Downtown, Apr 2003, 12.00, 304 pp.
ISBN: 0743464672
Eliza Simon thinks the world spotlights only rock stars, especially those from the exciting eighties. However, trying to forge relationships with almost famous (at least in New Jersey) musicians always end up failing, as many of her boyfriends see her as a one hit wonder. How poor her record is hits home when she feels the noise of her sister's pregnancy and her best friend's engagement.
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Eliza knows her latest relational flop hurts deeper than usual because those her age whom mean something to her seem so adult now. This time it is more than just a bad music interlude. She hides from everyone in a quest to reassess why only musical losers place her heart on fire while wondering if she needs to do a self-imposed Pygmalion.
GETTING OVER JACK WAGNER is a fun introspective look at a twenty something female wondering how she was left behind as her friends and family seem grown up to her. References to the eighties, including the General Hospital actor in the title, add nostalgia (hard to believe nostalgia over the eighties) to a charming tale. Though at times the audience will want to shout at the lead protagonist to get on with her life, fans will appreciate Elise Juska's amusing, but insightul trip down memory lane.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner