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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
fast-paced
I've read quite a few other books set in Hollywood, and despite being from 1939, it's pretty much the same story, chronicling the various characters' sad and inane lives. It wasn't particularly different than other books I've read, but maybe it was one of the firsts of its type. Entertaining enough, and definitely a fast read.
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A plague book club pick that isn't explicitly to do with plagues but certainly tied in with our previous book on avian flu. That cockfight scene! Ack! Disconcerting to see much of the same imagery from The Fatal Strain again here. Ick ick ick.
But I suggested this book because of a mention in an article on fire, something on all our minds lately: https://longreads.com/2018/12/04/the-case-for-letting-malibu-burn/
Did I like it? I'm not even sure. I listened to it twice, the first time letting the words flow over me like a fever dream, the second time with much more focus. It's something that holds my attention since I was so willing to revisit it immediately, but it's mostly rather unpleasant. But is that bad? No, it's beautiful written, utterly pessimistic, and good to read during intense moments of nihilism. Give it a go, now is definitely the time.
But I suggested this book because of a mention in an article on fire, something on all our minds lately: https://longreads.com/2018/12/04/the-case-for-letting-malibu-burn/
Did I like it? I'm not even sure. I listened to it twice, the first time letting the words flow over me like a fever dream, the second time with much more focus. It's something that holds my attention since I was so willing to revisit it immediately, but it's mostly rather unpleasant. But is that bad? No, it's beautiful written, utterly pessimistic, and good to read during intense moments of nihilism. Give it a go, now is definitely the time.
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
fast-paced
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my favorite book ever a little too slow for my pace and the characters were hard to enjoy (I know that’s part of what the author intended) but still makes it hard to read. The whole depiction and idea of California is still relatable today
challenging
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I hadn't heard of this book before so didn't really have any expectations. West's story is corrupted, incoherent and emotional at times, and a really great example of how unlikeable characters can form a good book. It feels like a classic, but I honestly feel like I need time to sit with the story and process what I read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Alcohol
reflective
medium-paced