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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
The Fortunate Ones is the story of average Charlie, and what happens when is he suddenly thrust into high society Nashville and is taken underneath the wing of Arch, a wealthy upperclassmen. Obviously, the shine doesn’t last long. It’s the story of pride, family, and trying to rise above one’s station.
I’m guessing a lot of people will love this, but for me it was too polite at best a look at privilege. I didn’t realize this going in, but it’s a loose Gatsby retelling and still misses that mark pretty widely. There are also some major triggers in this book that would not be apparent from the synopsis.
I’m guessing a lot of people will love this, but for me it was too polite at best a look at privilege. I didn’t realize this going in, but it’s a loose Gatsby retelling and still misses that mark pretty widely. There are also some major triggers in this book that would not be apparent from the synopsis.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
medium-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
This book reminded me of The Dutch House, and a little bit of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Nothing to See Here. It was another coming of age story, but the coming of age occurred well into the main character’s 30s. It followed Charlie and his friends for a couple of decades, though deceit and lies and the rise to the top of class and politics. It didn’t have as much to do with race as the goodreads description made it sound. By the end I felt like I was catching up with good friends even though I knew they weren’t making great decisions. It was also fun to take a peek into the lives of wealthy and powerful people.
The Fortunate Ones is a coming of age novel that follows Charlie Boykin from his entry into a private high school through adulthood.
Honestly, I wasn't sure how much I would be interested in reading about privileged white boys in Nashville, but I was immediately intrigued by the prologue.
When Charlie is unexpectedly accepted on scholarship to an elite private school, it triggers a confluence of events that change the trajectory of his life.
The Fortunate Ones is a solid 4⭐ read. I did find the ending a bit rushed and left wanting a tiny bit more. Tarkington's writing flows smoothly and easily brings the characters to life.
Honestly, I wasn't sure how much I would be interested in reading about privileged white boys in Nashville, but I was immediately intrigued by the prologue.
When Charlie is unexpectedly accepted on scholarship to an elite private school, it triggers a confluence of events that change the trajectory of his life.
The Fortunate Ones is a solid 4⭐ read. I did find the ending a bit rushed and left wanting a tiny bit more. Tarkington's writing flows smoothly and easily brings the characters to life.
What a day I’ve had anyways today is my stop.
✨The Fortune Ones✨
Author: @edtarkington
Pub date :January 5, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book the tight friendships built between two worlds the rich and the poor. Does it last? It can. At first I was confused but the story became clear.
#thefortunateones @algonquinbooks
#books #bookstagram
✨The Fortune Ones✨
Author: @edtarkington
Pub date :January 5, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book the tight friendships built between two worlds the rich and the poor. Does it last? It can. At first I was confused but the story became clear.
#thefortunateones @algonquinbooks
#books #bookstagram
In this loose Great Gatsby-esque story, Charlie Boykin is from East Nashville living with his single mother who had him at 15. When Charlie receives the opportunity to attend an elite boys' school, he and his mother jump on the chance to start over amongst the wealthy. Charlie is paired up with Arch Creigh, who has everything and a very bright future ahead. When Charlie falls into Arch's circle, he learns about the shiny lives of the absurdly wealthy, and the many secrets that are hidden behind closed doors. The book explores the themes of wealth, what it means to belong and family, and who we really are at our core.
The book was problematic for me. I loved the start of the book and the writing, but I am left wondering what the author was trying to say with this book. I know that this will be one that many love, but for me it felt depressing and without a takeaway.
My biggest issues with the book are that 1) the female characters in the book felt tragic and for the sole purpose of projecting Charlie's or Arch's storylines forward. The women in the book are not fully developed characters; they are 2-dimensional props used for the men to have their conclusion. I never felt like I understood most of the characters in the book, especially the women.
2) What was Tarkington trying to say about wealth and power? If there was a point or a message he was trying to get across, I missed it. While the writing was often beautiful and the story had potential, I was left just feeling deeply depressed and unfulfilled.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF @ Chapter 4
Thanks to Algonquin for this copy. I wish I couldn’t completed it.
If I’m being honest, I feel duped into reading this. People I trusted said this was dark academia but no one mentioned that it centered around one guy that eventually joined the army and one that became a Republican senator.
Nothing was drawing me into keep going with the story. Maybe it got better, but reading about a kid joining a boarding school as a freshman holds zero interest to me.
Thanks to Algonquin for this copy. I wish I couldn’t completed it.
If I’m being honest, I feel duped into reading this. People I trusted said this was dark academia but no one mentioned that it centered around one guy that eventually joined the army and one that became a Republican senator.
Nothing was drawing me into keep going with the story. Maybe it got better, but reading about a kid joining a boarding school as a freshman holds zero interest to me.