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PUSHING 30 is the story of Ellie Winters, who is approaching her 30th birthday. She is panicked slightly at the thought of turning 30 and being single although not panicked enough to marry someone she doesn't truly love.
The story opens with Ellie promising herself to break up with Eric, her current boyfriend when they meet for drinks in a crowded bar. Eric is nice enough, like all of Ellie's past boyfriends, but he does not strike Ellie as exciting enough to be her soul mate. Eric, of course, has other ideas for this evening --- and proposes marriage, which sets up an early cue of how Ellie's life is moving. It's going exactly in the direction she does not want. Ellie proceeds with the breakup, showing readers that she has a decent moral code though the pressure of "pushing 30" is upon her.
Life deals her a new hand one night as she rushes to the local drugstore to remedy a haircoloring disaster, and she meets Ted Langston, a handsome news anchor. The two hit it off and begin dating --- even though he is twice her age and continuously questions why they should be dating as if there was something wrong with their age difference.
Ellie has a few more problems to deal with. She is a litigation lawyer who is less than enamored with the idea of being an attorney. She pursued this career to make her father, a judge, happy. She also is dealing with a viperous co-worker at her law firm who has her own plans for Ellie.
The rest of Ellie's family is also a source of frustration --- her mother is going through a "crazed Martha Stewart" phase and both of her brothers have marriages that fall apart at a time when she is looking for a relationship to come together. And her best friend Nina is not supplying the kind of "girlfriend support" that every single girl needs.
Not to be overlooked as an "issue" is Ted's ex-wife, who at every turn feels a need to show Ellie just what a "child" she is compared to Ted. With obstacles like this, can Ellie help but shriek at the thought of turning 30?
Gaskell's humorous writing moves the story along quickly. Sweet and non-confrontational Ellie conquers every hurdle hurled her way with great pluck and style. Speaking of sweet, Ellie's soft side is revealed in the way she spoils her pug, Sally. And the relationship between Sally and Ted's dog also will give readers some good laughs.
Friends weigh in about Ellie and Ted's relationship and their "advice" helps the couple realize that their ups and downs are not framed by their age difference, but rather by the natural rhythm of any romance. In the end, Ellie ends up with the perfect birthday celebration!
The pressure Ellie feels to get married, settle down, and become a successful career woman is realistically portrayed. Readers definitely will be able to relate to PUSHING 30. Witty and fast-paced, it's great Chick Lit.
--- Reviewed by Melissa A. Martin (melissaenglish72@yahoo.com)
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