Good in Bed by J. Weiner

From the first page of Jennifer Weiner’s book Good in Bed, I was hooked.  This is the first time I’ve read one of Weiner’s books and it definitely didn’t take long for me to realize it would not be the last.

For twenty-eight years, things have been tripping along nicely for Cannie Shapiro. Sure, her mother has come charging out of the closet, and her father has long since dropped out of her world. But she loves her friends, her rat terrier, Nifkin, and her job as pop culture reporter for The Philadelphia Examiner. She’s even made a tenuous peace with her plus-size body.

But the day she opens up a national women’s magazine and sees the words “Loving a Larger Woman” above her ex-boyfriend’s byline, Cannie is plunged into misery…and the most amazing year of her life. From Philadelphia to Hollywood and back home again, she charts a new course for herself: mourning her losses, facing her past, and figuring out who she is and who she can become.

I definitely enjoyed reading Good in Bed and often times found it hard to put down.  The book goes back and forth from life-altering events in Cannie’s past to present day.  I found it to be a nice balance and a great way to really let the reader understand why Cannie is the way she is.  The characters in the book are written well and Cannie herself definitely draws you in.  I found her to be an amusing and heartwarming character, but also a frustrating one.  I often found myself wanting to yell at her “You idiot!  Move on!”.  Which, to me, was a sign of what a well written character she is.  I found myself completely invested in the outcome of her story.  Plus, to be honest, if I was in her shoes I’m not so sure I wouldn’t make the same choices.  It’s easier to judge from the outside looking in.  LOL

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Cannie confronts Brad about the article he wrote about her.  I found myself really feeling for Cannie and wanting to smack Brad.  The confrontation really set the tone of the book for me.  It was at that point my investment in Cannie as a character solidified as did my hatred for Brad, who I found to be a nonredeemable, though well written, character.

Other than my hatred of Brad, I found that I loved most of the characters in this book.  From her mother’s partner Tanya, to her despicable father, to Dr. K, potential love interest and friend, the different ways they effect Cannie’s life is nothing short of fascinating.  Each help to play a part in her journey towards acceptance and happiness.

My only real complaint about Good in Bed is the very last paragraph at the end of the book.  I found it to be cheesy and reminiscent of a part in a Disney Movie (hopefully you’ll see what I mean when you read it).  I wish Weiner would have ended the book one paragraph sooner, but other than that I honestly loved Good in Bed.  It’s a great read and one that I would recommend to anyone.

Also reviewed by:
Book Addict
Let It Read
Love to Read for Fun

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6 Comments

  1. Lisa, you’ve convinced me! I’m adding this book to my wishlist. It sounds really good. :-)

  2. I’ve read one or two of her books and I really liked them but she’s not one I read very often. I’m not sure but I think this may have been one of the ones that I read. It’s been a really long time…

  3. Ladytink_543: You should look into it, if you can! Because if you haven’t read it and you like some of her other books, I’ll bet you enjoy this one too! :)

  4. I have read Good In Bed and found it to be absolutely heartwarming and beautiful. I find myself shaking with laughter and crying soundlessly along with Cannie. I always like a ‘happily ever after’ and love the ending! :)

  5. sc8003: I’m the same way! This book definitely left me feeling really good with how it ended!

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