Leigh K Cunningham

When I requested to review this book I have to admit I did it simply because of the title. I didn't really read the description - other than it was fiction. So when it arrived at my door I wan't sure what to expect. After reading the first few chapters I was glad that I had gotten it. It was a story that I can somewhat relate to. I used to have trouble reading books that have Australian characters - mainly because the language is pretty different. But I'm finding that the more I read the more I don't really notice the "Aussie" English. I have gotten to where I can understand most of the slang and different definitions. So this is one of the first Australian set books that I didn't have to re-read to figure out what I was reading. And that excites me because it opens up so much more literature to me. But back to the story...

I really liked Mace. I kind of related to her. I think she used her sarcasm as a shield, something to hide behind so she doesn't have to expose herself. A lot of the thoughts she had were what I could see myself thinking in her situation. So I connected with her almost immediately. As I got further into the story I realized that a few different choices I could almost have been Mace. I really enjoyed her point-of-view on life, which made this such an enjoyable read. I also liked Mace's group of friends. They cover just about every personality and each one of them is unique enough to give the group a good dynamic. Outside of how well these friends complemented each other I like how strong their relationships as a group and as individuals is. When one of them needs something the friends make sure they get it. This group reminded me of my step-mother's group of friends. So on top of having a connection with Mace I could understand her friends. The only part of the story I couldn't relate to was Mace's relationships with her mother and older sister. In Mace's eyes she isn't close with either of them. She feels like they are judgmental and disapproving. So when Mace's mother is diagnosed with Cancer Mace's goal of being closer with her mother she has to deal with a lot of other emotional baggage.

In addition to great characters the book was well-written. The story was well-thought out and very well executed. Being able to draw so many characters into a book and be able to keep them from all being one-dimensional characters is a great feat. Plus the story was emotionally catching: there is humor, sadness, love, spite, caring, indifference. It was so compelling that I couldn't bring myself to out it down. I read it in two sittings. I have to say this was a great book.… (mais)

Mace Evans is the new, older, and Aussie, Bridget Jones. She has the same dry humour and attitude towards dating and relationships, and her carefree nature is enough to get her into a lot of sticky situations. I love chick-lit because it's a great break from the more serious reads, and sometimes you just want some light-hearted books that will make you giggle to yourself (unfortantly laughter occurs despite where you are, which sometimes leads to embarassing moments). Leigh Cunningham definitly delivered in the area of hilarity, and some literal laugh-out-loud moments.

At times I felt Mace to be annoying, whether it was her outlook on relationships or just situations she put herself into. I found it hard to connect with her at times, because of some of the decisions she made. Despite, getting fustrated with Mace, I still flew through this book, and found myself interested in where Mace was ultimatly going to end up.

I enjoyed Being Anti-Social, but had a few minor issues with it, none of which I couldn't see past to be able to enjoy the story though. I found out that this is Leigh Cunningham's second novel, and that her first novel, was more deeper and darker in subject matter and I'm looking forward to seeing a different side of her writing, because this book was on the opposite side of the spectrum.… (mais)

Amusingly clever and witty with a touch of sorrow, entertaining through and through.

Being Anti-Social is written in a first person format, so it reads like a memoir and could be anyone's life. Mace is 38, the middle child of 5 siblings, with an introverted personality and a sensitive nature that drives her to consume large amounts of merlot paired up with chocolate. Mace uses psychology to dissect and disseminate her birth order and also her name. But most important to Mace is her personal quest to prove her sister wrong and the reasons why her sister would believe her to be anti-social.

If not for her friends, Mace would probably spend most of her time at home and it pains her when family get together's are on the horizon. Mace takes the reader on a ride through her dysfunctional relationships with men that leaves one wondering if it is possible for someone to really be that naive or just desperate, while at the same time leaving the reader with a good laugh.

I could relate to the personality Cunningham envelops Mace into, and as a reader, I can truly relate to her character and feelings of loneliness as her girlfriends and siblings enter permanent relationships leading to marriage and children. Her relationship with her parents and siblings is positive overall, except for her sister Sharon who is on Mace's list of those to avoid. I found the scenes with her mother painful and heartbreaking and I felt this added the most realism to the story.

Mace is a complicated character who is at times up front and sarcastic in her thinking and throughout the book the author has her quoting Oscar Wilde, whom she calls her mentor. Because of her strong characteristics I feel this book is not just for anyone and would appeal only to a specific crowd. I don't mind the quoting a bit, however I can see how it can be distracting for some readers. Being authors are not perfect, I am sure Cunningham can use this as a learning tool if she decides to write a sequel to Mace's life, which I would highly look forward to reading. In conclusion, Mace found what was most important and pleasing to her, which includes gratification and comfort in her own individuality.… (mais)