Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Prodigal Summer

One of the reasons I docked .25 of a star is because I'm unsure of why this was a long book with stories told in pieces rather than three separate books in a trilogy or a novella collection. The format is a little confusing to me. Not to read, just in a way where I feel like if it had been all three in order, I would've enjoyed it more. However, having the plots dispensed in measured increments is nice. I feel I often gorge myself on books and tear through them. However, Kingsolver, by her formatting, forces you to read steadily and drink in every word she writes.

The second reason I docked .25 of a star was

because of Lusa's romantic subplot with Rickie. The incestuous/pedophilic nature coupled with its borderline irrelevancy to the rest of the plot put me out.

I must say this is absolutely one of my favorite books. Ms. Kingsolver's longer books are always such a treat to invest time in. This book took me a while to finish, but I'm so glad I stuck it out. Initially, I was put off by the slow pace, but it grows on you. It's more of a walk in the woods in terms of pace rather than a story with a definite finish line. I love how the town/woods and the animals are characters in themselves both literally and metaphorically.

I loved all three plot lines so much. I was initially put off by Garnett and his views and I was unsure of where his story was going, but I learned to love him too. I even learned about pestecides and crop management! From a fiction book! What?!

I also loved how she ended the book.

Leaving some ends frayed solidifies the feeling that you are peering through a window into other lives. When there are loose ends, it fleshes out the characters subtlely; it implies that they keep living beyond the duration of those pages which is very wonderful.

I could not recommend this book enough. I did not consider myself any kind of hardline environmentmentalist: I didn't know much and agriculture was not ever on my mind. This book opened up a world to me I'd never spend time in and it was wonderful. I loved it.

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glasshalffull713's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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zarlynsnook's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative lighthearted slow-paced

5.0

this book is like a lullaby you wouldn't want to end. light, cozy, and sometimes, funny. the three interconnected stories in the book depicts how, as creature in the universe, are all connected and binded to each other. i learned a lot about nature while reading this and had so much fun feeling and experiencing all of the characters.

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_kbean_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

A beautiful story with characters I grew to love, and an abundance of nature references/education. But, it took me far too long to get into. I nearly gave up several times and only persevered after reading other reviews saying it was worth it! Also agree with other reviewers that the ending did not live up to expectations.

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carli_indicating's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The book had an overall unfinished feeling to me with a rough start and abrupt finish. I don't typically demand resolution, but I was reading this on Kindle and I was looking for the next chapter after the end. That's after I almost didn't get past he opening chapter, because I found it overwrought, even for Kingsolver. I kept on because the book was recommended by someone I'm in a reading group with, and after that I was truly enjoying the characters. I was sad it was over. So it's worth reading for the experience, but not for those who like things tidy.

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