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neurotictrainwreck's review
5.0
Just wonderful. The strength of the prose sucks you in and keeps you devouring page after page, and the characterisation is so very good. There's mastery in the way she handles grief and tragedy, and recovery. Must read.
amysbrittain's review
2.0
I hope this one picks up quickly. I read an essay with McCracken that I loved, and I liked "The Giant's House." So I checked out this book and "Here's Your Hat, What's Your Hurry" from the library. So far, I'm not feeling too invested in this story of a vaudevillian performer and his life. Might have to abandon it if I'm not enthralled soon.
Eh, I quit. I'm not engaged and life's too short.
Eh, I quit. I'm not engaged and life's too short.
angelcwrites's review
4.0
Heartbreaking. This book was lucky to have had such a talented author to take its story down.
jereco1962's review
4.0
I'm a huge fan of Ann Patchett, so when I learned that she was a fan (and yes, friend) of Elizabeth McCracken, I thought I'd pick up one of McCracken's books. I was not disappointed. Niagara Falls All Over Again is a lovely book, comic and yet heart-rending, the tale of a vaudeville performer's transition from stage to screen - and of his relationship with his long-time performing partner (think Laurel and Hardy and you'd be in the ballpark). Choosing to focus on the straight man of the duo was a marvelous choice, as he keeps us at a bit of a remove (while simultaneously reeling us in). I'm already looking forward to picking up another of this writer's books - she has a new fan.
mara_miriam's review
2.0
This a story for the sake of a story, nothing transcendent or meaningful or redemptive. While this book is ultimately a story of friendship, it was not a relationship that mattered for me. The characters were so self-absorbed lacking in self-reflection, just really uninteresting. The story felt like a retread that wasn't that interesting to begin with. While the book follows the development of 20th century America, it lacked any real insight or emotional connection.
dlrichert's review
4.0
Beautifully written, and I am always a sucker for books that take place during the start of Hollywood.
jdgcreates's review
3.0
Don't be fooled into thinking that this story, because it revolves around the lives of two comedic actors, is funny. It is is a nostalgic tragedy, though not overblown, and compelling because of its very human (read: flawed) characters and the way their lives either burst with resilience or crumble into ruin.
In the manner of [b:The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|3985|The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|Michael Chabon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355094690s/3985.jpg|2693329], it is the covers pulled off a creative collaboration and friendship between two talented men. In the manner of [b:Freedom|7905092|Freedom|Jonathan Franzen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316729686s/7905092.jpg|9585796], it is an ugly reminder of the weight our choices carry and how easily we choose to betray those we claim to love most of all.
McCracken tells a damn fine story and, though this particular one didn't resonate deeply with me, it did keep me reading until its bittersweet end.
Quote: "I have since learned that this theory is sound: if someone is willing to be brave for you, you are less likely to be brave yourself."
In the manner of [b:The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|3985|The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|Michael Chabon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355094690s/3985.jpg|2693329], it is the covers pulled off a creative collaboration and friendship between two talented men. In the manner of [b:Freedom|7905092|Freedom|Jonathan Franzen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316729686s/7905092.jpg|9585796], it is an ugly reminder of the weight our choices carry and how easily we choose to betray those we claim to love most of all.
McCracken tells a damn fine story and, though this particular one didn't resonate deeply with me, it did keep me reading until its bittersweet end.
Quote: "I have since learned that this theory is sound: if someone is willing to be brave for you, you are less likely to be brave yourself."
jinksb's review against another edition
4.0
I hate to say it, but as a reader, I'm very shallow. I prefer story-driven books. Fascinating characters are a plus, but won't hook me by themselves. And if I'm told I should read a book just because it's well-written, I feel like a kid with a plate of vegetables plunked in front of him who's told, "Eat up! They're good for you."
"Niagara Falls All Over Again" caught my attention with the subject matter: the story of a comedy duo rise through vaudeville, radio, movies and television, and their inevitable fall - and falling out. (I'm a huge Abbott and Costello fan.) As I read, though, I realized how much I was enjoying the writing for itself, over and above its role as vehicle for conveying the plot.
Go ahead, unleash those eye rolls and face-palms, and let the "Duh!"s resound. I deserve them. And this book is a damned fine read.
"Niagara Falls All Over Again" caught my attention with the subject matter: the story of a comedy duo rise through vaudeville, radio, movies and television, and their inevitable fall - and falling out. (I'm a huge Abbott and Costello fan.) As I read, though, I realized how much I was enjoying the writing for itself, over and above its role as vehicle for conveying the plot.
Go ahead, unleash those eye rolls and face-palms, and let the "Duh!"s resound. I deserve them. And this book is a damned fine read.