Reviews

The Graduate by Charles Webb

hgraves's review

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emotional sad medium-paced

3.0

elizashh's review

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funny fast-paced

4.75

- 1/4 of a star because it was a little bit rushed

mkaybaker07's review against another edition

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3.0

Another case of the guy narrating the book ruining the characters and the plot being pretty unfinished, it needs 50 more pages.

umakaru's review

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reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

maximus09's review against another edition

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4.0

I read this book because the movie is my favourite movie of all time. It seemed only right to just dive in and give it a chance. Expectations were satisfied.

mbrandmaier's review

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3.0

The movie is so true to the book! Benjamin Braddock, in my opinion, is a huge d-bag. I wish I could get perspective on what any of the characters are thinking, but alas, not a one of their thoughts or motivations are delved into.

mairead09's review

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2.0

The main character is so annoying. I think they say “what” a million times. The whole cast must be deaf.

radbear76's review

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2.0

Well written but the protagonist is an indecisive whiner that the author did an excellent job of making unlikable. Quite frankly only Holden Caulfield from the Catcher in the Rye was more annoying than Ben Braddock. That being said I missed whatever point the author wanted to make.

6ykmapk's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5

havendear's review

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4.0

I first read this book around seven years ago. It was about the time I first saw the classic 1967 film. I grew obsessed with the movie and to this day it retains a spot in my Top Five Films. It is also quite possibly the film that I have watched the most. Seriously, I watch it like 2-3 times a year. It never gets old.

So, I wanted to go back and read the original 1963 novel by Charles Webb. Is it as good as I remembered? Is it as unforgettable as the film adaptation? Well quite frankly, the novel never gained widespread success as the film did and a lot of people actually don’t even know that The Graduate was originally a novel published four years before the Hollywood picture. And well - I still loved it. It’s a rare case however where the film is better than the book. I definitely prefer the movie and the changes it made and obviously for the timeless soundtrack. The film also made Benjamin’s character a lot more likable. In the book however, Benjamin got on my nerves a lot. He’s a lot more incessant in the book.

But overall, the film is one of the most faithful movie adaptations that exists and uses around 90% of the dialogue from the book.

Overall, it’s a great read. It’s quick, hilarious, witty, outrageous, and romantic. Just like the movie.