THE FUNERAL PLANNER

Author: Lynn Isenberg ISBN: 037389533X 9/2005 CHICK LIT Publisher: RED DRESS INK

The stereotype is "starving artist" not "starving entrepreneur." However, business-school grad Maddy Banks lives in her office, works 24/7 and hasn't shopped in so long that her closet has official historical status. Still, she's convinced that her manic drive, propensity for risk and dogged follow-through will make her millions. Someday. They have to. Right? When "death" gives Maddy a second chance at happiness, she quickly realizes that schmoozing and spreadsheeting her way through life isn't much of a life at all. Armed with an angel investor and a hot VC (um, that's venture capitalist), Maddy starts party planning for those who won't be attending...while she learns some hard lessons about trust, working with "friends" and mixing business with pleasure.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Maddy Banks is a very ambitious entrepreneur. She has so many good ideas, some of which come to fruition, only to be smashed by her nemesis, Derek Rogers. After years of trying to make it big, Maddy thinks she has finally found the business that will make her a success; of course, things do not go as Maddy planned. Obstacle after obstacle is placed in her path, from losing people she is very close to, to a rival company started by none other than Derek Rogers. Maddy's faith in herself and her abilities is tested over and over again.

This novel was slow in the beginning. I don't really know a whole lot about business, so that could be why it took me a while to get into the story. About half-way through things really started to get good and meaty. I really like many of the supporting characters, especially Uncle Sam, Sierra, and Elle. They bring a lot of joy to this novel. I was a little disappointed that it took Maddy so long to find a little romance, but it did keep me reading because I kept thinking surely Isenberg had a man in there for Maddy somewhere!

The ending makes this novel well worth the read-Maddy learns a lot about herself and others and really grows as a woman and entrepreneur. I learned a lot about funeral homes and strategies for dealing with grief, as well as many aspects of business and entrepreneurship. This is a fun novel with just enough drama, romance and humor.

Carrye Syma