Perfect on Paper by Maria Murnane

Perfect . . . on Paper: The Misadventures of Waverly Bryson
by Maria Murnane
Copyright 2008
Wink's Ink - fiction
314 pages

It was my dream to have a client who would fly me business class, but for now the only way I was sitting in business class was if I enrolled in one at the local community college.

"You know Waverly, you've got to lower your standards," Davey said. "The way I see it, dating is like being in the jungle. Now a relationship is a vine, and when things don't work out, you're basically hanging a vine that ain't swinging anymore. Now you want to jump to another vine, a healthier vine, a more supportive vine, or maybe a more exciting vine, but if none of the other vines are good enough for you, or if you don't have enough energy to make the jump, you're going to spend the rest of your life clinging to a lifeless bottom of a dead vine just so you don't fall into the abyss below. " He accompanied the speech with swinging ape-like arm gestures and a variety of animal sounds.

What led you to pick up this book? I read a very positive review of this book and it was already on my wish list when I was offered a copy for a book tour -- which was supposed to be today. Apologies to the author and tour people. I cannot apparently read a calendar.

Describe the book without giving anything away. Oh, this is a hard one to synopsize. Waverly Bryson is dumped by her fiance just before her wedding. She has an okay job, a dysfunctional father who drives her nuts, great friends, and a knack for finding flaws in the men she dates. Will she ever find the perfect life she's hoping for?

What did you like most about the book? Maria Murnane is funny. I think that of all the books I've seen referred to as an "American Bridget Jones", this one is probably the closest because Waverly is just so darned fun. She's talented at work but screws up a great deal, personally and professionally. She's endearing and makes friends easily. Her dating life is a freak show. Waverly is a completely loveable, goofy character. And, she drinks too much.

What did you think of the characters? I truly loved them all. Even when she described her dating disasters, it was such fun reading that I liked the rejects.

Describe a favorite scene. There's a scene at a wedding, with a bunch of single people stuck at a table. They come up with a way to fill the time by listing "things that will exclude a possible date from consideration". What a great scene. But, honestly, they're all great except for the drunken heaving and that never thrills me.

Was there anything you didn't like about the book? I could say things fall into place a little too easily for Waverly, but that's not really true. More like . . . when they go right they really, really go right. She's sort of a classic chick-lit type of character, but the writing is better than most; Waverly is witty and fun. Wait? Was I supposed to find something wrong with the book? Nope, can't do it. I loved this book.

Recommended? Gosh, yes. Buy this book if you love chick lit or need a light read or an upper or just want to feel like, "Hahaha, my life is better than Waverly's because I got a guy without having to go through all that." It's just loads of fun and very original. Absolutely not a chick lit ditto book. In fact, even if you hate chick lit I'd still say give it a try but be forewarned that if you hate to smile you're in trouble. It's either self-published or small press (sorry, too lazy to look that up) but it's better edited than most big press books and . . . well, maybe one tiny thing I dislike is that people are always asking Waverly if she's all right because there's a bit of slapstick. But, I loved it. Highly recommended.

Anything else worth mentioning? The book arrived with a sweet note saying this is Maria's first book and she's very grateful for the reviews -- from Maria's husband father (oops, Maria corrected me). How cool is that? I just think that's ridiculously sweet.

Cover thoughts: Hmm, needs work. I think, actually, the title is pretty dull. "The Misadventures of Waverly Bryson" would have been great, if you ask me. My opinion. The cover could stand a picture, also. The little memo page is just not memorable.

I know I'm supposed to be taking a break from blogging, but there's one more thing I have to mention. Chris of Stuff as Dreams Are Made On sent me a Christmas gift and it was just the coolest gift that I have to mention it and say thank you for the hundred-thousandth time to Chris. He sent me a copy of Paper Towns by John Green!!!! Seriously, I squealed and bounced and squealed some more. The guys were ready to gag me (and the husband actually put his hand on my head to get me to stop bouncing), but it was at the top of my mental most-coveted books list and, honestly, how could I not? Thank you, Chris!!!

Since it's still Christmas week, here's another picture from the crazy nutso Bookfool who can't seem to shut up and stop posting. I'll call it "When Candy and Bookfool Mix, Weird Things Happen":


Also, thanks to Jessica for the reminder that it's not just Christmas season. Happy Hanukkah!!