2.33k reviews for:

On Beauty by Zadie Smith

Zadie Smith, Zadie Smith

3.83 AVERAGE

daphne_guima's review against another edition

4.0

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Two minutes later Howard rolled down the passenger window and beeped his horn at his three half-naked children walking down the hill. All of them gave him the finger.

Beauty: the discussion of class, race, affirmative action, immigration, and marriage. 
Ugliness: Howard Belsey’s complacency and need for validation.
Possibility: Choo, Liddy Cantalino, Katie Armstrong, and Zadie’s little cameo, who seem to be tired of it all.

marliesf's review against another edition

4.5

challenging emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

srudick's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny reflective sad

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

za_hra's review against another edition

4.0

challenging emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ylbirda's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 15%

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I guess I just didn’t care enough to continue reading. The book dragged and the story evolved very slowly. We got descriptions of mundane occasions,  but the big events were glanced over. 

josiewik's review against another edition

1.0

emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

pydeck's review against another edition

3.0

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2nd book I’ve read by this often recommended author. I find it a slog, with very few likable or relatable characters and lots of detailed intellectual discourse by characters that I find extremely boring. I have none of the “wow” moments I expect from a great novelist. Very unsatisfying. 

literaryolive's review against another edition

4.75

emotional funny hopeful informative

turnthatpaigey's review against another edition

4.0

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Art, sex, love, drama, gossip, vibes. Brilliant ending, incredible writer.

sliedtke97's review against another edition

3.75

medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes