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katieparker's review
5.0
Wow. Yes. Can we get more books out there like this? I'm a slow reader, and the fact that I finished it in less than 24 hours is a testament to how riveting it is.
The novel tells the story of Sophie Stark, a young director who leaves an indelible mark on those around her. Told of the perspective of the people she somehow connected to despite her struggles to relate to others, the narrative spans from college, when her brother helped her with her first film, through her rise to notoriety. Each of these sections are captivating, both in subject and writing style, especially the first, which sets the tone well and made it very hard to put down late at night. Parts seem rather stream-of-conscious-like, pulling the reader in through vaguely-related tangents that made me feel more connected to the characters.
Definitely read this if you're at a loss for what to read next, especially if you're looking to explore some of this year's future contenders for various book prizes.
"I thought making movies would make me more like other people," said Sophie. "But sometimes I think it just makes me even more like me."
The novel tells the story of Sophie Stark, a young director who leaves an indelible mark on those around her. Told of the perspective of the people she somehow connected to despite her struggles to relate to others, the narrative spans from college, when her brother helped her with her first film, through her rise to notoriety. Each of these sections are captivating, both in subject and writing style, especially the first, which sets the tone well and made it very hard to put down late at night. Parts seem rather stream-of-conscious-like, pulling the reader in through vaguely-related tangents that made me feel more connected to the characters.
Definitely read this if you're at a loss for what to read next, especially if you're looking to explore some of this year's future contenders for various book prizes.
meganpalmer731's review
4.0
Well-written novel tying together multiple perspectives on a complicated subject character. Definitely thought-provoking.
jchristen's review
4.0
fascinating fast-paced story. Sophie Stark as the enigmatic main character, kept me interested in what relationship she could mess up next.
youreadtoomuch's review
3.0
There was something so beautiful getting to know Sophie Stark through the lives she touched. Does that mean she was a nice person? No. Neither did she deserve the unconditional love some people gave her. It speaks to how silly humans are. Our capacity to love is tricky and illogical. How fun.
This book felt so real in a way I can't understand and surprisingly very sad. Though I expected it to be. But I needed to love Sophie, and unlike everyone in the book, I didn't but she was a fascinating character to learn. And that's was the captivation that keeps readers hooked.
This book felt so real in a way I can't understand and surprisingly very sad. Though I expected it to be. But I needed to love Sophie, and unlike everyone in the book, I didn't but she was a fascinating character to learn. And that's was the captivation that keeps readers hooked.
katdid's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this! A great character study. (Sidenote: I was kind of baffled how Allison always managed to be in relationships.)
punkydory's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 -- Filmmaker, Sophie Stark's story is told by the people who were profoundly impacted by the part she played in their lives. The chapters were each from a different POV, and actually read more like short stories. From the start, I was sure that I had Sophie figured out; but, as each person delved deeper, sharing her story and their own, I became less and less sure. Nothing was black and white, and the complexity of each character was revealed slowly and masterfully. I think that the one thing that I took away from the book, was that it's never possible to truly and completely know another person. I know how sad that may sound, and that Sophie was even more of a mystery than most; however, North wrote perfectly about people's imperfect connections and search for understanding.
donnereads's review
My favourite book of all time is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and this book had similar vibes for me. I love the concept of following a mysterious, intriguing, complex female character all through out her life. Sophie Stark is exactly that. You’re constantly trying to make sense of who she is as a character and why she acts the way she does and makes the choices that she makes. The idea of it being told not through her but through the people closest to her was really smart and cool. This was a super unique book that I would definitely pick up if the concept sounds good to you.
its_me_mar_p's review
5.0
Okay, well I loved this book but also it's terrible and sad. It's about a queer young filmmaker, it's an outcast story I guess, and it doesn't have a happy ending.
chills_multiply's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
thingsreadinbed's review against another edition
5.0
I think about something my stepdad once said when my mom yelled at him for quitting AA. He just told her in this sad, quiet voice, “Sometimes the sick part of me just seems like the truest part.”
Well-written. Walks the tight rope of genius/mental illness/sociopathy.
Well-written. Walks the tight rope of genius/mental illness/sociopathy.