The Men I Didn't Marry

This is completely improbable story. Everything in this book just couldn't happen, never. Don't even try to compare it to reality. So just relax and enjoy it as a fairy tale, a fable. It is sad and funny in the same time and the jokes and tears are evenly spread out through the book. Even if heroine fighting through some difficulties everything is light and airy. (Another thing, I have first edition, and the blurb on the dust jacket (is it a right term for short description of the storyline?) is wrong with factual mistakes. Whoever wrote it should be fired. Looks like s/he didn't read the book, just flipped through and made it up.) This book makes the best vacation or weekend reading.

Left alone and open-mouthed Hallie {now} Laurence is a sudden divorcee, her husband barely waving as he drops her off after a trip dropping their daughter at Yale. Dazed and confused she immediately immerses herself in a Oreo cookie eating and soap opera watching cocoon. With help from her daughter however she decides that she should try to get out a bit. Not only does she travel outside but actually tries to work with nature and literally takes a hike. Sadly, she is no more enlightened then when she began is sporting bee stings and lots of cut an bruises. She after being rescued she comes upon a good idea why not see what happened to the men of her past? Have they become successful or are they still living with their parents? First comes college boyfriend Eric who is now a high powered businessman with a new pad with a great view. Still as charismatic as he was twenty years before but a lot busier, even taking calls during their dinner date. Next comes Ravi a Bohemian she met on her her travels through Europe after graduating college, who now as it turns out; is gay. Following Ravi is her high school boyfriend Kevin who is now a underwater photographer in Virgin Gorda (one of the British isles). They hit it off as soon as she lands on the island, fitting in a little to well her thanksgiving vacation turning into a three week escapade. The fact that both are GU (geographically undesirable) stands in the way ultimately leading to the relationships demise but helping her gain some prospective in the process. What does this mean for Hallie? Will she end up alone? Will she go back to her husband? Well you will just have to read to find out. I thoroughly enjoyed this book its well thought out story and funny quips every so often make it a great read. Not only is it an enjoyable read but it also has a message, that only when you are happy with yourself can you be at peace at least in some part with the world.

No matter what any other reviewer has said about this book, READ IT. Joyous, empowering, funny and sad. Ultimately, a triumph of the human spirit. Is it somewhat unrealistic? Probably. Most of us would not have the financial means to do what this woman did, but her eventual healing and strength is so uplifting and would be of great benefit to anyone going through a painful divorce or separation. Unlike Danielle Steele's characters, this woman does not go crawling back to the miserable guy who dumped her. This woman has the self-esteem to wait for the right person, even if he never comes along. I didn't want it to end. It made me laugh out loud. I then lent it to my friends who loved it as well. Definitely a woman's book - and not for the ultra conservative type. If you read it when your depressed, it is guaranteed (by me) to make you feel better again. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!!

The authors of this book are very, very funny, but they've also created a lead character you care about. Hallie is a grown-up woman with a full life -- she's a lawyer who has two college-aged children and a hilarious best friend (who provides Hallie with funny sides trips to Singles Night at the Opera and a Cellulite Exorcist). But Hallie's life comes across as very real, and when her husband dumps her and she goes in search of four old boyfriends you're rooting for her to make the right choice. I loved it!

Early on, there is a plot twist in this novel that, alone, makes it worth the price of the book. I won't spoil it for you, but this is my favorite of the Schnurnberger/Kaplan novels. As they said on "The View"--a great beach read.