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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
I had to suspend a lot of disbelief here, but I did like this. First of all, I was annoyed by the stereotypical single-librarian-girl, who thinks about everything in terms of book characters, blah blah blah. And her handling of the whole situation that is the crux of the matter was.... over the top. (Although it did get me thinking about what I would do in a similar situation - and what the ALA ethics would say, too.) The road trip part was more fun. Very funny, and lots of awesome book references.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"You think you can't go home again? It's the only place you can ever go" (301).
The Borrower is an exploration of the concept of home and how it shapes us, even though we attempt to resist and defy home's influence. Lucy's character is shaped by her run-away Russian-father and Ian by his homophobic Evangelical overbearing parents. Through Lucy's and Ian's charming (though unrealistic) adventure, we see a desire to save the kids that cannot be saved, although this is ultimately futile; people can only be given the tools to save themselves (as Lucy realizes in the end). However, the book could have benefitted from strong revision. Lucy's stream of consciousness and lack of forethought were irritating at times and I grew frustrated with her character. Some of the places visited became monotonous and made me lose steam and focus. The book could have benefitted by delving more into Ian's own character development. Despite being the catalyst for the plot, he gets a frustratingly shallow dive into his relationship with his parents that could have benefitted from a deeper analysis.
The Borrower is an exploration of the concept of home and how it shapes us, even though we attempt to resist and defy home's influence. Lucy's character is shaped by her run-away Russian-father and Ian by his homophobic Evangelical overbearing parents. Through Lucy's and Ian's charming (though unrealistic) adventure, we see a desire to save the kids that cannot be saved, although this is ultimately futile; people can only be given the tools to save themselves (as Lucy realizes in the end). However, the book could have benefitted from strong revision. Lucy's stream of consciousness and lack of forethought were irritating at times and I grew frustrated with her character. Some of the places visited became monotonous and made me lose steam and focus. The book could have benefitted by delving more into Ian's own character development. Despite being the catalyst for the plot, he gets a frustratingly shallow dive into his relationship with his parents that could have benefitted from a deeper analysis.
This was a funny, smart and altogether incredibly enjoyable read. But it also talked about very important issues and how that can affect people. Makkai tied it all very well in my view.
this book took me so long to get through. weird plot and the ending leaves you hopeful but also unsatisfied with questions. I do love this author and how they allow you to know the characters
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
2 1/2 stars really. I wouldn’t have finished it, but I bought it & I hate for money to go to waste…boring.
I have many personal prejudices when it comes to various different kinds of plots, prejudices that have nothing to do with the quality of the book or the amount that someone else might enjoy it who doesn’t share my prejudice. This book hits a big automatic negative of mine- the main character is involved in a hugely illegal adventure (a woman in her twenties hits the road with a ten-year-old runaway). I could understand her outrage at the way the boy was being treated, but I just don’t enjoy reading those plots, or similar ones like bank heists or normal people who get caught up in drug trafficking. I guess I am a prude/goody two shoes/whatever.
It’s a popular type of book and movie, though, so it must just be me. This book is really, seriously well-written, and the many creative allusions to children’s literature should have been right up my alley. But I could not enjoy it, and I skimmed/skipped a bunch of chapters in the middle. I’m looking forward to other books by this author, though. I love the ease of her witty, intelligent writing.
It’s a popular type of book and movie, though, so it must just be me. This book is really, seriously well-written, and the many creative allusions to children’s literature should have been right up my alley. But I could not enjoy it, and I skimmed/skipped a bunch of chapters in the middle. I’m looking forward to other books by this author, though. I love the ease of her witty, intelligent writing.