Scan barcode
ceceao's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
ryleyhorner's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elaineruss's review
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Really surprised at just how good this was. Fascinating concept, heartbreaking, frequently funny and deeply thought provoking. I listened to this on audiobook and as wonderful as the narration was, I think it deserves an actual read to get the most out of it.
tomstbr's review
4.0
First, the audiobook narrator is top tier. Second, I really loved this. Maybe it's not perfect but it's philosophical without being a) too dry and b) too political. So...the personal without the political ;). Really great voice, imaginative and effectively dreamlike. Speaking to my generation. There's even a great Simpson's reference (And Maggie Makes Three)!!!
suspendedinair's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
spaghettification's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Woah! This book was such a surprise for me! I picked it up on a whim and it turned out to be so good. Absolutely devastating, but good! Molly McGhee takes the concept of living under the crushing wheel of capitalism as a poor young person and portrays it so intimately and accurately that it's very easy to accept the sci-fi aspects as plausible and realistic because although they are fantastical, they are "in-character" for the systems in place in our world. In a lot of ways, it read like a modern Vonnegut to me! I'd call it a love letter to millennials but it would make for a very sad letter (I suppose though, some love letters are sad - this one definitely is). I also just love the characters, especially Abernathy, because they represent real people so well that they go beyond themselves. There are some slower moments and present tense isn't my favorite but still a glowing recommendation!
"Their lives are too compacted by work (or the search for work) to contain skin-care routines, yoga practices, self-maintenance, or pride. They wear uniforms of varying colors or, if they are not uniformed, they wear ill-fitting clothes that indicate thrift. Most of them carry weight around their gut. They look nice but outdated. These are Abernathy’s people. Immediately, Abernathy is filled with love for them."
savvylit's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind is a truly terrific anti-work novel. In writing this, McGhee has created an uncomfortable sci-fi setting that feels nearly plausible and also perfectly illustrates the pitfalls of unethical employment. Abernathy as protagonist is a comically gullible and often unlikable young man. His naivete tiptoes the line between believability and satire in a way that kept me riveted throughout. Clearly, McGhee has a deep understanding of American work culture and the desperation that many feel when it comes to finding literally ANY job that may offer a sliver of stability. Though the job that Abernathy accepts is fantastical in nature, it serves as a perfect stand-in for any one of the myriad jobs in this country that ask employees to give up way too much of themselves.
Thank you @astrahousebooks for the advance reader copy of Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you @astrahousebooks for the advance reader copy of Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Confinement, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
mwelbel's review against another edition
3.0