3.65 AVERAGE


While there were laugh out loud moments it couldn't escape from the overwhelming dread and sense of hopelessness, which I guess was the point?

This book revisits themes similar to Tropper’s other books: The conflicts of having some degree of fame but life not working out at all as planned. It took me a little longer to get into this book than some of his other books I read because he uses the third person point of view, but ultimately his decision to write it that way is a good one. There is the mix of funny and sad that I really like, plus the occasional philosophical line where I nod my head and think, “yes, good point, that’s so true.” For example: “The thing about living alone is that it gives you a lot of time to think. You don’t necessarily reach any conclusions because wisdom is largely a function of intelligence and self-awareness, not time on your hands. But you do become very good at thinking yourself into endless loops of desperation in half the time.”

Not gonna lie, I almost DNF-ed this one because the first few chapters are so unbearably dragging.

The introduction of the characters really annoyed the living hell out of me, but I think it was really intentional. The plot isn’t really the most original. It’s one of those books that have a very predictable conclusion, but you stay because of the exceptional writing (except maybe the excessive use of the word “disconcerting”).

I loved how Tropper approaches communication or lack thereof by using complex yet beautifully flawed characters which made them more human and the story more relatable. Even the supporting characters have their own unique personalities and personal struggles that were all presented well throughout the book.

I’m actually looking forward to reading more of the author’s works.

Love Tropper's honest sense of humanity.

Liked it better than This is Where I Leave You. Similar, yet different.

I (unfortunately) never even heard of Tropper before I won this book on Goodreads, but he is a genius. Witty and meaningful dialogue, great characters in fucked-up situations...I couldn't stop reading! Definitely checking out his other books.

Oh, and just a warning -- don't read this book if you hate not knowing what happens in the end. Somehow I didn't mind.

Always up for Tropper. Love his writing and this one was no exception.

The main character isn't likable, but in a lovable schlubby kind of way. Through a health scare he reestablishes connections with his family. The book was pleasant to read, but I have a feeling in a week or two I won't really remember having read it.

I don’t know if my poor rating necessarily means I think the author is a bad writer (or that this is a poorly-written book), but I do know that I hated this MC with a passion, hated his blasé attitude for life, hated how he didn’t care about anyone at all or how his thoughtless actions were affecting everyone else. This is not a cutesy “unlikeable character;” this book is about a terrible human being. If you like reading about people like this, maybe this book is for you! Enjoy! 

Brief summary and review ahead:

Silver just found out that he is going to die. He looks at his life, his daugther with some unexpected news, his ex wife, who is about to marry the doctor who is taking care of him. His past as a musician who had his 15 minutes of fame.

I really liked this book. For how unlikable the main character was, I liked him. I believe what he was going through. The daugther was annoying to me, but also I could understand her feelings towards her father, what was going on with her.

In general this is a book I will recommend to people who enjoy human stories.