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angus_mckeogh's review
4.0
Ostensibly about the budding relationship between a young female teller and the older disgruntled male her robs her bank. There was quite a bit about the present culture in America: the belief in conspiracies, lies, and myths which was quite humorous. The boyfriend of the teller goes after the robber, the bank that was robbed mysteriously doesn’t report it, and the populace in the meantime buys into all kinds of quirky and unbelievable theories about everything. It’s about time O’Brien wrote another book.
jw101's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jarthur's review
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kwagner's review
4.0
I don't even know what to say.
Four stars for the writing, character development, and commentary on what a wild mess our world was in during the pandemic.
This book was absurd, sometimes offensive, and always immersive. Mostly in a good way haha.
Four stars for the writing, character development, and commentary on what a wild mess our world was in during the pandemic.
This book was absurd, sometimes offensive, and always immersive. Mostly in a good way haha.
kempfme's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
goodolmc's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
buer's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
America Fantastica follows several overlapping combinations of American men and women who all have two things in common: they're all liars and they're all either running away from or chasing something.
I wound up reading this in pretty much one sitting (on my phone, ow my eyes) after realizing that my library loan was about to expire and I was only about 100 pages in and honestly (aside from the screen-related eye strain), I think this book is best consumed quickly because there are so many characters to keep track of.
Tim O'Brien's dialogue is great: reading his more conversation heavy chapters often feels like reading a play. In typical O'Brien style, he explores difficult, charged subjects through the lens of ridiculous, often unlikable characters.
Honestly, if this wasn't an O'Brien book I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did. This is also probably not a book that I would revisit, but I enjoyed reading it and I have a few people in my circles that I am recommending it to.
I would recommend this book for people who like Tim O'Brien, reading plays, and modern politically charged stories.
I wound up reading this in pretty much one sitting (on my phone, ow my eyes) after realizing that my library loan was about to expire and I was only about 100 pages in and honestly (aside from the screen-related eye strain), I think this book is best consumed quickly because there are so many characters to keep track of.
Tim O'Brien's dialogue is great: reading his more conversation heavy chapters often feels like reading a play. In typical O'Brien style, he explores difficult, charged subjects through the lens of ridiculous, often unlikable characters.
Honestly, if this wasn't an O'Brien book I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did. This is also probably not a book that I would revisit, but I enjoyed reading it and I have a few people in my circles that I am recommending it to.
I would recommend this book for people who like Tim O'Brien, reading plays, and modern politically charged stories.
appalachiandiva's review
4.0
It’s rough justice when a failed man can’t even successfully realize his own death wish. When the debts he looks to atone for and/or avenge are suddenly absolved by the prevailing zeitgeist, life takes a turn. Or does it?
When the zany, whirligig road trip to all the places not on his bucket list ensues, it’s fun to ride shotgun while contemplating what might happen in your own life if you just took your foot off the gas and followed the wind.
When the zany, whirligig road trip to all the places not on his bucket list ensues, it’s fun to ride shotgun while contemplating what might happen in your own life if you just took your foot off the gas and followed the wind.
erikbergstrom's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-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? Yes
3.25