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aviabraham's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book was such a freaking bummer. I loved the overstory a lot which is the only reason I read this, since it’s really not my usual kind of book, but I was super disappointed. The narrator is the most boring, annoying character in the story. I found the way the author talks about women to be bizarre and dehumanizing. The ending felt rushed and didn’t make sense with the rest of the narrative. Would not recommend.
Graphic: Bullying, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Child death, Death of parent, Mental illness, Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Grief
jl27's review against another edition
There are things I liked about this book. For instance, Richard Powers is an incredible writer. I appreciate his apparent beliefs and commentary, which seem to mostly reflect my own; and the vehicles that he chooses to deliver those are both articulate and clever.
However, this book, after prodding me to feel generally quite anxious during reading (but not enough to put it down), did not end in a very good way. AT ALL. It ended in a way that seemed both unpredictable and inevitable, though. And if the author is as intelligent as I credit him to be, this ending was another commentary on how cruel this world can be.
But even if this wasn't an intentional commentary from Powers, it was definitely my biggest takeaway.
I am hoping that the tone of Powers' next book, whenever that may be, is a little lighter.
However, this book, after prodding me to feel generally quite anxious during reading (but not enough to put it down), did not end in a very good way. AT ALL. It ended in a way that seemed both unpredictable and inevitable, though. And if the author is as intelligent as I credit him to be, this ending was another commentary on how cruel this world can be.
But even if this wasn't an intentional commentary from Powers, it was definitely my biggest takeaway.
I am hoping that the tone of Powers' next book, whenever that may be, is a little lighter.
isaya's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
althya's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
iddylu's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
toru_okada's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
rkeefer1011's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
travelsbypaper's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful