Pretty Is As Pretty Does

“Pretty Is As Pretty Does is the rare book that editors dream of finding. It is intelligent, funny, and engaging. I’ve read perhaps hundreds of manuscripts that try in vain to accomplish what Alison Clement does so effortlessly and so beautifully. In editing the work, I’ve read Pretty numerous times and have not yet tired of it and have even gleaned new elements and subtlety with each reading. Pretty is a melding of literary and mainstream fiction that is adored by readers and critics alike.”

Reviews

“a tale of subtle complexity Clement’s unique voice, her keen sense of place, and her wonderful humor animate her debut novel. Clement displays a creative intelligence and wit that make this an engaging and refreshing novel. Hers is a fresh and new voice…”–Matthew Roudane, editor South Atlantic Review

“… Clement sides more with the Welty of ‘Why I Live at the P.O.’ and Price’s first novel, ‘A Long and Happy Life.’ There’s a difference, though, and Clement’s funny yet frank presentation of sexuality represents the flexibility of her own time’s options whereas the characters of Price and Welty evoked a greater sense of restraint in that area. At the same time, however, Clement’s narrative, while earthy, is never crude; and for at least half of the novel we find ourselves laughing page after page. The humor doesn’t stop at that point, but the raw impact of chaos starts striking us. It’s in that density that Clement shows herself as having a promising future as a novelist. Her narrative thrust is strong. —James Hoggard, Denver Post

“A wonderfully bawdy novel of heart-wrenching discovery, told in a uniquely revealing voice. It’s my favorite novel of the year. I anxiously await a chance to wear my ‘Lucy Fooshee Lives!’ button.” -Thom Chambliss, executive director, Pacific Northwest Bookseller’s Association

“Vernacular writing at its very best. Honest, high-spirited, and from the heart. Delightfully observant” —Stacey’s Bookstore San Francisco

“wildly entertaining”
“ignites the pages with lusty passages spurned from a volcano of pent-up desire” —Booklist

“lyrical and intense” —The Oregonian

“deliciously mean”
“Clement uses a comic tone, yet deftly takes on such heavy issues as racism and sexism” –Susan Wickstrom, Willamette Week

“funny, sexy, powerful and damned meaningful” –Billy Hultz, The Upper Left Edge

“Alison Clement writes with a fresh, original voice, full of sass and spirit. She’s smart. She’s funny. She’s dangerous. Watch out.”–Sy Safransky, editor The Sun

“I love novels that make me change my mind about the characters as I read along. We may not like Lucy, but Clement’s fine writing helps us understand her. I highly recommend this original book.” —Sara Backer, American Fuji