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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
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
This made me chuckle more than a few times, and some of the Foxman family's dysfunctions are novel. Tropper's insights into the mind of a person whose comfortable life is in the process of falling apart were, at times, interesting, as well. That said, I found myself saying, "of course," a lot to the various plot points that felt too convenient. At a certain point, it almost felt like, with the pieces having fallen where they did, the third act of the book was working through a checklist to resolve them. That didn't strike me as realistic.
Even with that, the ending felt a bit like a cop out. While it would be ridiculous to try to have it end in a way that closed Judd's problems (death?) out completely, it really did seem like this book was a preamble to the real story. I liked his use of sitting Shiva as a way to bring all the family problems to the surface, and I understand that he needed a vehicle to compress the Foxmans into a small space for a long period of time. But to me, the reality of this isn't going to focus on a week or even a month. I suppose that's why he has books published, and I don't...
Even with that, the ending felt a bit like a cop out. While it would be ridiculous to try to have it end in a way that closed Judd's problems (death?) out completely, it really did seem like this book was a preamble to the real story. I liked his use of sitting Shiva as a way to bring all the family problems to the surface, and I understand that he needed a vehicle to compress the Foxmans into a small space for a long period of time. But to me, the reality of this isn't going to focus on a week or even a month. I suppose that's why he has books published, and I don't...
I liked it. Very quick read. Super weird family, but not horribly unrelateable.
I love Tropper's writing style. He's succinct, witty, and sarcastic. I read this book in 2 days. It's a funny, albeit somewhat tragic story of what happens to a family as they get older. His insights on marriage and relationships really hit home for me, as well.
Best quote: Even under the best of circumstances, there's just something so damn tragic about growing up.
Best quote: Even under the best of circumstances, there's just something so damn tragic about growing up.
This book is flawed, but I actually really liked it anyways. I was looking for a quick entertaining book to zoom through on a Saturday and this did the trick. Also I thought the chapter where Judd and Jen split up was basically worth the price of admission. It's kind of a poor man's Nick Hornby type of book. Although I have to say it derails all over the place, so I would understand anyone who hated it.
I read this book because it was on a list of "books to read before they become movies," and spent most of the book wishing I was watching a movie of the events recorded and not reading a book about them.
The amount of times this book made me cry is almost embarrassing. This book is absolutely beautiful in a real-world way. I love this book more than I've loved a lot of the past books lately.
challenging
emotional
funny
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
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes