I couldn't put this book down. I often read at night to help me fall asleep--this book did the opposite. It should've worked--I like to read either fiction or memoir/biography so I can focus on someone else's story and not think about my own--which keeps me awake. I usually get lost in the details of someone else's life and drift off. The compelling voice of the narrator/central character, the colorful array of friends, lovers, family, colleagues, clowns and jokers surrounding her, the roller-coaster story, and unique, smart writing style of this book kept me saying "just one more page" which turned into "one more chapter" which turned into "it's 3 am and I have to get up in 3 hours!" I literally had to take the book off my night stand and put it aside until I had time to read during the day or I wouldn't have slept at all until I had finished it.
Abelson's heroine, Andi Stone, could accurately be described by many of the lyrics of Sara Bareilles' gorgeous ballad "She Used to Be Mine" from the musical "Waitress"--though Andi would probably never describe herself in these words--not enough snark; but underneath the snark and wit and snap and sass, this is how I saw Andi:
She's imperfect, but she tries
She is good, but she lies
She is hard on herself
She is broken and won't ask for help
She is messy, but she's kind
She is lonely most of the time
She is all of this mixed up and baked in a beautiful pie
She is gone, but she used to be mine
(I also first heard this song during the time I was reading the book so maybe the two got enmeshed in my head, but I really do think nearly all of the song's lyrics could describe this character even though the two stories are very different. Even the song's waitress references "these shoes and this apron, that place and its patrons have taken more than I gave them" apply as Andi works as a waitress during the early part of the book. It's also just a beautiful tune--if you haven't heard it, check it out)
And, more importantly, CHECK OUT THIS BOOK! Jump! Go ahead--you won't be disappointed. I found Andi and her story unique and interesting--very different from my own in circumstance, but very relatable in terms of feelings and emotions. I also want to point out that even though there are many beautiful, touching, emotional, sometimes sad moments in the book, I don't want the above lyrics to give the wrong impression; there are also just as many if not more moments of hilarity, excitement, happiness, and joy, all of which makes for a very entertaining, well-rounded, and especially honest and engaging story. I would love to see this book turned into a movie, a TV series, maybe even a musical? (how about music by Sara Bareilles AND Lin-Manuel Miranda?!)
My favorite books, movies, plays, (songs?) are ones in which the central character grows and changes during the story--and I am able to see the growth and relate to it, and root for it. This is definitely one of those. The girl at the beginning of this book is not the woman at the end. What Andi goes through changes her. She's still "imperfect, but she tries." She learns lessons, becomes more mature, more honest and vulnerable, more willing to accept life on life's terms....what we all want.
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I like the nightlife,baby...
Vicki Abelson's " Don't Jump " book takes you on a high octane ride through the 80's up until the early 2000's. I know- as a former talent agent and person who was in casting - I rode that same music and comedy scene from that era , back in the day in NYC. And yes, there's that mother issue that I so identify with. Andi Stone is clever, talented, narcissistic, witty ,good looking , insecure as a single women and as a mother and wife. She's also as lovable as she is annoying. When Andi as a single woman and as a married mom, are down - you feel tremendous empathy for them. When they pull themselves back up - you find yourself cheering them on. Truly wanting them to succeed.The sex, drugs, rock n roll and comedy are so vividly described that you can't help but wanna sing along to Karma Chameleon on MTV while your toking it up and realize that you have to much hair product on. Don't Jump is a real page turner , and the thing is .. you find yourself really caring for Andi Stone . Her escapes and struggles are as humorous and outlandish as they are emotional ..and as a woman, very relatable. Again , and there's that mother issue. I honestly didn't want this book to end. I can't wait for the film version.. oh yeah, there HAS to be a film version and I know just the right actress who I think should be cast as Andi Stone. Buy this book.Now!! What a ride.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2016
Vicki Abelson's " Don't Jump " book takes you on a high octane ride through the 80's up until the early 2000's. I know- as a former talent agent and person who was in casting - I rode that same music and comedy scene from that era , back in the day in NYC. And yes, there's that mother issue that I so identify with. Andi Stone is clever, talented, narcissistic, witty ,good looking , insecure as a single women and as a mother and wife. She's also as lovable as she is annoying. When Andi as a single woman and as a married mom, are down - you feel tremendous empathy for them. When they pull themselves back up - you find yourself cheering them on. Truly wanting them to succeed.The sex, drugs, rock n roll and comedy are so vividly described that you can't help but wanna sing along to Karma Chameleon on MTV while your toking it up and realize that you have to much hair product on. Don't Jump is a real page turner , and the thing is .. you find yourself really caring for Andi Stone . Her escapes and struggles are as humorous and outlandish as they are emotional ..and as a woman, very relatable. Again , and there's that mother issue. I honestly didn't want this book to end. I can't wait for the film version.. oh yeah, there HAS to be a film version and I know just the right actress who I think should be cast as Andi Stone. Buy this book.Now!! What a ride.
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Top reviews from other countries
Melody
Fantastic Book. Great Read. Wonderful Author - Vicki Abelson
Reviewed in Canada on September 4, 2017