You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
A really interesting reading experience. The range of reviews speaks to the natural of the book — Ben didn’t write this to offer comfort or consistency to the reader and yet it lends an intimate view on what it is to be human — to want, to be selfish, to love, to observe. I think there is something deeply personal and special about this book.
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Skimmed through this book for grad school. Very odd book with an odd storyline and oddly executed. Couldn’t get through it
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I can confidently say maybe I just didn’t get this book. The first two-thirds is a metatextual exploration of time, 30-something romantic relationships and the contemporary New York art scene. It evokes the same feelings as movies like Adaptation where the subject matter is the inception of itself and the circumstances under which the writing came into existence. The last one-third is a relatively straightforward first person narrative.
The author is no doubt a talented writer. There is a passage that describes how the protagonist’s interest in writing was sparked by the Challenger space shuttle disaster which is soon followed by a dinner scene which was one of the best things I’ve read this year. But there are also some humdrum sections that don’t seem pertinent to anything else in the book and this is where I say maybe it just went over my head. I wish there was just a little bit more service to the characters’ emotions and a little bit less observational inner dialogue.
The author is no doubt a talented writer. There is a passage that describes how the protagonist’s interest in writing was sparked by the Challenger space shuttle disaster which is soon followed by a dinner scene which was one of the best things I’ve read this year. But there are also some humdrum sections that don’t seem pertinent to anything else in the book and this is where I say maybe it just went over my head. I wish there was just a little bit more service to the characters’ emotions and a little bit less observational inner dialogue.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very unusual but wonderful little book. Maybe one I’ll need to reread. Captures the vibes in 2025 perhaps even better than when it was written.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Far better than you'd think when I describe it as the ramblings of a self important New Yorker examining the authenticity of his life.
There are some fantastic pieces of prose scattered throughout the book, and unexpectedly coming across these should keep you reading.
There are some fantastic pieces of prose scattered throughout the book, and unexpectedly coming across these should keep you reading.
Worthwhile read to get the brain going about the roles of fiction, memory, and art but not sure I actually enjoyed reading most of it
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book. It doesn't have so much of an overall plot, but it more a series of vignettes, and some of them really stuck with me. The main theme is about how sometimes a small change of perception can completely change the meaning of a situation, which was interesting to think about.