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The Thing About Jane Spring
At thirty-one, Jane Spring has everything a woman could ask for and seemingly everything a man could long for—great legs, brains, rising star status in the Manhattan D.A.’s office—but she just can’t find a man who’ll fall madly in love with her. Men are always lining up to ask her out, but for some reason no one wants a second date. So Jane resolves to change her tack. One snowy night while watching a Doris Day marathon on cable it hits Doris Day always got her man. Trading her nondescript black pantsuit for petal pink Chanel and pearls, Jane dyes her hair, stops cursing, softens her voice, paints her nails—even her apartment—and embarks on a fun-filled journey to find the smart, sweet, gorgeous, capable, ambitious, courageous, loving, adoring, hardworking man of her dreams.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
14 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Krum
4Ìýbooks14ÌýfollowersSharon Krum is a journalist and author based in New York City. She writes about everything from celebrity profiles to women’s issues, fashion and health for The Guardian, The London Times, The Australian, Harpers Bazaar Australia and The Australian Women’s Weekly among other publications. She has also written for People, The New York Post, Marie Claire and Fitness.
She has published two novels, Walk of Fame (2000) and The Thing About Jane Spring (2005), both have been optioned for movies. She is currently at work on her third novel, The Doctor Will See You Now.
She has published two novels, Walk of Fame (2000) and The Thing About Jane Spring (2005), both have been optioned for movies. She is currently at work on her third novel, The Doctor Will See You Now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
February 14, 2008
This I think will become a guilty favorite. The writing isn't bad, there's nothing technically wrong with it, and its amusing if not laugh out loud funny. My love for the book comes from the girl in me that watched the Doris Day movies and longed to be so effortlessly a lady.
Though the plot is implausible, and the characters turn around and realizations happen at break neck speeds, it is so reminiscent of a Doris Day Technicolor movie, it doesn't seem that off.
I'm more than halfway through this book, of a hard no nonsense District attorney raised by a colonel (well, more like trained, much in a way the colonel trained in the military) becoming Doris Day to catch "the one" that will stay forever.
Not only has it become a guilty favorite already, its made me plan a Doris Day marathon of all those great movies of hers that I began watching in 7th grade. Soon.
Just finished reading it...I couldn't stop myself from finishing it. It really was a fun read, but I suppose that in large part, the fun comes from having been obsessed with the Doris films in my youth. I also, though, liked the character of Jane on her own. I don't think a person would enjoy the story if they started reading it from a highbrow perspective. It's campy fun, well worth the read, if you can let go and believe with a 60's kind of idealism =)
best quote "This meant taking time with her hair and make-up as well as changing the polish on her nails. Jane had never realized how much time women took getting ready until she'd decided to impersonate one."
Though the plot is implausible, and the characters turn around and realizations happen at break neck speeds, it is so reminiscent of a Doris Day Technicolor movie, it doesn't seem that off.
I'm more than halfway through this book, of a hard no nonsense District attorney raised by a colonel (well, more like trained, much in a way the colonel trained in the military) becoming Doris Day to catch "the one" that will stay forever.
Not only has it become a guilty favorite already, its made me plan a Doris Day marathon of all those great movies of hers that I began watching in 7th grade. Soon.
Just finished reading it...I couldn't stop myself from finishing it. It really was a fun read, but I suppose that in large part, the fun comes from having been obsessed with the Doris films in my youth. I also, though, liked the character of Jane on her own. I don't think a person would enjoy the story if they started reading it from a highbrow perspective. It's campy fun, well worth the read, if you can let go and believe with a 60's kind of idealism =)
best quote "This meant taking time with her hair and make-up as well as changing the polish on her nails. Jane had never realized how much time women took getting ready until she'd decided to impersonate one."
February 6, 2012
This book cracked me up. I read it with a big, dopey grin on my face. It felt a little slow in the beginning, but once she hit the movie marathon I could not put it down. I could not wait to see what the reactions to her transformation were going to be. Most people do not see me as a conservative person, but Doris Day holds a special place in my heart. I wish I had had the idea for this book because I have had moments like Jane's, but on a much smaller scale. I am so glad my book club chose this for us to read as I don't know if I would have come across it otherwise. We had a Doris Day movie night with my family because of it and watched That Touch of Mink. Great read, and I will definitely read it again in the future.
March 18, 2022
This was a nice easy read. There was some language that didn’t need to be. I enjoyed it more then I thought I would.
May 21, 2008
When I caught "Doris Day" on the inside jacket of this book my interest was sparked.
Perhaps if you strip away the trappings of the overt physical changes and adapted to understanding the underlying positive outcome that arrives when using the Golden Rule, then maybe this book has a shot.
Jane Spring is a woman who has found success in being whip-smart, systematic, censorless, pragmatic, and truthful. The struggle that women face in the business world of being seen as overbearing or "manly" when they are confident is an ugly thing. Promoting the idea that changing your looks, inspired from head to toe by a 60's icon, dulling your intelligence and personality by bowing to other people's attitudes...I can't really approve.
This book has the underlying love story and coming into your own idea that I may have liked more if I didn't find the rest of it insulting.
Perhaps if you strip away the trappings of the overt physical changes and adapted to understanding the underlying positive outcome that arrives when using the Golden Rule, then maybe this book has a shot.
