Scan barcode
shockman's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
graecoltraine's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
magazinegumwrap39's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
beastreader's review
4.0
This is not my typical style of reading but every once in a while I do like to branch out and try no books and I love checking out new authors.
So glad that I did take a chance on this book. It is a gem. Like finding a friend. Instantly I formed a bond with Sasha, his mother, and the other mathematicians. Each of the mathematicians were different in their own way but this uniqueness brought dimension to the story as a whole. As the story progressed I felt like a close member of the circle of friends with Sasha and his mother. As more details emerged about her, I was more and more impressed. The author brought life to the characters, Also I was impressed that with the author's background of being a professor of geophysics that he was able to bring the story into an understandable level for me the reader without using big words or trying to show his intelligence. A great showing for Mr. Rojstaczer's debut novel.
So glad that I did take a chance on this book. It is a gem. Like finding a friend. Instantly I formed a bond with Sasha, his mother, and the other mathematicians. Each of the mathematicians were different in their own way but this uniqueness brought dimension to the story as a whole. As the story progressed I felt like a close member of the circle of friends with Sasha and his mother. As more details emerged about her, I was more and more impressed. The author brought life to the characters, Also I was impressed that with the author's background of being a professor of geophysics that he was able to bring the story into an understandable level for me the reader without using big words or trying to show his intelligence. A great showing for Mr. Rojstaczer's debut novel.
gabbikay's review
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
foggy1218's review
3.0
2022 reads, book 2/20:
I wish Goodreads let you do half stars. I was really interested in the concept of this book going in. The main character, Sasha, is not only dealing with the loss of his mother, but also the fact that she could have solved one of the greatest problems in mathematics (worth one million dollars), but rumor has it she spitefully took the proof to her grave. So, other mathematicians who knew her come to sit Shiva, and try and see if she has the solution anywhere hidden in the house.
However, when actually reading the book, this plot seemed to take a backseat to the more memoir-eqsue style of the main character’s narration, consistently going back and forth between present and past, both in his life and his mother’s. I didn’t really mind this style of writing, but I was just expecting more of a comedy or mystery, so it seemed to drag at points. However, I enjoyed the characters a lot, and their interactions with one another were entertaining. Lastly, the book ended well by satisfyingly tying everything together.
I wish Goodreads let you do half stars. I was really interested in the concept of this book going in. The main character, Sasha, is not only dealing with the loss of his mother, but also the fact that she could have solved one of the greatest problems in mathematics (worth one million dollars), but rumor has it she spitefully took the proof to her grave. So, other mathematicians who knew her come to sit Shiva, and try and see if she has the solution anywhere hidden in the house.
However, when actually reading the book, this plot seemed to take a backseat to the more memoir-eqsue style of the main character’s narration, consistently going back and forth between present and past, both in his life and his mother’s. I didn’t really mind this style of writing, but I was just expecting more of a comedy or mystery, so it seemed to drag at points. However, I enjoyed the characters a lot, and their interactions with one another were entertaining. Lastly, the book ended well by satisfyingly tying everything together.
samrude's review against another edition
5.0
This book hit very close to home, and not even just because I’m an Ashkenazi Jew who went to UW. Family dynamics (and the reasoning behind them) were so beautifully presented. The math went over my head but I appreciated the author for conveying both why some equations are unsolved/unproven and why mathematicians care. And I’m happy that the ending focused on finding the beauty in life even though I had to read it through tears.
balletbookworm's review
4.0
If I said this book was really funny would you believe me?
Well, it is. This book is LOADED with kooky academic math-nerd humor in among all the my-mother's-shiva-has-been-invaded-by-non-family-members-and-what-the-hell-all-is-going-on-in-this-house scenes. This is a really wonderful novel that examines how one remembers and honors a parent when that parent isn't just a private person.
And I learned a bit (I think) about Russian-Polish Judiasm (I was raised Lutheran so the specifics were all a bit fascinating). I appreciated greatly how words or phrases in Russian/Polish/Hebrew/Yiddish(?) weren't always translated and that made the dialogue and writing seem very natural.
Great debut novel.
Thanks Goodreads for picking me in the giveaway :)
Well, it is. This book is LOADED with kooky academic math-nerd humor in among all the my-mother's-shiva-has-been-invaded-by-non-family-members-and-what-the-hell-all-is-going-on-in-this-house scenes. This is a really wonderful novel that examines how one remembers and honors a parent when that parent isn't just a private person.
And I learned a bit (I think) about Russian-Polish Judiasm (I was raised Lutheran so the specifics were all a bit fascinating). I appreciated greatly how words or phrases in Russian/Polish/Hebrew/Yiddish(?) weren't always translated and that made the dialogue and writing seem very natural.
Great debut novel.
Thanks Goodreads for picking me in the giveaway :)
yllohann's review
4.0
Interesting story filled with quirky characters. A lot of quirky mathematicians. my only problem was the way my brain whimpered at every mention of math. Shudder. Thanks to First to Read for the ARC.
yearofthesnk's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25