Dating Big Bird: A Novel

Dating Big Bird was a quick and pleasant read. Thats it. I would advise against treating the book like a how-to manual aimed at single motherhood. Its not particularly believable, nor did I relate to Ellen, the protagonist, except in the most general I want to have a baby someday and boy wont it look cute dressed up in little big people clothes sort of way. I can understand the consternation a single mother might feel upon reading the book, as its not a realistic depiction of single motherhood. Having said that, however, I still enjoyed the book. As Animal Husbandry, which was great, this is a humorous novel full of fun characters and quick plot and dialogue. My recommendation for Dating Big Bird, as for many of the other books I review, is to not take it so seriously. It seems, oftentimes, that people expect much more from a book than what the author might have intended to provide. So read Dating Big Bird, laugh and enjoy, but dont expect philosophical musings on the meaning of life.

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.

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 read this charming book in one sitting. She is funny and insightful.

Easy Read...Im not Ellens age, yet, But Many women are 35 ready to have kids, but no suitable partners...A very real story for the 21 st century..In the end you feel good about Ellens decision

Another hit from Laura Z. Thank God womens fiction is more than singletons and dieting. Dating Big Bird touches that nerve every woman (every person actually) has. The nerve about wanting and loving and the desire to share your life with something meaningful. I plowed through this in one sitting, but its going to haunt me for a long time.

tho im only 19, i feel weary and cynical about the state of things, and i can understand ellens need to have a child so much she wont mind having one by an unknown sperm donor. big bird would make a really good father, like ellen said, but that does not exist in real life...sigh!

Ellen Frank is a 35 year-old woman who likens her reproductive system to a gumball machine, and the gumballs are running out. Having devoted most of her adult life to a career in the fast-paced yet shallow world of fashion, Ellen now finds a little voice telling her theyre just clothes more often than she is comfortable with. Moreover, she finds herself absolutely smitten with her 3 year old niece, whom she affectionately refers to as The Pickle. Ellen desperately longs for a Pickle of her own, but her Pickle-producing-profile is not promising. Malcolm, The man in her life is a compassionate and funny companion. The best one Ellens ever had. Except hes a Prozac-induced impotent. Oh yeah, and her doesnt want kids. His lifes is your basic tragedy: his only son died of leukemia, he became an alcoholic and his wife left him. Hes frozen, unable to escape the dark shadows of his past. And yet Ellen loves him.She just doesnt know if she can get a baby out of him. I had trouble putting down this funny, lively book. Zigman does a wonderful job navigating Ellens emotional roller coaster as she tries to determine how to become a mother, and who to include on her journey. It is a satisfying, feel-good read.

While this book is a quick read and can keep you somewhat entertained, its rather simplistic. I saw the movie Someone Like You, based on Zigmans first novel, Animal Husbandry and was glad I didnt read the book. I wasnt really impressed with the characters or the storyline. And Im not very impressed by the characters or the storyline in this new novel either. You may think its because of my male perspective, but I love romantic comedies. These, I dont. I can see Ashley Judd narrating this current story just like the previous one. And it doesnt make it any better. Anyway, this is a good read for you if you like simplism. And if you like that I just made up my own word (simplism) then youll love that Zigmans main character creates her own mind-numbing word, too. Just like creating a theory in Animal Husbandry. One more criticism before I go: the author spoonfeeds the readers with details that arent necessary and implied. For example, when the main characters boyfriend says something, we dont need an explanation of why he said it. We know why. Were familiar with his background. We get it. Just move on with the story. Sorry to be so negative. Its a great story if you dont care about what you read and dont have a lot of time to concentrate. Its quick and simple. Although so is microwaving meat, but you wouldnt pick that over a charbroiled steak, would you? :)

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.