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mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
I'm really glad I stuck with this book. I almost threw in the towel after the first chapter. The way it's written was a bit of a challenge, but once you get into the chapters about the people living in the building, it's MUCH better.
The chapters about Ian and his fall from the 27th floor read like the author is trying too hard to make it seem deep and philosophical. It's a strange juxtaposition to the tenant chapters, which are written with a simpler tone and format.
Overall though, I really did enjoy this story. It's been on my TBR list for years, and it was an easy-going read to take my mind off the boredom of quarantine. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who may be interested, just remember that the Ian chapters are NOT what the rest of the book is like.
The chapters about Ian and his fall from the 27th floor read like the author is trying too hard to make it seem deep and philosophical. It's a strange juxtaposition to the tenant chapters, which are written with a simpler tone and format.
Overall though, I really did enjoy this story. It's been on my TBR list for years, and it was an easy-going read to take my mind off the boredom of quarantine. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who may be interested, just remember that the Ian chapters are NOT what the rest of the book is like.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
A unique spin on multiple stranded stories. I couldn't quite manage Tales of the City when I tried it last year on audiobook, but can understand why now as it flitted from character to character. I may give it another go.
This book is compared to Maupin's - at the swimming (or falling) centre of things lies (plummets) Ian. A goldfish. He's going to die. Falling from the 27th floor balcony his story is interspersed with those of the residents whose apartments he is rapidly passing by.
So we share in the snippets of Ian's own rather dull life as a pet fish living with a snail and with the rather varied and frankly crazy people who live in his building. From a pregnant (and labouring) lady craving ice cream sandwiches to the boy who things he can time travel, each story is entertaining and gives us a glimpse of everyday life and lunacy.
I smiled most of my way through this. Ian's interjections reminded me a little of a whale in Douglas Adams, and I really enjoyed the episodic feel as we flit from one storyline to another, and to the shared experience as some of them connect through one chapter and character to another.
It's witty, it's uplifting, and it could be real life. A short read that you'll enjoy on a commute, a beach or a lunch hour. Not a heavy read, but one that will make you think about the connections between people, how we treat each other, and just what it might be like falling off a really big building...
Review of a Netgalley advance copy.
This book is compared to Maupin's - at the swimming (or falling) centre of things lies (plummets) Ian. A goldfish. He's going to die. Falling from the 27th floor balcony his story is interspersed with those of the residents whose apartments he is rapidly passing by.
So we share in the snippets of Ian's own rather dull life as a pet fish living with a snail and with the rather varied and frankly crazy people who live in his building. From a pregnant (and labouring) lady craving ice cream sandwiches to the boy who things he can time travel, each story is entertaining and gives us a glimpse of everyday life and lunacy.
I smiled most of my way through this. Ian's interjections reminded me a little of a whale in Douglas Adams, and I really enjoyed the episodic feel as we flit from one storyline to another, and to the shared experience as some of them connect through one chapter and character to another.
It's witty, it's uplifting, and it could be real life. A short read that you'll enjoy on a commute, a beach or a lunch hour. Not a heavy read, but one that will make you think about the connections between people, how we treat each other, and just what it might be like falling off a really big building...
Review of a Netgalley advance copy.
petrichoralist's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
3.5
eviemaee's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
vanya's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing. The plot, the characters, the setting, the different layers of symbolism and metaphors, the humor. I highly recommend this book!
tannisz's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
vmtonn's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ladybouse's review against another edition
3.0
"The passing of a particular moment can't erase the fact that it was once present."
migimon2002's review against another edition
5.0
I randomly picked this little gem up at the library. What a refreshing, unique story. The fleeting moments of connectedness between characters added layers and complexity. I also found myself rooting for a goldfish. A goldfish! How often can you say that about a book?!
ajmitche's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0