Dating Big Bird: A Novel

Ellen Frank is a 35 year-old woman who likens her reproductive system to a gumball machine, and the gumballs are running out. Having devoted most of her adult life to a career in the fast-paced yet shallow world of fashion, Ellen now finds a little voice telling her theyre just clothes more often than she is comfortable with. Moreover, she finds herself absolutely smitten with her 3 year old niece, whom she affectionately refers to as The Pickle. Ellen desperately longs for a Pickle of her own, but her Pickle-producing-profile is not promising. Malcolm, The man in her life is a compassionate and funny companion. The best one Ellens ever had. Except hes a Prozac-induced impotent. Oh yeah, and her doesnt want kids. His lifes is your basic tragedy: his only son died of leukemia, he became an alcoholic and his wife left him. Hes frozen, unable to escape the dark shadows of his past. And yet Ellen loves him.She just doesnt know if she can get a baby out of him. I had trouble putting down this funny, lively book. Zigman does a wonderful job navigating Ellens emotional roller coaster as she tries to determine how to become a mother, and who to include on her journey. It is a satisfying, feel-good read.

Dating Big Bird revolves around a single woman Ellen Franck who desperately wants to have a baby and her decision whether or not to do it on her own or to wait and find Mr. Right. Theres a lot thats good about it and funny, warm and entertaining. But despite all that I did like, there seemed to be something missing, some dynamic that made it feel somewhat flimsy and light even though it had great potential. Ellen is not alone in her insatiable baby quest. She encounters an old high-school rival who is pretending that her siblings baby is her own, something Ellen often fantasizes about with her own niece. Together, the two pledge that they will decide what to do about their baby lust at the end of the nine months and then take the necessary steps to achieve it. Along the way, Ellens romantic life takes twists and turns as does her professional one and a cast of supporting characters, some more interesting than others, dart in and out. The title comes from Ellens realization that Big Bird, the sensitive, lovable bird from Sesame Street, really is the perfect father. Its an interesting enough idea, and the execution is fine, decently written with some really funny moments. But ultimately, I found it unsatisfying, too neat and contrived. Thats expected in the genre to some extent yet the glimpses Zigman offered of sharper edges made me hope, I suppose, for a little less shmarm. Still, its a nice enough way to spend a few hours, as long as youre not expecting a masterpiece.

This was one of the best books I have read in a lng time. Finally a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it.When 35 years old Ellen Franck realizes something is missing in her life, she goes on a journey of enpowerment. Ellen loves herniece pickle and thensuddenly all the women around her are having babies, Ellen finds herself in a relationship that has no ex and little in the way of a future. So what is a girl to do , Ellen decids to have a baby on her own. The path to becoming a single mother is funny to read and Ellens relatioship with her family ad coworkers are at times funny and emtional.ead this book and enjoy Ellen quest for her own Pickle.

... thatll help one to get to the safety of a desert island. Looks like literature, reads like literature, not literature. Good observations on a very banal yet eternal subjects (male commitment phobia, pressures of the modern Western life and what they do to women) that every woman could make by the age of 30 based on personal experience. Some witty remarks, not a single positive (or even identifiable enough to really be one) male character, an upsettingly uncunning description of a New York big job furnished with big names, to make contrast with the unfulfilling private life and general feeling of unhappiness, etc. etc. Makes you to identify youself *positively* with somebody who you know you dont want to be. 3 stars because its a true feel good read - doesnt matter where the comfort comes from if it helps, thats the theory if I got it right?

What a wierd book! Even before opening the cover you know its going to be... interesting... just by looking at the title. Its not what I expected at all. I figured it would be some really off the wall thing that wouldnt be good at all, but I was wrong. I wouldnt call it a piece of litterary genius or anything, but it was an amusing quick read. Ellens comedic trials with her Pickle, were funny and touching. The eccentric characters that she meets are indeed a little out there, but Im sure everyone could relate someone they knew in real life to these uncoventional friends. Although I took this book as a light comedy, it does touch on some serious issues. The whole subject of invetro fertilization itself is contriversial, and the acceptance from parents, family, and friends is a very real side effect when dealing with this issue. I thought that besides a good laugh, this book provided a glimpse into human behavior in situations that most of us wont ever have to face.

I bought Dating Big Bird because the title caught my eye. The book is right for someone on a plane or car ride, but it lacks any real emotions. I thought that the writer could have added a few more chapters at the end. I read it and got off of my self, but dont think that I will be reading any more book by Ms. Zigman again.

I picked this book up yesterday just because the title struck me as funny... I couldnt put it down. Dating Big Bird is one of the funniest books Ive read in a long time. Its a great summer read; whether you like fluff or deep literary tomes, youll enjoy this book quite a bit.

Ellen is whiny thirty-something single career woman who is a realtionship with the walking dead. Who works in the fashion industry with people who only think about promotion and guest list. Ellens only outlook is being with her three-year old niece and imaging what if. You really want to root for Ellen as she flips back and forth wanting to be a mother and still trying a human version of Big Bird.

What could be better than reuniting with one of the most successful girls from high school only to discover that most of what you see is an illusion--and that youre kindred spirits after all! The scenes between aunt and niece (The Pickle) are tender and true, and the whole book is much nicer than Animal Husbandry because theres no call for revenge. (But check that book out, too.) A happy read!

As a commuter, I was looking for something fun to enliven the hours of highway bumper tag. At the suggestion of a friend, I purchased the Audio Tape of Dating Big Bird. I loved it so much, I have to actually read it while my much listened to Audio CD is being passed around from one friend to another. Ellen Franck is a real, vivid and immensely funny character. Ellen is not overly bitter or pitying. Ms. Zigman keeps Ellen out of the pity pool and in turn, makes Ellens exploration of the life of a single, thirty something mommy wannabe very real, funny and endearing. I could totally relate to Ellens own inner struggle and her relationships with family and friends. Basically, I loved this book and the fact that it makes you laugh at a subject that very easily could make one cry. My only disappointment is the ending, but then again there is always hope for a sequel.