Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Review: Mating Rituals of the North American WASP & Giveaway

Summary: After arguing with her live-in boyfriend about his inability to commit, Peggy Adams flies to a friend's bachelorette party in Las Vegas, and wakes up next to a man she can't remember. Hung-over and miserable, she sneaks out of the sleeping man's hotel room and returns home to New York, where her boyfriend apologizes for the fight and gives her a Tiffany box containing a pre-engagement ring. Not what she expected, but close enough! The next day she receives a phone call from the Las Vegas one-night stand, Luke, claiming she's already married to him¬-and he faxes her the license for proof! Both are ready for an annulment, until Peggy arrives in quaint New Nineveh, CT, where Luke cares for his Great Aunt, and the old woman makes Peggy an offer she can't refuse.-- 5 Spot

The first time I heard about MATING RITUALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WASP by Lauren Lipton was when I was sent a link for the Facebook fan page. I just thought the title was so smart and the cover was precious, and I have to admit that both things attracted me to this novel. (Of course, I am a child of the 80s and probably owned a shirt just like this one twenty-five years ago. I still love preppy clothes; and, I have to admit I was a little tempted when I was shopping last week and saw a Tommy Hilfiger shirt this exact style and color.....but I digress.)

I enjoyed MATING RITUALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WASP very much. It is a light, fun story; and I have a feeling that a lot of women will enjoy reading it this summer. It really is an ideal book to read while you're at the pool or beach. The plot is basically a cute and funny romance story that takes place in reverse. The book begins when Peggy goes to Las Vegas with some friends and wakes up next to a stranger, Luke. She has no idea who he is or what she did with him (yes, there was alcohol involved.) She returns home to New York and her fiance to find that she married a stranger who just happens to live in Connecticut. This book points out that "what happens in Vegas" doesn't always "stay in Vegas." For a variety of monetary reasons, Peggy and Luke decide to stay together and pretend that they married for love. You can probably guess that they eventually do fall in love; however there are lots of ups and downs in their relationship until they both realize their feelings. See what I mean about in reverse?

I'm going to be honest and tell you that I didn't love Peggy for most of the book, and I only liked Luke, her husband, slightly better. In fact, I didn't like Peggy's long-time boyfriend or Luke's bimbo girlfriend either (but I don't think I was supposed to.) Having said that, I don't think it mattered one little bit to my enjoyment of the book. I think the negative aspects of Peggy's and Luke's characters were necessary to tell this story; and I will say that I was rooting for them the entire time! Both had serious moments of stubbornness and stupidity, but they eventually matured and realized what's important.

I liked that this book was filled with some tension between the main characters. It made it kind of a juicy read (or at least juicy for this reader.) There was a lot of confusion and many misunderstandings between Peggy and Luke (or basically Peggy and everyone) that made the story very funny. I also liked that the author kept things interesting by putting in a few twists and turns throughout the novel. I think those surprise elements are important to chick-lit, romance genre books because the basic story lines are often times predictable. I mean you basically know how the story is going to end, but it's the stuff that happens along the way that makes the book interesting.

I did find this book to be very witty, and I loved how the author poked fun of the entire WASP social set. All of the stereotypes (plus a few new ones) were in there, and I found myself laughing at some of the WASPier characters. I especially appreciated the descriptions of the food at the parties, and I thought the tailgating scenes at the football game were hilarious.

This is the first book that I've read by Lauren Lipton; however, I wouldn't hesitate to read her first novel IT'S ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND. Her writing in MATING RITUALS is very witty and smart, and I definitely thought the book was a page-turner. Besides writing novels, she is also a journalist with articles appearing in Forbes Woman, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. If you want to learn more about Ms. Lipton, you can check out her website, blog, and this Q&A; and you can read this article entitled "I Knew I'd Turned a ..."

I recommend MATING RITUALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WASP if you are looking for a light, chick-lit type read this summer. It is an extremely entertaining book, and the characters are a hoot! It's one of those books where you can just sit back and enjoy the story.

I just happen to have an extra copy of MATING RITUALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WASP that I'd love to giveaway to one lucky reader. To enter, please leave a comment with your e-mail address telling me one of your favorite chick lit books. To double or triple your chances, blog and/or tweet about this contest with a link back to this post. This contest will be open until June 10th, and I will announce the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. or Canada mailing addresses only. Good luck!

