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nat3780's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tremayna's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
tomikorobson's review
4.0
What a great read! It was fun, it was touching, it was hilarious and poignant and it pulled me along, reading far longer and later than I should have.
kim_mcdougall's review
5.0
Loved this story. Filled with quirky real-life characters. It was wonderful to watch the transformation of Alex from a shy misfit to a guy full of life.
msvenner's review
4.0
I love all Fallis novels. None have come near touching the genius that was Allistor McClintock of Best Laid Plans but they are still funny, engaging reads. I think I liked this book more than is last few. Fallis has a talent for taking current issues and using them to spin a very good tale. I may need to reread some Fallis this summer.
siobhanward's review
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Terry Fallis is an always-read author for me - I've yet to read anything from him that hasn't been a 4-5* book and this one continues the trend. I'm definitely biased because I love a book that's set at home, and Fallis writes Ottawa like he knows it well (other than a very small misunderstanding of how landlord tenant law works in terms of leases in Ontario, but that's such a small nitpicky detail that I can't complain).
This was a fun read - like most of Fallis' work, it's so wildly over the top that it toes the line of unbelievable, but it's such a fun read that you're willing to suspend your disbelief. My only major gripe with this one is the Gabriel plotline - I just kind of thought it was a really intense reveal that didn't really match the rest of the plot. I don't think it matched the lighthearted tone of the rest of the book at all and came across as really jarring.
Anyway, that alone was not enough to turn the book bad or anything, it just didn't stand out in a positive way, if that makes sense. This was still a fun read and as always, I'm excited to read more from Fallis.
This was a fun read - like most of Fallis' work, it's so wildly over the top that it toes the line of unbelievable, but it's such a fun read that you're willing to suspend your disbelief. My only major gripe with this one is the Gabriel plotline - I just kind of thought it was a really intense reveal that didn't really match the rest of the plot. I don't think it matched the lighthearted tone of the rest of the book at all and came across as really jarring.
Anyway, that alone was not enough to turn the book bad or anything, it just didn't stand out in a positive way, if that makes sense. This was still a fun read and as always, I'm excited to read more from Fallis.
indydriven's review
4.0
I received a copy of this book from Penguin Randomhouse Canada at my request in exchange for an honest review. I have read all of Terry Fallis’ previous books and my by-far the favorite is The Best Laid Plans so I was a little nervous about this book since I had specifically requested a copy for review purposes.
My fears were unfounded. My favorite book by the author remains The Best Laid Plans but this comes a very close second.
The book begins with the reader being introduced to Alex MacAskill and his mother, who is dying. Alex’s days consist of going to work (he is a computer coder working in Ottawa, Ontario), coming home and relieving the home care assistant and then spending the rest of the evening caring for his mother. He is fine with this existence as he has been “in hiding” since an incident in high school (posted on Youtube for the world to see) changed his life to the point where he is almost a hermit. He likes his job but the humiliating incident in high school continues to rule his life.
Within the first few pages of the novel, Alex’s mother passes away and he discovers evidence that he has a twin brother that he never knew about. The book can be summed up as Alex’s journey to find his brother, his father and himself.
Terry Fallis is very good at character development and this book shines with likeable characters. While the plot may at times be a bit predictable, I was happy to go along for the ride because I was invested in the characters and wanted to see how things all worked out for them at the end (which is tied up in a nice bow).
This is a fairly quick read and is definitely worth the time and effort.
My fears were unfounded. My favorite book by the author remains The Best Laid Plans but this comes a very close second.
The book begins with the reader being introduced to Alex MacAskill and his mother, who is dying. Alex’s days consist of going to work (he is a computer coder working in Ottawa, Ontario), coming home and relieving the home care assistant and then spending the rest of the evening caring for his mother. He is fine with this existence as he has been “in hiding” since an incident in high school (posted on Youtube for the world to see) changed his life to the point where he is almost a hermit. He likes his job but the humiliating incident in high school continues to rule his life.
Within the first few pages of the novel, Alex’s mother passes away and he discovers evidence that he has a twin brother that he never knew about. The book can be summed up as Alex’s journey to find his brother, his father and himself.
Terry Fallis is very good at character development and this book shines with likeable characters. While the plot may at times be a bit predictable, I was happy to go along for the ride because I was invested in the characters and wanted to see how things all worked out for them at the end (which is tied up in a nice bow).
This is a fairly quick read and is definitely worth the time and effort.
arieanna's review
5.0
The same nuanced wit and character depth I've come to love in all Terry's books. A true pleasure to read. Love the story!