Clearing the Aisle

I see that a number of people didn't like the book because of the unfamiliar Jewish phrases and the fact that they found Rachel whiny and unappreciative. As a Jewish person from a difficult family, I guess I commiserated with the character more than the other readers did. At times, I did find this book difficult to read--not because it was boring, but because it struck a nerve. A lot of Jewish families are like Rachel's, their neuroses often suffocate their relationships with the ones they supposedly love the most and I think Karen Schwartz should be given a lot of credit for not turning out some fluffy piece of chick lit, and keeping it real. Her depictions of the family battles that surround weddings are right on the mark. In particular, I found myself wanting to kick that miserable miser of father, who supposedly could afford a Lexus and a beautiful condo in Florida for his spoiled second wife, but felt "put out" by paying for his own daughter's wedding, which he should have been happy to do, no questions asked. I found myself more angry with Rachel's parents than with Rachel, although the main character did have some Woody Allen moments, where she overanalyzed everything. And the last chapter was kind of weak. But overall, I think this was a great book. Based on these reviews, it doesn't seem like Jewish characters do well in chick lit novels among the readers, but I say to those authors, just keep writing what your know.

Not a typical "breezy" chick lit book, but a very well-written look at one DYSfunctional family's attempt to plan a traditional wedding. The couple's relationship is sweet and supportive, with a touch of neurosis to make it believable. Only complaint was too many extra characters... hard to remember which Aunt was which!

I love chick lit and I can't resist books about weddings, so when I saw this in a bookstore I thought I'd give the new author a chance. I'm glad I did -- the characters are well-drawn, the author has a great tone. Overall, the book is exactly what it's intended to do: keeps you guessing, keeps you entertained, and keeps you wanting more. Can't wait for a second book.

I loved this book! Made me feel like my own experience planning a wedding was a cakewalk! Schwartz has a great sense of humor about so many of the traditions, expectations, and inevitable pitfalls that seem to go hand in hand with deciding to get married these days, but she never loses sight of the seriousness of the endeavor. Her characters are fully drawn and sympathetic-- and the frustrations Rachel Silverman experiences on her way to the alter are real-- not the superficial oh-no-my-pedicure-got-messed-up! type that characterize so many wedding horror stories.THis was a really quick and entertaining read-- and will make a great gift for all my engaged friends!