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glamorous_ghost's review against another edition
5.0
At first this book made me sad because I miss twitter, then it made me sad because of the story. Very good book
goooooby's review against another edition
challenging
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.25
rebeccabeckybexs's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I did not like the first half of this book at all but was really compelled by the second half. I see what the author was trying to do but I don't think she really hit the mark.
maisonmarsiela's review against another edition
4.0
smart, funny, and moving - i appreciated the discussions surrounding injustice, performative activism, the impact of social media, and What Really Matters. there were passages i didn’t connect with, but so many more that really resonated with me and made me think
azimhol's review against another edition
I was prepared for Lockwood’s sharp, funny observations about life online and the anxiety and doom of 2016 in the US (and on a burning planet more broadly). She delivered on that.
What I wasn’t prepared for was Part 2 of this novel. The specificity of the jarring limbo a serious health issue thrusts a family into. The hopelessness, the guilt, the strange moments of comic relief that somehow find a way, the transformation of the once familiar “life before” into an unrecognizable thing. And the dogs who always know.
What I wasn’t prepared for was Part 2 of this novel. The specificity of the jarring limbo a serious health issue thrusts a family into. The hopelessness, the guilt, the strange moments of comic relief that somehow find a way, the transformation of the once familiar “life before” into an unrecognizable thing. And the dogs who always know.
colin_h_atx's review against another edition
5.0
This was my favorite book of the last year. Lockwood really nails the fragmented internet speak and the effect is has on our entire thought process.
tieganlucy's review
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.