After reading some heavy books, I needed something light to read. I picked up The She-Hulk Diaries, which I thought would nicely blend chick lit with superheroes. For the most part, the book succeeds and I had a fun time reading it.
Description: Saying there are two sides to Jennifer Walters's personality is an understatement. When she hasn't morphed into a 650-pound, crime-fighting, hard-partying superhero, she's a single lawyer trying to get her act together. Hilarious and action-packed, The She-Hulk Diaries tells her story, as she juggles her intense legal career by day with battling villains and saving the world by night. Maybe bad guys will stop trying to destroy the planet so she can have a real social life and even meet a guy who isn't trying to take over the universe.
Review: The She-Hulk Diaries a light book that you can enjoy when you want to put your brain in rest mode. There are no large epiphanies or flowery descriptions in the book, but rather you will have a fun time as if you were hanging out with friends. I really enjoyed the humorous writing style. It was informal, friendly, and read quickly since it was composed mainly in a diary format. It didn't take me long to snicker and giggle while reading this book, especially with the back-and-forth banter between Jen and her best friend, Dahlia. There are many "geek culture" references that I spotted and enjoyed, from Skyrim to LARPing, and the science-themed lyrics penned for Jen's ex-lover's band Fringe Theory are outrageously fun.
The characters for the most part are dimensional, diverse (culturally and racially, too!), relatable, and likable. I loved Jen, Dahlia, and Genoa from the start, and appreciated the depth of the other characters. She-Hulk aka Shulky was also a delight in that she also had her own personality and came to life on the pages. The villain, though, was very easy to identify and didn't take me by surprise.
While I appreciated the fact that Jen is a smart heroine and more than capable of fighting her own battles, in the court room and as She-Hulk, I was bothered by the fact that majority of her personal goals and much of the novel is focused on finding a PFLOML (That's "Potential Future Love of My Life") or mooning over an ex who's unexpectedly back in the picture. Though I like a romance (this one features a very hilarious and awkward romance) it felt forced in this story and it didn't quite move beyond infatuation/lust for me.
If you're looking for a fun book to help cleanse out your genre palate, give The She-Hulk Diaries a chance. It won't necessarily blow you away, but it will leave a smile on your face.
Rating: 3 stars
Words of Caution: There is some strong language, crude humor, and sexual situations. Recommended for older teens and adults only.
If you like this book try: The Night Gwen Stacy Died by Sarah Bruni, The Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, Bridget Jone's Diary series by Helen Fielding
Review: The She-Hulk Diaries a light book that you can enjoy when you want to put your brain in rest mode. There are no large epiphanies or flowery descriptions in the book, but rather you will have a fun time as if you were hanging out with friends. I really enjoyed the humorous writing style. It was informal, friendly, and read quickly since it was composed mainly in a diary format. It didn't take me long to snicker and giggle while reading this book, especially with the back-and-forth banter between Jen and her best friend, Dahlia. There are many "geek culture" references that I spotted and enjoyed, from Skyrim to LARPing, and the science-themed lyrics penned for Jen's ex-lover's band Fringe Theory are outrageously fun.
The characters for the most part are dimensional, diverse (culturally and racially, too!), relatable, and likable. I loved Jen, Dahlia, and Genoa from the start, and appreciated the depth of the other characters. She-Hulk aka Shulky was also a delight in that she also had her own personality and came to life on the pages. The villain, though, was very easy to identify and didn't take me by surprise.
While I appreciated the fact that Jen is a smart heroine and more than capable of fighting her own battles, in the court room and as She-Hulk, I was bothered by the fact that majority of her personal goals and much of the novel is focused on finding a PFLOML (That's "Potential Future Love of My Life") or mooning over an ex who's unexpectedly back in the picture. Though I like a romance (this one features a very hilarious and awkward romance) it felt forced in this story and it didn't quite move beyond infatuation/lust for me.
If you're looking for a fun book to help cleanse out your genre palate, give The She-Hulk Diaries a chance. It won't necessarily blow you away, but it will leave a smile on your face.
Rating: 3 stars
Words of Caution: There is some strong language, crude humor, and sexual situations. Recommended for older teens and adults only.
If you like this book try: The Night Gwen Stacy Died by Sarah Bruni, The Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, Bridget Jone's Diary series by Helen Fielding
Labels:
2014 YRHB Reading Challenge,
Adult,
Diaries,
Fantasy,
Friendship,
Humor,
Romance,
Super Hero,
Writing
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I actually like the sound of this one. It sounds like it doesn't take itself too seriously - definitely always a plus. And, I must say, it sounds great to hear that the characters are so very diverse. That's something that's so often missing these days. Lovely review, Rummanah!
At least it is fun. I can see the frustration you had there, but it does sound like a good book to just relax and enjoy otherwise. :)
Books with superheroes are always fun. It's too bad though that despite all her success, Jen is so focused on trying to find the right man. That's something that would bother me too.
Hmmmm. I like books like this that are pure entertainment, read just for the fun of it rather than read in the hopes of being blown away, but I'm a little disappointed in your description of the romance. I of course love the sound of something hilarious and awkward, but it's a shame it doesn't really move past infatuation. Thanks for your thoughts on this one Rummanah!
Marta is one of my favorite people, and I'm glad you sort of enjoyed this one. I don't like the whole vying for a man despite her, shall I say, good fortune everywhere else! Great review, Rummanah!
Ooh this sounds like fun! Sometimes I need a light, banter filled book, and thrown in some nerd references and diverse characters and I'm sold. I hadn't heard of this before, so thanks for putting it on my radar with your wonderful review!
I don't think I've come across this before, but I usually like a good light read every now and again, even if it's just for entertainment value. Thanks for sharing, Rummanah! :)
Oh yup, we all need books like this from time to time. It doesn't really matter if there isn't much substance, it's just nice to cleanse your palate, as you say. This one sounds like it absolutely fits the bill!