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tieganlucy's review against another edition
1.0
Did not finish. Did not enjoy. Did not get it. Sorry it’s going to the charity shop.
ablasich's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This book defies description. The nameless faceless character is any one of us and absolutely someone you may know. Definitely a tale told in 2 parts.
I almost put this book down part way through the first half. The jumbled and hectic style didn’t make sense to me. Small nuggets of insight and humor kept me going and I’m glad I did.
I don’t want to give spoilers for the second half but it does get REAL and delivers and emotional gut punch. Check content warnings if you are triggered by topics. By the end, this book will leave you with a confusing mix of awe and sadness.
I almost put this book down part way through the first half. The jumbled and hectic style didn’t make sense to me. Small nuggets of insight and humor kept me going and I’m glad I did.
I don’t want to give spoilers for the second half but it does get REAL and delivers and emotional gut punch. Check content warnings if you are triggered by topics. By the end, this book will leave you with a confusing mix of awe and sadness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Chronic illness
emmagray13's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.5
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
This book is on the 2021 Women's Fiction Prize Longlist.
I don't even know how to describe this one. It is almost like two books in one. The first part is a clever, punchy collection of social media observations made by our protagonist who is "internet famous" and travels the world for appearances and speaking engagements. She is forever on the lookout for the next viral sensation to latch onto. She is seemingly addicted to "the portal", a social media site. Her life is so centered around the internet and social media. This portion, to me, is full of clearly veiled references to Facebook (the portal) and Donald Trump (the dictator).
THEN, she gets a text from her mom asking her to come home because something has gone wrong with her sister's pregnancy. The second portion of the book deals with the sister's pregnancy and baby but is still full of sly social commentary.
I enjoyed this quick read but can see why it might not be everyone's thing.
I don't even know how to describe this one. It is almost like two books in one. The first part is a clever, punchy collection of social media observations made by our protagonist who is "internet famous" and travels the world for appearances and speaking engagements. She is forever on the lookout for the next viral sensation to latch onto. She is seemingly addicted to "the portal", a social media site. Her life is so centered around the internet and social media. This portion, to me, is full of clearly veiled references to Facebook (the portal) and Donald Trump (the dictator).
THEN, she gets a text from her mom asking her to come home because something has gone wrong with her sister's pregnancy. The second portion of the book deals with the sister's pregnancy and baby but is still full of sly social commentary.
I enjoyed this quick read but can see why it might not be everyone's thing.
tildahlia's review against another edition
4.0
I almost abandoned this book, as despite being Very Online myself, my lockdown brain just struggled to latch on to the first half of the book, which is disorienting and fragmented and very internet reference heavy. While I appreciated the writing (which was exquisite and original) I just couldn't see where it was all going and I was desperately seeking a thread to follow. Then the second half of the book set in, which as a lot of other reviewers have pointed out, is basically like a whole other book: cohesive, devastating and profoundly moving. I'm glad I hung in there to reach it. I don't mind a weird structure and challenges to form, but seeing the power of the second half made me wish the overall book was more cohesive.
dreaminthepages's review against another edition
2.0
I really did not enjoy this. It made no sense whatsoever and just left me feeling frustrated. There was a lottle bit of a story but its like you had to wade through rubbish to get to it and kbow what was going on. I'm a little shocked it was a finalist for the Booker Prize but part of me wonders if its some form of art i'm just not clever enough to interpret. There were some very real world sentences/ paragraphs in this but for the most part everything was just chaotic and the sentences were just string of gibberish (I honestly felt like I was high or something while reading this!).
I see a lot of 4 or 5 star ratings and I wish I had understood why but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I see a lot of 4 or 5 star ratings and I wish I had understood why but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
capacitorofflux's review against another edition
Very much not my style. Very absurd, broken up, jumps from thought to thought. Got tired of trying to figure out what any of the protagonist was saying.
angelsrgorgeous's review against another edition
2.0
Overall, disappointing. I LOVE what the author is trying to do here, but would legitimately tell anyone to open up to around 60% through the book and begin there instead of at the beginning. You literally miss nothing of value. Some of the writing and observations are quite good, but the majority of it has the sheen of someone who is absolutely fascinated only to hear herself talk. I realize this is characterization, and that this appeoach is used to emphasize the change the character undergoes later, but the beginning section of the book focusing on the utter emptiness of her portal- driven life is simply far too long.
I would have much more loved a better fleshed out second section when she becomes aware (woke!?) to what legitimately matters in the world. There is FAR more to explore here than in the stretching to outdo yourself in terms of lengths gone to be ironic as is best to death in the first section.
Disappointing, probably worth reading from 60%-ish percent on.
I would have much more loved a better fleshed out second section when she becomes aware (woke!?) to what legitimately matters in the world. There is FAR more to explore here than in the stretching to outdo yourself in terms of lengths gone to be ironic as is best to death in the first section.
Disappointing, probably worth reading from 60%-ish percent on.
kdahlo's review against another edition
4.0
I spent an hour or so finding this book amusing but also obnoxious. I said to Joshua repeatedly "why am I reading a book about being too online, this is why I'm not on twitter." However, this book sneaks up on you and becomes quite moving. The form is neat, and the obnoxiously online qualities serve a purpose, ultimately. Also, it's short!
aliceh90's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0