Other Fish in the Sea

By Lisa Kusel

Lisa Kusel debuts here with a series of stories that, taken together, comprise a portrait of Elly Fisher, an adventurous young woman whose desire for love takes her to places as far-flung as a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786888024
• ISBN13: 9780786888023
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Hachette Books
• Length: 290 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 17 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 12 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

I know Ms. Kusel wasn't aiming for me as a reader, but...

as a 40-year old male, I found this book an excellent ride.Funny, insightful, and a clever use of personal letters to say so much about a character without having to come right out and say it.Travel, strange dreams, and love in a dentist chair -- what more does a book need? Oh yeah, good creative writing and it has that, too!I'm looking forward to another dozen hours of fun with Lisa Kusel's next book.

OUTSTANDING give us more

This is my first review on a book, and the only thing I can say is Lisa Kusel has done an outstanding job with "other fish in the Sea". WOW I haven't read a book written in this manner, the short stories, the view points from other people in Elly's life, everything that she goes though, the people that touched her life. I was truly moved by this book, if truth be told people men or women can relate to everything Elly goes though. I can't tell you which chapter was my favor because there isn't one. The editorial review done on this book couldn't be more WRONG, this book is about what really men and women go though heart breaks, happiness, lose, things that regular people go thorugh to find love and themselves. All of my male friends like "other Fish" to I highly recommend this book. I can't wait for the next book by Ms. Kusel

Wonderful debut collection.

Other Fish In The Sea' is a smart, moving, always surprising, and lovingly written collection of short stories that add up to a novella. Elly Fisher is the main character, a woman searching for love in all the wrong places -- even in time -- who comes to understand not only love but herself in the end. It's plain-spoken in beautifully observed language and detail. The marvelous thing about Elly and the other characters that populate the book is that Kusel doesn't contrive to make them artifically witty or hip -- unless they are. Instead the characters reflect real people: some damaged, some maturing, all people in process of becoming. The PW review here is all wrong and says more about the reviewer's need to read about fashionable 'chick lit' characters who aren't real, than being able to accept Kusel's characters who are. 'Other Fish in the Sea' is more lit than chick, and in the end it will move you and make you think ... and feel. I can't wait for the movie

Perfect for Our Book Group

This book was recommended to our book group by our librarian. All of us absolutely loved it! The 10 stories really read like chapters of a novel, one flowing into the next. Elly, the main character is a compelling and complex character. Some in our group bristled at her biting personality, while others, me included, were drawn to her. One cannot help but relate to her search for love and direction in her life. The book begins in the Northwest, but then moves through different locales throughout the country. The second chapter, Prairie Dogs, which takes place on a ranch in the Rockies, is as perfectly written a story as any I have read; I could read an entire novel spun from the plot and characters of this one. Kusel's writing is a breath of fresh air, replete with strong imagery, humor and cynicism, her voice carries the reader quickly through the book. I began the book one evening, and found myself 150 pages into it before realizing how late it had become. Our librarian called it chick-lit, but after finishing it, I lent it to a male friend who loved it as much as I did. I can't wait to read Kusel's next book.

Wonderful book

This collection of interconnected stories is a delight to read. Kusel's voice is refreshing and unpretentious. Her characters are real and, when it comes to dealing with the search for love and meaning, just as confused/willful/lost as regular folks. The telling of Elly Fisher's story is thoughtful and well-paced -- and full of "oh yeah!" moments. Perfect to read by the pool or the fireplace. Some may call it "chick lit" but I'd put the emphasis on the "lit." A welcome new voice; can't wait for Kusel's novel.