This tour is huge! Check out some of the other participants:

Participants include:
http://thereviewfromhere.wordpress.com/
http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/
http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/
http://kylees2009.blogspot.com/
http://www.devourerofbooks.com/
http://burtonreview.blogspot.com
http://bookopolis.blogspot.com/
http://carolsnotebook.wordpress.com/
http://www.foreigncircuslibrary.blogspot.com/
http://www.xanga.com/bravehsgirl
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/
http://inbedwithbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookconfessions.com/
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/
http://www.readingwithmonie.com/
http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/
http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.squidoo.com/bookbin
http://www.acircleofbooks.com/
http://www.myspace.com/darbyscloset
http://www.thisbookforfree.com
http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://lastexilewords.blogspot.com/
http://unmainstreammomreads.blogspot.com/
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com
http://www.bermudaonion.wordpress.com/
http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/
http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/
http://bookslovejessicmarie.blogspot.com
http://www.thenovelbookworm.com/
http://proudbookworm.blogspot.com/
http://kayespenguinposts.blogspot.com/
http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://epicrat.blogspot.com/
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/
http://www.thebookzombie.com/
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/
http://www.linussblanket.com/
http://donnasbookreviews.blogspot.com/
http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/
http://www.morbid-romantic.net/
http://www.writeforareader.blogspot.com/
http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com
http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/
http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/
http://danys-san.blogspot.com/
http://www.iheartmonster.com/
http://debbiesworld.wordpress.com
http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com
http://ebogie.blogspot.com

Thanks to Miriam from Hachette for allowing me to participate in this tour!

57 comments:

Meghan said...

That is one impressive tour list. This book sounds like fun even if the main characters aren't so impressive for most of the book! I think I'll try it one of these days. =)

bermudaonion said...

Don't enter me. I enjoyed the book, too - it would be the perfect read for the beach this summer.

Beth F said...

Nice review. I don't really think this is for me.

nfmgirl said...

I don't believe that I've read any chic-lit before. I have some I've bought recently that are waiting on my shelf for reading. So I'd love a shot at this, as everyone is saying what a fun and light read it is.

Please count me in. Thanks!

nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

traveler said...

This unique book appeals to me greatly. Thanks for the chance.saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

AllyKatt said...

The Nanny Diaries was pretty funny. That's chick-lit (I think).

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

Mom of 5 Boys said...

It's my birthday today, so I'd love a free book! :) Great chicklit, hmm. I just finished reading Faro's Daughter by Georgette Heyer that was an excellent read. It's not modern chicklit, but surely it qualifies! I haven't been reading much chicklit lately! Summer is a good time for that.

Jo-Jo said...

About 6 months ago I read Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane and I just loved that one. I would love a chance to win this Julie!
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I have a lead on a loaner copy, or I'd throw my name in for this one. I'm desperate to read it -- the concept just tickles me to no end.

So... no need to enter me. I'm dropping by to say thanks for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you.

Stephanie said...

What an amazing blog tour list! :-) I have never heard of this book before, but the title is fabulous. (I'm not entering for the drawing -- I just wanted to comment)

Gaby317 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gaby317 said...

I really enjoyed Watermelon by an Irish writer - Marian Keyes, that was one of my favorite chicklit books!

please count me in!

I'm a follower

gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com

Rachel said...

This book sounds great. My favorite chick-lit is Wendy Markham's Slightly series. They're great.

Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

scottsgal said...

I just finished Girls in Trucks and enjoyed it - count me in
for this one

msboatgal at aol.com

Yvette Kelly said...

I would love to read this book but as usual I dont qualify.I am going to look for it though.Loved your review!!

Becky W. said...

I'd like to give this book a shot! Chick Lit isn't normally my type of book, but I read The Beach House by Jane Green and it was pretty good. The other is Jen Lancaster's Bitter is the New Black.... Loved it!!

I'm a new follower!

kysmom02 AT hotmail DOT com

Belinda M said...

I have not read a click lit book yet but would like to. Please enter me in the giveaway


"Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Fun:
CoolCanucks.ca"

Pam said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pam said...

This sounds like such a fun book! I'd love to win it.

One of my chick lit faves is the entire Shopaholic series. I also like some of her other books - Can You Keep a Secret had me laughing out loud.

melacan at hotmail dto com

Anonymous said...

I usually don't read all that much chick lit, but the most recent one that I read (I consider it chick lit, but it may not be) was Lisa Kleypas' Smooth Talking Stranger. I do have some chick lit books on my shelf that I haven't read yet, like Girls in Trucks and Something Borrowed. I'd love to be entered for this, now that I know it's not about bugs!

jaam121388 at yahoo dot com

donnas said...

The Shopaholic series is great. And I thought the book was way better than the movie.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Jacqueline C. said...

I love, love, love Kim Gruenedfelder's A Total Waste of Makeup and it's sequel Misery Loves Cabernet. They're hilarious!

Marie said...

I just finished Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center -- it was really good!

marielay@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great summer read! As far as chick lit favorites I would have to say Bridget Jones is still my number one! Thanks for the contest!
Courtney

CherylS22 said...

