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utahmomreads's review
1.0
I was going to save my review for our book club meeting, but I just couldn't wait to say how much I disliked this book.
I have to admit that I was skeptical even before reading it. I read several reviews and I'm always worried when I hear people say things like "this book changed my life" about a novel.
I was unimpressed by the book almost immediately. The writing is substandard and even the early story and characters didn't capture my attention. The book just continued to go downhill from there. Generally, I don't mind reading books that offer differing views on religion and God from my own. But this book, while I did agree with several of the religious points, came across as preachy and was obnoxious.
I would not recommend this book to friends--unless you're in the book club and then you should read it. :) Unfortunately, I also paid more for this book than I have for a book in years--what a waste of $$.
I have to admit that I was skeptical even before reading it. I read several reviews and I'm always worried when I hear people say things like "this book changed my life" about a novel.
I was unimpressed by the book almost immediately. The writing is substandard and even the early story and characters didn't capture my attention. The book just continued to go downhill from there. Generally, I don't mind reading books that offer differing views on religion and God from my own. But this book, while I did agree with several of the religious points, came across as preachy and was obnoxious.
I would not recommend this book to friends--unless you're in the book club and then you should read it. :) Unfortunately, I also paid more for this book than I have for a book in years--what a waste of $$.
dkatreads's review against another edition
3.0
I’m glad this story exists, and stories like it. Our world is pining for healing, and stories like these open space for it within us that is otherwise suffocated by our fear of imagining and imagining greatly.
This story, in particular, was much too on the nose for me though. I like to be coaxed into truth, to ride the gentle expansion from the thread to the full tapestry. In that movement lies wonder. This story was a bit like being smacked in the face with art, rather than being brought to its color and movements out of invitation. This very well may be how others like it, but I prefer a more collaborative dance.
Also, the heavy-handedness in which the author challenged readers’ racialized and gendered assumptions of God was really distracting for me. I’m overall happy with his choices, but a bit put off by the way he introduced them.
Notable moments:
- the description of colors and light in the scene where Mack’s “eyes were opened”
- the garden fractals
This story, in particular, was much too on the nose for me though. I like to be coaxed into truth, to ride the gentle expansion from the thread to the full tapestry. In that movement lies wonder. This story was a bit like being smacked in the face with art, rather than being brought to its color and movements out of invitation. This very well may be how others like it, but I prefer a more collaborative dance.
Also, the heavy-handedness in which the author challenged readers’ racialized and gendered assumptions of God was really distracting for me. I’m overall happy with his choices, but a bit put off by the way he introduced them.
Notable moments:
- the description of colors and light in the scene where Mack’s “eyes were opened”
- the garden fractals
noelle_megan24's review
1.0
I am a believer!
But I could not get into this book at all. I have had so many people recommend this book. I have had it for years and I have tried over and over again to read it and I could not. I got to chapter 3 and could. It go on.
Maybe one day I will be able to read it, I hope.
But I could not get into this book at all. I have had so many people recommend this book. I have had it for years and I have tried over and over again to read it and I could not. I got to chapter 3 and could. It go on.
Maybe one day I will be able to read it, I hope.
sarahinthecapital's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
egeorgia's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0