Pieces of Happily Ever After: A Novel

by Irene Zutell

Book Overview

What happens after "happily ever after"? Alice Hirsh is about to find out... Alice, a former New Yorker who thought she'd never feel at home in the bizarre world of the San Fernando Valley, was... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312540094
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.7" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A View From The Other Side

It's a novel but it should be a movie. It's beautiful. It's funny. It's deeply moving (I cried - twice) and it's got edge. Irene Zutell, the author, is a friend of mine and I went into reading it with slight trepidation because I always have that feeling like what if I don't like it? How will I tell my friend the truth? Well no worries there, I was completely taken aback by my love for this book. Seriously, I want to make out with it. Truth be told I'm still in a little post good book haze where moments and feelings come back to me while doing other things -which is so rare for me when I read. Remember when Julia Roberts met her fairy tale camera man, married him and lived happily ever after? Did you wonder what happened to Vera who was happily married to the guy before America's Sweetheart got her hooks in him? Did you cringe along with me when Julia was spotted wearing an A loe Vera shirt? Do you still want to key her car a little bit? This book gives you a glimpse into what Vera might have been feeling -if Vera was a sarcastic, funny, east coast transplant with compassion, stretch marks, porn filming neighbors, a five-year-old daughter and a mom with Alzheimers. The heroine is brought to life so much that it feels like she could easily be your friend, your neighbor, or a mom you see at drop off at your kid's school. Someone you never took the time to know but should have. Irene keeps the story moving (which I like because who wants to hear a two page description of a lake?) but takes time to create great visuals like the over-the-top lawn extravaganzas done by her Christmas holiday loving neighbors. I got so swept into the story that I never wanted the book to end and now I have to wait for her to write another one. DAMMIT.

I Couldn't Put It Down!

I picked this up at the library, thinking that it would be a nice chick lit book, or a beach read, or a guilty pleasure. Started it last evening, because had read all of other "good" books, and saved this one for when there was nothing else to read. Hah! Color me fooled---was hooked from the first page, and kept on until one am, when I told my dear, long-suffering husband (himself also an avid reader) that if I stopped right then, I'd have something to wake up with. Finished it and had to review it with the most glowing words that I can find...so, buy this one, people-outstanding characters, funny and poignant observations about the nature of life in LA and really everywhere-a true treasure. Most books from the library I enjoy and return, but this one, I'm buying, and I'm buying Ms Zutell's other books too...so that I can keep my appetite for her fine work somewhat in check.

I loved this book!!

I absolutely loved this book! The characters were interesting, complex and yet easy to relate to. The story [...] in immediately and kept the pages turning. I will definately be reading Irene Zutell's other books!

Great Book

This was such a great read! I actually finished the book in one day! Irene keeps you wanting more! The book at times made me laugh and cry and wanting more. Will there be a sequel or a movie... I sure hope so!!!! The Characters are developed so well you really get to know them...Great Job Irene Zutell! and thanks, finally a book I enjoyed, it's been awhile!

strong family tale

Entertainment lawyer Alex Hirsh accompanied by his wife Alice and their daughter five year old Gabby, relocate from New York to the San Fernando Valley. Alex lands a high maintenance client box-office queen Rose Maris. However, he also begins to change going to a gym to work out helped by a trainer and turning to Armani. Soon he begins to work late hours becomes a tabloid favorite for his late nights with Rose Maris. Being a native New Yorker, Alice, once her tear ducts go desert dry, is not one to back down from a confrontation even in wonderland. However, she starts wondering if she wants Alex, who now goes by the name Xander back, as two eccentric female neighbors encourage her to after two hunks she finds interesting. PIECES OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER is a well written drama that is saved from the stereotype cabinet by Alice who's refreshing with her New York shtick of disparaging (must have been a Brooklyn Dodger fan in a past life) of everything SO CAL. She and her new BFFs (the profanity queen and the retired porn star) bring humorous withering condemnations of Southern California especially men who think with their lower head like Xander. Yet surprisingly the strength of the novel rests with the mother and daughter relationship as Irene Zutell provides a strong family tale. Harriet Klausner