This is a coming of age of a self-absorbed, narcissistic young woman.Blythe Young is a thirty three year old burn out. She brings self destructive behavior to new heights. This book is a humorous rendition of her crash, burn and phoenix like resurrection.
I think the current state of the economy makes this book even more poignant. The whole dot com era fueled an entire generation with the often delusional aspiration that wealth, success, accolades and early retirement was within everyone’s reach with a minimal amount of education and effort. Blythe, formerly known as Chanterelle, was a self perceived trailer trash makeover into a society playgirl. The story of her fall from grace is highlighted by astoundingly stupid decisions. Truth in any form was completely foreign to Blythe. I found her character abhorrent and loveable at the same time. Her ability to see the foibles of those around her and exploit them for her own purposes was purely demonic. She was truly a character you loved to hate. On the other hand, her vain attempts to rebuild herself inspired a kind of pathetic sympathy. Her friend Milly’s contrasting story line of selfless service to others only highlighted Blythe’s extraordinary shallowness. The miraculous transformation of Blythe’s coven of social attackers was a bit of a stretch. That was the only point that seemed completely impossible. Blythe’s transforming of Nikki warmed your heart, her ability to see to the person behind the mask was a redeeming characteristic.
There were times I literally laughed out loud (LOL) which startled my wife. The book cover leads one to believe it is a “chick” book in the romantic category. Au contraire, I say, the book was entertaining, amusing, sometimes captivating and in the end redeeming. I think even a “manly man*” could read it and find themselves reflecting on some of the people they know.
All in all I recommend the book, it is a light hearted read, but not just whipped cream, there is some substance there that promotes introspection.
*Manly men are those of my gender that consider the only literature worth reading resides on the sports pages or gun catalogs.
Body of work of Sarah Bird
Review: http://avidbookreader.com/2008/06/10/review-how-perfect-is-that-by-sarah-bird/
Web site: This is a fan site, Sarah Bird does not appear to have her own site.
http://www.sarahbirdbooks.com/
