One Fifth Avenue
by Candace Bushnell
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Book Reviews of One Fifth Avenue
Book Review: Just Plain Miserable
Summary: 1 Stars
I had read so many positive reviews about One Fifth and how it was a light, fun, and witty read from the woman who created Sex and the City. I was extremely excited when the book arrived and eagerly started reading it. After slogging through about 165 pages, I had to put the book down. There were too many characters and too little plot to keep the novel cohesive and moving forward. To make matters worse, every single character wasn't just self-absorbed and greedy (as other reviewers have noted), but they were so miserable!! I've had many experiences while reading. Books have made me laugh and cry--always within the context of the story. This is the first book that made me depressed about the world in general! The author makes life, especially middle-aged life, seem bleak, pointless, and filled with nothing but unhappiness. This is not the light and fluffy book I expected. Wealthy New Yorkers whining incessantly about how awful it is to be rich just wasn't my cup of tea.Book Review: Bushnell does it again!
Summary: 5 Stars
Candace Bushnell is a genius in this medium. She is a wonderful literary talent who mixes comedy with dark drama in the most interesting of New York settings. ONE FIFTH is a comedy that both New Yorkers and Americans alike can relate to as the tenants of this grand building trample over each other when some try to reach their way to the top of the social scale and buy what is certainly one of the best penthouses in NYC's famous Greenwhich village. Where the fervent Bushnell fans will be delighted to see familar-type faces; the young Lola Fabrikant, the gorgeous actress Schiffer Diamond, that everyone wishes they were. New readers will maybe find a bit of themselves in the reserved but intelligent character of Annalisa or the overachiever, Mindy Gooch, who just never finds happiness, no matter how much she has accomomplished. ONE FIFTH is surely one of the most revelent books on the shelves right now and the best thing about it is, it's a damn good read. TSBook Review: Such an enjoyable book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a bit hesitant to read One Fifth Avenue, having been really disappointed by Lipstick Jungle. I'm so glad I took the chance, though. The best surprise was that, unlike LJ, I really loved these characters. I sometimes find Bushnell's characters unlikeable - the women seem to be super-power-hungry and the men are useless, and their points of view are rendered unworthy of exploration. In One Fifth Avenue, though, I found all of the women to be characters I cared about and liked, and I was impressed to see all of the points of views - men and women - equally explored. The plot took a lot of turns, but they all had a reason and I was never left wondering "what the heck??" after a chapter. Everything flowed seamlessly together, and the storylines wove in and out easily and understandably.
It's a quick and easy read, but still manages to pull out emotions for the characters. Definitely a recommended read!
Book Review: Okay, but very depressing
Summary: 2 Stars
This is my first book with Candace Bushnell, and my last. Even though the book was well written (mostly), and there were some parts where I laughed, I would still give it 2 stars because it was so depressing. None of the characters were likeable, and you didn't really get to know them at all. I was really saddened when I read how Annalisa, who seemed so honest and "real" in the beginning was conformed into a wealthy robot. At least I liked her character in the beginning. But most the characters were so bitter, and Candace wrote the book with such a depressing outook on life, that I even I felt depressed after reading it. This isn't a feel-good book folks. It's just another depressing look at how the rich and fabulous live shallow and empty lives (although this viewpoint is not always accurate. There must be wealthy people who are happy too, right?). Not very original. I wouldn't recommend it.Book Review: The Best One by Candace Bushnell
Summary: 5 Stars
I will admit that I am a big fan of Sex and the City, but not such a big fan of all Bushnell's books since. As a matter of fact, I didn't like them very much. This one changed my point-of-view of Bushnell. I loved it! The twists and turns I did not see coming. The characters were so much fun. You really never knew what they would do next. Every character had an agenda, and their priorities in life. I like that the building was very much a character, as well, and how ruthless all the characters were to get into the building and stay in the building. I listened to this one on CD and would highly recommend. This one is perfect for someone who wants an enjoyable read that actually has a bit more depth than one would expect and lots and lots of fun!!! I would personally love to see this one made into a movie.