Comments on: Review – The Bunko Babes

By: When do negative reviews go too far? | Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?

When do negative reviews go too far? | Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'? — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:29:23 +0000

[...] same review? Maybe, maybe not. But I’ve written other reviews of books I didn’t enjoy (Bunko Babes and The Darker Side and Out Stealing Horses to name a few), and they certainly aren’t cruel. [...]

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:22:25 +0000

I think there’s a distinction to be made between finding Becca “real and believable” v. liking her. That is where I found myself struggling with this book (and, oddly, in my review, I used the same line as Trish did, in really *wanting* to like it).

Becca does come across as very real, but not someone I would want in my life. She fails to support those around her, those who love her, and, instead, pushes them away, then blames her illness. It made it hard to root for her.

A line from one of my favorite books comes to my mind, and it came to my mind while reading Bunko Babes… In The Outsiders, Cherry, the stereotypical spoiled rich girl with challenges of her own that have not yet been revealed, tells Ponyboy, “Things ARE rough all over.”

When I get into a “poor me” mode about whatever I feel is lacking in my life (including parents–I lost both of mine…), I often say that line to myself right before I count my blessings.

I think Jessica and Madison were the far more sympathetic characters in Bunko Babes–neither had a terminal illness, but I felt more sympathy for their situations. I’m still curious if Becca is *meant* to be an anti-hero, or if readers really should be rooting for her?

By: Leah Starr Baker

Leah Starr Baker — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:49:46 +0000

Lori, I think that you will really enjoy the book. A few reviewers haven’t felt a connection with Becca (the main character) but on the whole most have found her real and believable. Like me, she is dealing with a chronic illness that has changed her entire world in one fell swoop. As she struggles to assimilate these changes, she comes to depend upon and appreciate the friends that God has brought into her life. The challenge with her and in my own life is to work to find the good in things when it seems to be just out of your reach. I hope you pick up a copy this summer and give it a gander. Many Bunko Blessings to you and yours.

Leah Starr Baker
author of “The Bunko Babes”
http://www.thebunkobabes.biz

By: Lori Barnes

Lori Barnes — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:04:19 +0000

I love books where women get together and form a bond together, I haven’t heard of this one but i do like chic lit to switch my reading up a bit, I may look into this one Thanks.

By: mellymel

mellymel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:49:10 +0000

i didn’t like Atonement either

By: chartroose

chartroose — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:30:31 +0000

Man, I hate to reply after the author has been so gracious in her response to your less than stellar review, so I guess I’ll keep my mouth shut and say I can’t believe you didn’t like “Atonement!”

Actually, I know a couple of people who found it tedious and contrived. To each his own, I guess. Have a great 4th, Trish!

By: Leah Starr Baker

Leah Starr Baker — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:23:55 +0000

Trish, so sorry to hear that “The Bunko Babes” didn’t live up to your expectations. I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to read and write the review anyway. I’m glad to hear that you at least found it to be a quick read and kept you entertained.

On a technical note, I did take into account when foot binding had become illegal in China and yes, I placed a Chinese woman working in a Japanese restaurant. I do know several people of Asian decent who don’t necessarily come from the country that the restaurant food does. I also am amazed to know many elderly women who came to America during the difficulties of the 1940′s to make a new life for themselves and they are still alive today. This is definitely the exception to the rule but since it is a novel and So Li is a minor character I took the chance that for most readers the slim likelihood would not be offensive or take away from the story.

I do appreciate you adding that even though you didn’t enjoy the book doesn’t mean that others shouldn’t purchase it recognizing that not all readers will find moving the same books as you do. Proof of this is the reviewers comments yesterday. After all, it takes all kinds of people to make up this wonderful world and all kinds of books to bring us joy.

Many Bunko Blessings,

Leah Starr Baker
author of “The Bunko Babes”