Jemima J: A Novel About Ugly Ducklings and Swans

by Jane Green

Book Overview

Discover the addictive and uplifting story of reinvention, self-discovery and the meaning of true love from the bestselling author of Life Swap and The Friends We Keep 'Inspirational, uplifting, made... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767905180
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Crown
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.2"

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly insightful

I find it interesting that many did not give this book great reviews. It is not only well written in a literal sense, but also provides characters that anyone can relate to on one level or another. I found the book thought provoking and an iteration of how anyone that is overweight feels. I completely disagree with many reviewers opinions that the love interest was shallow and did not have interest in Jemima until she was thin. In fact, I think the story portrays that he did have an interest, even when she was "fat" but that HER OWN low self-esteem led her to miss opportunities in love and career. This is a great read for everyone!

Thin, yes.... but is she happy????

...see what the great looks got her, a man who was lying to her, and not a penny to her name. She realized that it wasn't how she looked but that it was what was inside that mattered. Sometimes it takes dramatic changes in your life to realize that what you had was what you wanted and that things were perfect, that YOU were perfect, just the way you are!!!!

Enjoyable read

I really liked this book! Though it reminded me much of Bridget Jones's Diary (single girl trying to meet the man of her dreams, lose weight and improve her career) it was also different enough that I didn't feel like I was reading the same book over. Jemima is 100lbs. overweight, suffers from low self-esteem and has a crush on her coworker, Ben, who sees her only as a dear friend. When she finds out how to use the internet, she meets California babe, Brad, in a chat room. Brad eventually wants to meet her so Jemima travels to L.A. to meet him but not before she goes on a crash diet, becomes exercise obsessive and gets down to 120 lbs. A makeover by her fashion conscious friend, Geraldine, makes her look like the popular t.v. personality she claimed to be. All is well when she meets the hunky (and wealthy)Brad, but Jemima is discouraged that she can't get over Ben, when the perfect man wants to pursue a relationship with her and Ben barely knows she exists since taking a new position as an entertainment reporter. But, you know what they say about perfect men...they're too good to be true... Jemima J is a very light and fun read that will keep you turning the pages to find out what is "wrong" with the perfect man, because you know there's no such thing, and what will Jemima do when his secret is revealed?? The author's point of view changes often during the course of the book. While at first I found it annoying, I soon came to appreciate the narrative that helps us to see what we can't see from the characters' point of view.

A novel about ugly ducklings and swans indeed!

I haven't read a chick novel that's wittier than this one! Yes, I have read some good chick novels, but this is the best one! The story is about Jemima Jones: an overweight, wannabe journalist who's often patronized by her roommates and editors at the Kilburn Herald, a local newspaper in which she writes the Top Tips column. Jemima, at twenty-seven, is miserable. When she meets Brad, a gorgeous Californian over the Internet, Jemima decides to lose the weight and become the slim, gorgeous, gym-obsessed glamour girl she has always wanted to be. But is Brad the true love of her life? Or is it Ben Williams, a drop-dead gorgeous ex-colleague at the Kilburn Herald? I can't spoil the surprise, but ah, the irony. Anyway, as I've already mentioned, this is the best chick novel I have ever read. It is filled with every female fantasy you can think of. Indeed, it is a novel about ugly ducklings and swans. I devoured this book in one day. A must-read!

Absolutely loved it

I can't believe I finished this book in just 5 hours. Jane Green has a wonderful style of writing. The commentaries, the acerbic wit was absolutely delightful to read.I think any woman can relate to our heroine, Jemima Jones. She like most of women today is battling her weight and insecurities of life. Experiencing racism on a different level.This is a wonderful coming of age novel, even at 27! We truly see Jemima blossom from an ugly duckling to a graceful funny swan. Jemima eventually by befriending a once enemy eventually finds true love and the job of her dreams.Anyone can relate to Jemima. This is a great feel good book.