Jane Spring is a woman who has found success in being whip-smart, systematic, censorless, pragmatic, and truthful. The struggle that women face in the business world of being seen as overbearing or "manly" when they are confident is an ugly thing. Promoting the idea that changing your looks, inspired from head to toe by a 60's icon, dulling your intelligence and personality by bowing to other people's attitudes...I can't really approve.
This book has the underlying love story and coming into your own idea that I may have liked more if I didn't find the rest of it insulting.
November 29, 2011
1st read: I enjoyed this book a lot! I thought it was a cute story and an interesting take on how Jane feels she "is" and how everyone else perceives her. I could certainly identify with her about that.
Since I know nothing about Doris Day movies, I have no problem with the quotes used. (Other reviewers have mentioned this as a problem.)
Overall this is a light-hearted and cute chic-lit novel! The usually tiresome "makeover" trope is used in an odd and funky way.
I think this could make a cute little movie. It seems as if it would translate well visually.
If you liked this book, you may want to try "The Little Lady Agency" by Hester Browne or "Elegance" by Kathleen Tessaro or even books by Jennifer Weiner, Jane Green, Anna Maxted, or Marian Keyes.
2nd read: 3.5 stars. Writing is choppy, but the humorous premise is just as enjoyable as ever.
Since I know nothing about Doris Day movies, I have no problem with the quotes used. (Other reviewers have mentioned this as a problem.)
Overall this is a light-hearted and cute chic-lit novel! The usually tiresome "makeover" trope is used in an odd and funky way.
I think this could make a cute little movie. It seems as if it would translate well visually.
If you liked this book, you may want to try "The Little Lady Agency" by Hester Browne or "Elegance" by Kathleen Tessaro or even books by Jennifer Weiner, Jane Green, Anna Maxted, or Marian Keyes.
2nd read: 3.5 stars. Writing is choppy, but the humorous premise is just as enjoyable as ever.
September 21, 2007
Cute premise. I admired the fact that when she made up her mind about something she went all the way with it. The author did a good job of capturing Jane's coworkers and family's reactions to her dramatic change. The ending was slightly predicatble but then I would have been disappointed if it hadn't been. I would recommend this for a light read on a plane or at the beach.
April 29, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! I think it was one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. I don't understand why people complain when things aren't exactly as they are in real-life: it is FICTION people. I did read that the movie rights had been purchased, but that was awhile ago. To be honest, a movie would probably just wreck it (Nanny Diaries, Something Borrowed come to mind.)
November 24, 2021
In general, I am not a great fan of Chick Lit. This book, written by Sharon Krum, is an exception. Jane Spring is an assistant DA who was raised under, and wholly embraced, total military discipline. Dissatisfied with her persistent single status, she decides to morph into Doris Day.
Good things: Pleasant upbeat voice. Cute plot. Better written than the usual Chick-Lit novel. Explicit is not in the story, unless you count the noisy upstairs neighbors, and they're just noisy.
Not-so-good things: ...I'm thinking....It's not Literature. It's definitely a fantasy, but is that bad? It stays barely within the bounds of believability, until when it steps over the line, I was hooked, and decided to enjoy the ride. Which I did, all the way to the end.
Jane Spring would be a fun role for Reese Witherspoon or Kate Hudson. I think either could play Jane pre-Doris Day. Think "Legally Blonde." Think "Just like Heaven." And think "How to Lose a Man..". And that's The Thing about Jane Spring.
Good things: Pleasant upbeat voice. Cute plot. Better written than the usual Chick-Lit novel. Explicit is not in the story, unless you count the noisy upstairs neighbors, and they're just noisy.
Not-so-good things: ...I'm thinking....It's not Literature. It's definitely a fantasy, but is that bad? It stays barely within the bounds of believability, until when it steps over the line, I was hooked, and decided to enjoy the ride. Which I did, all the way to the end.
Jane Spring would be a fun role for Reese Witherspoon or Kate Hudson. I think either could play Jane pre-Doris Day. Think "Legally Blonde." Think "Just like Heaven." And think "How to Lose a Man..". And that's The Thing about Jane Spring.
October 17, 2013
da
Qui si parte da un dilemma fondamentale: esistono ancora ai nostri tempi delle icone femminili che abbiano mantenuto inalterati fascino e sicura presa sull'altro sesso?
In altre parole, a chi potrebbe ispirarsi per trovare il Vero Amore una ragazza di buoni propositi ma ancora nubile, figlia di un generale e sorella di militari, cresciuta in una base e unica della famiglia ad essere stata inviata tra i famigerati "civili" (niente meno che a fare il sostituto procuratore)?
Detto fatto, con caschetto cotonato (più in alto è la messa in piega, più si è vicini a Dio...) e con i tailleur coordinati della nonna, pure la terribile Jane in versione Doris Day è pronta per buttarsi nel grande gioco, anche se questo può avere influenza sul processo penale che sta seguendo.
Tra avvocati della difesa con abbronzatura perenne, detective burberi ma affascinanti, e giurie confuse, si sorride, si ride e si rimane deliziati in questa commedia scritta oggi ma che strizza l'occhio agli anni '50-`60.
