Playing Botticelli

By Liza Nelson

Book Overview

Godiva Blue thinks she controls the world she has created for her daughter Dylan and herself in a neglected corner of North Florida. While her fellow college activists have become Reagan-era yuppies,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425178188
• ISBN13: 9780425178188
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

This is a great book!

Godiva Blue is one of the most successful "unlikeable narrators" in contemporary fiction. She's strong, funny and full of herself, and she knows it and we know it. Her daughter Dylan is the perfect evocation of a teenage girl. I feel like I know these people. Thank you, Ms. Nelson, for writing such a wise book. I enjoyed it as if it were a birthday gift.

Light, fun and too short!

"Playing Botticelli" was a great read. Dylan is a well-adjusted teenager who lives in Florida with her art-inspired mother, Godiva. Dylan finds a picture of her "missing" father and decides to find him. Godiva, none-the-wiser to Dylan's absence, finally realizes where her daughter went. After a long hard trip, Dylan returns to her mother. This book was wonderful. I wish it was longer and I hope for a sequel.

A truly wonderful read, for the new year and all time

Playing Botticelli is one of the most engaging books I've come across in a long while. The characters are drawn with such grace and insight, you will find yourself living among them, as though you have taken up residence in the fictional town of Esmerelda, or as if you are sitting in that bus going cross-country. As in all enduring works of fiction, it is truth that is revealed and illuminated. Long after you have put it down and loaned it out to your friends, Playing Botticelli will stay with you.

A Fresh-take on the Mother/Daughter Dilemma

The Mother/Daughter relationship can be quicksand but Nelson avoids all the cliches. Her characters are fresh and believable. The plot is quick and filled with wonderful twists and surprises. You'll find yourself wanting to turn the pages quickly to see what happens next, but also lingering to savor the richly textured narrative. Beautifully conceived and written, Playing Botticelli challenges the reader think -- and gives you plenty to think about.

Must Read

Reading this book is an intellectual adventure. Following daughter to one end of the country, tracing mother's fears -- this book is nearly impossible to put down. The characters are deep, and suck you in, and the plot is quick paced and fun.