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photogeezer's review against another edition
1.0
This book gets a big "meh". This is supposed to be a charming story of ordinary people. It's an ordinary story of ordinary people. Ordinary writing. I couldn't get past the page of Jane's self-flagellation about the accident. Gary is such a hilarious idiot, he's the only compelling character, and we don't see enough of him. DNF.
jlsjourneys's review against another edition
3.0
A pleasant read, but I didn’t love it as much as Standard Deviation; struggled to connect with the characters. But it was kindhearted, real, and honest.
ncloke's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jenrosedon's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
malikanwriter's review against another edition
Appalled by some of the descriptions. Already hate all the characters who feel like charicatures.
unhinged_female_protagonist's review against another edition
3.0
The writing style was great and kept me interested, and I can’t say I disliked this book. The story arch was lacking a bit though, and the vibe in the second half was rather depressing. This is actually what makes me unsure if I love it or hate it.
The main character's (Jane) dissatisfaction with life, after getting the man she so longed for, is bitingly realistic and a reminder that things (and people) aren't always what they seem. It was interesting growing alongside Jane and seeing her go from thrift store junkie with quirky outfits to jaded middle-aged woman. Her attitude was funny at some moments and downright annoying at others. After a while I wanted to scream CAN YOU FIND ANYTHING TO BE HAPPY ABOUT, and GET TO THERAPY!
YET - I read this book in two days. It kept me entertained and it definitely provoked some thought about my own life and how I can avoid becoming Jane at all costs.
The main character's (Jane) dissatisfaction with life, after getting the man she so longed for, is bitingly realistic and a reminder that things (and people) aren't always what they seem. It was interesting growing alongside Jane and seeing her go from thrift store junkie with quirky outfits to jaded middle-aged woman. Her attitude was funny at some moments and downright annoying at others. After a while I wanted to scream CAN YOU FIND ANYTHING TO BE HAPPY ABOUT, and GET TO THERAPY!
YET - I read this book in two days. It kept me entertained and it definitely provoked some thought about my own life and how I can avoid becoming Jane at all costs.
usnebojemesa's review against another edition
4.0
I just wanted a little fast read but this was so heartwarming, I don't remember when was the last time I read something so comforting & cosy like this! also!! it made me chuckle a good couple of times
imonyourside's review against another edition
2.0
I wouldn’t be able to spoil the plot if I tried because nothing actually happened in this book. It was like watching a family live their everyday lives with the addition of a couple kookie characters. I stayed for the name drops of Northern Michigan landmarks since I lived there years ago and used to work at Boyne Mountain
alyssareads18's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
fbroom's review against another edition
I was expecting something similar to Standard Deviation and I guess in some ways the writing and the sharp observations about everyday life are just as good. It's just that I wasn't interested in any of the characters of the book.