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srayne's review
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
choyy's review
4.0
One of the few books that had me pulling an all-nighter just to finish it. Idk, but if you’re like me, stories about cults, religion, and science-fiction are irresistible—let alone having a singular book with all three elements combined, that’s pure magic. I would give it 5 stars, but I was not prepared for the heavy references to technical terms and works of famous sociologists. Had to do a lot of supplementary Google-searching and even still had many sociological concepts fly over my head. Yet, still great writing by Alison Lurie, especially with the development of characters and dialogue.
rebleejen's review
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bjr2022's review against another edition
4.0
Oh how I wish Alison Lurie were my lifelong friend and I could sit with her and trade stories of being in and observing communities—their bizarre dynamics, the seduction of people by charismatic leaders, the pull to group-think and group-talk, and how, even as a dedicated observer, you cannot escape being a component of what is happening.
In Imaginary Friends, two social scientists infiltrate a spiritual cult in order to study these things. The narrative, written in first person by the assistant sociologist, Roger, records everything in accordance with study methods. But somehow Lurie manages to write fantastic dialogue and build to absurd, laugh-out-loud funny scenes.
I had no idea where this story was going, and I’m in awe of where it went and Lurie’s ability to not only understand the psychological twists and turns of people negotiating sane and insane relationships, but articulate them.
In Imaginary Friends, two social scientists infiltrate a spiritual cult in order to study these things. The narrative, written in first person by the assistant sociologist, Roger, records everything in accordance with study methods. But somehow Lurie manages to write fantastic dialogue and build to absurd, laugh-out-loud funny scenes.
I had no idea where this story was going, and I’m in awe of where it went and Lurie’s ability to not only understand the psychological twists and turns of people negotiating sane and insane relationships, but articulate them.
mizannie's review against another edition
5.0
Just as sharp, quirky and funny as I remember it. Popsugar 2019 prompt “reread of a favorite book.”
erat's review
adventurous
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nikkibd4033's review
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0