Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
A satisfying ending, but the middle was just so....dysfunctional, I almost didn't get to the good part. The part where he figures out what he wants. That's really the hard part, for all of us, getting through the middle.
This was a strange book, but I loved it. I cannot put my finger on why. I really loved the main character and I cared about the kids.It was all a little outlandish and out there, but the emotional piece of it was right on when it came to the development of Harold's character. It reminded me a little of Jonathan Tropper's characters. Men who have good hearts but need a kick in the butt to get it together. This was witty, fun and heartwarming in a really strange way. If you need a lot of reality this may not be for you. If you can handle something a little playful and unrealistic then go for it.
I didn't know where to begin reviewing this book so I read all your reviews. And some of you really seemed to miss the notes of irony in the book. None of your -and that probably gives away that I did not read all of your- reviews goes into the ridiculous attitude to money in the book. Throw even more at it! Let's have a Bar Mitswa in South Africa! Did someone say that the personal relationships become increasingly farfetched and/or unrealistic? Does he want to adopt everyone who is damaged goods? Is it facetious to have an African Shaman cure the American soullessness with herbal tea? Know what, I don't have the answers. But this book is better than you think.
What a story . . . some parts were really messed up, but it got sweeter as it went along. The plot was always a surprise. You just can't predict where these characters are going. The writing style reminds me of Franzen's "The Corrections" -- dry humor and ridiculous dialogue from time to time. This book was made even more engrossing by the fact that there are no chapters. I just couldn't put it down.
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The beginning of this book was so enthralling and compelling. The ending was a hallmark movie, plot holes and schmaltz included. This book would have been stronger if scenes/events were short stories happening to different characters- which could still be connected a la Olive Kitteridge. As it stands- it was all gas, no brakes, no crash, no follow through. Events were mentioned and then forgotten, even though they were life changing/traumatic. It would’ve worked as an allegory, but it wasn’t an allegory. Everything wound up perfect for everyone in less than a year, including a series of magical minorities who teach everyone about themselves and the meaning of family/life. I read that the beginning was featured by Rushdie in one of the “great American short story” collections, and I think it should have ended there.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I felt there was little progression in the plot or the characters after the halfway mark of the book. And it seemed like the main character just collected random people in his life, a few of which seemed to not progress the story at all. The wise African shaman seemed trite, and the fact that he never had to worry about money made it seem completely unrealistic.
However, there were several moments in the book that were laugh-out-loud, got-a-little-teary-in-the-eyes, funny.
However, there were several moments in the book that were laugh-out-loud, got-a-little-teary-in-the-eyes, funny.