Title: Waxed
Author: Robert Rave
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication Date: August 3, 2010
Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN: 978-0312544379
Genre: Fiction
Waxed is the story of three relationship-challenged sisters working together at New York’s hottest waxing salon, catering to socialites, actresses, and regular folk alike.
Yank. On the surface, glamorous Carolina Impresario—big sister and owner of Impresarios—unapologetically wants it all, but secretly she is caught between her successful boyfriend and the only man she has ever truly loved.
Pluck. After a painful divorce, middle sister Anna reluctantly reenters the workforce and puts on a brave face while attempting to raise her children, one of whom is decidedly different.
Tear. Newlywed Sofia is a hybrid of her two older sisters: She loves the idea of a domestic life like Anna’s, but is entranced by New York nightlife and a new best friend, resulting in some major complications at home.
Amid the sticky confines of a perfectly manicured world, these three sisters search for love, friendship, and better versions of themselves.
Waxed is a funny and heartfelt novel that illustrates the lengths to which some women will go to present a seemingly flawless exterior, even when it involves pain. . . .
My Review:
Waxed by Robert Rave is the story of three sisters, Impresarios, and life in the city. Carolina is the 43-year-old owner of Impresarios, who believes she is becoming more obsessive-compulsive each day and is questioning her relationship with Ron, a man who loves her unconditionally. Anna is the middle sister and at 35, she is a divorced mother of three returning to the workforce with her older and younger sister at Impresarios. Sofia is the baby of the family, a newlywed at 26, who loves her husband Scott but prefers to be out with Dennis. Waxed was not a book I enjoyed, however I shall do my best to highlight what I liked and did not like without giving away any spoilers. As much as I dislike the term ‘chick-lit’, this book is my definition of it. Rave clearly knows his fashion and name drops quite frequently, which for me at first was a distraction, and quickly became an annoyance. It was quite clear anyone not wearing 4-inch heels needs an immediate fashion intervention. The three sisters are in different stages in their lives and finally reconnecting through working together at Impresarios, which I enjoyed reading about and I would have liked to know more about Carolina, Anna, and Sophia than what it is like to work in a high-end waxing salon and the many terms for a certain area on the female anatomy. I found Sophia to be spoiled and selfish through most of the novel, however her true maturity shows toward the end of the novel. I truly disliked Carolina; really that is about all I have to say for that character except kudos goes out to Ron. Anna manages to carry on after her husband walks out on her and their children; unable to deal with the fact their young son is to be raised as a girl. Anna struggles with herself, raising her family, and yet she is kind and tender, which is highlighted in her interactions with JJ (my favourite character). The most depth I found in the novel was through JJ, who sadly was not a main character. Would I recommend Waxed? is a question I struggled with and the best conclusion I have is to advise my readers to look at the other reviews on the tour before deciding.
A former New York City publicist, Robert Rave has worked on numerous public relations campaigns and high-profile special events in the lifestyle, fashion, nightlife, and entertainment industries. He is the author ofSpin and Waxed and currently lives in Los Angeles. Visit his Web site at www.robertrave.com.
For more reviews of the book, please follow the book tour.
I received a complimentary copy of Waxed by Robert Rave from TLC Book Tours to be a part of this tour and offer my honest review of the book. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned book.
Sorry this didn’t work for you. I like chick lit at times, so I’d probably enjoy it more than you did.
If you choose to read it I would love the chance to discuss the book with you.
JJ was my favorite character as well.
Serendipitously, yesterday in my mailbox I received a half-off coupon for a new waxing salon in the neighborhood. I shuddered – but saved it just in case any NYC readers of this book want to give the experience a try
Ha! I would pass on the coupon as well.
Sorry that WAXED wasn’t for you! However, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read the novel and for writing a very fair and balanced review.
Thanks,
Robert
P.S. I share your addiction to Fair Trade Organic coffee. Can’t get enough!
I actually reviewed this for my contribution over at Chicklitreviews.com and really loved it. It’s always funny to me how different books affect people so differently. I really enjoyed Sophie’s character, but that may be because I’ve always been “that” girl who hung out with the gay guys. I hardly had even one friend who wasn’t in high school & college. So, in ways I could really relate, but I do agree, she was quite selfish to begin with.
Overall, I just really liked how fun the book was and though I really enjoyed JJ I think, for me, more of her character would have been too much. Still a really fun read and great review!