Reviews

Train Dreams by Denis Johnson

blaineduncan's review against another edition

5.0

I don't know that I've read a more mesmerizing book. As implied by the title itself, it almost feels like a dream by being so rooted in the dichotomies of the waking life. If anyone reads this one, I want to talk about it.

hwwhybreading's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

austinwalker's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

mdlukasik's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

dmsehnert's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

denis johnson….damn. he really knows how to hit you with the most gorgeous, soul crushing lines.

living up in the Moyea with plenty of small chores to distract him, he forgot he was a sad man. when the hymns began, he remembered.

the northwest imagery was stunning and it’s cool to see another johnson story featuring the PNW! 

the wolf-girl story broke me - i desperately wanted grainier to go after her and continue to nurse her back to health. i guess some things are meant to stay in the forest, alone and forsaken. god needs hermits, as claire says.

bcook91's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

maurane_pieters's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

reflectiverambling_nalana's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

A very poetic look at the american west and the development of the railroad system and the life surrounding it--the positive and negative. Poetic and poignant and full of the imagination mixed with faith and the natural mysticism that was of the era. However, it is certainly has views that would not today be appropriate when it comes to minorities and scenes from putting people whose physicality or mental condition does not conform to what is called so called 'average' or 'normal' on display. However as much as these things might hurt our hearts it does paint the picture of the time.  

ameena_23's review against another edition

3.0

A solid 3 ⭐ read
First book I've read without reading the blurb, ngl, I don't regret it.

pierce_ellinwood's review against another edition

3.0

Seems to float in and out as it follow’s the character’s life and laments a lost time. A good little afternoon read. 3.5 stars.