Scan barcode
karenleagermain's review against another edition
2.0
I saw this boook at Barnes and Noble this past week and I felt compelled to give it a chance. It was on a shelf for notable new authors. This is Ben Dolnick's second novel and he is a solid writer. I did not find this book to be very unique or compelling, but I think Dolnick might shine with the right story idea. The main character's way of processing grief over his mother's death resonated with me. I felt like there were moments of truth with the characters, where Dolnick managed to make a profound statement or strong idea. Overall, this coming of age story was a bit bland and overdone. It was a decent read for an afternoon, but I often felt myself drifting in my thoughts and wishing the book would hurry to a conclusion. I do think that Dolnick might be an author to keep an eye on and I am interested in his first book. He's good enough to give a second chance.
bethanymiller415's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars
You Know Who You Are is a coming of age novel that chronicles the life of Jacob Vine from childhood to young adulthood. Jacob’s relationships with friends, girlfriends and his family - his brother Will in particular - are at the heart of the book. When Jacob’s mother dies of cancer, his father falls into a deep depression. Jacob is in denial of his father’s deteriorating mental state, but his older brother Will recognizes that something is wrong. He tries to convince Jacob that they need to help their father but Jacob refuses, which causes a widening in the already present rift between the two boys. Jacob continues to stumble through adolescence – losing his virginity, going off to college, moving to New York City - mostly without the interference of a parent. In the end Jacob comes to the realization that only he can decide who he wants to become.
Though it is well-written, the story and characters in You Know Who You Are are not very unique or engaging. Jacob Vine is a realistic though not very likable character. Dolnick accurately depicts the trials and tribulations of suburban adolescence, but it is hard to muster much sympathy for Jacob who, like many adolescents, is extremely self-centered and spends a lot of time feeling sorry for himself. The book is frustrating at times because Jacob seems to make the same mistakes over and over again without learning anything from them. Again, this is not unrealistic, but it makes for frustrating reading. The plot is focused on the minutiae of the life of an adolescent, so this is not for the reader who is looking for action and suspense. Recommended as an additional selection for public libraries.
You Know Who You Are is a coming of age novel that chronicles the life of Jacob Vine from childhood to young adulthood. Jacob’s relationships with friends, girlfriends and his family - his brother Will in particular - are at the heart of the book. When Jacob’s mother dies of cancer, his father falls into a deep depression. Jacob is in denial of his father’s deteriorating mental state, but his older brother Will recognizes that something is wrong. He tries to convince Jacob that they need to help their father but Jacob refuses, which causes a widening in the already present rift between the two boys. Jacob continues to stumble through adolescence – losing his virginity, going off to college, moving to New York City - mostly without the interference of a parent. In the end Jacob comes to the realization that only he can decide who he wants to become.
Though it is well-written, the story and characters in You Know Who You Are are not very unique or engaging. Jacob Vine is a realistic though not very likable character. Dolnick accurately depicts the trials and tribulations of suburban adolescence, but it is hard to muster much sympathy for Jacob who, like many adolescents, is extremely self-centered and spends a lot of time feeling sorry for himself. The book is frustrating at times because Jacob seems to make the same mistakes over and over again without learning anything from them. Again, this is not unrealistic, but it makes for frustrating reading. The plot is focused on the minutiae of the life of an adolescent, so this is not for the reader who is looking for action and suspense. Recommended as an additional selection for public libraries.
dervela's review against another edition
2.0
I had tried reading You Know Who You Are once before, but had abandoned the book as it didn’t initially hook me. I recently picked it up again after some time, willing to give it another try. I was excited to read a coming of age story about a misunderstood middle child transitioning from childhood into adulthood.
Apart from being a middle child, I didn’t find the main character, Jacob Vines, to be particularly relatable by any means. I felt as though the main character makes the same mistakes over and over agin without learning from them, which felt frustrating as a reader. However, the author does a great job of detailing the struggles Jacob faces after his mother’s death, primarily with developing relationships with friends, family members, and girlfriends.
I personally felt the story fell flat once Jacob graduates high school and moves on to college and post-college life. At times I was bored while reading, and disappointed that certain characters weren’t further developed, while others completely disappeared all together. By the middle, I found my self wanting the book to end, yet wasn’t content when it ended. I’m all in favor of leaving certain questions unanswered, but felt the ending seemed rushed and almost a cop-out. Though the author had some great moments of engaging the reader, this wasn’t my favorite read.
Apart from being a middle child, I didn’t find the main character, Jacob Vines, to be particularly relatable by any means. I felt as though the main character makes the same mistakes over and over agin without learning from them, which felt frustrating as a reader. However, the author does a great job of detailing the struggles Jacob faces after his mother’s death, primarily with developing relationships with friends, family members, and girlfriends.
I personally felt the story fell flat once Jacob graduates high school and moves on to college and post-college life. At times I was bored while reading, and disappointed that certain characters weren’t further developed, while others completely disappeared all together. By the middle, I found my self wanting the book to end, yet wasn’t content when it ended. I’m all in favor of leaving certain questions unanswered, but felt the ending seemed rushed and almost a cop-out. Though the author had some great moments of engaging the reader, this wasn’t my favorite read.
srkrastins's review against another edition
2.0
It took me a lot of attempts to finally finish this book. I think I started it at least three times. I would say that the end is better than the beginning. I just found it difficult to like the protagonist, Jacob. Almost everything that happens in the book is also incredibly predictable.
More...