Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really original novel with a very distinct and interesting narrator's voice. I really liked the pacing of the book too, and I thought the author did a great job making the narrator's central conundrum believable. I maybe could have done without the supernatural elements, but they weren't overly distracting and did add to the ominous mood. I may be stretching a bit with the 5 rating, but what the hell, it's my birthday and I'm feeling magnanimous.
challenging
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow! What a strong debut! I loved the original writing of this story... AND the originality OF this story! What I didn't like is the lack of using quotation marks! Why is this now a "thing"? I'm seeing it in many books these days! I usually don't even bother borrowing them from the library, but, in this case, I'm glad that I didn't notice their absence until I started reading. Quite happy I didn't miss out on this book! Kudos to Ms. Lyon on her brilliant debut!
dark
tense
2 out of 5 Stars - I won't tell you to read, but I won't caution against reading
I was just not that invested in this book. The storyline was interesting and unique and honestly strange to consider myself placed in that situation. It’s not something anyone would want to be in. But I felt little tie to the characters or their struggles.
I was just not that invested in this book. The storyline was interesting and unique and honestly strange to consider myself placed in that situation. It’s not something anyone would want to be in. But I felt little tie to the characters or their struggles.
Looking for a thriller with a plot that you probably have never considered? Self-Portrait With Boy is one of the most inventive plot concepts that I've read in a long time and absolutely captivated me. This novel is about a struggling photographer who lives in an artist loft where she has been working on a personal photography project taking a daily self-portrait.
A little boy, in the apartment above her's, tragically falls to his death and Lu happens to be taking an image of herself when the tragedy occurs. Upon development, she sees that it is one of the most beautiful images she has ever taken and has to grapple with the decision to let this work be seen.
As the tenants grow closer together following the tragedy, she finds herself entangled in a friendship with the mother and must decide if she is going to share the image of her son with the world.
Adding to the deep moral dilemma, she is barely making ends meet and her father has to undergo a pricey surgery. It isn't just about the fame, it's about survival. This image could help her become known in her field, but at what cost?
I listened to this one on audiobook in a single day, and had to know what was going to happen with this photo. I don't want to say more- it's really awesome. This book would lend itself well to a book club discussion.
A little boy, in the apartment above her's, tragically falls to his death and Lu happens to be taking an image of herself when the tragedy occurs. Upon development, she sees that it is one of the most beautiful images she has ever taken and has to grapple with the decision to let this work be seen.
As the tenants grow closer together following the tragedy, she finds herself entangled in a friendship with the mother and must decide if she is going to share the image of her son with the world.
Adding to the deep moral dilemma, she is barely making ends meet and her father has to undergo a pricey surgery. It isn't just about the fame, it's about survival. This image could help her become known in her field, but at what cost?
I listened to this one on audiobook in a single day, and had to know what was going to happen with this photo. I don't want to say more- it's really awesome. This book would lend itself well to a book club discussion.
A satisfying story that’s compelling, tense, and heartbreaking. A love letter to art, scrappy (and painful) youth and old(ish) New York. There were some moments where i had to suspend my disbelief re: the main character’s employment but overall really nice to read.