A review by karenmsecrest
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

This was written in the 90s and some elements have not aged well. (Calorie counting, dieting, “carbs” as a dirty word, etc.) However, the declarations of love, the main characters taking turns standing up for each other, and the happy-ever-after including friends and family mostly makes up for the dated references. I understand a lot of people love this book and re-read it for the banter and the love story, but it’s a hard pass for me. 

On the bright side…
  • Cal is a dreamboat. 
  • Min is feisty. 
  • There’s a cat. 
  • Some progressive thoughts about choosing to be child-free, being proud of one’s body, telling people when they’re wrong 

On the negative side…
  • Calorie counting
  • Toxic mom relationships
  • Body shaming
  • 90s fashion (clear plastic mules?!?!)
  • So. Much. Dieting. 

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