Qui si parte da un dilemma fondamentale: esistono ancora ai nostri tempi delle icone femminili che abbiano mantenuto inalterati fascino e sicura presa sull'altro sesso?
In altre parole, a chi potrebbe ispirarsi per trovare il Vero Amore una ragazza di buoni propositi ma ancora nubile, figlia di un generale e sorella di militari, cresciuta in una base e unica della famiglia ad essere stata inviata tra i famigerati "civili" (niente meno che a fare il sostituto procuratore)?
Detto fatto, con caschetto cotonato (più in alto è la messa in piega, più si è vicini a Dio...) e con i tailleur coordinati della nonna, pure la terribile Jane in versione Doris Day è pronta per buttarsi nel grande gioco, anche se questo può avere influenza sul processo penale che sta seguendo.
Tra avvocati della difesa con abbronzatura perenne, detective burberi ma affascinanti, e giurie confuse, si sorride, si ride e si rimane deliziati in questa commedia scritta oggi ma che strizza l'occhio agli anni '50-`60.
March 6, 2012
I found this to be the usual frothy summer reading with the usual implausible plot: entertaining enough to while away a sunny afternoon without requiring too much thought.
One warning, however, and this really started to bug me about 75 pages in: the author's generalizations about growing up civilian vs. growing up on an army base were both totally inaccurate and a little offensive. If Ms. Krum bothered to get to know any real army "brats" (I hate that term), she'd see that we don't view civilian life with disgust (maybe a little envy for a lifestyle that allows you to know the same people all your life), and we don't snort "civilians!" whenever something happens that we don't understand.
Jane Spring's problems aren't from growing up army, but from having been raised by a B-movie caricature of a windbag general. Considering that Ms. Krum is Australian, I wouldn't be surprised if her only experience of American military life actually came from B-movies.
One warning, however, and this really started to bug me about 75 pages in: the author's generalizations about growing up civilian vs. growing up on an army base were both totally inaccurate and a little offensive. If Ms. Krum bothered to get to know any real army "brats" (I hate that term), she'd see that we don't view civilian life with disgust (maybe a little envy for a lifestyle that allows you to know the same people all your life), and we don't snort "civilians!" whenever something happens that we don't understand.
Jane Spring's problems aren't from growing up army, but from having been raised by a B-movie caricature of a windbag general. Considering that Ms. Krum is Australian, I wouldn't be surprised if her only experience of American military life actually came from B-movies.
July 30, 2012
I really really liked this book! It was very easy to read, took me only a few days to finish. Jane Spring is an assistant procecuting attorney in New York City. She is in her early 30's and can't figure out why no one will ask her out on a second date. Then over a long snowed in blizzardy weekend she tries to figure out what guys want in a woman. While searching for a role model she happens to see a Doris Day marathon on tv. Then it dawns on her who her new role model will be. It is hilarious to read how she turns herself into Doris Day. I wished this book had picturesd! You'll have to read it yourself to find out what happens when she shows up in court looking like Doris Day, and to find out if she gets her man.
September 3, 2011
E� una storia semplice quella di Jane Spring. Una donna vera, cresciuta da un generale dell’esercito, in un base militare, frequentando scuole militari. Nella sua famiglia non ci sono donne, ha perso la madre quand’era piccola, e complice l’ambiente militare non c’� posto nemmeno per sentimentalismi e debolezze. Così è cresciuta Jane, credendo per esempio che le critiche formino il carattere e migliorino le persone. Quindi sentendosi autorizzata a far notare all’amante “di turno� se la sua performance sessuale non è all’altezza o potrebbe essere migliorata in qualche modo.
Recensione completa:
Recensione completa:
June 12, 2010
Jane Spring was raised with a military father, two older brothers, and no mother causing her to be ultra masculine and somewhat offputting to most men. In order to find love, she decides to makeover herself in the image of an effortless lady, Doris Day.
Now I find the premise ridiculous and somewhat insulting but I love Doris Day movies and I think this could totally have been one. It is just adorable chick lit with some very amusing sections. Warning: you may want to have a Doris Day marathon after reading this as each chapter starts with a quote from one of her films.
Now I find the premise ridiculous and somewhat insulting but I love Doris Day movies and I think this could totally have been one. It is just adorable chick lit with some very amusing sections. Warning: you may want to have a Doris Day marathon after reading this as each chapter starts with a quote from one of her films.
August 29, 2011
This, for me, was one of those books that I thought was going to be totally ridiculous but I kept reading just because I wanted to see how the author handled things, and while it was totally pie-in-the-sky, and dated as well, I liked it. You can read the jacket for the particulars, but this is so much more. Silly but thoughtful. And perhaps it is just my age group. Anyway, this is one of those books that make me wish I had another reader to discuss it with. More of a parable (not religious) than chick lit.
July 2, 2013
I absolutely love this book and cannot recommend it highly enough! To me this is a chick lit masterpiece. I know the scenario is unlikely but it is fun. Hot shot lawyer Jane Spring sets out to turn herself into Doris Day in order to find a man who will not be put off by her legal skills and apparently abrasive personality.
The story is told with humour and a lightness of touch which makes it irresistible. Naturally Jane gets her man in the end and it is someone who has been under her nose the whole time. I have read this book at least half a dozen times and it still seems fresh.
