Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A Thoughtful Review
I've given this book (and consequently this review) a lot of thought. First of all, it's fairly long-or seemed long-so I didn't whip through it like I do most of the books I read. So Cannie, the main character, has been in my life for a while.It must be said that Jennifer Weiner is a very gifted writer. Through her characters we learn that she's funny and smart, and her witty banter keeps you reading. Her Cannie is well drawn and likable and it's what gets the reader through most of the rather contrived plot. I loved the first half, where we meet a "large woman" and experience her coming-of-age metamorphosis; however, I found her friendship with the Hollywood starlet, as well as other plot diversions, to be (again) contrived and even juvenile. Nevertheless . . . the author is clearly a talent worth watching and because of this, I highly recommend Good In Bed as a fun-and mindless read. The paperback version, which I picked up at a Target store (when I was supposed to be buying socks for my kids), labeled it a "beach book." Now I know why.
Rating: - Good Start - Fell Flat Towards The Middle
I agree with the other reviewers who stated that this book had an excellent beginning but that, toward the middle, fell flat on its [face] - right around the time Maxi makes an appearance. Puh-leeeze! I'm sorry, but regardless of the fact that I recognize this book for the work of fiction it is, it is completely beyond the realm of reality to even imagine that a popular starlet is going to randomly spill her guts to the first "human" reporter she meets, become her best friend, and lavish her with gifts - including a new home (incidentally, by that point, I thought Cannie had sold her screenplay and was rich in her own right - so where's the need for such charity?) Oh - and as a side note, WHY do the main characters in just about every book I've read lately have to be some type of reporter/media-ite or, at the very least, work "in publishing"???????? How "original".That being said, I really liked the premise of this story, with Bruce's articles, etc. But, no, I didn't find his prose to be particularly sensitive - especially as it's well established at the beginning of the story that Cannie was comfortable with herself throughout their relationship, so where he got this "she hid in herself" take on things is beyond me. Trust me, a woman who is hiding in herself and is ashamed of her weight does not eat french fries in public and initiate large, obvious displays of public affection. Clearly he was embarrassed to be seen with her the whole time and used his article as some sort of catharsis in order to forgive his own shallowness. As for the pregnancy twist to the story, I liked it - it was not only a creative spin on an otherwise already-told tale (B. Jones, the utterly horrible Jemima J., etc.), it was realistic and believable, although, again, the post-partum meltdown was a bit much. I found it unlikely, as well, that Bruce, who had (supposedly) loved Cannie so much, would completely ignore her letter announcing her pregnancy and that his new girlfriend would not only have no qualms about being with a guy who not only got his ex up the pole and who willingly ignored her condition, but would then proceed to physically assault said pregnant ex (and she's a KINDERGARTEN teacher?????). Huh????...
Rating:  - Simply The Best...
Jennifer Weiner's debut novel was absolutely the BEST novel I have read in years. And believe me, I've done a lot of reading! Jennifer's vivid descriptions, delicious dialogue and memorable characters captivated me, and transported me to Philadelphia, and the life of Cannie Shapiro.I purchased this book on a Saturday, and couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading it. I finished the book, with tears in my eyes and half-roll of toilet paper at my side, at 2 a.m. It's been years since I've read a novel that moved me in such a way. I don't know how many time's I laughed out loud at Cannie's witty dialogue. Moreover, I cried -- rather bawled tears -- at some points in the book. Jennifer Weiner has a way with words that makes you experience Cannie's pain and frustration. I cried for her, and for myself, as I could related to the rejection and hurt she faced. But when Cannie finally had her breakthrough, and found her happiness, I wept tears of joy. I recommend this book to ANYONE who has ever loved and lost, and is in the earnest pursuit of contentment and happiness...which means EVERYONE.
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