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3.18 AVERAGE
3.18 AVERAGE
This book is my first true dud of 2017, and calling it a dud is being very polite. Almost every aspect of The Whole Thing Together is bad, but the thing that stands out the most is how poorly the characters are developed. Considering that Brashares wrote a very famous series told from multiple perspectives, the lack of character development in this book is so surprising. The sisters blend into one character, and the traits they're supposed to exhibit (Quinn is the nice one that everyone loves, Mattie is troubled, etc) barely come through. While I think we're supposed to have some sympathy for the parents, it's nearly impossible to like Lila since none of her actions are explained. She comes across as cold-hearted and mean even to her own children. Ray and Sasha are the most developed characters, but they aren't enough to keep the plot interesting and aspects of the characters are mentioned and never explored (example, what's up with Sasha's foot? or why is the character of Matt there at all?) Speaking of Sasha and Ray, the romance angle is just weird. I know the characters are not related, but it was just too Flowers in the Attic. Other readers on GoodReads have pointed out to some of the lines that are almost gasp out loud inappropriate (ex: the burqa one) so I won't get into all of those, but they add to how off the mark the book is.
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
There were lots of names and it was hard to follow who was part of which family, so the beginning page with the family list was very helpful.
It was kind of hard to follow the story because you'd read one page and it would be talking about one character, then the next page it suddenly switch to another character's story line.
Ray and Sasha being together gave me incest vibes, even though it's stated that they're not siblings. Slightly uncomfortable reading those passages.
It was kind of hard to follow the story because you'd read one page and it would be talking about one character, then the next page it suddenly switch to another character's story line.
Ray and Sasha being together gave me incest vibes, even though it's stated that they're not siblings. Slightly uncomfortable reading those passages.
I have read this book twice and have loved it both times. It is infuriating as well as heartbreaking. What I noticed this read was how much oppression in some for or another within each of the characters. The book is told from the POVs of each of the kids. The premise of this book is a little bit different and once you get your head around the relationships I found myself hoping for their happiness. Especially Ray and Sasha.
Lila and Robert were a couple of pieces of work, the selfishness of these two knew no bounds, I just could not understand them whatsoever and they get a rude awakening in the most horrible way. I detested both of them and even by the end I still couldn't bring myself to care for them, since I felt unsure if the truce would survive.
I would definitely recommend this book. I had a multiple feelings thought the whole thing.
Lila and Robert were a couple of pieces of work, the selfishness of these two knew no bounds, I just could not understand them whatsoever and they get a rude awakening in the most horrible way. I detested both of them and even by the end I still couldn't bring myself to care for them, since I felt unsure if the truce would survive.
I would definitely recommend this book. I had a multiple feelings thought the whole thing.
While I am a big fan of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I've never actually read the books. I KNOW, I KNOW. But that makes this my first Ann Brashares book! Yay!
This book is amazing. The sisters, the drama, the family, the romance. And for the first 89% you think it's all drama and romance OH AND THEN THIS BOOK BREAKS YOU HEART INTI A MILLION THOUSAND PIECES. I will have a spoiler section later because I HAVE to talk about what happens later.
But let me begin with Sasha and Ray. The family tree is a little confusing, but basically they're in the same family but NOT related. ALSO: they are adorable, SO adorable. Like they talk two halves of one person to another level. Their romance is absolutely amazing and I loooove it omg.
The sisters are just.,,, they're wonderful. They're real and they laugh and love and they're friends and ahhhh
Also Jamie is perfect omg. Like STEP ASIDE EMMA I WANT TO MARRY HIM. Y'all, their romance isn't even the "big" romance of the story but I love it and them and him omg omg.
The whole premise of this story is super confusing at first but when you actually read the book it SO makes sense. Y'all, this boooooook
This book makes me happy and sad and I love it and I have so much more to say, but spoilers. So keep reading if you want all my spoilery thoughts!
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Y'all, this book's representation of grief ❤️ it's so absolutely raw and honest and omg. Don't believe me? Examples:
"It was just two mute halves of a damaged, disoriented family staring at each other across the abyss."
///
"A proud acknowledgment passed between them. His agony rose and reached out for hers. The set of her chin showed signs of struggle. His own face started to fold. He couldn’t let it go yet. He smashed another plate instead. She let loose a lemonade pitcher against the house like she was Clayton Kershaw. They moved around each other in a strange ballet of demolition, conversing in crashes. The sun finally peered up from under the horizon and saw what they had done. They stopped. The rain was over. Everything that had been whole was broken."
///
"Her dad slumped around the edges of rooms like an extra in a movie. His posture had changed since it happened. He said his body didn’t digest food right anymore. His stomach wasn’t at all fat now. It was the vacuum into which the other parts of him began to sink."
///
"I’ve sort of got the hang of waking up in the morning, but it’s not easy. I fight with falling asleep at night. Some nights it feels impossible. If I could hold you again, I think I could do it."
Y'all I love this book so much. The accuracy of the grief stings but I love it. The characters are amazing. I just love this book so much omg.
