Good in Bed

Starred review from April 9, 2001
It is temping at first—but unwise—to assume Candace Shapiro is yet another Bridget Jones. Feisty, funny and less self-hating than her predecessor, Cannie is a 28-year-old Philadelphia Examiner reporter preoccupied with her weight and men, but able to see the humor in even the most unpleasant of life's broadsides. Even she is floored, however, when she reads "Good in Bed," a new women's magazine column penned by her ex-boyfriend, pothead grad student Bruce Guberman. Three months earlier, Cannie suggested they take a break—apparently, Bruce thought they were through and set about making such proclamations as, "Loving a larger woman is an act of courage in our world." Devastated by this public humiliation, Cannie takes comfort in tequila and her beloved dog, Nifkin. Bruce has let her down like another man in her life: Cannie's sadistic, plastic surgeon father emotionally abused her as a young girl, and eventually abandoned his wife and family, leaving no forwarding address. Cannie's siblings suffer, especially the youngest, Lucy, who has tried everything from phone sex to striptease. Their tough-as-nails mother managed to find love again with a woman, Tanya, the gravel-voiced owner of a two-ton loom. Somehow, Cannie stays strong for family and friends, joining a weight-loss group, selling her screenplay and gaining the maturity to ask for help when she faces something bigger than her fears. Weiner's witty, original, fast-moving debut features a lovable heroine, a solid cast, snappy dialogue and a poignant take on life's priorities. This is a must-read for any woman who struggles with body image, or for anyone who cares about someone who does.

April 15, 2001
Weiner's first novel should satisfy readers from older teens and above. Cannie Shapiro is in her late twenties, funny, independent, and a talented reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer. After a "temporary" break-up with her boyfriend of three years, she reads his debut column, "Good in Bed," in the women's magazine Moxie. Titled "Loving a Larger Woman," this very personal piece triggers events that completely transform her and those around her. Cannie's adventures will strike a chord with all young women struggling to find their place in the world, especially those larger than a size eight. Despite some events that stretch credulity and a few unresolved issues at the end, this novel follows the classic format of chasing the wrong man when the right one is there all along. Veteran storyteller Maeve Binchy gave us Bennie in Circle of Friends; now Jennifer Weiner gives us Cannie. Look for more books from Weiner. Rebecca Sturm Kelm, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Highland Heights

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2001
When Cannie Shapiro, a witty but overweight reporter for the " Philadelphia Examiner, "opens the latest issue of " Moxie," a trendy woman's magazine, she's shocked and horrified to find an opinion piece by her ex-boyfriend, Bruce, that not only talks about their sex life but also about her insecurities about her weight. Hurt and even more insecure, Cannie signs up for an experimental weight-loss program. But then Bruce unexpectedly reenters her life when he phones to tell her of the death of his father. Cannie, who has always grappled with the pain from her own father's desertion of her family, immediately runs to be by his side. Unexpectedly, the two end up sleeping together after the funeral. But it's not the reconciliation Cannie hopes for, and soon Bruce is dating someone else. Depressed, Cannie soon finds their night together had repercussions she had never dreamed of. From there, it's a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, wild success and bitter lows, during which Cannie finds success, peace, and even love. A warm, refreshing story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)