You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
Far more complex than The Virgin Suicides... and not in a good way. A fantastic premise with unlimited potential, but slowly grows tedious and disorganized as the narrative unfolds. Just a little over halfway through, it stopped holding my attention. When a book starts out this well, I usually plod through the swampy parts. Too much plodding with no promise of exiting swampland, though, and I give up. If anyone feels they can convince me to give it another go, you're welcome to try.
4.5 stars
Dislikes: a bit of a mismatch with the first and second parts but I liked them both so it didn’t necessarily take away from it
I love a lot of things about this book, maybe I’ll add to that thought another time…
Likes: themes (immigration, historical fiction, intersex/lgbtqia+ history), the I is often forgotten within the acronym and I enjoyed reading a story about it
Within the context of when this book was written and taken into account that the author is not a member of the community in any way, I loved it and it’s well done
Author also wrote virgin suicides
Dislikes: a bit of a mismatch with the first and second parts but I liked them both so it didn’t necessarily take away from it
I love a lot of things about this book, maybe I’ll add to that thought another time…
Likes: themes (immigration, historical fiction, intersex/lgbtqia+ history), the I is often forgotten within the acronym and I enjoyed reading a story about it
Within the context of when this book was written and taken into account that the author is not a member of the community in any way, I loved it and it’s well done
Author also wrote virgin suicides
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An amazing read covering the intersection of sexual and gender identity. Literally so interesting and the use of the environment in the story telling was phenomenal.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very Strong 4.5. Loved the writing style, the wittiness, the clever humor. I'm reading "The Marriage Plot" next as I really loved the writing ;)
From Mary. On immigration, assimilation, and becoming.
You know how when it comes to some books, you have person after person tell you, "You've got to read this book"? That's how it was for me with Middlesex. For years my friends have recommended it to me and it's been on my list of books to get around to, one day. That day came when we picked it to read at the book club.
The story it tells is of the hermaphrodite Cal, born that way thanks to a hideously inbred family: Cal's grandparents were brother and sister, and Cal's parents were first cousins (I think). At its heart, the story is one of consequence, of causes set in motion years before Cal was born, but Cal is the one who has to live with them.
My chief problem with the book is that I found the subject matter detestable. After each reading session, I was left with a sick taste in my mouth. Overall the book is well-written, and on any other topic I think I'd enjoy Jeffrey Eugenides.
While so many people have recommended this book to me, I won't be joining their ranks and tell you to read this book. I don't think it's worth the effort.
The story it tells is of the hermaphrodite Cal, born that way thanks to a hideously inbred family: Cal's grandparents were brother and sister, and Cal's parents were first cousins (I think). At its heart, the story is one of consequence, of causes set in motion years before Cal was born, but Cal is the one who has to live with them.
My chief problem with the book is that I found the subject matter detestable. After each reading session, I was left with a sick taste in my mouth. Overall the book is well-written, and on any other topic I think I'd enjoy Jeffrey Eugenides.
While so many people have recommended this book to me, I won't be joining their ranks and tell you to read this book. I don't think it's worth the effort.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Gripping book written in a unique way, a combination of first/third person narrator style that immerses you into the story.
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes