Scan barcode
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
5.0
Most people think Ann McMan is great at writing humor but, for me, her biggest strength is the way she strips characters bare and exposes their souls. That's what I love about Backcast the most.
I wrote a longer review on my site (C-Spot Reviews) but it pretty much says what I wrote above.
(I went 4.5 on Booklikes but rounded up here)
I wrote a longer review on my site (C-Spot Reviews) but it pretty much says what I wrote above.
(I went 4.5 on Booklikes but rounded up here)
mxlakritz's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.25
gayle_m24's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! I usually read romances but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had me laughing too many times to count. Very touching and deep. I am so glad I decided to enjoy this one. I will defiantly be reading more by Ann McMan.
vic_the_postie's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? No
3.75
pandon's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished this book and I really enjoyed it. I had a hard time figuring out all the characters and now that I know who wrote which essay I have to go back and read them all. So...I’ll update this review then.
kimily's review against another edition
5.0
Not many authors can get away with making a fish a primary character in their book, but Ann McMan pulls it off nicely. That might be my new standard for books: "Does it have a talking fish?" There are so many characters in Backcast, possibly the most I've ever encountered in a lesfic. The story is well-written, and the primary characters are fleshed out. My favorite part of the book, however, is the essays. There are 13 essays through the course of the story, and the reader doesn't know for sure until the end which character wrote which essay. I loved it! When I got to the end, and there was the "table of contents" for the anthology, I went back and reminded myself which essay was which, and tallied up my score. I had 6 right. I liked all the characters except Mavis; she lived on my last nerve, with her harsh attitude and snap judgments. Otherwise this is a great book. In a previous review, I stated that Hoosier Daddy was my favorite Ann McMan book, but Backcast has pushed its way to the front of the pack.
elvang's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the essays written by the thirteen participants of the art installation and enjoyed trying to match the characters at the retreat with their back stories. I will reread this novel again just to see if I have any better success. I also enjoyed and appreciated the inclusion and representation of many facets of the LGBTQ spectrum.
What didn't work for me was the slapstick comedy, the predictable stereotypical lesbian humour, and the familiarity between such a large cast of characters.
There is nothing wrong with humour in a good story. I loved all the scenes involving Quinn, Montana , Junior and their "bass boat". Quinn's voyage of discovery was a highlight for me. The many conversations and silly debates between characters at the retreat detracted from what could have been a powerful book about the lives and resiliency of the women involved.
What didn't work for me was the slapstick comedy, the predictable stereotypical lesbian humour, and the familiarity between such a large cast of characters.
There is nothing wrong with humour in a good story. I loved all the scenes involving Quinn, Montana , Junior and their "bass boat". Quinn's voyage of discovery was a highlight for me. The many conversations and silly debates between characters at the retreat detracted from what could have been a powerful book about the lives and resiliency of the women involved.
finallyfinnian's review against another edition
5.0
This book is incredibly well-written. The characters and their odd relationship dynamics may seem strange to some, but having been in large lesbian circles, they seem real and messy and awkward and beautiful to me. This book has a fish as a character and yes, Phoebe is believable, and no, I don't think any author but Ann McMan could have pulled off something so weird without it being... you know... weird. The interspersed essays are brilliant. This book needs more than one read, but you won't mind. Read it once just for the enjoyment and then a second time to chew on it, to figure out things you missed in the first reading.
More...