Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
I just couldn’t get into it! It is so long, and still felt like nothing had happened at 40%.
This book was a novel of contradictions to me. It was rambling and not chronological but also had a beautiful symmetry to it. It said a whole lot about various topics that seemed unnecessary but then it all felt essential to convey. Basically: I don’t totally know how I feel about this book but I think I liked it?
reflective
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a phenomenal read, wow. On the surface, Wellness is a tale of a troubled marriage (and yes, there were times I found it frustratingly dark and depressing). But beneath it all, it’s a deeply layered exploration of how the stories we tell about ourselves, our relationships, and the world shape everything from our past to our future.
It delves into the endless human capacity (and compulsion) to make meaning, our obsession with self-improvement, and the countless ways unresolved pasts quietly tangle up our present lives. The prose is gorgeous. It’s thoughtful without being showy. The social commentary is sharp and insightful, but it never slips into cynicism. I can’t believe I waited this long to pick up this book. But I am so very glad I finally did. This is a classic I will gladly return to again and again.
It delves into the endless human capacity (and compulsion) to make meaning, our obsession with self-improvement, and the countless ways unresolved pasts quietly tangle up our present lives. The prose is gorgeous. It’s thoughtful without being showy. The social commentary is sharp and insightful, but it never slips into cynicism. I can’t believe I waited this long to pick up this book. But I am so very glad I finally did. This is a classic I will gladly return to again and again.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Too detailed for someone like me with no imagination. I get lost in descriptive paragraphs and end up glazing over.. so the book felt about 200 pages too long, especially for the ending that we get. Genuinely felt like a long walk for barely any payoff. Still, an interesting read that I don't regret.. just wish I didn't feel lost at some points.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Classism