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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
Lovely, odd little character study where all the characters act like it’s the 1950s bit somehow there are lots of computers. I especially loved the family observations.
A gentle story, following Micah. An Anne Tyler standard where nothing much happens but it is beautifully written.
(3.5) It seems like every novel by AT is a resounding "yes!" from me. It was so short and sweet though, I just had to enjoy it. However, I am used to reading Anne's earlier works, so it was strange to hear talk of "Fortnite", "smartphones" and the like.
Leave it to the one and only Anne Tyler to craft a profound and deeply moving novel that sneaks up on you and packs a punch. Here, we have a simple story about Micah Mortimer, a man in his mid 40s with no discernible accomplishments or successes to his name. He has an IT company that he owns and operates but most of his customers have the most basic questions about computers that you can tell that Micah is probably very dissatisfied with the quality of the work. His life gets upended one day when his "girlfriend" decides to break up with him and a young teenage boy shows up on his doorstep thinking that Micah is his father. From this simple premise, Anne Tyler weaves a delicate and quiet story about how our perceptions don't always jibe with reality. What I love most about Tyler's characterizations is that her characters so often feel very real and very vibrant. Micah feels like someone I might know or might get to know. At times, he reminded me of myself. Tyler really has a knack for writing books that manage to make so much happen even though not much plot wise really happens. And this one is no exception. In terms of plot, there's not much to report. So if you're a plot heavy reader, you will probably not like any of her books. But if you want deep, rich characterizations, this is the author for you. Another winner of a book from someone who just continues to churn out great works of literature. Tyler is a real treat. If you haven't discovered her yet, you owe it to yourself to do so.
Meh. This kinda didn’t go anywhere. The title didn’t really have anything to do with the story. And then it just sort of ended. The middle part was good and it seemed like we’d get some insight into the main character, but then it just sort of fizzled at the end.
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I always enjoy Anne Tyler because her characters are so relatable and her descriptions so vivid. This wasn’t my favorite, and it ended kind of abruptly, but still a good read.
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The title had me imagining a hitchhiker. That might have made this book more interesting.
I’ve always loved Anne Tyler, and this book is no exception. It has a wonderful, subtle message for so many, about putting yourself out there for the messy business of love. It can disrupt an otherwise structured life, but isn’t it worth it to have companionship, and love, as we grow old? I think so…