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lisawhelpley's review against another edition
4.0
This story of midwest small-town life in 1983/84 was like walking out of my high school memories (or walking back into them?). He had (almost) everything just right for the period, from fashion to though processes. I loved it. Only 2 things stuck with me that seem like today not then: 1) someone says "whatever" one time -- I don't remember this back then. 2) twice "hook up" is used and that was not a 1980s phrase. I liked the characters and loved the ending.
fracturing's review against another edition
4.0
Reading Chuck Kloserman is always hit or miss with me. Sometimes I think he's clever and enjoy all the sly little pop culture references. Sometimes I think he's smug and not nearly as interesting as he thinks he is.
I think that fiction is actually a great medium for him. He gets to throw in all the 80s pop culture references to provide credibility and a sense of timeline; and he does it well because he's so well-versed on it.
I enjoyed the literary device of the story being told from multiple perspectives. It was handled well and kept things moving fast.
This was a quick, fun read and I'd highly recommend it.
I think that fiction is actually a great medium for him. He gets to throw in all the 80s pop culture references to provide credibility and a sense of timeline; and he does it well because he's so well-versed on it.
I enjoyed the literary device of the story being told from multiple perspectives. It was handled well and kept things moving fast.
This was a quick, fun read and I'd highly recommend it.
curly83185's review against another edition
5.0
A friend asked me to read this book because she, "wanted to discuss it with somebody." I started reading it, having no idea what to expect. Almost immediately I was captivated and unable to put the book down. Klosterman's characters and descriptions of life in small mid-west town in America (Owl, North Dakota to be precise) were intriguing. It is at once what you expect from life in a small town and completely different at the same time. This book is anything but formulaic. It does not move through the typical beginning - middle with climax - and then end. Instead you grow to know the members of the town and follow the development of three characters in particular. Klosterman makes you a voyeur into their lives and it seems as if there is no real plot other than just following the existence of these characters. But the book takes a surprising turn.
meredithmegan87's review against another edition
5.0
As Chuck Klosterman's first fiction piece, I thoroughly enjoyed his creative style and his continuous sarcastic humor.
kelseyannw3's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
sad
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
3.75
jay11284's review against another edition
5.0
After reading Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs I knew I liked Klosterman's essay writing style, but I didn't know I'd love his work as a fiction writer so much. This is one of those books that is hard to put down. Each chapter is told by a different character in the small town of Owl. Each character is very interesting, this is a must read for anyone who likes a great short little book.
evanliddiard's review against another edition
4.0
The book was good, really good. I am not thrilled with the way that it wrapped up, but I loved the journey getting there. I am a big fan of Klosterman's work, and the foray into fiction was fun for me.
spinstah's review against another edition
4.0
I read this for one of my bookclubs (not that I can go to the discussion) and really enjoyed it. Basically it's the story of three people in a small town in North Dakota, in the runup to an insane blizzard. As someone who grew up in a very small town (though not as small as the one in this book) I could appreciate a lot of what the characters experienced, and the insane quirks that seem to be magnified when there are so few people to hide amongst. This was a very fast read, so if you need something light and fun for September, try this.
smashbook_romance's review against another edition
4.0
Being from a small and very similar town in North Dakota myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. 7 bars in a town of 900 is no exaggeration! There were so many moments in the book where I thought "that is spot on" I am familiar with all of the towns mentioned in the book (with the exception of Owl of course) and that was a lot of fun for me cuz "who rights books about North Dakota?" Anyways, if anyone is curious as to what its like to live in a place like this, I recommend it!