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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for several years, but I love his voice so much I had to listen to the audiobook. I’d originally heard an excerpt on This American Life soon before, or just after, David Rackoff’s death. I’d heard him read on the show many times, but I’d never read an of his books. It was very good, but by the end I felt so sad. This was the last book he wrote as he struggled with cancer, and he still insisted on reading for the audiobook. Hearing his sometimes faltering, raspy voice that was so different (and yet very recognizable) from the clear readings I’d heard from him in the past was very moving and added to the weight of what I was listening to.
I've long loved David Rakoff's stories for This American Life but when I started off with this book I wasn't sure I could finish it. The rhyming scheme was initially so grating. By about page 59 though it started to feel normal and the story started to coalesce. Stay with it.
I thought this was brilliant! Definitely not for the light readers out there though...
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
David Rakoff is an absolute treasure and this particular gem should absolutely be enjoyed on audiobook. He was recording it right up until he died and his obvious weakness makes the story/stories all the more poignant.
Beautiful to look at, beautiful to read. Funny and charming and sad, Rakoff's novel plots the courses of numerous intersecting lives. The poetry, which I thought would be tedious, is energetic and quirky and deliciously full of subtlety, humour, and invention. Thoroughly enjoyable.
When I checked this out from the library, I didn't have high hopes. It's a novel written in rhyming couplets. I should have had more faith in Rakoff.
I loved this. Granted, the fact it's written in verse can be a little hard for the brain to process. However, it is still a really engaging story and exceptional piece of fiction.