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2.89 AVERAGE
2.89 AVERAGE
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I got to review this book for LJ and so glad! Loved it - interesting look at post 9/11 in NYC.
For about three-quarters of the book, I couldn't help but think of this book on the same level as the Gossip Girl franchise (which is not very high in my opinion). Danielle and Marina clearly embody elements of Serena and Blair from Gossip Girl and the other characters left much to be desired, though I would give a slight edge to the male characters (since they seemed less flat than their female counterparts).
The last quarter of the book redeemed everything somewhat, even though I knew what was coming. I gave it three stars for three reasons: 1) it did not put me to sleep or bore me; 2) the plot was effective, though not especially amazing; 3) with the exception of Danielle and Marina, the other characters had some level of depth to them that kept me invested and entertained. I contemplated giving it four stars but I could not get around the pretentious, flowery language. While I get that the language choice embodies aspects of the New York elite, it became mind-numbing at times, just as fellow Goodreads reviewers have noted. Needless to say, I expected a lot more, considering its accolades and praise as a New York Times best book of the year.
The last quarter of the book redeemed everything somewhat, even though I knew what was coming. I gave it three stars for three reasons: 1) it did not put me to sleep or bore me; 2) the plot was effective, though not especially amazing; 3) with the exception of Danielle and Marina, the other characters had some level of depth to them that kept me invested and entertained. I contemplated giving it four stars but I could not get around the pretentious, flowery language. While I get that the language choice embodies aspects of the New York elite, it became mind-numbing at times, just as fellow Goodreads reviewers have noted. Needless to say, I expected a lot more, considering its accolades and praise as a New York Times best book of the year.
This is NOT a good book. I can't understand how it got the NYT Award unless it's simply because the book is based in New York. That or the book reviewers were having an off week. Because the book is boring, not well written and the plot never follow through or comes to any fruition. And the characters are awful. The ones that have any hope ruin it for themselves.
Just pass over this one and read something else!
Just pass over this one and read something else!
Started and stopped, already feeling this book would be about maudlin Interesting People who never do or say anything interesting, except to themselves (in long, drawn-out, descriptive sentences that never seem to end) and while I love stories set in New York City, I don't think the characters or the writing is appealing enough to convince me to soldier on.
Characters were all so self absorbed and annoying. Couldn’t get through it.
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've had this book on my shelf for about a year now- was definitely looking forward to identifying with a cast of characters approaching their 30s in NYC....
This book was not what I though it would be. I did not enjoy the flow of the book and the interwoven characters each telling their own side of a story- where none of them ever discover the truths about their closest friends. I kept reading to discover when the connection would be made among friends and their would be positive, happy go lucky ending- however I was a dissatisfied reader.
I also felt the introductory chapter about a dinner party in Australia could have been skipped and Ludo introduced another way- did not hold much court in the later story.
This book was not what I though it would be. I did not enjoy the flow of the book and the interwoven characters each telling their own side of a story- where none of them ever discover the truths about their closest friends. I kept reading to discover when the connection would be made among friends and their would be positive, happy go lucky ending- however I was a dissatisfied reader.
I also felt the introductory chapter about a dinner party in Australia could have been skipped and Ludo introduced another way- did not hold much court in the later story.
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I haven't disliked a book this much in a long, long time.