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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
First part, where Oscar is the main character, was very engaging because I can relate to him and the issues he faces. All the books and movies that are mentioned in the first part are things I know or things I’ve highlighted so that I can check them out later.
The second part, where his sister is the main character, was okay but not as interesting. The third part, about Oscar’s mom, was boring so I stopped reading.
The second part, where his sister is the main character, was okay but not as interesting. The third part, about Oscar’s mom, was boring so I stopped reading.
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It takes a second to get the hang of the writing style. It’s fun and brilliant, but different. I enjoyed learning more about the DR and in an honest, raw way. The book was beautiful and sad and delivered on the story promised. Not everything is a fairytale. But it’s not quite a 5 because the switching between characters was confusing at times. I felt like I should have taken notes.
Modern tragedy with a backdrop of geekdom. Interesting read, but perhaps not worthy of the Pulitzer.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
I'm still digesting this book and I'm not sure yet how I feel about the ending or if the structure really worked, but I can say that it was definitely engaging and that at its most basic storytelling level, I really enjoyed it.
I don't know what Junot Diaz can't do. An evocative, intriguing read throughout, the greatest thrill comes from the realization that The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is not about Oscar at all.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was unhinged and irreverent. And I enjoyed it (for the most part). It must be said that Junot Diaz wrote a lot of the characters to truly reflect the communities, vernacular, and actions of domincanos (mostly that of younger men) without watering it down in a way that would cater to most readers. I appreciated this choice.
This book is a family saga similar to Pachinko or the Bee Sting while using Oscar - a young, nerdy, overweight, and socially awkward kid - as a focal point. Though he has a love and knack for writing stories, Oscar wants nothing more than to fall in love. His sister and mother love him in their own ways and do their best ti push him in the right direction.
The story also takes us back in time to parts of the DR that I was truly ignorant about. Specified surrounding the actions of a dictator named Trujillo and the effect he had on the nation, its people, and our characters. Diaz includes many footnotes further explaining pieces of history that I was happy to learn about.
Dominican spirituality (or superstition) plays its role as stubborn curses known as fukú seem to operate in the background of our entire story.
This book did so many things well and deserves its place on the NYT Top 100 lists.
This book is a family saga similar to Pachinko or the Bee Sting while using Oscar - a young, nerdy, overweight, and socially awkward kid - as a focal point. Though he has a love and knack for writing stories, Oscar wants nothing more than to fall in love. His sister and mother love him in their own ways and do their best ti push him in the right direction.
The story also takes us back in time to parts of the DR that I was truly ignorant about. Specified surrounding the actions of a dictator named Trujillo and the effect he had on the nation, its people, and our characters. Diaz includes many footnotes further explaining pieces of history that I was happy to learn about.
Dominican spirituality (or superstition) plays its role as stubborn curses known as fukú seem to operate in the background of our entire story.
This book did so many things well and deserves its place on the NYT Top 100 lists.