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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I liked this almost as much as Freedom; although, I didn't particularly like the ending. My favorite parts were the Denise parts. Least favorite were some of the Chip parts. I also would have liked more development of Enid. Overall though, a good read.
funny
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:
Yes
would die for enid
This was ok, not bad, not great. Maybe it just wasn't my thing.
It took a while for me to get into this book, but once I did I liked it a lot. I've heard complaints that the characters are too unlikable to be sympathetic. I can see that. Although I don't think it's that big of a problem. In these less-than-admirable characters, it's not hard to see bad decisions and poor social interactions I've been at the center of. While I wouldn't say I relate to any of the characters, they definitely make me think about relationships and motivations I've had that maybe weren't the most healthy.
On an entertainment level, it was fun just to see where the story was going to go. It had some absurd situations but never seemed absurd. It also felt like there would be a real benefit to rereading this somewhere down the line. There were a lot of allusions and callbacks and references that were interesting when you spotted them, and they gave the themes a much broader scope because they applied to so many situations. The obvious example is the corrections themselves. They are everywhere. Chip's constant rewrites, the pharmaceutical personality "corrections." Gary modifying his behavior for a quiet home life. Alfred's career correcting train lines. It's really full of that kind of stuff. And it's interesting to connect all those dots.
On an entertainment level, it was fun just to see where the story was going to go. It had some absurd situations but never seemed absurd. It also felt like there would be a real benefit to rereading this somewhere down the line. There were a lot of allusions and callbacks and references that were interesting when you spotted them, and they gave the themes a much broader scope because they applied to so many situations. The obvious example is the corrections themselves. They are everywhere. Chip's constant rewrites, the pharmaceutical personality "corrections." Gary modifying his behavior for a quiet home life. Alfred's career correcting train lines. It's really full of that kind of stuff. And it's interesting to connect all those dots.
I attempted to read this no less than three times. I could never force myself any further than about half way before I could no longer take it. Possible the most dull book I have tried to read.
3.5 Stars
At times, I really enjoyed this book and times it was a bit of drag tbh. Found some of plot lines frustrating but really enjoyed the relationships between the family and how the dynamics played out across the novel.
At times, I really enjoyed this book and times it was a bit of drag tbh. Found some of plot lines frustrating but really enjoyed the relationships between the family and how the dynamics played out across the novel.
There’s much more than humor here, but the first third may have been the funniest book I’ve ever read. I truly enjoyed this front to back, even if the characters are more ‘mess’ than ‘lovable mess’.
A breezeblock of a novel, but not nearly as intimidating as that sounds. In fact, though the narrative is expectedly complex, overall it's actually very accessible and inviting to the most casual reader.
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes