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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Whoa. Holy brilliance. This book is just a head shaker of brilliance. Really challenges the reader. My head hurts. Astonished at how she wrote this. Probably need to read again - and reread the goon squad- but can’t afford the time and concentration!
4.5 stars.
Admittedly, I had a hard time getting into this book at first. It took 2 or 3 chapters before I realized that all of the characters were connected in some way. It became a fascinating read about technology and authenticity. What wonderfully intricate writing. Definitely made me think!
Admittedly, I had a hard time getting into this book at first. It took 2 or 3 chapters before I realized that all of the characters were connected in some way. It became a fascinating read about technology and authenticity. What wonderfully intricate writing. Definitely made me think!
I enjoyed reading it, I liked some of the experimental narrative things she did, and it swept me along well enough. But I’ve learned I do not love books with so many characters and narrators. I have to read a book like this quickly or I can’t keep a grasp on all the threads. At the same time, I totally appreciate the skill it takes to weave a bunch of stories together like this, and write through so many voices and still have it be cohesive. I read goon squad too long ago to enjoy the connections to that book, except that I recalled some of the names and vaguely remembered their involvement in the music industry, but that was about it. i could see it being more satisfying if you could enjoy all the connections to that book as well.
I found this story very satisfying. Yes, lots of characters to keep track of, and it takes awhile to absorb how they connect, but I tried to not focus on that and just read each story for itself. I found myself laughing and creeped out and inspired and ready to delete my social media accounts.
Some favorite lines and ideas:
I see now the place I've been yearning for is my own imagination.
This whole experience has helped me finalize my dissertation: authenticity as problematized by digital experience.
Maybe not-writing is what's draining you. Maybe you've severed your energy source.
Finish your book! Here was his father's parting gift: a galaxy of human lives hurtling toward his curiosity.
Knowing everything is too much like knowing nothing; without a story, it's all just information.
Only Gregory Bouton (the breast-feeding kid all grown up)'s machine--this one, fiction--let's us roam with absolute freedom through the human collective.
Some favorite lines and ideas:
I see now the place I've been yearning for is my own imagination.
This whole experience has helped me finalize my dissertation: authenticity as problematized by digital experience.
Maybe not-writing is what's draining you. Maybe you've severed your energy source.
Finish your book! Here was his father's parting gift: a galaxy of human lives hurtling toward his curiosity.
Knowing everything is too much like knowing nothing; without a story, it's all just information.
Only Gregory Bouton (the breast-feeding kid all grown up)'s machine--this one, fiction--let's us roam with absolute freedom through the human collective.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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:
Complicated
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
The book felt very disjointed. I was excited for the story about the tech and how it affects people, life, and hiw we interact. In the end, it feels like the author was trying to put too much in the book and ended up with a series of vignettes that don't ever reach a cresendo.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
I love Jennifer Egan. This is a sequel to A Visit From the Goon Squad (wonderful book) though you don't necessarily have to read them in order and you should definitely space them out, so you don't get tired of the vignette style of reading.
Fun and creative and so well written. Recommend.
Fun and creative and so well written. Recommend.