Strange Bedpersons

I read the reviews of this book before buying it. People say it's "outdated." I had to disagree. Even though this book was written 10 years ago, the characters in this story can still be found today. It is easy to relate to these people which makes the book that much more probable to sink into. This book was hilarious, captivating and full of fun surprises that kept me turning the pages. I never write reviews but I had to for this book because the previous reviews did not give this book justice. I love the sassyness of Tess and the structured straight-forwardness of Nick. That is so common to see in many practical relationships where the two people balance each other out. This is an example of that balancing and most definitely of the COMPROMISE needed in relationships. It shows us how to stand up for what we want, that change is good although uncomfortable and difficult and that Living life can be FUN and full of energy. I laughed while reading this book (read it in one sitting) and loved the characters. Perhaps it's because I could relate to Tess, the free spirit. Yes this book was written in the 90's and was one of Cruise's earlier books but she has an edge to her work, with humor, problem solving and lots of heated sexual tension (fun!). I say, DON'T LISTEN to the negative reviews. If you like Cruise's work, if you don't mind reading about far right and far left views (it's just a book people) and if you want to laugh and enjoy fun sex scenes, then this is a good book to read. Have fun!! :D

Just for those who find the commune-raised concept a little far fetched: I lived for years and went to college in the place Cruise is describing. She is neither exaggerating nor overestimating the norm for the area.

This is perhaps my favorite modern novel. Unlike Crusie's later works, it's basically just fun - no underlying explorations of the pain of divorce or the masks we wear - just fun. As always Crusie isn't afraid we won't love her imperfect characters, who learn to accept each other's imperfections, also. Nick and Tess bounce through the early pages of the book like pinballs - attracted and repelled by each other simultaneously - until they work through their problems. They are surrounded by richly realized family and friends. Few romances have as satisfying a mystery subplot. As with all Crusie novels, there are sentences that must be rolled around on the tongue and savored. And you can make a meal off the meals in the book, from the jittery house party dinner that sets the mystery in motion to the hilarious evening at the pretentious restaurant that "reveals all," with plenty of take out Chinese in between. Like the characters, the book has some flaws. It needs a prequel to explain how Tess and Nick kept their friendship going and provide more evidence of Nick's career obsession. And, trust me on this, no liberal, no one who lived in a low-income neighborhood and worked with semi-delinquent youth, would suggest becoming a district attorney as a first choice for a good-guy lawyer - child support enforcement, public defender or environmental law are much more likely. Sadly, in today's polarized politics, the likelihood of two people bridging the red state-blue state divide is even smaller than in 1994 when this book was published. Give this book a try, and then read, What the Lady Wants, which is nearly as funny and fun.

I am quickly becoming a big Jennifer Crusie fan. This, as her others, was a really fun book. Her main characters are always fun, likeable, and just a little off center. There is humor, romance and just a tad of mystery thrown in for good measure. The scene in the resteraunt cracked me up and made me smile the whole time I read through it. I highly recommend this book!

I did not expect to enjoy Jennifer Crusie's "Strange Bedpersons" as much as I did. But I truly liked it. Several reviewers mentioned that it was a little dated as it was written in 1994. I didn't find that it was, as heck - I know women (and men) who are still living their lives as though it were the 60's (and 70's).I read this in an afternoon and the novel totally held my attention. The writing by Cruisie was great as usual. The hardest part in reading "Strange Bedpersons" was that maybe I am too much of a realist (not enough of a "romantic")and kept thinking how these couples were going to stay married after a few years? (But I guess that's another story!)I LOVED the character of Lenny. I thought the entire situation involving him was just so superb. I loved how Tess had played such an important role in his life.Although "Bet Me" is (thus far) my favorite of Crusie's books - I certainly would recommend this book as well.