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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
This was just ok for me.
I have been on this kick lately, where I want to read the book before I see the movie. Well this is one of those times where the book is supposed to be better than the movie...I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm guessing it's better than this book.
Don't get me wrong; all the etymology was great and entertaining. But this was just not my cup of tea. Learning about the drug cartel and pot is just not what I wanted to read about.
I knew that the basis of the book had to deal with drugs, a kidnapping, and Mexicans. I did not know that would be the entire focus of the book.
So then why read it, if I knew what it was going to be about? Because I wanted to watch the movie, and at the end of it be able to say "the book was better." I have a feeling that in this case that won't happen.
The ending, or at least near the ending is where everything started to pick up. It got really intense, but then ended too quickly. There was so much backstabbing going on I couldn't keep up.
I felt the rest of the book could have been reduced or trimmed in the editing department. I wanted more action and less talk about selling drugs, describing drugs. I like the build up of the characters and getting to know them.
Bottomline: This book could have been better. Very imaginative with his diction and etymology.
I have been on this kick lately, where I want to read the book before I see the movie. Well this is one of those times where the book is supposed to be better than the movie...I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm guessing it's better than this book.
Don't get me wrong; all the etymology was great and entertaining. But this was just not my cup of tea. Learning about the drug cartel and pot is just not what I wanted to read about.
I knew that the basis of the book had to deal with drugs, a kidnapping, and Mexicans. I did not know that would be the entire focus of the book.
So then why read it, if I knew what it was going to be about? Because I wanted to watch the movie, and at the end of it be able to say "the book was better." I have a feeling that in this case that won't happen.
The ending, or at least near the ending is where everything started to pick up. It got really intense, but then ended too quickly. There was so much backstabbing going on I couldn't keep up.
I felt the rest of the book could have been reduced or trimmed in the editing department. I wanted more action and less talk about selling drugs, describing drugs. I like the build up of the characters and getting to know them.
Spoiler
These kind of endings piss me off. The way that the author leaves you hanging; look, you hooked me and stringed me along all this way, the least you could have done was given it to me straight. Did they all die or just Ben? I mean I understood that they all shot up 3 vials of morphine each, but I hate assuming at the end of novels. And no this is not a series, so he really does just leave you hanging with your own imagination. That's not how this story was supposed to end. He gave it to me straight throughout the ENTIRE book and this is the garbage you leave me with?? Thanks Don for the disappointment!Bottomline: This book could have been better. Very imaginative with his diction and etymology.
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I read this a while ago. I don't recall not liking it but I do recall I found several quotes I enjoyed so I'm rating it a 4 though I think 3.5 is probably more accurate. Super easy read.
4.5
http://nyx-shadow.blogspot.fr/2012/11/savages-don-winslow.html
http://nyx-shadow.blogspot.fr/2012/11/savages-don-winslow.html
Maybe I've been reading too much Don Winslow--and most of them being relatively recent releases--, but this one definitely didn't do it for me. I felt like the snark and tone were not as well executed as his works in, for example, the Power of the Dog series. I also didn't find the characters as well developed as in other novels; I've even seen these three appear in Broken and I liked them better in that work. Oh well. They can't all be hits.
God this book was good, better than I expected! It was so fast-paced even if it took me a long time to read it(which is weird, i know, but i didn't want it to end) and so funny and i love Don Winslow's writing style!!!! The characters are lovable even if they are fucked up in the head. I also loved that the book and the movie was practically the same. But loved the movie ending better than the book. Overall, still a 5/5 'cause you know, it's AMAZING.
Page-turning prose, but stomach-turning plot. Banal, pointless, trying too hard to be stylish.
This could be Don Winslow's greatest book. And trust me, THAT'S saying something. From page 1, this book never took it's foot off the gas pedal. It's like riding Space Mountain on coke.
Style to burn and pretty much all it does is burn baby burn. There isn't much more to this book than an unrelenting full tilt boogie to a bloody finale leaving a lot of bodies along the way.
What it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with a propulsive energy, fun, and old-fashioned, hard-boiled nihilism. I agree with a review I read that if you don't find the two word first chapter amusing, put the book down because it's probably not for you. If it makes you smirk or laugh, well, turn the page and have fun.
What it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with a propulsive energy, fun, and old-fashioned, hard-boiled nihilism. I agree with a review I read that if you don't find the two word first chapter amusing, put the book down because it's probably not for you. If it makes you smirk or laugh, well, turn the page and have fun.
Good, fast-paced read. Interestingly written.