SPOILERS OVER
CONTENT GUIDE -
Sexual - kissing, innuendos
Cussing - quite a bit. F-bomb, etc.
Violence - mild
Imbibing - underage drinking, drinking.
This book is amazing. The sisters, the drama, the family, the romance. And for the first 89% you think it's all drama and romance OH AND THEN THIS BOOK BREAKS YOU HEART INTI A MILLION THOUSAND PIECES. I will have a spoiler section later because I HAVE to talk about what happens later.
But let me begin with Sasha and Ray. The family tree is a little confusing, but basically they're in the same family but NOT related. ALSO: they are adorable, SO adorable. Like they talk two halves of one person to another level. Their romance is absolutely amazing and I loooove it omg.
The sisters are just.,,, they're wonderful. They're real and they laugh and love and they're friends and ahhhh
Also Jamie is perfect omg. Like STEP ASIDE EMMA I WANT TO MARRY HIM. Y'all, their romance isn't even the "big" romance of the story but I love it and them and him omg omg.
The whole premise of this story is super confusing at first but when you actually read the book it SO makes sense. Y'all, this boooooook
This book makes me happy and sad and I love it and I have so much more to say, but spoilers. So keep reading if you want all my spoilery thoughts!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Spoiler
SPOILERS BELOWY'all, this book's representation of grief ❤️ it's so absolutely raw and honest and omg. Don't believe me? Examples:
"It was just two mute halves of a damaged, disoriented family staring at each other across the abyss."
///
"A proud acknowledgment passed between them. His agony rose and reached out for hers. The set of her chin showed signs of struggle. His own face started to fold. He couldn’t let it go yet. He smashed another plate instead. She let loose a lemonade pitcher against the house like she was Clayton Kershaw. They moved around each other in a strange ballet of demolition, conversing in crashes. The sun finally peered up from under the horizon and saw what they had done. They stopped. The rain was over. Everything that had been whole was broken."
///
"Her dad slumped around the edges of rooms like an extra in a movie. His posture had changed since it happened. He said his body didn’t digest food right anymore. His stomach wasn’t at all fat now. It was the vacuum into which the other parts of him began to sink."
///
"I’ve sort of got the hang of waking up in the morning, but it’s not easy. I fight with falling asleep at night. Some nights it feels impossible. If I could hold you again, I think I could do it."
Y'all I love this book so much. The accuracy of the grief stings but I love it. The characters are amazing. I just love this book so much omg.
SPOILERS OVER
CONTENT GUIDE -
Sexual - kissing, innuendos
Cussing - quite a bit. F-bomb, etc.
Violence - mild
Imbibing - underage drinking, drinking.
Kind of lack-luster, the story lacks a clear and cohesive plot
I mean - I liked the book, but there was so much lacking. I didn't feel like many of the characters were fully fleshed out -at the start, I kept intertwining the 3 sisters. It wasn't a terrible read - it could just use more development from the characters because there were many I didn't even care about because of this.
Just kinda disappointing, because I love The Last Summer (Of You and Me) and the Traveling Pants series.
Just kinda disappointing, because I love The Last Summer (Of You and Me) and the Traveling Pants series.
Thanks to NetGalley and to Delacorte Press for the preview copy of this book.
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers- this is not what I consider a YA book. Aside from the main characters, Sasha and Ray and their young love story, the story of this dysfunctional family would be classified as general fiction. The basic premise of the crazy family who is finally united at the end- although not through joy but through tragedy, is a good one. However, aside from the 2 teens, the other characters are not well developed and seem more like stereotypes than people. I still don't really know who was related to whom and how- way too many relationships to keep track of.
A quick read, but not one I can highly recommend.
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers- this is not what I consider a YA book. Aside from the main characters, Sasha and Ray and their young love story, the story of this dysfunctional family would be classified as general fiction. The basic premise of the crazy family who is finally united at the end- although not through joy but through tragedy, is a good one. However, aside from the 2 teens, the other characters are not well developed and seem more like stereotypes than people. I still don't really know who was related to whom and how- way too many relationships to keep track of.
A quick read, but not one I can highly recommend.
A terrific read... if you ignore the misleading blurb.
**This ARC was provided to me by Random House Children's via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I am not sure where to begin when explaining how much I did not like 'The Whole Thing Together'. Do I start with the racism, sexism, or the overall confusing nature of this book?
Racism - There is an undercurrent (and sometimes it slaps you in the face) of a negative attitude towards people of Indian origin or background. The father, Robert, was born in India and was adopted by a caucasian Canadian family and completely avoids, ignores, and hates his Indian roots. There are also a few comments made about people potentially not liking some of the characters because of their brown skin. There is no other dialogue referring to this line of thinking as wrong or unacceptable. It is simply just stated and left there hanging. There is also a tendency towards Indian stereotypes (the Indian cab driver) that left a bad taste in my mouth.
