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micareads123's review
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The opening story of Grandview Drive introduces readers to the event around which all subsequent stories revolve: a car crash on the titular thoroughfare. The victim of the crash, Earl, is a man consumed by his own loneliness. He enjoys looking into the homes on Grandview, imagining the perfect lives of their residents, until his life comes to an abrupt end.
Readers then similarly glimpse into the windows of these houses, getting intimate and human snapshots of the lives of those affected by the crash. The stories of this collection unfold out of time and in silos but are woven together by an overarching theme of loneliness and a search for connection.
The author invites readers to consider the ways in which we, as humans, impact each other and how our everyday actions can influence the lives of those around us. While dark themes of loneliness, suicide, depression and murder are present throughout (check content warnings), there is also hope on these pages. There is a reminder that connection can sneak up on us when and where we least expect it.
Grandview Drive is an excellent debut with a wealth of nuance in its characters and depth of emotion in its themes. It is a prime example of literary fiction, unassumingly inviting readers to contemplate the big picture of society and challenging the promise of appearances.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Car accident, Death, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Drug use
lidoffadaffodil's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sittingwishingreading's review
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
2.5
spinesinaline's review
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Car accident, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use
tinamayreads's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Drug use
polo's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
So, I'm genuinely impressed. I picked this up because I watch the author on tiktok and he's very smart, insightful, and genuine. I didn't expect to love the book as much as I did. The writing is beautiful and painful, and the depictions of so many types of people are just... chef's kiss. Lovely. Pristine. I'm in awe.
masscrafter's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Drug use, Suicide attempt, Car accident, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Suicide
cfids's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
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