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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
A trip through what felt like fever dreams - but maybe memories? Not sure what to think…but maybe that’s the point
This book.......this book really truly made me stop and think. In a word dominated by social media, and false online presence, reading through a novel obsessed with the reality of human experience really resonated with me. Several times throughout the book I had to put it down, stare off into space, and think. Just sit and think. Contemplate my existence and ruminate on how we all fit together. I wasn't expecting to have this experience.
At first it was hard to keep track of multiple perspectives. But I truly appreciated how different each one was from the other. Each character was very distinct. They had their own way of thinking, expressing themselves, using language,...I could go on. As a first-time reader of Jennifer Egan, I was very impressed with how she was able to keep all the characters distinct, but also enmeshed in each others lives. I'll definitely be picking up the next book she delivers.
At first it was hard to keep track of multiple perspectives. But I truly appreciated how different each one was from the other. Each character was very distinct. They had their own way of thinking, expressing themselves, using language,...I could go on. As a first-time reader of Jennifer Egan, I was very impressed with how she was able to keep all the characters distinct, but also enmeshed in each others lives. I'll definitely be picking up the next book she delivers.
Egan has such a skill for making each section and narrator sound distinct and feel refreshing- there are so many genres and books within this book- but the overall arch and themes (even though they center around technology!) felt distant and dated to me.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
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:
Complicated
Highly recommend that you read without any interruptions since the characters go across multiple storylines and can be hard to track. Overall a compelling read.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Meh. The concept was interesting but the methods used to illustrate it albeit unconventional did not keep me wanting to figure out the story.
I did not do this justice. I was only reading it at night before bed and kept losing the thread because I'd fall asleep and forget what was happening. I couldn't remember who all the characters were and what time we were in. But if I had a different reading experience, dare I say I might have Loved this?
I put this in the same category as Olive Kitteridge in that it more feels like a lot of connected short stories than a novel, especially given all the different writing styles at play from chapter to chapter.
But it hit some of my favorite themes - memory, modern technology, complicated and nuanced relationships...
Maybe I'll reread someday to give it the attention it deserved.
I put this in the same category as Olive Kitteridge in that it more feels like a lot of connected short stories than a novel, especially given all the different writing styles at play from chapter to chapter.
But it hit some of my favorite themes - memory, modern technology, complicated and nuanced relationships...
Maybe I'll reread someday to give it the attention it deserved.