Sexism - During one of Ray's inner monologues, he is watching Sasha make her way through a party with her friend. The friend is tall, thin, and scantily-clad, while Sasha is dressed modestly and "shuffles" along due to a foot problem she's had since childhood. The boys at the party all stared at Sasha's friend because only someone as "deep" as Ray could see the beauty in Sasha. Ray's relationship with his non-girlfriend, Violet, is another example of Ray's misogynistic attitude toward women. He does not particularly like her but sees that she is willing to "hook up" with him and so he uses her for that because, well why not? He also lies to his friends about having lost his virginity to Violet. His reasoning is that she has already done so, so what would it hurt putting it out there that he has also had sex with her?
Confusing Nature - The description of the book makes it seem as though we are following the two star-crossed non-siblings, Ray and Sasha. That is true, however, we are also privy to the inner workings of their three other siblings. Then add in 4 parents, a mystery man from their past, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, and 2 other half-siblings on only one side....yes, you can see why it is difficult to follow along. I found myself frequently referring to the family tree provided in the beginning of the book to remind myself who each character was in relation to each other. The fact that the story is told from a third person perspective without solid transitions also makes it very hard to follow when one character "leaves" and the next character "enters".
Aside from all of that, my personal opinion is that I find it hard to read books where the majority of the book is the inner monologue of the characters thinking about their life, their situation, their feelings, their family, etc. The majority of this book was not explaining what was actually happening in the story or the interactions of the characters, but a constant dribble (yes, dribble) of thoughts and emotions.
I found it hard to even try to finish this book. I would not recommend this to anyone - YA fan or otherwise.
I am not sure where to begin when explaining how much I did not like 'The Whole Thing Together'. Do I start with the racism, sexism, or the overall confusing nature of this book?
Racism - There is an undercurrent (and sometimes it slaps you in the face) of a negative attitude towards people of Indian origin or background. The father, Robert, was born in India and was adopted by a caucasian Canadian family and completely avoids, ignores, and hates his Indian roots. There are also a few comments made about people potentially not liking some of the characters because of their brown skin. There is no other dialogue referring to this line of thinking as wrong or unacceptable. It is simply just stated and left there hanging. There is also a tendency towards Indian stereotypes (the Indian cab driver) that left a bad taste in my mouth.
Sexism - During one of Ray's inner monologues, he is watching Sasha make her way through a party with her friend. The friend is tall, thin, and scantily-clad, while Sasha is dressed modestly and "shuffles" along due to a foot problem she's had since childhood. The boys at the party all stared at Sasha's friend because only someone as "deep" as Ray could see the beauty in Sasha. Ray's relationship with his non-girlfriend, Violet, is another example of Ray's misogynistic attitude toward women. He does not particularly like her but sees that she is willing to "hook up" with him and so he uses her for that because, well why not? He also lies to his friends about having lost his virginity to Violet. His reasoning is that she has already done so, so what would it hurt putting it out there that he has also had sex with her?
Confusing Nature - The description of the book makes it seem as though we are following the two star-crossed non-siblings, Ray and Sasha. That is true, however, we are also privy to the inner workings of their three other siblings. Then add in 4 parents, a mystery man from their past, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, and 2 other half-siblings on only one side....yes, you can see why it is difficult to follow along. I found myself frequently referring to the family tree provided in the beginning of the book to remind myself who each character was in relation to each other. The fact that the story is told from a third person perspective without solid transitions also makes it very hard to follow when one character "leaves" and the next character "enters".
Aside from all of that, my personal opinion is that I find it hard to read books where the majority of the book is the inner monologue of the characters thinking about their life, their situation, their feelings, their family, etc. The majority of this book was not explaining what was actually happening in the story or the interactions of the characters, but a constant dribble (yes, dribble) of thoughts and emotions.
I found it hard to even try to finish this book. I would not recommend this to anyone - YA fan or otherwise.
Wow I am very surprised this book has such a low rating, I'm guessing people went in with expectations that were not met...
This is not a fun, fluffy, beach read like this authors well known series... i'm actually not even sure if I would classify it as young adult, it is probably more family fiction... The book is about two families that are sharing the same beach house... Lila and Richard were married and had three daughters and a very ugly divorce... as a result of this they share a beach house... Sasha and Ray share three big sisters, The same room at the beach house, and a job, but have no biological connection... this was definitely a character driven book, with very well-developed characters, all living a very dysfunctional existence, But aren't we all... it really was a story about what can happen when you don't learn to let go, when you don't learn to forgive, when you don't learn to forget... so while this book was not light and fluffy and nobody was sharing pants, it really was a fabulous book with a lot of depth and character...
This is not a fun, fluffy, beach read like this authors well known series... i'm actually not even sure if I would classify it as young adult, it is probably more family fiction... The book is about two families that are sharing the same beach house... Lila and Richard were married and had three daughters and a very ugly divorce... as a result of this they share a beach house... Sasha and Ray share three big sisters, The same room at the beach house, and a job, but have no biological connection... this was definitely a character driven book, with very well-developed characters, all living a very dysfunctional existence, But aren't we all... it really was a story about what can happen when you don't learn to let go, when you don't learn to forgive, when you don't learn to forget... so while this book was not light and fluffy and nobody was sharing pants, it really was a fabulous book with a lot of depth and character...