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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Wow. Where do I even begin? What an intriguing book, especially with the divisiveness of politics right now, the age of #MeToo, and raising a child in a world much different than the one we grew up in. I really enjoyed the plot but I think I enjoyed the author's writing most. The only thing I didn't love as much was that it could drag on sometimes but it always picked back up.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A quick and clever novel the way the difficult questions raise by the me-too movement impact one family.
I loved how current and urgent this story felt while reading it. The division in our country is palpable in this story be it politically, amongst the genders, between the older and younger generations, the haves and have-nots, significant others, etc. The tension builds and builds until the crescendo that you were hoping would never come is upon you. It took my breath away when I realized what was going to happen. This is a great story to give people in other countries a taste of what it was like in The United States after 11/8/16 and it only got worse with the pandemic of 2020.
Thank you to Random House and Goodreads for providing me with a beautiful hardback copy.
Thank you to Random House and Goodreads for providing me with a beautiful hardback copy.
THE SMASH-UP by Ali Benjamin is a novel about a family living in small town America. The main character, Ethan, struggles to live his life when his former business partner faces MeToo allegations and his wife gets deep into political activism. I found the premise compelling and the family dynamics were very interesting to read. I couldn’t connect to Ethan at all especially when he entertained the idea of having an affair which seemed so cliche. His wife Zo was the more dynamic character. I liked the witty writing style and the pacing as I read it in 24 hours but I felt there was more closure needed in the end.
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Thank you to Random House via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
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Thank you to Random House via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
It took me a bit to "get" this novel--the relation between Ethan's narration and his wife's plot, but at heart novel captures just how infuriating the world felt, especially to women, in the days, weeks and months after Trump's election. It's also very funny about white liberal privilege and insightful on who
nice guys just don't see abuse committed by their peers. I loved reading it and wasn't at all expecting the final turn. The novel carries the weight of its concerns lightly. The relationship to Wharton' Ethan Frome is quirky and complex. Knowing Wharton's story is fun but not necessary.
nice guys just don't see abuse committed by their peers. I loved reading it and wasn't at all expecting the final turn. The novel carries the weight of its concerns lightly. The relationship to Wharton' Ethan Frome is quirky and complex. Knowing Wharton's story is fun but not necessary.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one hit very close to home, but I loved it. Would recommend for anyone who felt the earth shift under them in Nov 2016.
I won an ARC copy on Goodreads. This book takes place in 2018 and focuses on national issues at the time: the President, new SCOTUS pick and the #metoo movement. The book reflects how these issues affect the marriage of this middle class family in Starkfield, MA
I enjoyed the book. But I do think the narrative could be tightened a little. It was a little wordy in spots. But overall, It was a good story - very reflective of the time. And many issues still relevant today.
I enjoyed the book. But I do think the narrative could be tightened a little. It was a little wordy in spots. But overall, It was a good story - very reflective of the time. And many issues still relevant today.
An absolutely magnificent read on so many levels. The author’s ability to capture the current trajectory of American society and at the same time present characters, although flawed are ultimately able to step back from the precipice. Write another book please!