The story is told with humour and a lightness of touch which makes it irresistible. Naturally Jane gets her man in the end and it is someone who has been under her nose the whole time. I have read this book at least half a dozen times and it still seems fresh.
July 27, 2012
Contemporary romance featuring Jane Spring, a tough-as-nails prosecutor who just can't figure out why she can never get a second date. Inspired by a Doris Day movie marathon and a trunk filled with her grandmother's old clothes, Jane transforms herself into the woman who always gets her man. Amusing in places, but I had a hard time believing that a woman as smart and successful as she was could be THAT clueless about relationships.
June 13, 2007
I loved this book. It's a great story of a normally cold & harsh lawyer trying to win a man and when she tries to figure out what it is that makes a guy tick, she turns to Doris Day. I am also a big fan of Doris Day movies so I loved the references and how she pulled out the "Doris" in this day and age and how it helped her emerge both personally and in love.
November 29, 2008
This is just a fun book. I needed it before I tackle something depressing again. It's about a woman lawyer who cannot understand why men won't go out with her more than once or twice. She decides to make a huge change in her life. It's very funny. I loved it. If you want a funny quick read, you'll love this one.
April 2, 2011
Very funny!! Really I've laugh ALL the time... The protagonist is the reincarnation of Doris Day: same disaster, the book recall all the movie in which Dorys played! This book had turn up my moral!! I've love it!!
January 9, 2009
This was another one of those fun books. It was a nice break from some tricky reading.
February 2, 2015
I loved this book. It was an easy and fun read. I saved it for a rainy Sunday, and could not have been more pleased with the outcome. Looking forward to more from Sharon Krum.
July 29, 2015
This was a fun book to read. At times I laughed out loud . Oh, what we do for love....
May 16, 2017
Este libro recuerdo que lo compré hace años porque estaba muy barato y la portada me pareció linda, so: "venga el lÃquido".
La primera vez que lo leà me gustó bastante y lo releà varias veces, principalmente porque antes mi biblioteca no era tan abundante y no tenÃa mucho de dónde elegir (en realidad creo que al menos durante un año y medio o dos esta fue la única comedia romántica que tenÃa en mi biblioteca). Pero desde que empecé a leer más y, en concecuencia, comprarme más libros, no lo volvà a tocar, asà que ahora, al agarrarlo después de tanto tiempo, hubieron cosas que me sorprendieron, no por dar un giro particular a la historia, sino por haberlas pasado por alto las veces anteriores.
La historia en general es muy simple: Jean es una mujer criada por un padre militar que, al morir su madre cuando ella apenas tenÃa 3 años, la crió a ella y a sus hermanos como pequeños soldados. Por lo que Jean, al haberse formado en ese ambiente, y hasta empezar la universidad no tener contacto con gente fuera de él, le cuesta mucho desenvolverse entre "los civiles" (como ella llama a todos los no militares).
Jean, luego de repetidos fracasos en su vida amorosa, se ve forzada a considerar que hay algo que está haciendo mal, por lo que decide buscar un referente, un modelo que haya triunfado en el ámbito sentimental y al cual ella pueda imitar. Luego de pensar mucho en quién podrÃa ser esa persona, da con una maratón de pelÃculas clásicas de los 60 en la televisión, cuya protagonista en todas ellas es la actriz Doris Day, y decide que ésta es la ideónea para tomar como ejemplo en el campo del amor (por cierto, esta actriz es un ser completamente opuesto a a ella), por lo que todo el mundo cree que Jean se volvió loca cuando empieza a ctuar como Doris 24x7 y empiezan a armar diversas teorÃas al respecto.
Hubieron, en esta ocasión, varias cosas que, como dije, me sorprendieron y más que nada me molestaron (recuerdo que algunas sà las habÃa notado anteriormente pero, muchas otras no). Hubieron, durante la historia variedad de comentarios homofóbicos, sexistas, machistas que me hicieron gritarle al libro y a la autara bastantes veces. Algunas las dejé pasar por alto puesto que venÃan a ser descripsiones de como pensaban determinados personajes como el general (papá de Jane) o la propia Jane, que son entendibles debido al ambiente del que provienen, es decir, serÃa "normal" que pensaran de ese modo, pero hubieron otra gran cantidad de comentarios de este tipo que vinieron directamente de la autora que fueron inexcusables.
También algunas cosas en la trama me parecieron muy poco creÃbles, por ejemplo que los jurados del caso en el que estaba trabajando Jane hayan estado más pendientes de ella que del caso en sà (ESTABAN TRATANDO UN ASESINATO!!! KÉ LES PASA?! ME VUELVO LOKA!!!), o el argumento final del abogado defensor, entre otras. Pero bueno, ante lo anterior creo que ya ni ganas tenÃa de prestarle mucha atención a eso.
Una de las cosas que más me molestó, al punto de querer tirar el libro por el balcón, fue la siguiente:
"[...] Aunque Jane jamás justificarÃa su cimen, no dejaba de envidiar la pasión de esa mujer. Esto es amor auténtico, pensó. Sentirlo tan ferozmente que una estaba dispuesta a matar antes de dejar que algien se lo arrebatara. Yo quiero sentir eso, quiero que alguien me ame hasta ese punto."
