Scan barcode
lower222's review
3.0
Short stories. Memorable, crisp writing. Each story was like a mini coming of age. A few sci-fi moments, and some very questionable behavior! The characters were not particularly likable, yet despite how flawed they all were, I found myself rooting for them through all their disappointments. Satisfying for me. Not sure if others would like it. I don’t know why some reviewers criticize the writing, as the author is obviously very skilled.
shayblackthorn's review against another edition
4.0
I think Puchner does a great job at extracting emotion from readers in this book. I found myself questioning the behaviors and choices of the characters in them, and I especially liked the theme of not all endings need to have a conflict resolution. Sometimes, moments in life just end, and that is all. I had to read this book for my writing class, and I am glad I was able to read it!
maymaycarr's review
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.0
bookkoob17's review
2.0
I knew nothing of this author, or this book, before I plucked it from a shelf at the library. The title and colorful cover got my attention.
A few stories left me intrigued and wanting more. Beautiful Monsters has a very interesting premise. Expression could make a good YA novel if expanded to that format. Many of these stories have sexual references that seemed unnecessary and out of place. I found it hard to identify with some of the male protagonists in these stories.
A few stories left me intrigued and wanting more. Beautiful Monsters has a very interesting premise. Expression could make a good YA novel if expanded to that format. Many of these stories have sexual references that seemed unnecessary and out of place. I found it hard to identify with some of the male protagonists in these stories.
jonathanwlodarski's review
4.0
Puchner belongs to a class of writers like Makkai and van den Berg who write mostly realism that still feels surreal because of the depth of its strangeness, which I love. His characters and storylines are interesting and dimensional. I really enjoyed the first five stories in this collection.
However, the last few, even though they were compelling and I read them beginning to end, tuckered me out because of their exploration of Boring Dude Problems. I'm just not sure the world needs any more stories about men who did cocaine casually in college struggling to accept the implications of fatherhood or about men who, trying to escape the banality of suburbia, realize their glory days were actually kind of gross and bad.
Highlights: "Brood X," "Beautiful Monsters," "Independence," "Expression."
However, the last few, even though they were compelling and I read them beginning to end, tuckered me out because of their exploration of Boring Dude Problems. I'm just not sure the world needs any more stories about men who did cocaine casually in college struggling to accept the implications of fatherhood or about men who, trying to escape the banality of suburbia, realize their glory days were actually kind of gross and bad.
Highlights: "Brood X," "Beautiful Monsters," "Independence," "Expression."
More...