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alibi313's review against another edition
4.0
Not my usual type of book, but picked it up for its Eau Claire area setting, just down the road from where I grew up. Really evocative of that particular area of Wisconsin, with a bonus point for the offhand shout-out to my tiny hometown (pop: 1,635). Beautifully written and well-narrated.
jeffknerr's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
melissa_bee's review against another edition
4.0
This novel unfolds like a sweet vidalia onion, jumping between a cast of characters and back and forth in time, gradually revealing its secrets just as the Northerner does: politely, but slowly. It is generous to its characters, instead of condemning them to criticism or ridicule as seems to be the fashion among a certain brand of literary fiction. Some critics have pointed out that this can at times leave the narrative saccharine-sweet, especially in the voice of Lee, a poetic singer-songwriter loosely inspired by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver fame, and indeed the novel is as the title implies a love letter (or possibly a mix tape?) to the American North; but since so few authors have written about the region with such warmth and familiarity I consider that a positive rather than a negative. If, as I did, you grew up or spent summers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Northern Illinois, then you will instantly recognize the townspeople of Little Wing, WI. The author's keen eye for the details of small-town life and the time allowed for each character's individual voice to emerge makes for a complex and entertaining cast of characters. So many recent novels feature protagonists that are one-dimensionally unlikeable; this novel does not make the mistake of painting any one character as a villain, but acknowledges the plurality of motivations and misapprehensions that lead to mistakes and conflict. The theme of the dehumanizing affect of a society obsessed with celebrity and the importance of letting our heroes be imperfect people is important, though not uncharted, territory; what may be is the warm, subtle humor and patience with which Butler explores it.
natgue1992's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
leeleew's review against another edition
4.0
This is the book I chose to take on vacation with me to read at the beach. I'm glad I did. I really liked it! Could be because I can relate being from a small Georgia town. I hope to see future books from Nickolas Butler.
amymck05's review against another edition
5.0
If you grew up in a small Midwestern town, this story will have some meaning to you. A good winter break read!
iamericat22's review against another edition
4.0
This one took a long time to get through. This was not because it was a bad read, but rather it was one that I listened to via audio book on my daily commute. Yet, this story is perfect for car stereo and views of the open road. "Shotgun Lovesongs" details the story of a small town and the tight knit group that belongs to it. There is a loose character based on the musician Bon Iver in the form of the fictional character of Leeland, which may mean more to true fans than it did to me.
As it is, the novel is a solid work. The characters are vivid and lovable, even with all of their faults on display. The ending felt a bit cobbled together, but the story probably could have gone on forever, so it's as good an ending as any. I recommend the audio book for the variety in voice actors you get that bring the story more to life.
#4StarRead
As it is, the novel is a solid work. The characters are vivid and lovable, even with all of their faults on display. The ending felt a bit cobbled together, but the story probably could have gone on forever, so it's as good an ending as any. I recommend the audio book for the variety in voice actors you get that bring the story more to life.
#4StarRead
smrankin5's review against another edition
3.0
If I could give 1/2 stars this would be 3 1/2.
Pretty solid story told from multiple perspectives
Pretty solid story told from multiple perspectives
mmchampion's review against another edition
3.0
A cute book about a group of close friends in a small town in Wisconsin. It's told from multiple perspectives, and I found myself really liking each one. A pretty easy, quick read.
geirertzgaard's review against another edition
4.0
En forferdelig dårlig og oppslukende bok på en og samme tid. Tror ikke på noe av det som står der og tenker den er skrevet for å bli serie på Netflix eller HBO. MEN DU VERDEN SÅ FENGENDE!