¡NO, NO Y NO! Eso NO ES AMOR y me parece HORRIBLE romantizar la VIOLENCIA de ese modo. Me parece que éste es el mensaje más detestable y equivocado de todo el libro. Me acuerdo y me pongo a gritar de indignación OTRA VEZ.
Otros comentarios que me molestaron muchÃsimo fueron que se insinuara que la gente empezó a querer y a tratar mejor a la protagonista porque se volvió más "femenina" o empezó a "actuar como una mujer" (HABER SI ME MUERO!!!!).
A ver, la gente empezó a tratar mejor a Jean porque ella empezó a tratarlos mejor, no por ser más "femenina". Al principio del libro se nos presenta a una Jean altanera, soberbia, mandona y desconsiderada con todo el mundo. Ella era una persona realmente difÃcil de tratar: odiosa y apenas tolerable. Claro que no era puro defectos: era responsable en todos los aspectos de su vida y tenÃa una ética intachable, era honesta y sincera, pero su forma de relacionarse con los demás dejaba mucho que desear aunque por supuesto ella no se daba cuenta de eso para nada. Al encarnar a Doris Day, esto se resuelve. Jane se vuelve infinitamente más considerada, aprende a pedir en vez de ordenar, a prestar atención a los demás y a interesarse en ellos sinceramente y, principalmente, se vuelve muchÃsimo más tolerante, por lo que es de esperar que el resto del mundo responda de manera positiva a esos cambios, no tenÃa nada que ver con que ahora usara vestido y maquillaje ¿ok?
Hubo, además de estas, varias otras cosas que me molestaron, como el hecho de ver a las personas como objetos al hacer comentarios del tipo "¿Quién no desea pertenecer a alguien?" O ese concepto de "robar" el marido a otra persona (hamiga a menos que te lo hayan secuestrado, nadie lo robó, se fue solito, aunque no te guste aceptarlo, no le obligaron a nada, es más, capaz hasta lo buscó), pero estarÃa una semana intentando recordar todo lo que me pareció mal en este libro, asà que lo dejo ahÃ.
Por otro lado, tampoco fue todo malo en esta historia, dejando de lado lo anterior, hubieron cosas que me causaron bastante gracia y otras que hasta llegué a disfrutar.
Jean me gustó mucho como protagonista (una vez superado su desastrozo comienzo, claro). Me gustó su evolución y como de a poco fue rompiendo con muchos de sus prejuicios y lo valiente que fue al enfrentarse a lo que todo el mundo pudiera creer o pensar de ella, para conseguir su objetivo. Aunque no estaba muy de acuerdo con la importancia esa que le dió a "conseguirse un hombre", me gustó que al final eso haya pasado a segundo plano para ella, porque descubrió que le gustaba arreglarse para sà misma, no para el resto; descubrió que habÃa cosas, que antes juzgaba como superficiales o egoÃstas, que realmente la hacÃan sentir bien y que disfrutaba haciendo (como mimarse a sà misma tomando un baño largo o maquillándose o ir de compras y eligir regalos para su papá y sus hermanos). Ese autodescubrimiento de la protagonista me pareció bastante positivo.
También me gustó la narración en general, era ligera y la historia abanzaba a buen ritmo, además me gustó el hecho de que esté narrado en tercera persona y que no se concentre en un solo personaje, sino que podamos conocer los puntos de vista de casi todos.
En fin, anteriormente le habÃa puesto 3.5 estrellas a este libro, pero con las cosas que noté en esta lectura, tengo que bajar ese puntaje al menos un punto, o sea, le daré 2,5 ☆☆ (dos estrellas y media) ya que no deja de ser entretenido en general y divertido en ciertas partes, pero para mi gusto habrÃa que sacarle muchas cosas que están mal para poder disfrutarlo completamente (o sea estuve gritando de indignación en varios capÃtulos y casi que lo tiro por la ventana en una parte, asà que evidentemente podrÃa ser muchÃsimo mejor de lo que es).
¹ó¾±²ÔÓË�.
La primera vez que lo leà me gustó bastante y lo releà varias veces, principalmente porque antes mi biblioteca no era tan abundante y no tenÃa mucho de dónde elegir (en realidad creo que al menos durante un año y medio o dos esta fue la única comedia romántica que tenÃa en mi biblioteca). Pero desde que empecé a leer más y, en concecuencia, comprarme más libros, no lo volvà a tocar, asà que ahora, al agarrarlo después de tanto tiempo, hubieron cosas que me sorprendieron, no por dar un giro particular a la historia, sino por haberlas pasado por alto las veces anteriores.
La historia en general es muy simple: Jean es una mujer criada por un padre militar que, al morir su madre cuando ella apenas tenÃa 3 años, la crió a ella y a sus hermanos como pequeños soldados. Por lo que Jean, al haberse formado en ese ambiente, y hasta empezar la universidad no tener contacto con gente fuera de él, le cuesta mucho desenvolverse entre "los civiles" (como ella llama a todos los no militares).
Jean, luego de repetidos fracasos en su vida amorosa, se ve forzada a considerar que hay algo que está haciendo mal, por lo que decide buscar un referente, un modelo que haya triunfado en el ámbito sentimental y al cual ella pueda imitar. Luego de pensar mucho en quién podrÃa ser esa persona, da con una maratón de pelÃculas clásicas de los 60 en la televisión, cuya protagonista en todas ellas es la actriz Doris Day, y decide que ésta es la ideónea para tomar como ejemplo en el campo del amor (por cierto, esta actriz es un ser completamente opuesto a a ella), por lo que todo el mundo cree que Jean se volvió loca cuando empieza a ctuar como Doris 24x7 y empiezan a armar diversas teorÃas al respecto.
Hubieron, en esta ocasión, varias cosas que, como dije, me sorprendieron y más que nada me molestaron (recuerdo que algunas sà las habÃa notado anteriormente pero, muchas otras no). Hubieron, durante la historia variedad de comentarios homofóbicos, sexistas, machistas que me hicieron gritarle al libro y a la autara bastantes veces. Algunas las dejé pasar por alto puesto que venÃan a ser descripsiones de como pensaban determinados personajes como el general (papá de Jane) o la propia Jane, que son entendibles debido al ambiente del que provienen, es decir, serÃa "normal" que pensaran de ese modo, pero hubieron otra gran cantidad de comentarios de este tipo que vinieron directamente de la autora que fueron inexcusables.
También algunas cosas en la trama me parecieron muy poco creÃbles, por ejemplo que los jurados del caso en el que estaba trabajando Jane hayan estado más pendientes de ella que del caso en sà (ESTABAN TRATANDO UN ASESINATO!!! KÉ LES PASA?! ME VUELVO LOKA!!!), o el argumento final del abogado defensor, entre otras. Pero bueno, ante lo anterior creo que ya ni ganas tenÃa de prestarle mucha atención a eso.
Una de las cosas que más me molestó, al punto de querer tirar el libro por el balcón, fue la siguiente:
"[...] Aunque Jane jamás justificarÃa su cimen, no dejaba de envidiar la pasión de esa mujer. Esto es amor auténtico, pensó. Sentirlo tan ferozmente que una estaba dispuesta a matar antes de dejar que algien se lo arrebatara. Yo quiero sentir eso, quiero que alguien me ame hasta ese punto."
¡NO, NO Y NO! Eso NO ES AMOR y me parece HORRIBLE romantizar la VIOLENCIA de ese modo. Me parece que éste es el mensaje más detestable y equivocado de todo el libro. Me acuerdo y me pongo a gritar de indignación OTRA VEZ.
Otros comentarios que me molestaron muchÃsimo fueron que se insinuara que la gente empezó a querer y a tratar mejor a la protagonista porque se volvió más "femenina" o empezó a "actuar como una mujer" (HABER SI ME MUERO!!!!).
A ver, la gente empezó a tratar mejor a Jean porque ella empezó a tratarlos mejor, no por ser más "femenina". Al principio del libro se nos presenta a una Jean altanera, soberbia, mandona y desconsiderada con todo el mundo. Ella era una persona realmente difÃcil de tratar: odiosa y apenas tolerable. Claro que no era puro defectos: era responsable en todos los aspectos de su vida y tenÃa una ética intachable, era honesta y sincera, pero su forma de relacionarse con los demás dejaba mucho que desear aunque por supuesto ella no se daba cuenta de eso para nada. Al encarnar a Doris Day, esto se resuelve. Jane se vuelve infinitamente más considerada, aprende a pedir en vez de ordenar, a prestar atención a los demás y a interesarse en ellos sinceramente y, principalmente, se vuelve muchÃsimo más tolerante, por lo que es de esperar que el resto del mundo responda de manera positiva a esos cambios, no tenÃa nada que ver con que ahora usara vestido y maquillaje ¿ok?
Hubo, además de estas, varias otras cosas que me molestaron, como el hecho de ver a las personas como objetos al hacer comentarios del tipo "¿Quién no desea pertenecer a alguien?" O ese concepto de "robar" el marido a otra persona (hamiga a menos que te lo hayan secuestrado, nadie lo robó, se fue solito, aunque no te guste aceptarlo, no le obligaron a nada, es más, capaz hasta lo buscó), pero estarÃa una semana intentando recordar todo lo que me pareció mal en este libro, asà que lo dejo ahÃ.
Por otro lado, tampoco fue todo malo en esta historia, dejando de lado lo anterior, hubieron cosas que me causaron bastante gracia y otras que hasta llegué a disfrutar.
Jean me gustó mucho como protagonista (una vez superado su desastrozo comienzo, claro). Me gustó su evolución y como de a poco fue rompiendo con muchos de sus prejuicios y lo valiente que fue al enfrentarse a lo que todo el mundo pudiera creer o pensar de ella, para conseguir su objetivo. Aunque no estaba muy de acuerdo con la importancia esa que le dió a "conseguirse un hombre", me gustó que al final eso haya pasado a segundo plano para ella, porque descubrió que le gustaba arreglarse para sà misma, no para el resto; descubrió que habÃa cosas, que antes juzgaba como superficiales o egoÃstas, que realmente la hacÃan sentir bien y que disfrutaba haciendo (como mimarse a sà misma tomando un baño largo o maquillándose o ir de compras y eligir regalos para su papá y sus hermanos). Ese autodescubrimiento de la protagonista me pareció bastante positivo.
