"Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: Secrets from her boyfriend: I've always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. Secrets she wouldn't share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company's elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her..."
Can You Keep a Secret? is written by Sophie Kinsella. Chick Lit, this book is definitely one of those books with a romance and a big, grand, sweeping gesture at the end. (Well, I think after watching Confessions of a Shopaholic, we probably all know that is going to happen. Luke Brandon giving back the scarf to Becky. *swoon* Also, Luke Brandon's actor is hot.)
Emma Corrigan is an idiot. That is my first conclusion upon reading this book. (Or maybe it is because I actually know what NATO is.) She is naive and ignorant. But she has a full life and a ton of experience. Well, not a lot of experience. But she certainly does have a lot of secrets. She is hilarious, though she does embarrass herself sometimes. Okay, maybe that is a quite of a understatement. She embarrasses herself every few five pages or so. Maybe even less than that.
Reading this book is like inflicting torture on myself. The first time is the most painful. I wince at every time Emma commits a faux pas. But the second time reading this book is much more enjoyable (and I thank Heavens for that).
The plot thankfully moves quickly, but it is paced very nicely. The book savors the action and makes it easy to for the readers to follow along.
Humor. As I mentioned before, this book tortures the readers. The supposed humor and jokes are at the expense of the main character, Emma Corrigan. At times, the humor is painful and agonizing. The feeling of fremdschämen is strong for me. However, in the second round of reading this book, it seems the book isn't as distressing as the first time.
Jack Harper. This guy. The love interest. The one who knows all of Emma's secrets after she unwisely reveal them all to him (while thinking that she is going to die in a plane crash). His mystery and air of intrigue is highlighted several times throughout the book, but it doesn't shake Emma's budding interest in him. Honestly, I don't know what to make of him. Read this book twice, still can't figure him out. Nice guy, but he should had remained elusive. Though he does influence Emma a lot... And changes her for the better.
The romance is definitely front and center (but not the first and foremost plot). But I have to admit I'm a little worried for Emma. But hopeful. Hopeful for her future.
Overall, Can You Keep a Secret? is a painful read. Yes, it has a great love interest and romance (with secrets! Gasp!). But those who tend to feel fremdschämen should avoid this book.
Rating: Three out of Five
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