Dating Big Bird: A Novel

What could be better than reuniting with one of the most successful girls from high school only to discover that most of what you see is an illusion--and that youre kindred spirits after all! The scenes between aunt and niece (The Pickle) are tender and true, and the whole book is much nicer than Animal Husbandry because theres no call for revenge. (But check that book out, too.) A happy read!

I bought Dating Big Bird because the title caught my eye. The book is right for someone on a plane or car ride, but it lacks any real emotions. I thought that the writer could have added a few more chapters at the end. I read it and got off of my self, but dont think that I will be reading any more book by Ms. Zigman again.

Dating Big Bird revolves around a single woman Ellen Franck who desperately wants to have a baby and her decision whether or not to do it on her own or to wait and find Mr. Right. Theres a lot thats good about it and funny, warm and entertaining. But despite all that I did like, there seemed to be something missing, some dynamic that made it feel somewhat flimsy and light even though it had great potential. Ellen is not alone in her insatiable baby quest. She encounters an old high-school rival who is pretending that her siblings baby is her own, something Ellen often fantasizes about with her own niece. Together, the two pledge that they will decide what to do about their baby lust at the end of the nine months and then take the necessary steps to achieve it. Along the way, Ellens romantic life takes twists and turns as does her professional one and a cast of supporting characters, some more interesting than others, dart in and out. The title comes from Ellens realization that Big Bird, the sensitive, lovable bird from Sesame Street, really is the perfect father. Its an interesting enough idea, and the execution is fine, decently written with some really funny moments. But ultimately, I found it unsatisfying, too neat and contrived. Thats expected in the genre to some extent yet the glimpses Zigman offered of sharper edges made me hope, I suppose, for a little less shmarm. Still, its a nice enough way to spend a few hours, as long as youre not expecting a masterpiece.

This is a good beach read. Expect to fly through the easy to handle prose, laugh at many jokes, and not have your life changed in any significant way. This is hardly fine literature, but a good break from more challenging writing. Animal Husbandry was much better.

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Let me first qualify my review by saying that I am a 23 year old woman who is nowhere close to having a serious relationship, or wanting to have a baby. Perhaps if I was in a situation closer to the main characters I could have identified with her, and thus would have enjoyed the book a little more. That being said, I enjoyed the reunion with a girl from high school (although I had a hard time believing that their relationship was based solely on their mutual desire to have a baby and their poor relationships). The cast of characters and the antics at her work were enjoyable. Also I could not help but feel sorry for the relationship she has with Malcolm, her boyfriend. I was disappointed with the end of the book, in part, because it was no suprise and I had a hard time believing what happened with Malcolm.

... thatll help one to get to the safety of a desert island. Looks like literature, reads like literature, not literature. Good observations on a very banal yet eternal subjects (male commitment phobia, pressures of the modern Western life and what they do to women) that every woman could make by the age of 30 based on personal experience. Some witty remarks, not a single positive (or even identifiable enough to really be one) male character, an upsettingly uncunning description of a New York big job furnished with big names, to make contrast with the unfulfilling private life and general feeling of unhappiness, etc. etc. Makes you to identify youself *positively* with somebody who you know you dont want to be. 3 stars because its a true feel good read - doesnt matter where the comfort comes from if it helps, thats the theory if I got it right?

From the title of this book, I figured it would be a light summer read, just what I was looking for. After all, when The Pickle told Auntie La-La that Big Bird was just what the 35-year-old needed when she was lonely at night, I could relate. A three year old sometimes knows what is best for her! It was a mostly funny and sometimes poignant look at the old ticking clock theme with a totally fantasy ending. Ah! Just what we romantics need once in awhile to break up the monotony of all that cynicism.

I bought this book on a whim, only to bring my order to 25 dollars to qualify for free shipping. Ironically, this was the best of the lot! One of the best books of the type that I have read, I would recommend to anyone who liked the book or movie by the same author, Animal Husbandry. The book was entertaining and I read it in one sitting! A great read for the money!!

Ellen is whiny thirty-something single career woman who is a realtionship with the walking dead. Who works in the fashion industry with people who only think about promotion and guest list. Ellens only outlook is being with her three-year old niece and imaging what if. You really want to root for Ellen as she flips back and forth wanting to be a mother and still trying a human version of Big Bird.