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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook performed by Kimberly Farr
3.5***
The novel follows Willa Drake, her hopes, dreams, disappointments and joys – over 5 decades, from 1967 when she’s a schoolgirl trying to cope with a missing mom, to 2017, when she’s longing to become a grandmother and not sure she ever will be.
I like the way that Tyler explores the everyday drama of life. Not much happens – as far as a plot to carry the reader along – and yet much happens in terms of the character’s life. I don’t always relate to Tyler’s characters, and certainly there are many incidents in Willa’s life that I haven’t shared, but I often feel that I know these people; I recognize the scenarios among my friends and acquaintances if not in my own experience.
Willa frustrated me for much of this book. She was so passive that I wanted to shake her, although always a good person, kind-hearted and generous, obedient and responsible. Perhaps her role is life IS to be the “giver” but she needs to make that decision for herself, rather than just accept it. Ultimately, she understands much more about the situations she finds herself in than most people give her credit for. She is a confidante to those who need to confess, and she remains calm in a crisis. As wonderful as it is for those around her (for any of us) to have a Willa in their lives, I am pleased that she finally seems to be looking at what SHE needs, wants, desires from her life, and beginning to dare to assert herself.
Kimberly Farr does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobook. She set a good pace and had the skill to different the many characters.
3.5***
The novel follows Willa Drake, her hopes, dreams, disappointments and joys – over 5 decades, from 1967 when she’s a schoolgirl trying to cope with a missing mom, to 2017, when she’s longing to become a grandmother and not sure she ever will be.
I like the way that Tyler explores the everyday drama of life. Not much happens – as far as a plot to carry the reader along – and yet much happens in terms of the character’s life. I don’t always relate to Tyler’s characters, and certainly there are many incidents in Willa’s life that I haven’t shared, but I often feel that I know these people; I recognize the scenarios among my friends and acquaintances if not in my own experience.
Willa frustrated me for much of this book. She was so passive that I wanted to shake her, although always a good person, kind-hearted and generous, obedient and responsible. Perhaps her role is life IS to be the “giver” but she needs to make that decision for herself, rather than just accept it. Ultimately, she understands much more about the situations she finds herself in than most people give her credit for. She is a confidante to those who need to confess, and she remains calm in a crisis. As wonderful as it is for those around her (for any of us) to have a Willa in their lives, I am pleased that she finally seems to be looking at what SHE needs, wants, desires from her life, and beginning to dare to assert herself.
Kimberly Farr does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobook. She set a good pace and had the skill to different the many characters.
northerly_heart_reads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
megan_martha_reads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cptang's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
bofstedal's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
myriadreads's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! The story eased into thoughts, so that I found myself wondering about the characters, and guessing what might happen at the end, but it was a gentle suspense. I wanted to savor this book, take my time reaching the end. The main character was savoring her experience, too, so it may be a sign of a truly excellent writer that I did the same as I read. Like the best books, I've found myself considering my life as I read, and taking an inventory of what is meaningful to me. 4 rather than 5 because I would have liked one more chapter, just a little more of a fade out at the end, but I so look forward to reading more of Tyler's work.
vegprincess's review against another edition
3.0
Clock Dance was more on the side of a “fluff” read but I still enjoyed it. Sometimes it’s nice to read books that are a little lighter because I do tend to read heavy, dark books. Another bonus of this book is that I was able to read it fairly quickly.
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
5.0
Anne Tyler only gets better with age. "Clock Dance" has a very funny little edge--her observation of Willa's husbands will make you laugh out loud--and the crowd of oddball, fallible, appealing characters are what we love about her writing.
Willa and her second husband Peter have retired to Tucson, a place Willa never imagined living. She gets a call from a woman in Baltimore saying that she has to come right away to take care of her son's ex-girlfriend's daughter--the ex-girlfriend has been shot and Willa better get there right away. Where did the neighbor get her number? It was on the wall, or on a piece of paper, the neighbor says, as if this is where all phone numbers are.
Willa wants to go, and her husband insists on coming too (and, of course, pouts and grumps the entire trip) and Willa enters Anne Tyler world; a weedy neighborhood of diverse neighbors, people who are interested in each other and everybody watches a show called Space Junk. There's a hunky neighbor called Sir Joe, and his teen relative Erland who has "whole slinky toys" of curly hair.
You'll have to read it to find out what the clock dance is. Such a lovely book, satisfying and fun, that makes you think about your life.
Willa and her second husband Peter have retired to Tucson, a place Willa never imagined living. She gets a call from a woman in Baltimore saying that she has to come right away to take care of her son's ex-girlfriend's daughter--the ex-girlfriend has been shot and Willa better get there right away. Where did the neighbor get her number? It was on the wall, or on a piece of paper, the neighbor says, as if this is where all phone numbers are.
Willa wants to go, and her husband insists on coming too (and, of course, pouts and grumps the entire trip) and Willa enters Anne Tyler world; a weedy neighborhood of diverse neighbors, people who are interested in each other and everybody watches a show called Space Junk. There's a hunky neighbor called Sir Joe, and his teen relative Erland who has "whole slinky toys" of curly hair.
You'll have to read it to find out what the clock dance is. Such a lovely book, satisfying and fun, that makes you think about your life.