Maynard Gogarty and Jennica Green are both quirky people who are trying to find their places in the world and doing it a bit more slowly than their parents would like. They meet first on the New York subway, in a short intersection of two travel routes; then, later, they meet again and begin a romance. This is not a typical romantic novel, however. The story is told through the accounts of some 35 different characters, all of whom have an opinion about Maynard and Jennica's relationship. From their family members, to Jennica's oldest friend, to the super in Maynard's building, to the kids on the subway, each new point of view provides a small piece of the story.
I'll be honest here. Although I have already suggested Maynard & Jennica to a couple of people, I can't say with any certainty that I liked it. So why did I suggest it? Well, I thought it was funny, for one thing. While Maynard and Jennica are both a little off-beat, some of the other characters are completely over the top. It's not necessarily a comedy, in that there are some serious situations and issues that make the story more than a lighthearted look at romance. For me, those issues gave the story some balance.
I also found the format intriguing. Changing the narrator so frequently felt a bit disjointed at first, but I was able to get into the story and eventually came to enjoy the view from inside so many characters' heads. So, while I'm not sure I liked it, I'm glad that I read it. Somehow, that assessment fits this book. If you are looking for a different point of view on relationships, try Maynard & Jennica by Rudolph Delson.
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