The Guy Not Taken: Stories

These short stories left me wanting more. Some of the stories could have gone on and on and on! All in all, it was a delicious read.

I greatly enjoyed this collection of short stories. Most of the tales revolve around the author's recurring themes of abandonment and self worth and allow the reader glimmers into ideas that obviously developed into her full length novels, and perhaps ones as yet unwritten.

Seller sent out quickly. Love the book - arrived in great condition. Just as described. Thank you!

I'm a big fan of Jennifer Weiner. Her writing is smart and sassy - much like her characters. However, I was hesitant to try this one, for I'm not usually a fan of short stories. Typically, I like to experience the full development of a character in a novel, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Everytime I got involved in the story and characters, it ended. But then the next story was even better. When finished, I had a whole circle of "new friends" that I could ponder about where their fictional lives would take them. The possibilities were endless. I found it interesting how Weiner placed her stories in chronological order - starting with a young woman and ending with one later in life. Also fascinating were her stories behind each story at the end of the book. A great quick read!

Those drawn to the novels of Jennifer Weiner, especially Good In Bed and In Her Shoes (which was made into a major motion picture) will want to listen and probably listen again to this collection of her short stories. She has the ability to create characters to whom we easily relate, individuals cut from everyday life with all of our common foibles and gifts. These 11 stories once again capture men and women during transitional and transforming times in their lives. "Just Desserts" and "Travels With Nicki," the two opening stories were written early in Weiner's career. They reflect, to a great extent, her own life experience - the effects of divorce on a once apparently close knit family. Josie, the lead character, reflects her feelings with, ""I had heard them fighting at night, his hissing whispers and her tears, and I knew that for the last month he'd come home late, and for the last week, not at all, but I'd been telling myself I was worrying about nothing, that they were just going through a rough patch, that things were going to be fine." In another tale (the title story) Marlie Davidow wonders about what might have been when she comes upon her ex boyfriend's online wedding registry. Here she is with a new baby, lonely, and it's late at night. What might have happened had she chosen him? Sometimes a tender moment, at other times tough going, each story takes on the reality of life as it is today, especially when read by such talented actors as Mary Catherine Garrison and Jordan Bridges. Remembered for her guest appearances on TV's Law and Order as well as her Broadway performance in The Man Who Came to Dinner, Ms. Garrison has a winning voice that accurately captures both joy and pathos. Jordan Bridges is a gifted actor and well he should be as he's the son, nephew, and grandson of Beau, Jeff and Lloyd Bridges. His narration is articulate, powerful when strength is needed, always very much in sync with the character he currently inhabits. Enjoy! - Gail Cooke