A Bump in the Road

Newlywed Clare Finnegan, a boozy 27-year-old Chicago event planner and blogger, chronicles the tribulations of her unexpected pregnancy in this sparse novel. She details her disdain for her co-workers and clients, the increasing size of her butt and her mingled envy and disgust at social events where everyone except her is blotto. The writing displays the strengths and weaknesses of a blog: on the plus side are witty, fast-paced entries that provide a super–close-up examination of contemporary urban life. On the downside, the snide tone wears thin and doesn't allow for momentum building or character development. Little actually happens: her relationship with her husband is pleasantly superficial, and her pregnancy unfolds predictably. Individual snippets are hip and amusing, but, as a novel, it's less than exciting to read a series of prickly squibs from a woman whose main interest, it seems, is wondering how soon she can return to partying. (June)