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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Alcohol
I loved this story about Merit and Jane living their truths. I also think it needs to be a must-read/listen for husbands who get too comfortable in a situation. While not the key to the book, it’s still an important call-out of the importance of any partner to appreciate and truly be with their significant other. I enjoyed it! I listened via Audible and the narrator was great
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In short -the writing was good, the story line a bit cliche, the main character insufferable.
This was fantastic.
I was surprised to see the author was a lawyer and successful businesswoman and then randomly writes this amazing novel. I did some more googling and read every article I could find on her. It turns out the book was largely based on her own life. I’m always a little disappointed when I find out an amazing first book is mostly based on the author’s life because it makes me think it might be less likely a second stellar book is coming from them but I could be proven wrong. It’s also interesting she says the character Jane wasn’t based on anyone in her real life. That’s hard for me to believe since she did such an amazing job writing their platonic turned romantic relationship so believably but maybe she’s just good at everything??
I was surprised to see the author was a lawyer and successful businesswoman and then randomly writes this amazing novel. I did some more googling and read every article I could find on her. It turns out the book was largely based on her own life. I’m always a little disappointed when I find out an amazing first book is mostly based on the author’s life because it makes me think it might be less likely a second stellar book is coming from them but I could be proven wrong. It’s also interesting she says the character Jane wasn’t based on anyone in her real life. That’s hard for me to believe since she did such an amazing job writing their platonic turned romantic relationship so believably but maybe she’s just good at everything??
Pros: Loved Lauren McBrayer’s writing style - would definitely read another by her; architectural details added interesting elements to the story
Cons: I found Merit an unlikeable lead character - in a familiar middle-age dilemma, but without characteristics that warmed me to her. And the ending just did not do it for me. I appreciate a time jump but it felt like an ending made to shock, and for book club discussion. I would have appreciated even slightly more examination or explanation.
Cons: I found Merit an unlikeable lead character - in a familiar middle-age dilemma, but without characteristics that warmed me to her. And the ending just did not do it for me. I appreciate a time jump but it felt like an ending made to shock, and for book club discussion. I would have appreciated even slightly more examination or explanation.
Just wow! As a mid-30s mom who regularly feels like The President of Everything, I related so much to Merit as she navigated the ins and outs of daily life. The constant questioning — am I good enough, is this life good enough, am I okay with good enough? The friendship between Merit and Jane felt so authentic and deep, and I loved going on the ride with Merit. Lauren McBrayer has written a truly beautiful coming-of-age novel for those of us who took a little longer to discover and accept our true selves. Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Potentially heading for the dnf pile. Interesting concept but poor execution and overall just relatively poorly written. Plot feels like it takes abrupt 180 shifts but things also aren’t fleshed out? The dialogue is really immature? But it reads so fast it’s like you can’t tell you don’t like it.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes