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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
I would probably not have picked up this at first, but I'm glad I got to read it via the book subscription. Wonderful prose and a well-written story about a part of the US that I did not know much about. Will need to digest it a bit more before I can articulate my view of it better.
I can see how this book would appeal to many who are living very similar circumstances. I really like the concept of the book, but the story dragged a little for my taste.
First read for 2023 ✨ I was kind of surprised by how much I loved this. The basic plot - country boy struggles to fit in at elite school, falls in love with manic pixie dream girl - has been done to death, but Groundskeeping is so self-aware, tender and funny that it absolutely works. Lee Cole presents readers with a suite of stereotypes that he then cracks apart one by one, tackling ethical questions that have crossed the mind of every writer, as well as questions of love and class and race that attempt to push just a little bit further than feels comfortable. I feel like I haven’t read this kind of Uber-honest depiction of hetero relationship dynamics from a male writer in a while, and it was refreshing—sometimes infuriating, but genuine and thought-provoking. There are moments from this book that will stick with me for a long time. Highly recommended for fans of Curtis Sittenfeld, Lily King, and Elif Batuman.
3.5 stars relatable story about college romance of 2 individuals with very different upbringing.
The pace and writing style of this debut novel made it a much harder read for me. I tended to lose focus and noticed I was not reading this book at a fast enough pace to really enjoy the story.
With that being said, I did ultimately enjoy this debut.
Grad student Owen Callahan has moved in with his grandfather and uncle after emerging from a not so respected lifestyle of drugs and idleness. Upon taking a job as a groundskeeper and bonus student at a local college, Owen meets Alma. Alma is a published writer, an ambition Owen shares. What starts as a secret and deceptive love affair evolves into a romantic relationship between two similar yet vastly different people. The author shares a peek into the Trump election year and the precarious reality of politics and the relationship between Owen and Alma.
With that being said, I did ultimately enjoy this debut.
Grad student Owen Callahan has moved in with his grandfather and uncle after emerging from a not so respected lifestyle of drugs and idleness. Upon taking a job as a groundskeeper and bonus student at a local college, Owen meets Alma. Alma is a published writer, an ambition Owen shares. What starts as a secret and deceptive love affair evolves into a romantic relationship between two similar yet vastly different people. The author shares a peek into the Trump election year and the precarious reality of politics and the relationship between Owen and Alma.
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Groundskeeping is a quiet story with a lot going on under the surface. Cole manages to capture internality so well. His characters say much more with their actions and silences than they do with their words. If you're looking for a plot heavy book this isn't it, but if you want something that makes you think about life and connection and what it is to be a person trying their best to try their best, this is that book. I will be reading more of Cole's writing in the future.
I’m a Hoosier, but I think Cole captured the nebulous angst so many of us have about our home places since 2016.
Also I’m so annoyed about the ending, even though I also knew that’s how it would go.
Also I’m so annoyed about the ending, even though I also knew that’s how it would go.