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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Underwhelming. The description on the book jacket leads you to believe this story will be far more entertaining than it was. The ending didn’t really resolve anything and it made me dislike all the characters even more than I already did.
I didn’t connect with any of the characters nor was it even remotely relatable. And I don’t get why it had to be set in the future, as it didn’t really add anything. Maybe I’m just being nitpicky here.
This book was suggested to me based on the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (which I loved)….I’d rather have just read that again.
I didn’t connect with any of the characters nor was it even remotely relatable. And I don’t get why it had to be set in the future, as it didn’t really add anything. Maybe I’m just being nitpicky here.
This book was suggested to me based on the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (which I loved)….I’d rather have just read that again.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I did enjoy this book, but there were some things I struggled with. Part of my trouble is that the current social and political climate of today made it harder to connect with the characters in this book. The main character is a “philanthropic billionaire” so even though she had struggles a regular person would have, it was hard to get as emotionally invested. My other two issues were with book structure. Personally I found the book a little bit redundant in some aspects, and the order of things could feel a little choppy at times. Despite these critiques I have of the book I did like it overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief
Moderate: Misogyny, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism
this book doesn’t get as much hype as I think it should. It got pretty long winded but I honestly think that was the point? It takes us through a number of peoples internal battles within their family/love life/career/morals etc and shows that imperfection is a part of life and that we all make mistakes. the summary is far from what the story gave me but I’m very happy with the turnout
What this book will do is make you think. Would you announce your own death early just to see what’s said about you? Would you make the same choices in your career and family life along the way? What effect does being a billionaire have on you and your family. These are all interesting things to consider and I so badly want to discuss this book with someone. Did I find any of the characters likable? Not really. But if you want a brain challenge, this one is a thinker for sure. Would recommend for some.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. I wanted this book to be completely different than what it is, which is not a fault of the book or its author, but it ultimately fell pretty flat for me. Dava Shastri was unlikeable and obsessed with her legacy in ways that were really off-putting and never redeeming and the family drama needed to be either much wackier (rich people problems!) or much more relatable (siblings amirite?) to work for me.
This book says a lot about the impact of being overly concerned with your reputation, how others perceive you, and your legacy. And while it was these themes and the general premise of the book that drew me in, I became hooked by the way the author looks at the raw emotion of grief and the myriad ways humans express it and process it.
This novel was as often heart wrenching as it was heart warming. The familial relationships were complex and pained and silly. While this isn't a light-hearted read, I would overall say it is an uplifting one and that it offered me a lot of opportunity to reflect on mortality and the inevitable aging of my own parents.
I will read more from this author if she chooses to write more. Her writing style is both approachable and engaging, which led me to devouring this book quickly despite the at times heavy themes.
This novel was as often heart wrenching as it was heart warming. The familial relationships were complex and pained and silly. While this isn't a light-hearted read, I would overall say it is an uplifting one and that it offered me a lot of opportunity to reflect on mortality and the inevitable aging of my own parents.
I will read more from this author if she chooses to write more. Her writing style is both approachable and engaging, which led me to devouring this book quickly despite the at times heavy themes.
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It did keep my interest, but it's hard to feel too sympathetic for self-absorbed billionaires even if they donate a lot to charity.
I finished this book (skimming mostly) because several reviews said it had depth--I found none. It is an over-written, typical family tale with little to distinguish it from many other novels in the same women's lit-type genre. I wanted to like it, but couldn't.
Female mogul? Faked death? The music biz meets the upper echelons of Indian-American society? I’m in!
Unfortunately, the story’s premise far outweighs its execution. The characters are thinly drawn; the logistics of the fake death are unbelievable; and the timeline (set in the near future with flashbacks to near past) is sloppily cobbled together. The details (songs, bands, events) seemed to be the results of Google searches as opposed to felt history.
This book seemed rushed. Perhaps with more time and revisions, the final draft could have delivered on its captivating promises.
Unfortunately, the story’s premise far outweighs its execution. The characters are thinly drawn; the logistics of the fake death are unbelievable; and the timeline (set in the near future with flashbacks to near past) is sloppily cobbled together. The details (songs, bands, events) seemed to be the results of Google searches as opposed to felt history.
This book seemed rushed. Perhaps with more time and revisions, the final draft could have delivered on its captivating promises.