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2.98 AVERAGE
2.98 AVERAGE
I knew this was going to be a tough book to get through from the very first page. When I read in the very first sentence, “Cate prowls across a vast plain of old office desks,” I had a red flag go up that this book was going to be over written. And my instincts were not off. There was actual dialogue where one character says, “She’s plighting her troth.” That is not a thing anyone says.
Then, there is the fact that the book jacket is entirely misleading. You could skip the first half of the book and just read the first paragraph of the book jacket and not miss anything important. You’d read the summary and think most of the book is about how Cate and Neale navigate their relationship after Neale’s assault. In reality, Neale’s assault doesn’t happen until page 140 in a 270-page book. And then the last 130 pages don’t even answer the questions posed on the book jacket: “How does she move forward from this new and isolated vantage point?” I don’t’ really know! Because the book abruptly ended without any resolution or answer to that question.
Final major complaint: there are super weird, random first-person chapters from Nathan, Neale’s attacker. These chapters feel so out of place. Why are they first person? How are we, the readers, coming across these first-person insights? I don’t know. And I don’t think these sections add anything to the narrative.
In sum, this book isn’t about the plot, it is about the characters…but it’s pretending to be a plot-driven novel and it just doesn’t work. This book was so frustrating it took me 11 days to get through when it should have taken 3-4. I wish I had that time back.
Then, there is the fact that the book jacket is entirely misleading. You could skip the first half of the book and just read the first paragraph of the book jacket and not miss anything important. You’d read the summary and think most of the book is about how Cate and Neale navigate their relationship after Neale’s assault. In reality, Neale’s assault doesn’t happen until page 140 in a 270-page book. And then the last 130 pages don’t even answer the questions posed on the book jacket: “How does she move forward from this new and isolated vantage point?” I don’t’ really know! Because the book abruptly ended without any resolution or answer to that question.
Final major complaint: there are super weird, random first-person chapters from Nathan, Neale’s attacker. These chapters feel so out of place. Why are they first person? How are we, the readers, coming across these first-person insights? I don’t know. And I don’t think these sections add anything to the narrative.
In sum, this book isn’t about the plot, it is about the characters…but it’s pretending to be a plot-driven novel and it just doesn’t work. This book was so frustrating it took me 11 days to get through when it should have taken 3-4. I wish I had that time back.
I liked Right After Weather. The prose, the writing style, the spoken language were all a little different than I am used to reading, but in a unique and positive way. It flowed easily and effortlessly to me, and because I was so curious and eager to continue reading to see what would unfold, I found myself happily submerged. To me, the characters and relationships were the best part of the book. I was intrigued and curious, and loved the intricacies and raw emotion.
Right After the Weather is like a beautiful slow burn, except you never quite touch the fire.
Cate is a dynamic, rich and relatable character. Her circle of friends and family are equally dynamic.
While the story didn’t propel me forward, the prose and characters did.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cate is a dynamic, rich and relatable character. Her circle of friends and family are equally dynamic.
While the story didn’t propel me forward, the prose and characters did.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Won in a Goodreads giveaway. An edgy humor novel about a 40 something and her messy life. Really enjoyed it.
I was such a huge fan of Carol Anshaw's last book, Carry the One, I was very excited to see she was finally coming out with something new. Although I liked it, I didn't feel like Right After the Weather had as much emotional impact. I was disappointed in its lack of ending, but that's just me. I have noticed lately that I'm always hoping for some very surprising or emotional moment at the end of a book and that's just not always there, understandably. I did love that Cate was a set designer, because working in theater is my fantasy world career. I would have liked to hear even more about that. And of course I loved that Cate was such a big animal lover. Overall good, but not the GREAT GREAT GREAT I felt with her last book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy!
Read in prepub, due out in October 2019.
I love Carol Anshaw's writing. Aquamarine remains one of my favorite books. Right after the weather is no exception. Anshaw captures perfectly the way a traumatic event can do different things to different people, but she takes her time getting you there, making sure that you are well-acquainted with the characters before creating the essential drama. You really do get to know the characters, so that when they take action (or fail to) it matters.
Recommended for readers who like character-driven stories, and don't particularly need happy endings. Also for people who like gorgeous writing.
I love Carol Anshaw's writing. Aquamarine remains one of my favorite books. Right after the weather is no exception. Anshaw captures perfectly the way a traumatic event can do different things to different people, but she takes her time getting you there, making sure that you are well-acquainted with the characters before creating the essential drama. You really do get to know the characters, so that when they take action (or fail to) it matters.
Recommended for readers who like character-driven stories, and don't particularly need happy endings. Also for people who like gorgeous writing.
Aside from about 8 shocking/horrifying pages this book is pretty boring. I know that's kind of the point but I don't like it.
It was interesting to think back to the uncertain times leading up to and after the 2016 election, particularly from the POV of a marginalized group.
Cate can't understand how she finds herself 40 something, divorced, and unlucky in both love and career when everyone else seems to have the whole "adulting" thing down. Just as her career takes a turn for the better, she walks in on her best friend being brutally attacked, and then must deal with the fallout.
The concept of the book is interesting enough - how far we'll go for those we love, and I liked the sort of coming of age in midlife plot. Other than that, the plot seems wandering at times. Some threads are set forth and then never tied up.
I had trouble connecting with this one, but the writing was beautiful and I'd read more by this author.
Cate can't understand how she finds herself 40 something, divorced, and unlucky in both love and career when everyone else seems to have the whole "adulting" thing down. Just as her career takes a turn for the better, she walks in on her best friend being brutally attacked, and then must deal with the fallout.
The concept of the book is interesting enough - how far we'll go for those we love, and I liked the sort of coming of age in midlife plot. Other than that, the plot seems wandering at times. Some threads are set forth and then never tied up.
I had trouble connecting with this one, but the writing was beautiful and I'd read more by this author.
“All the time people send her videos of rescued dogs and how happy they are now. Like a dog so frightened by his pat that he stands facing a yellow wall, his nose an inch away. He just stands there. Then he’s shown in his new happy home playing with another dog. “Isn’t this heartwarming?” the sender will say. But all Cate can see is the dog staring at the yellow wall”.
This quote perfectly captures the complexity and raw human emotion that fills this book. Cate is navigating shallow and deep relationships while trying to find her place in the world, and seriously makes you wonder if the author came into your own head to grab those feelings. Absolutely fantastic character driven novel.
This quote perfectly captures the complexity and raw human emotion that fills this book. Cate is navigating shallow and deep relationships while trying to find her place in the world, and seriously makes you wonder if the author came into your own head to grab those feelings. Absolutely fantastic character driven novel.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No