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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
I adored this book, and my only regret is that I didn't have a chance to sit and quietly read this without interruption. ALSO, note to self: never, ever, again read the introduction BEFORE reading the book because you will have all the very best parts spoiled and you'll regret it immensely. Nevertheless, even with the ending spelled out for me beforehand, I still enjoyed seeing the story play out on the pages. I'm looking forward to reading this one again.
I can't believe it took me so long to read this book, but I really enjoyed it. Even though it comes from a simple enough place, Dreiser actually weaves a pretty complicated story of wealth and poverty, following one's heart, morality, and ideas about work and gender roles. I think a novel like this still holds up today.
"Girls who can stand in line and look pretty are as numerous as men who can swing a pick."
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Although this is an older work there's still lots of meat on on these bones. Yes, women's options were extremely limited and the social safety net practically nothing, but so much seems relevant when comparing that gilded age to this.
This book was pretty unusual. I wasn't too impressed with the story at first as it seemed pretty typical but the writing was so good that I got drawn in anyway. I thought it was really interesting in the end and I liked that the author chose to show the story from all the perspectives - even if they weren't always likable characters. Despite me yelling at Carrie for most of the book to just ditch the men and pursue her career in acting, I did actually start to feel sorry for the guys towards the end. The message Carrie received towards the end of the book was very powerful though and I'll probably end up rereading this at some time.
dark
medium-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
Carrie is a young girl looking to make her way in the world, and she leans heavily on two men to do it - - one, a charming salesman, and the other a very successful business man. Unfortunately, the latter is married, and when he runs away with Carrie, his fortunes turn dramatically for the worse.
This book is quintessentially American, and I love how none of the characters are perfect. They are all flawed, but also have some redeeming points, and those are my favorite types of characters to read about.
The book is extraordinarily realistic in its feel. As you read it, you truly believe it. And you feel the pain of the characters as their lives become more convoluted and stressful.
The premise is simple, but it is a compelling, albeit slightly depressing, read. I almost related to the book a little too well, and when it was done, I felt a sadness, because I think people really go through things similar to what these characters faced, and it just isn't cheerful.
This book is quintessentially American, and I love how none of the characters are perfect. They are all flawed, but also have some redeeming points, and those are my favorite types of characters to read about.
The book is extraordinarily realistic in its feel. As you read it, you truly believe it. And you feel the pain of the characters as their lives become more convoluted and stressful.
The premise is simple, but it is a compelling, albeit slightly depressing, read. I almost related to the book a little too well, and when it was done, I felt a sadness, because I think people really go through things similar to what these characters faced, and it just isn't cheerful.
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes