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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Ugh. What an up-and-down reading experience. I loved it, then I hated it, then I loved it again, then I liked it, then I wasn't so sure. The ending reminded me of Rabbit Run--a book I strongly dislike with an ending I strongly dislike. Seemingly every creature in This Is Where I Leave You (except the little kids) is having sex all the time, and women are constantly described in terms of their sexual attributes. Though it's partly comedy and despite the circumstances, some of what happens stretches my tolerance for the ridiculous/unbelievable. Ugh.
Parts of the book, though--funny quirks of Jewish family gatherings, memories of formative childhood experiences with parents and siblings, and even at times reflections on romantic relationships--resonate with me. I would recommend it, to some readers, with a lot of caveats.
Parts of the book, though--funny quirks of Jewish family gatherings, memories of formative childhood experiences with parents and siblings, and even at times reflections on romantic relationships--resonate with me. I would recommend it, to some readers, with a lot of caveats.
This book is so witty and funny, yet still manages to be very raw and emotional.
Judd Foxman and his family are dysfunction and funny! It's make me want to jump in the book and yelling at Judd to get his life together shit after his wife cheated on him by his boss! Comeon....his wife asked Judd to not cheat on her or look at other woman. Well well, good job, Jennifer, you did...you cheated on your husband. Judd's brothers and sister...jeez...they are not getting along together but *facepalm* I don't know how I can describes about them but I can said DYSFUNCTION!!!
An honest and enjoyable look at hitting rock bottom and then putting the pieces back together. A quirky group of characters all realizing the mistakes they've made and dealing with the consequences. Consistently sarcastic and really laugh out loud funny. I rooted for Judd through all 278 pages. More Tropper, please.
funny
sad
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought this book was pointless. Not exactly sure what the point was. Didn’t love the multiple graphic sex scenes.
Predictable until the end...
The end moved it from a 3 to 4 star book. Enjoyed the dysfunctional comedy....felt like I was reading screen play.
The end moved it from a 3 to 4 star book. Enjoyed the dysfunctional comedy....felt like I was reading screen play.
A good, entertaining read. However, I think the author would have benefitted from having a female friend read the dialog and narratives he wrote for the women in this book. On more than one occasion I found myself thinking, "A woman would NEVER say that."
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There are some funny moments, some good writing, and some life insights in this book, but they're buried in a chaotic cluster of toxic masculinity and characters blaming all their problems on other people. It's hard to enjoy a story when there are no lovable characters to cheer for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Absolutely hilarious, if you like droll, black humor. Laugh-out-loud funny.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Started stronger than it finished.