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krisrow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
demealli's review against another edition
4.0
Strangely poignant and accessible. Even though I am principally a fan of Klosterman's essays, I was surprised by his ability to write fiction.
mrfrank's review against another edition
3.0
I have read Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman. Now I will a) write a review of it here and b) attempt to write said review in the style of Chuck Klosterman. When I picked up this book I was (mostly) excited to read a new work by Mr. Klosterman though (somewhat) apprehensive about his taking on of the fiction novel genre. I was 85% happy with the final outcome.
This is my review. My review is this. After having read his first published stab at fiction in the form of a short story in Chuck Klosterman IV I didn't believe he could really make me enjoy a full scale novel. I was wrong. Downtown Owl was pretty good. Klosterman sticks to what he knows. Pop culture observations this time done through the eyes of ficticious characters. So even if the book is not a literary masterpiece, it still is an honest solid work by the well established author.
My biggest qualm with the story (and it's not a major point of contention) is that on the whole the story seemed to lack a point. We follow three different characters from the same small rural town of OWL living three different kinds of existences but never crossing each others paths. A sort of three seperate stories united and seperate at the same time. The ending was paradoxically unnecessary and necessary at the same. The ending is truely the part of the book that warrants discussion and debate.
This is my review. My review is this. After having read his first published stab at fiction in the form of a short story in Chuck Klosterman IV I didn't believe he could really make me enjoy a full scale novel. I was wrong. Downtown Owl was pretty good. Klosterman sticks to what he knows. Pop culture observations this time done through the eyes of ficticious characters. So even if the book is not a literary masterpiece, it still is an honest solid work by the well established author.
My biggest qualm with the story (and it's not a major point of contention) is that on the whole the story seemed to lack a point. We follow three different characters from the same small rural town of OWL living three different kinds of existences but never crossing each others paths. A sort of three seperate stories united and seperate at the same time. The ending was paradoxically unnecessary and necessary at the same. The ending is truely the part of the book that warrants discussion and debate.
nataliedallaire's review against another edition
4.0
I will never forget the ending of this book for as long as I live. It is so ridiculous and perfect.
herwitchiness's review against another edition
1.0
original read - 2012 2/5 stars
reread - may, 2014 5/5 stars
some books aren't meant to be read when you first find them. you have to grow into them. this was one of those books for me.
reread - may, 2014 5/5 stars
some books aren't meant to be read when you first find them. you have to grow into them. this was one of those books for me.
atleastonebookperweek's review against another edition
5.0
For some reason I really liked this book. A lot of the time when I really really like a book it’s because I’m reading it at a perfect time in my life. This one in particular was an exceptionally perfect time. Partially because I read it during the 2020 corona virus scare. But mostly because I finished it while on the bus going home from work and while I walked the remaining 15 minutes to my apartment, I was walking in a hail storm in April (which is incredibly rare where I live). Anyway. Situations are weird and life is weird. But this was a lovely coincidence and it made me enjoy this book even more.
dersan's review against another edition
1.0
I read books to be entertained or educated. This book must be in a third category.
catmhorn's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't start liking it until the very end - I honestly thought the end is what pulled it all together.
lizloulie's review against another edition
4.0
Here’s the review. The review is this: an enjoyable story about a tiny town and all its problems or lack thereof.
rogueoneapologist's review against another edition
5.0
The most beautiful example of modern gothic literature I can think of. Every time I read this I get sucked in heart & soul. I've made connections with different characters on different reads depending on my mindset, mood, or simply the weather.
The ending is absolutely perfect; I cried & rejoiced simultaneously. I just could not have asked for more from a book.
The ending is absolutely perfect; I cried & rejoiced simultaneously. I just could not have asked for more from a book.