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andi_thebookworm's review
3.0
This novel of short stories is good, but not “you absolutely need to read” good. It was a well written book with short stories that kind of blended all together. I didn’t have a sense of eagerness to read the next story after the previous. Don’t get me wrong it has its heartaches and moments, but no short story really stuck with me (and I am a sucker for heartbreaking stories). Bloom did take the initiative to display sensitive topics in an excellent and respectful way. Bloom is a great writer and has a way of words; however, this one is not my cup of tea.
emharperscott's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
g_treads's review
4.0
in my opinion, similar to the likes of Shirley Jackson in its style, lots of characters who makes abnormal observations or has a strange motive. big focus on complicated relationships
jwmcoaching's review
3.0
I was pretty torn about this one; I gave it a three but I had some reservations about doing that. The only thing I had previously read by Bloom was last year's, Lucky Us, which I really enjoyed. I had more mixed feelings about this.
There were two really good stories here, the first one and the last. The rest are a mixture of good and simply okay. I felt like a couple of them (Night Vision and Hold Tight) could've been expanded on and seemed somewhat half-baked because of it.
Bloom is actually an incredibly good writer. I seem to have more of a problem with her plots; in addition to the fact that even in her longer stories, her characters seem slightly out of reach. They come across as being hermetically sealed in a privileged world where I can't quite reach them.
There were two really good stories here, the first one and the last. The rest are a mixture of good and simply okay. I felt like a couple of them (Night Vision and Hold Tight) could've been expanded on and seemed somewhat half-baked because of it.
Bloom is actually an incredibly good writer. I seem to have more of a problem with her plots; in addition to the fact that even in her longer stories, her characters seem slightly out of reach. They come across as being hermetically sealed in a privileged world where I can't quite reach them.
christymoyer's review
2.0
Holy weird. And depressing. And awkward. I felt like Bloom was trying really hard to be "real" and just came out completely awkward and confusing. Not my style. May give her novel a shot, but won't be expecting much.
lacyp's review
4.0
I picked up this book on a whim because I needed a new collection of short stories for bedtime reading. It surprised me and continues to do so. The stories have stayed with me for nearly two years now.
kristendom's review
3.0
Maybe it was the timing, but this book of short stories just did not do it for me. Don't get me wrong, it was beautifully written, but it was also tragic in so many ways. I struggled getting through some of them because they were so painful. Rather than wanting to read the next one as soon as I finished one, I kept hoping that the one I was on was the last one. Again, very well-written, but sad to read.
bmurray153's review
4.0
I have had a winning streak with short stories. All of the collections I have picked up over the last year have been absolutely fantastic, and this is no exception. This is some of the tightest storytelling I have come across. Each story packs a great punch and lingers long after you finish. Loved it.