También me gustó la narración en general, era ligera y la historia abanzaba a buen ritmo, además me gustó el hecho de que esté narrado en tercera persona y que no se concentre en un solo personaje, sino que podamos conocer los puntos de vista de casi todos.
En fin, anteriormente le habÃa puesto 3.5 estrellas a este libro, pero con las cosas que noté en esta lectura, tengo que bajar ese puntaje al menos un punto, o sea, le daré 2,5 ☆☆ (dos estrellas y media) ya que no deja de ser entretenido en general y divertido en ciertas partes, pero para mi gusto habrÃa que sacarle muchas cosas que están mal para poder disfrutarlo completamente (o sea estuve gritando de indignación en varios capÃtulos y casi que lo tiro por la ventana en una parte, asà que evidentemente podrÃa ser muchÃsimo mejor de lo que es).
¹ó¾±²ÔÓË�.
July 15, 2020
I was gifted this book by a good friend for a fun read.
Jane Spring, brought up by her regulation Army father with her two older brothers, has been drilled to excel and be her best. Denied an army career that her brothers followed (Sir is like a drill sergeant, and conservative in his views), Jane determined to uphold law and order as a District Attorney in NYC. She is tenacious, bright, loyal, thorough, outspoken, and ruthless. In fact, she can be more like an attack dog than a person and views civilians as barbarians who need to be whipped into shape. Jane, approaching her mid 30s, is wondering why she is alone.
An unusual courtroom loss and a frank coworker conversation overheard by Jane leaves her confused and strangely devastated. She tries asking others what is wrong only to be told that if she doesn't know, she needs to think about it and find out. After coming up blank, Jane decides she needs an answer ... suddenly realizing that she is now watching a Doris Day marathon on TV. And that Doris Day is someone who is loveable, and always gets her man.
The book follows her amazing transformation and her life blossoms as people get over the shock and respond to her new looks and personae - her coworkers, her new jury, the ladies at the YWCA, her admin, and ... two dishy gentlemen. Which one of them is her Mr. Right who will want Jane for who she really is?
This story requires a lot of suspension of belief and a "just go with it" mentality. It's Chick Lit and yes, you can drive a semi through the plot holes, the sexism glossed over, and realism is questionable for the series of events but the characters are fun and not too complicated. The appreciation for the appeal of Doris Day and the fashions of her leading lady era are on full display, mixed with a decent courtroom case and just enough background history to make the story hang together and be an enjoyable read.
Jane Spring, brought up by her regulation Army father with her two older brothers, has been drilled to excel and be her best. Denied an army career that her brothers followed (Sir is like a drill sergeant, and conservative in his views), Jane determined to uphold law and order as a District Attorney in NYC. She is tenacious, bright, loyal, thorough, outspoken, and ruthless. In fact, she can be more like an attack dog than a person and views civilians as barbarians who need to be whipped into shape. Jane, approaching her mid 30s, is wondering why she is alone.
An unusual courtroom loss and a frank coworker conversation overheard by Jane leaves her confused and strangely devastated. She tries asking others what is wrong only to be told that if she doesn't know, she needs to think about it and find out. After coming up blank, Jane decides she needs an answer ... suddenly realizing that she is now watching a Doris Day marathon on TV. And that Doris Day is someone who is loveable, and always gets her man.
The book follows her amazing transformation and her life blossoms as people get over the shock and respond to her new looks and personae - her coworkers, her new jury, the ladies at the YWCA, her admin, and ... two dishy gentlemen. Which one of them is her Mr. Right who will want Jane for who she really is?
This story requires a lot of suspension of belief and a "just go with it" mentality. It's Chick Lit and yes, you can drive a semi through the plot holes, the sexism glossed over, and realism is questionable for the series of events but the characters are fun and not too complicated. The appreciation for the appeal of Doris Day and the fashions of her leading lady era are on full display, mixed with a decent courtroom case and just enough background history to make the story hang together and be an enjoyable read.
August 18, 2020
Jane Spring is fierce, beautiful, intelligent, and lonely. Men rarely ask her out for a second date, and it's because she's intimidating. Reared by her military father in a family of older brothers, she is no-nonsense, and has little patience for "civilians." She yearns for a boyfriend and a relationship, but with no girlfriends, sisters, or a mother to guide her, she relies on a weekend Doris Day movie binge to educate her on the best way to catch (and keep) a man.
She goes ALL OUT on her quest to channel Doris: She cuts her hair in a sassy bob; she completely transforms her black, masculine power suits for vintage and feminine suits, purses, and accessories; and she redecorates her spartan apartment by painting literally everything yellow and installing baby blue silk curtains. She also talks and walks like Doris, and guess what? The new and improved Jane Spring is a hit with the men. Even her arch rival from law school, the local hotshot attorney Jane often spars with in court, has it bad for her. An added bonus: each chapter begins with a quote from a Doris Day movie. If you love Doris, you will love this book.
Y'all, I can't say enough about this book. I laughed out loud, I cringed and was embarrassed for Jane, and I cheered for her as she discovers that she can have it all because the real Jane Spring is a fascinating women.
I bought this book via Amazon because I couldn't find it locally.
She goes ALL OUT on her quest to channel Doris: She cuts her hair in a sassy bob; she completely transforms her black, masculine power suits for vintage and feminine suits, purses, and accessories; and she redecorates her spartan apartment by painting literally everything yellow and installing baby blue silk curtains. She also talks and walks like Doris, and guess what? The new and improved Jane Spring is a hit with the men. Even her arch rival from law school, the local hotshot attorney Jane often spars with in court, has it bad for her. An added bonus: each chapter begins with a quote from a Doris Day movie. If you love Doris, you will love this book.
Y'all, I can't say enough about this book. I laughed out loud, I cringed and was embarrassed for Jane, and I cheered for her as she discovers that she can have it all because the real Jane Spring is a fascinating women.
I bought this book via Amazon because I couldn't find it locally.
March 5, 2022
I loved this book. Many reviews gripe that it's outdated, anti-feminist, and trite. And while it is a LITTLE bit of all those things, it was a DELIGHTFUL read. I read it when I was 19, smiling and giggling through the whole thing, and hoped it would hold up in my adulthood. It really did.
Jane is unusually aggressive, to whom people are a constant disappointment. Frustrated with her track record with men, (who initially think she must be soft under all that blocky facade, and discover they're wrong), and obviously slightly socially unaware, she has the ludicrous idea to transform herself into Doris Day, from the 60s, in 2015.
She commits 100%. And while people think she's crazy, they are also enchanted by her. And her feelings about the people around her change as she does.
This book is about the power of perceptions, and reinventing yourself. Even though we wish the gender expectations didn't exist, they still very much do. And this book, albeit exaggerated, calls out what it looks like to play on those expectations.
I would argue that it IS feminist, in the sense that traditional femininity has wonderful qualities: warmth, kindness, encouragement, and sometimes color, and those things, as Jane discovers by trying them on, are valuable to any community.
I thought it was funny and charming and surprisingly poignant.
Jane is unusually aggressive, to whom people are a constant disappointment. Frustrated with her track record with men, (who initially think she must be soft under all that blocky facade, and discover they're wrong), and obviously slightly socially unaware, she has the ludicrous idea to transform herself into Doris Day, from the 60s, in 2015.
She commits 100%. And while people think she's crazy, they are also enchanted by her. And her feelings about the people around her change as she does.
This book is about the power of perceptions, and reinventing yourself. Even though we wish the gender expectations didn't exist, they still very much do. And this book, albeit exaggerated, calls out what it looks like to play on those expectations.
I would argue that it IS feminist, in the sense that traditional femininity has wonderful qualities: warmth, kindness, encouragement, and sometimes color, and those things, as Jane discovers by trying them on, are valuable to any community.
I thought it was funny and charming and surprisingly poignant.
January 18, 2020
I cannot describe the absolute joy I felt reading this book. Not only did it make me laugh within the first few pages, but it kept me laughing and curious throughout all 319. I think that this book is so charming and relatable in it's own way and I was sad when I realized I had finished it. Jane is a character that I won't soon forget, and most of the characters (albeit they play much smaller roles throughout the book) will continue to linger in my mind for many stories to come. I would suggest picking this book up if you're looking for something more light hearted and nostalgic, as well as if you're in the mood to join a badass and classy lady in her journey to discover the joys of being a woman and decipher the ever unsolvable question: what do men truly want in a woman?
April 13, 2020
I feel like this book was intended for adults but the writing and premise of the story made it feel as though it would have been better suited to younger readers.
Implied that businesswoman in high positions are cold and cruel and are unable to hold relationships with those of the opposite gender because men do not like women who speak their minds or now what they want without having to be told by a man. As well as showing that a women needs to change (into a 50s housewife) to gain the attention of men. And it also show that you can be neither and have healthy happy relationships, but that you must be both and not too much of either one.
Implied that businesswoman in high positions are cold and cruel and are unable to hold relationships with those of the opposite gender because men do not like women who speak their minds or now what they want without having to be told by a man. As well as showing that a women needs to change (into a 50s housewife) to gain the attention of men. And it also show that you can be neither and have healthy happy relationships, but that you must be both and not too much of either one.
December 3, 2019
I was intrigued with the plot. The only thing that kept me going was the mystery of the verdict, and I guess the silliness of Jane. I couldn't really see anyone doing this in real life, and I couldn't figure out why she just didn't buy her own Doris Day clothes? Why did she have to always wear her grandmother's castoff's? The last page threw me off where she slapped him and then invited him up to her place. I see what the author was doing, but it was kinda weird.
But other than that, this book was a delight to read with a new twist.
But other than that, this book was a delight to read with a new twist.
April 19, 2022
Honestly, this was cute. It hit some major nostalgia points for me. I wasn’t alive when Doris Day was doing movies, but my mom was and she and I used to watch re-runs of her movies so I just love her. I think this story was cute and just the right amount of outlandish. I wish there was maybe another chapter or two, or maybe an epilogue to further explore the main point of the book: her desire to find love. It felt like there should be more to that aspect, but it doesn’t stop it from being breezy and entertaining.
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