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lacefeathers's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. From the collective knowledge here I feel like I actually learned through the experiences of others. As someone who has recently gone through a divorce it helped me not feel so alone anymore. Thanks Shapiro.
geoffreylittle's review against another edition
5.0
Mr. Shapiro writes a book on his favorite subject (one also explored in his recent film Monogamy): the shit love puts us through. The book is one story after another (is literally him interviewing scores of folks, some he barely knows) of divorce. But in each story, the take-aways are many, and the meta is: you survive. And in some cases, you thrive knowing now what you did not know then. Shapiro lets the storytellers reveal how they could not have *not* had the life they had. Their personalities are richly displayed, and you can sometimes see the neediness or wild pathos still burning right in front of you. Still, they are framed with much compassion by Shapiro: they went into relationships because it was the best they knew, much like our own experiences.
I am the same age as the author more or less, also never married. I too am only a few parties away from being the creepy old guy no one can remember inviting. "You..." is a pleasing chill pill of hey - the grass is always greener, and be careful what you wish for. The details in each of these vignettes are expertly framed. Those interested in fodder for fictional characterization will be much pleased. Some of these stories were one act plays - fully formed!
Don't worry, the book is not a downer. In his supersharp style, he leaves you smiling with a great story at the end.
One of the best and most original reads of 2012 so far. Well done.
I am the same age as the author more or less, also never married. I too am only a few parties away from being the creepy old guy no one can remember inviting. "You..." is a pleasing chill pill of hey - the grass is always greener, and be careful what you wish for. The details in each of these vignettes are expertly framed. Those interested in fodder for fictional characterization will be much pleased. Some of these stories were one act plays - fully formed!
Don't worry, the book is not a downer. In his supersharp style, he leaves you smiling with a great story at the end.
One of the best and most original reads of 2012 so far. Well done.
marynolanpleckham's review
4.0
This is a collection of interviews and stories about love, marriage, divorce, and sometimes remarriage. It tries to answer the question of why some marriages end. It doesn't have any amazing conclusions, but interesting ideas to ponder.
henryarmitage's review
2.0
Catchy title, but not really what I was looking for. A few of these stories are amusing, like the
woman who realized she was married to an international arms and drug smuggler. Mostly though just
depressingly similar stories about people who had affairs and got divorced.
woman who realized she was married to an international arms and drug smuggler. Mostly though just
depressingly similar stories about people who had affairs and got divorced.
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