know how. It is about forgiving and loving oneself. About seeing someone for who they are and not for what they look like. About healing and second chances.
Ms. Baratz-Logsted's writing is lovely and I felt it lent this modern story just the right hint of enchantment and fairytale splendor. My only complaint was that it was so short (208 pages). I read it in one sitting and was saddened that it ended so quickly. I would really have liked there to be more but I also want to make it clear that in no way did I feel like it lacked anything either. On the other hand, it gives you the feeling that you are taking a glimpse into Lucius and Aurora's life. You know there was more before you came along and you know there will be more after you are gone. I think it was pulled off beautifully.
This book was provided for review by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley. show less
Pursuing the Times - Lauren Baratz-Logsted Oh, I think this is just the thing to turn my feminist ire to after I finish Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference. Why, yes, I'm annoyed by the way the NYT scorns women writers, particularly when they write for women readers.***And may I just say, smugly, that I was right? Perfect timing. Baratz-Logsted takes Pride and Prejudice, sets it in the modern world of 21st century publishing, and creates a show more memorable protagonist in Mercury Lauren, a popular writer of chick lit, who can't get no respect. Mercury could be one of her own satirical creations: she's a wack job in private life, but also a serious and hard-working writer. Unlike the myriad tales of earnest male writers suffering for ennui and thwarted promise, Mercury isn't angsting about her talent or her sales. She's good at what she does, and has the steadily-growing royalties to prove it. But because the writing of women for women is widely disparaged in the US, she is constantly assailed by men (including her own brother) who've never read Chick Lit and can't imagine it has anything to say to men. As much as I loved the goofy I Love Lucy hijinks, and I did, I loved even more that it was a romantic comedy in which the male lead had to prove himself deserving. Don't let the writer's light touch fool you: there's plenty of meat on those petite bones. Funny, sexy, and with something to say about the human condition, it's a delightful read.
Personal copy
*******
It surprises me how often I pick the same book at the same time of year. Often within days. show less
Personal copy
*******
It surprises me how often I pick the same book at the same time of year. Often within days. show less
The Offspring received the ARC from the author, whom they have adored since Annie's Adventures, which they got to read in manuscript (!). Since everyone else was in the middle of something, I got dibs. Such fun! Enough snark to appeal to fans of The Daily Show and enough heart for those who adore The Princess Dairies.
The book is set during a presidential campaign, so it is more focused on that than on issues, although it does lean more towards the purpose of electing people to work on a more show more perfect union. Since students tend to consider politics as unrelated to them, it's a pleasure to see a character opening to how the horse race ties in to the actual lives of the citizenry. But that's just me politically geeking out.
What I especially like is that the developing relationship is about creating a friendship with someone who is also attractive.
In all, a zippy, charming read that should appeal to readers on both sides of the aisle. Loved it. show less
The book is set during a presidential campaign, so it is more focused on that than on issues, although it does lean more towards the purpose of electing people to work on a more show more perfect union. Since students tend to consider politics as unrelated to them, it's a pleasure to see a character opening to how the horse race ties in to the actual lives of the citizenry. But that's just me politically geeking out.
What I especially like is that the developing relationship is about creating a friendship with someone who is also attractive.
In all, a zippy, charming read that should appeal to readers on both sides of the aisle. Loved it. show less
4.5 stars
In The Sisters Club by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, four very diverse women form an unlikely friendship that changes their lives. This heartwarming novel is a realistic depiction of their friendship and the various up and downs they encounter as they embark on life-altering events.
Diana Taylor is newly married and a little lonely since leaving Great Britain to move to the US with her husband, Dan. After yet another unsettling conversation with her sister, Artemis, she places an ad in show more hopes of meeting other women she can connect with. Much to her delight, Lise Barrett, Sylvia Goldsmith and Cindy Cox answer the ad and despite their somewhat awkward introduction, the women soon become close friends. After no-nonsense, outspoken Sylvia challenges the women to do something about the areas of their lives they are dissatisfied with, they eagerly begin working on their goals.
Diana's weight has always been an issue for her and after Sylvia's common sense advice, she researches weight-loss options. She quickly decides to undergo gastric bypass surgery while Dan is out of town for a business trip. The only problems? She makes the decision without talking it over with Dan and her recovery is not as easy as she thought it would be. Delighted with the immediate effects of the surgery, Diana is soon obsessed with daily weigh-ins, counting calories and exercise. Although her weight loss is dramatic and she is ecstatic with the results, her self-esteem remains low and she requires enormous amounts of reassurance about her new look. Her relationship with Dan also continues to deteriorate as Diana strikes up a long distance friendship that goes in a questionable direction.
Lise is a college professor who put aside her dream to write a novel after she began her teaching career. She has been involved an in on again/off again relationship with Tony DiCaprio for quite a few years and she does not plan on making any changes to their arrangement. After Sylvia's blunt advice, she quickly begins working on a novel but finds it difficult to balance writing with her regular job. Lise makes an impulsive decision that shocks her family and jeopardizes her relationship with Tony.
Cindy Cox lives with her boyfriend, Eddie and works at a lingerie store in the mall. Her dream is to have a baby and after hearing Sylvia's suggestion, she throws out her birth control. She quickly gets pregnant but her life with Eddie is anything but stable and once everyone realize how volatile he is, Sylvia whisks her away to safety. Cindy then must decide whether returning to Eddie is the best choice for her and her unborn child.
Sylvia is gruff and plainspoken but she has a heart of gold. She has never married and she is still mourning the loss of her twin sister, Minnie. She is reluctant to talk about her problems but after a health scare, she forms an unexpectedly close bond with Cindy. Diana's weight-loss surgery pulls the women together and Sylvia eventually becomes the group's unofficial mother figure. While Sylvia does not really have any big issues initially, a surprising friendship with Dr. Sunil "Sunny" Gupta leads to the possibility of a romance and an unexpected job opportunity also comes her way.
While there are several secondary story arcs for each of the women, The Sisters Club is easy to follow. The chapters alternate between the four women's points of view, but these perspective changes are clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter. The characters are beautifully developed with easy to relate to flaws and imperfections. The women's relationships are realistically portrayed and the dynamics between them ebb and flow throughout the story. Tempers sometimes flare and the various relationships occasionally become tense but everyone easily sets aside their differences to support their friends when needed.
An absolutely delightful story that resonates with genuine emotion, The Sisters Club by Lauren Baratz-Logsted is a heartfelt and engaging novel that I highly recommend to readers of contemporary fiction. show less
In The Sisters Club by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, four very diverse women form an unlikely friendship that changes their lives. This heartwarming novel is a realistic depiction of their friendship and the various up and downs they encounter as they embark on life-altering events.
Diana Taylor is newly married and a little lonely since leaving Great Britain to move to the US with her husband, Dan. After yet another unsettling conversation with her sister, Artemis, she places an ad in show more hopes of meeting other women she can connect with. Much to her delight, Lise Barrett, Sylvia Goldsmith and Cindy Cox answer the ad and despite their somewhat awkward introduction, the women soon become close friends. After no-nonsense, outspoken Sylvia challenges the women to do something about the areas of their lives they are dissatisfied with, they eagerly begin working on their goals.
Diana's weight has always been an issue for her and after Sylvia's common sense advice, she researches weight-loss options. She quickly decides to undergo gastric bypass surgery while Dan is out of town for a business trip. The only problems? She makes the decision without talking it over with Dan and her recovery is not as easy as she thought it would be. Delighted with the immediate effects of the surgery, Diana is soon obsessed with daily weigh-ins, counting calories and exercise. Although her weight loss is dramatic and she is ecstatic with the results, her self-esteem remains low and she requires enormous amounts of reassurance about her new look. Her relationship with Dan also continues to deteriorate as Diana strikes up a long distance friendship that goes in a questionable direction.
Lise is a college professor who put aside her dream to write a novel after she began her teaching career. She has been involved an in on again/off again relationship with Tony DiCaprio for quite a few years and she does not plan on making any changes to their arrangement. After Sylvia's blunt advice, she quickly begins working on a novel but finds it difficult to balance writing with her regular job. Lise makes an impulsive decision that shocks her family and jeopardizes her relationship with Tony.
Cindy Cox lives with her boyfriend, Eddie and works at a lingerie store in the mall. Her dream is to have a baby and after hearing Sylvia's suggestion, she throws out her birth control. She quickly gets pregnant but her life with Eddie is anything but stable and once everyone realize how volatile he is, Sylvia whisks her away to safety. Cindy then must decide whether returning to Eddie is the best choice for her and her unborn child.
Sylvia is gruff and plainspoken but she has a heart of gold. She has never married and she is still mourning the loss of her twin sister, Minnie. She is reluctant to talk about her problems but after a health scare, she forms an unexpectedly close bond with Cindy. Diana's weight-loss surgery pulls the women together and Sylvia eventually becomes the group's unofficial mother figure. While Sylvia does not really have any big issues initially, a surprising friendship with Dr. Sunil "Sunny" Gupta leads to the possibility of a romance and an unexpected job opportunity also comes her way.
While there are several secondary story arcs for each of the women, The Sisters Club is easy to follow. The chapters alternate between the four women's points of view, but these perspective changes are clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter. The characters are beautifully developed with easy to relate to flaws and imperfections. The women's relationships are realistically portrayed and the dynamics between them ebb and flow throughout the story. Tempers sometimes flare and the various relationships occasionally become tense but everyone easily sets aside their differences to support their friends when needed.
An absolutely delightful story that resonates with genuine emotion, The Sisters Club by Lauren Baratz-Logsted is a heartfelt and engaging novel that I highly recommend to readers of contemporary fiction. show less
Lists
Awards
You May Also Like
Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 54
- Also by
- 2
- Members
- 2,935
- Popularity
- #8,727
- Rating
- 3.4
- Reviews
- 220
- ISBNs
- 170
- Languages
- 6
- Favorited
- 1
