Getting Over Jack Wagner

I was hooked by the title - I confess. I mean, as longtime "General Hospital" fan, I was immediately drawn to Jack Wagner. I mean -- come on, it's not every day you see a book called, "Getting over Jack Wagner". How hilarious. Once I picked it up and read the back cover, that did it. I was sold. Having medium hopes for it --- it takes a lot to be a GREAT chick lit book these days, but I was completely and happily surprised. I loved the whole pop culture and 80's flashback side of this book. It made for a wonderful backdrop to the life and times of Eliza and her fancy for rock star's. What girl doesn't love a bad boy with a guitar? Not this one --- that's for sure.This look into herself and her habits is hilarious, really smart and truly romantic. I loved it didn't want it to end. I truly enjoyed every page.Give it a shot --- you'll be happy you did. A real winner!

I can't say enough how much I LOVED this book. I identified with Eliza so much it was scary (including her pre-pubescent cruch on Jack Wagner and doomed romances with rock "stars".) It was very well written and absolutely hilarious at times. I felt like I couldn't read it fast enough, but was sad when I finished because Eliza was one of the most real and sympathetic characters I've found in a while. This book is everything that all those other "chick books" aspire to be!!

Where to begin? On first glance, this may appear like something written by a woman meant to be read by other women. Look deeper and what you'll find is an entertaining story written by an author with an uncanny knack for drawing you into the scene and acquainting you with the characters. Yes, it is a novel about a woman in her mid twenties, who is running through a turnstile of relationships with C-grade musicians, but it is also clearly a work of personal introspection for the main character that I found to be somewhat reminiscent of Neil Simon, Tobias Wolff, or even T.C. Boyle (especially when you factor in all of the humorous elements).This book has more than a few good qualities. For starters, I always found myself having a hard time putting it down. The story was set well and was so realistic, I felt as if I was listening to a friend recount some past goings on, rather than simply reading fiction. The characters very much represent real people with real issues - a quality sorely lacking in so much of what mass media offers us today. It is both honest and witty, without ever being pretentious.The narration moves seamlessly from present time to the appropriate flashback points, where the current storyline is aptly injected with some poignant recollections from the past that may (or may not) serve to explain the main character Eliza's current behavior.Each of the scenes in story were rendered so dutifully by way of meticulously sculpted imagery, that I was consistently able to picture myself being right there with the characters. The multitude of references to 80's pop-culture brought forth feelings of both nostalgia and embarrassment, having been a teenager in that time period myself ;-)The key value of this novel is that it somehow manages to be dramatically engrossing, comically entertaining, and still carry forth (and deliver) some meaningful messages - particularly about one's self image, outlook on life, and happiness in general. As the ending deftly avoided going down the many paths that would lead to a sellout Hollywood ending, I was left with a true sense of satisfaction upon completing the story. Note: Make sure to read the interview with the author at the end.Ms. Juska - you rock. I look forward to your next one ...

I loved this book! I mean, I REALLY loved this book!!! I have to admit, that I originally ordered it because I, too, was a fan of Jack Wagner back in the 80's. Rest assured all of you non-Wagner fans, as this book has very little to do with the 80's soap/rock star. He is merely the first obsession of many "rock star" obsessions of the adorable Eliza in this book.If you were a child of the 80's, you will adore this book. If you have a pathetic retention for 80's pop culture trivia (as I , admittedly do) ...you will devour this book! I had a hard time putting it down. The life of Eliza is so much fun, and I think most people will have a hard time NOT relating to her and her dating awkwardness.And...(if the author ever reads this), I do believe Full Housetakes place in San Francisco...not Seattle. (Okay....who's pathetic now????!!!! Why do I know this???!!!)And also, I ended up marrying my "rock star". First saw him drumming in our high school Battle of the Bands. Fell in love instantly and now we're married 10 years with 2 kids!!! So, I couldn't help but laugh at a lot of the high school band references.Thank you, Elise for writing such a wonderful book. I cannot wait for the next one!!!!

A wonderful book--both my wife and I enjoyed this crisply written, well-paced first novel. Although the narrator is single, young, and female, the book is really a broadly appealing, universal study of relationships. By mixing elements of pop-culture, dating etiquette, and one vintage 80's era popstar/soap-opera-god, Elise Juska presents an entirely engaging character struggling with the larger questions we ask ourselves when searching for the elusive "right" relationship. And although the story is immensly readable (meaning: fun), it is never trivial--nor does it provide any easy answers to the dating/relationship game. Because of this, the book really stands apart from so many other books about young single women. I'm a 36 year old male reader, and I found much to identify with in the struggle, the search, the realizations, and the hopes of the main character, Eliza. The novel is built around her sharply drawn (and fall down funny) narrator's voice--both the voice of a distinct generation--and also a voice that beyond the trappings of age. Plus, the inclusion of intelligent song "suggestions" at the beginning of each chapter allows for a constant mental soundtrack--further deepening the overall feel of the novel. All in all, really enjoyable and thoughtfully written. I highly recommend this book.