Gigi Levangie

Rescue Me
$14.00
I've never written a review before because I didn't find it necessary, but this book was so awful that I had to in order to spare others from reading. Compared to Grazer's fabulous The Starter Wife, this was not good. It wasn't "fast-moving" like others claim, but in reality, bounced around so much that I could barely track what was happening. More importantly, it didn't engage me enough that I even cared what was happening! I became so bored and confused (a feat, I know) with the storyline that I eventually skipped to the end, something I also never do. I do not recommend this novel, but I would recommend other work by Gigi Levangie Grazer.

The Starter Wife - Movie Tie-In
$7.99
I can't remember when I laughed so hard reading a chick lit book, or enjoyed the quirky plot twists more (hot sex with a homeless hunk who lives on the beach---well, why the hell not---it's freakin' FICTION!) I read the book in one day and found it quite entertaining and well-written.

Maybe it's because I wouldn't know a Manolo from a marshmallow, or because I live in the boonies of Louisiana, but I found this to be a refreshing, light, laugh-out-loud insider look at the lives of the Hollywood infamous. No doubt Ms. Grazer did do a bit of research on people she rubs elbows with---but that thought made it even funnier to me---that some of these dysfunctional wackos might actually exist!

If you're looking for a fast, funny escapist read, grab this book. Oh, and "Maneater" is almost as funny as this one. I refuse to part with either of my copies. . . my friends can just buy their own books this time!

Maneater
$7.99
This book was given to me by a colleague when she was cleaning out her office. She described it as fun, beach reading. I thought I'd give it a try...and took it on a trip with me. I settled into to my seat as the plane was boarding and had high hopes..... Well, the writing was so bad, the characters so shallow and the humor (I'm a sucker for witty novels) so negligible that I left it in the pocket of the seat in front of me. I remember thinking that it would feel criminal to actually throw a book away, and hoped that maybe a flight attendant would find it and enjoy it.

Or maybe not. A few people in their reviews have mentioned Sex and the City... The difference between the two is that SATC is actually funny and you end up caring about the characters...even when they do crass or slutty things. You still root for them; you still like them. There was nothing to like about Maneater.

If you want a fun beach read, try Patricia Marx's novel, Him Her Him Again The End of Him. Very funny, smart writing that sweeps you up into the plot. That's what I would call a good beach read.

Stepmom/Steel Magnolias [VHS]
$22.95
This movie rocks! It's kinda sad, but in my opinion, it's one of the best out there. Julia Roberts as Isabel, the new stepmother of 2 kids who obviously don't like her. She tries to get them to like her. Does it happen? Watch the movie!