Binnie Kirshenbaum's first novel features two intentionally outrageous young women making the most of being single in New York -- until one decides to get married. The narrator, conventional Mona Rose, or Monarose as her new friend Edie dubs her, embraces Edie's eccentricity with the fervor of the redeemed and the pair stage odd elaborate escapades involving men and clothes and the vast stage set of New York City. Image is reality and their attachment to each other and the moment supercedes all. But then Edie announces her betrayal and the friendship is in jeopardy. Kirshenbaum's writing is brash and breezy. Her characters balance on the line between enviable chic and manic desperation. But the search for identity and one's place in the world is ultimately serious business. Kishenbaum's exploration of the nuances and failures of friendship gives the rollicking humor of her story a satisfying poignancy.
I've read three of bennie's books...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
this one succeeds because of the friendship of monarose and edie. two good time girls who want nothing more than to live for the moment...monarose sees herself as a mentor to edie, encouraging her into all sorts of bad behavior. they have fun going through men, jobs, food and drink as if it were their own undergarments...i have read history on a personal note and an almost perfect moment and have been enthralled by kishenbaum's witty, raunchy, life-affirming style....and it takes place in brooklyn...
i live on mermaid avenue
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
if you have a friend and you read this book and you still have a freind and she reads this book and you are still friends and it is five years later read the book again and remember why you are friends.
On Mermaid Avenue
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This book is amazing. Though quite flamboyant and seemingly "carefree" it gives SUCH careful consideration to relationships of all sorts...and especially relationships between women. Though it made me a little sad, it painted a perfect picture of a friendship progressing through all high and low points. I don't want to give anything away, so I will simply say, "IT MUST BE READ!", by men and women alike. Everyone has something to gain from this book. Binnie Kirshenbaum is a genius.
a must read for the broken hearted
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
i have read this book 5 times at the very least. it's full of humor, love, sex, and friendship viewed in a different light. it's joyous to read about 2 friends who trample through both men and jobs without a care. Edie does all the things you've wanted to do but lacked the courage or insanity to carry out. it's a must read for any brokenhearted woman!
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