So far, I don't have a favorite chick-lit book. The genre isn't one of my favorites, although I love to keep reading new & different things.

megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com

allisonmariecat said...

This one sounds fun. Chick lit...probably Austenland by Shannon Hale. Very funny, very Pride & Prejudice!

allison DOT campbell AT gmail DOT com

Kristi said...

One of my favorite chick lit books would be An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell. I would love to give this one a shot though!

kherbrand at comcast dot net

Melissa said...

One of my fave chick lit books is Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven. It's really good!

Thanks for the giveaway!

shhhimreading(at)hotmail(dot)com

Amber said...

My favorite Chick Lit would be Violet on the Runway or Faking 19.
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

MaMa said...

I loved reading Ya-Yas in Bloom! This book sounds like it's ready for movie time! I'd love to read it..thanks for hosting.
Lisa

cheryl c said...

I have read several reviews of this book, and everyone has liked it! It really sounds like a delightful summer read, and the title is one of the best that I have heard in a while. This would make a great title and premise for a movie.

I appreciate the chance to win and read this book!

L said...

I haven't read any chick-lit books yet, but this one looks really good. I'd love a chance at winning it.

lovinfitch(at)aol(dot)com

Sue W. said...

The Shopaholic was pretty good. Although I liked Nanny Diaries better I think.

roylsue(at)telpage(dot)net

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

Don't enter me, I just reviewed it. I thought this was a light, fun read, too. Definitely predictable, but still fun. I loved the whole WASP culture. Lots of fun.

Belle said...

This book sounds like an interesting read. Love the plot.

throuthehaze said...

i like Bitter is the New Black
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

One of my favorite chick-lit (of the Christian genre) is Savannah from Savannah. I also love the "Bubbles" series.

judimaloney AT gmail.com

kalea_kane said...

One of my favorite Chick Lit books is a book I just read called Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn. I totally have a new fave. Thank you for the giveaway!

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

kalea_kane said...

I tweeted your giveaway:

http://twitter.com/kellyblackwell/status/1998791266

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

kalea_kane said...

I also blogged about your giveaway here: http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/2009/06/giveaways-another-great-thing-about.html

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

kalea_kane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jo-Jo said...

I blogged about your contest here for another entry.
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

Ashley said...

Please enter me, I've been dying to read this book! My favorite chick lit? I love Jane Moore's Fourplay and every other book she's written. Jennifer Crusie's Fast Women was HILARIOUS!


bellasnovella at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

At the moment, one of my favorite chick-lit books is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. That's the one I'm reading right now.

I've been really wanting to read this book. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks!

tiffanyak1986(at)hotmail(dot)com

Pamela S said...

One of my favorite chit lit books if Jennifer crusie's "Agnes and the Hitman".

This sounds like a great summer read, full of romance, and exploring possibilities. I originally thought this book was actually about WASPS (yes, I'm that dumb LOL) so wasn't very interested. But your review makes it sound great. Thanks so much!!

pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Carlene said...

My favorite chick lit books is Meg Cabot's Queen of Bable. It was so funny. Please include me in your giveaway.
Thanks
carlene
iluvreading(at)verizon.net

The Giveaway Diva said...

i love the shopaholic series!! becky is amaizng!!!

nicolemarielum @gmail.com

Bcteagirl said...

Everyone seems to be talking about this book, it sounds as though it is really hilarious! Just the thing to brighten peoples moods this summer, so it is coming out at the right time. Thanks for this giveaway.

heatherzilla said...

I recently read Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot. It was a cute book, and only took a few hours to read. Great for the beach. Please include me in the giveaway.

heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com

Erica said...

right now i'm reading something blue by emily giffin! would love to win!!

ericaloves @hotmail.com

Suzanne Yester said...

Please enter me in your giveaway! This sounds like a winner! (hope I am too!)
Ok, mu favorite chick lit book would have to be :
The Undomesticated Goddess by Sophie Kinsella!

Thanks!
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com

Stacie said...

I love Lorna Landviks books, especially "Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons" and "Welcome to the Great Mysterious". This was sounds like such a fun summer read!
I need something light and easy for a change!
Staciele(at)netins(dot)net

Emma said...

Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven is a very good chick lit book.
Thanks for the giveaway. augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com

windycindy said...

HI! I like Jane Porter's book
"Flirting with Forty!"
Thanks very much..... Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

"Tweet!"
http://twitter.com/cmh512/2105044759.
Thanks, Cindi
cmh512

A Reader said...

I enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

dag888888 said...

Anything by Erin McCarthy!
Thanks, would like to read this!
dag888888 at yahoo dot com