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mitskacir's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.5 stars. This book mainly tells the story of Gogol, a boy born in America to Indian parents. My favorite things about the book: The characters were interesting and likable, and both the mundane and challenging parts of their lives made me feel something. Gogol's reflections on growing up as a hyphenated citizen - Indian-American - were poignant and relatable, although I wish there was more of it. I appreciated the fact that most of the race conversations were directed around family and introspection, rather than prejudice or racism faced by the characters (although the lack of racism was frankly unrealistic). The things I didn't like: Nearly all of the American characters, including Gogol, are rather decadent and the author lengthily describes all the artesian meats and wines they consume. This often pushed me out of the story since I didn't find it relatable and was frankly quite boring. I also did not like the fact that any woman Gogol met in the story ends up being a romantic interest. It was like Gogol never met a single woman in his life who was a coworker, friend, sales clerk, etc. - all of the women he ended up dating. I think I was most eager for his last relationship to work out - and **SPOILERS** upset by its demise - simply because I was tired of hearing about all his pretentious girlfriends.
I listened to the audiobook version, and the reader was competent and easy to listen to, but nothing particularly special.
I listened to the audiobook version, and the reader was competent and easy to listen to, but nothing particularly special.
staciek3's review against another edition
Not rating since I didn't finish, but got in 20% and the book just wasn't grabbing me, so I'm moving on.
katsugirl's review against another edition
5.0
When I first read this at 18 I fell in love, and I come back to it every few years. I don't try to read it too frequently but each time I do reread, I fall in love with different parts. Love Lahiri's writing style.
kate_cunningham's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gabi101's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
evilklo3000's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jessknelson1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
rachaelsreadingnook's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
jobustitch's review against another edition
5.0
I was reading this book because we were going to show the movie at work as part of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It is really wonderful, not only as a story about Indian immigrants in America, but how different generations fail to understand each other. Very sweet, and very moving.