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cami19's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lisawhelpley's review against another edition
4.0
Part 1 of this book: Where was Mr Puchner's editor? Part 1 takes place in 1985 and there are tons of errors - I must assume that his editor was just a child (if that) in 1985 because so many things did NOT happen in 1985. A few examples: we did not say "mosh" in 1985. It was called slam dancing. How could the father take money from the son's 529 plan when 529s were established in 1996? In the 1980s we said handicapped, not disabled. It's so sloppy. I like the book and will continue on, but this is bothersome to me, and I expect better from this publishing house.
Overall: I did like this book. It was dark, so be ready for that.
Overall: I did like this book. It was dark, so be ready for that.
sonowthen's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful book. One of the best I've read all year.
ericfheiman's review against another edition
4.0
Eric Puchner tackles the familiar topic of suburban familial malaise by shooting it so full of growth hormones, that by the halfway point the reader is slack-jawed from the narrative explosions (literally and figuratively) that occur. The book would feel like a stunt if the author's seven-plus characters weren't all so well-rendered. A total sleeper hit that deserves more recognition and readers.
amycrea's review against another edition
3.0
I might have liked this better if I'd been able to stop comparing it to The Financial Lives of the Poet. They have similar plot foundations, although very different outcomes. I just thought Poets was by far the better book.
karenleagermain's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Eric Puchner's "Model Home" reminded me a little bit of the movie "American Beauty." It's not similar at all in plot or characters, but more in tone. Puchner write about the Ziller family, who seem to be perfect, living in a affluent California neighborhood in the 1980's, but who are really headed towards a complete disaster.
I don't want to give any of the plot away, as it really does go in unexpected directions. The thing that really got me about this book is the isolation of all of the characters. All of the main characters (parents, three kids, a few others) are all very isolated. There is no harmony in the family, before and after the various disasters in the book. It's a very lonely story with lonely, scared characters. I think this makes the book feel real and personal, as life is often a solitary venture, even when you have people all around you.
Puchner also scored big with humor. The book is as funny, as it is depressing. All of the characters were equally entertaining and could have each branched into their own book. I find it rare that all parts of a story are equally entertaining and Puchner totally pulls it off.
This is definitely a new author to watch.
http://www.alwayspackedforadventure.com
I don't want to give any of the plot away, as it really does go in unexpected directions. The thing that really got me about this book is the isolation of all of the characters. All of the main characters (parents, three kids, a few others) are all very isolated. There is no harmony in the family, before and after the various disasters in the book. It's a very lonely story with lonely, scared characters. I think this makes the book feel real and personal, as life is often a solitary venture, even when you have people all around you.
Puchner also scored big with humor. The book is as funny, as it is depressing. All of the characters were equally entertaining and could have each branched into their own book. I find it rare that all parts of a story are equally entertaining and Puchner totally pulls it off.
This is definitely a new author to watch.
http://www.alwayspackedforadventure.com
emjay24's review against another edition
4.0
The thought of a family living in a model home brought to my mind the show Arrested Development. The book actually kinda started out more like this, a dark comedy with a lot of really weird people. In the middle, there's a giant twist. I can't tell you what it is, but it really changes so much. Act two has lost most of the comedy out of the dark comedy, but i'd already gotten so invested in the characters, who I found to be pretty likeable, that i wanted to read more. I love reading, and watching, about families of weirdos. I started reading another book in a series i love, but even though i love that book, i just kept being compelled to come and read this book. it drew me in, great storytelling, and what imagination. the only thing i did not like was the end. it was an indie movie end. i hate endings like that. even though the book had an indie ending, the people didn't talk in that annoying indie way throughout the book. i definitely identified with them. I did not expect to enjoy the book as much as i did, and i really did enjoy it. A definite read!
lornarei's review against another edition
2.0
Well. Certainly not the "feel-good" book of 2010, but an interesting read. Once I got into it, I couldn't not finish it, but I can't say that I truly liked it.
editrixie's review against another edition
4.0
Evoked Jonathan Franzen and David Gates at times, particularly the black humor (which I'm a sucker for). Along with Wells Tower, this guy is one of my favorite discoveries of the past six months. Looking forward to what he has up his sleeve next.