In Her Shoes: A Novel

I didn't love this book, it was a little corny for my taste. The overall ending was somewhat predictable and while reading it I couldn't help but think this could absolutely be a chick flick movie. It was interesting enough to finish but I won't be keeping it in my collection.

From the moment I read the first few paragraphs of this book, I fell in love. Jennifer Weiner effortlessly seams character plots throughout this book, which follows two sisters who have nothing in common but the size of their feet and their love for designer shoes. Rose is the ugly-duckling who grew into a swan but doesn't quite realize it, while her younger sister, Maggie, has been the beautiful girl all her life who struggles with a learning disability and uses men to get by. The book takes such a personal look at the depth of two people that society fits into two typecasts: the older heavyweight, responsible woman in Rose versus the beautiful, spontaneous child-like qualities in Maggie. The themes can be recognized in every woman's life. We all know the girl who gets everything because she's beautiful but has deep rooted fears, or the woman who doesn't recognize her own spirit and beauty because she's grown up with poor self-esteem. Rose and Maggie grow considerably throughout the book. I flipped through each page, rooting that each would find their way and become that better person that we all try to see in ourselves. I couldn't put the book down. This is the first time I have ever read a Jennifer Weiner novel, and this surely will not be my last.

In fact, it was this book that hooked me on Jennifer Weiner's books altogether! Her wit, story lines, and more. A great read!

I don't think there's a person alive who couldn't relate to the tumultuous feelings between the two sisters as they struggle to find their own places in the world. Weiner's writing style makes it easy to slip into the characters' lives, to begin holding your breath as they encounter good or bad things in their lives. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I hope it stays true to the book.

Before buying this book a few days ago I had read many reviews by people who believed this book to be enjoyable but nowhere near as well written as "Good in Bed". I completely disagree. After I read "Good in Bed" I loved it and recommended it to all of my friends. I was eager to read "In Her Shoes" just because I was waiting for Cannie to be mentioned. I didn't even think I was going to enjoy it because of the whole three person perspective. Having just finished this book a few hours ago I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this book MORE then "Good in Bed". It's hard to describe why but it had so much more of a meaning to it, for me at least. I also have to mention how much I loved the poetry which was throughout the book. Especially the last poem by E.E. Cummings.

Having read Good In Bed, I couldn't wait to read Jennifer Weiner's second novel. I wondered if it would be as good as her debut effort. The answer is a resounding YES! In Her Shoes is a story about two sisters who have nothing in common, save for their size feet. Rose Feller is a successful Princeton-educated attorney who loves food and romance novels. Her younger sister, Maggie Feller, is a drop-dead gorgeous fashionista whose only ambition is to become a big Hollywood star. But instead of crashing cast parties with A-list celebrities, Maggie is often unemployed and in trouble -- and Rose has to constantly bail her out.When a family secret and a wayward grandmother resurface, these two women are forced to reassess their lives and learn what it's like to be in the other person's shoes. There are some interesting twists in the novel.Jennifer Weiner has again delved into human relationships with refreshing clarity and wit to boot. In Her Shoes is not quite as gripping as Good In Bed, but it is wonderful and poignant nonetheless. Weiner, like Marian Keyes and Anna Maxtet, touches on real issues that affect today's woman. Her novels are above today's run-of-the-mill, must-find-a-potential-husband-before-I-turn-thirty chick lit. And so I urge you to pick up this gem!