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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
This is not a book I would usually read, but since I've read it for school it actually turned out to be a refreshing, new experience.
Babbitt, reaching his middle-aged years, juggles his responsibilities as a business man, a father, a husband, and a good friend. For a while, he seems to be content with his position in society until discontentment settles in. Temptations bombard him from all sides.
The characterization was a bit bland to me at first, but as soon as the story picked up and more of the plot unfolded, Babbitt and even the most minor of characters were interesting. Babbitt's change of character is believable. I could sympathize with him, a working man who often found it hard to resist the enticing, yet destructive, pleasures of society. He even gave in at times, but the ending is one that will not disappoint.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who appreciates an early 1900's/Prohibition-Era story or a good moral tale. This book would have gotten four stars, but I cannot see myself reading it again. It's just not one of those books I would re-read for enjoyment. This is a book that will make you think and question what truly is important in our lives. Maybe we're missing out on those aspects that matter most without realizing it.
Overall: 3.5 stars
Babbitt, reaching his middle-aged years, juggles his responsibilities as a business man, a father, a husband, and a good friend. For a while, he seems to be content with his position in society until discontentment settles in. Temptations bombard him from all sides.
The characterization was a bit bland to me at first, but as soon as the story picked up and more of the plot unfolded, Babbitt and even the most minor of characters were interesting. Babbitt's change of character is believable. I could sympathize with him, a working man who often found it hard to resist the enticing, yet destructive, pleasures of society. He even gave in at times, but the ending is one that will not disappoint.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who appreciates an early 1900's/Prohibition-Era story or a good moral tale. This book would have gotten four stars, but I cannot see myself reading it again. It's just not one of those books I would re-read for enjoyment. This is a book that will make you think and question what truly is important in our lives. Maybe we're missing out on those aspects that matter most without realizing it.
Overall: 3.5 stars
slow-paced
This book is considered an American classic so I figured I’d finally get around to reading it. The narrative is satirical portrait of the middle-class white male American lifestyle, and the small circle of the world of which they think, and yet comically have no clue of anything outside that circle as it doesn’t pertain to “them”. The protagonist’s life shows the extent the white American will go to conform and take part mindlessly in capitalism, materialism, consumerism, and individualism. The small circle of which Babbitt thinks and travels depicts other white middle-class Americans as well and their very similar lives. By mid way through the book, readers feel like they’re conducting a cultural autopsy of Midwest 1920’s America. The narrative is such a slow burn and the protagonist, for me, was beginning to be insufferable. Readers learn in just how many aspects of this “perfect American life” Babbitt remains unsatisfied and dreams of more. Nearing the end, Babbitt finally begins to question the status quo as societal norms flood consequences towards him due to his decisions. Overall the book was fine to read once, since it is a classic, but I wouldn’t pick it up again unless I completely forgot its contents. The explored themes and morals are important to test and explore, but nowadays there are numerous other works that deliver the same themes and morals. If you’re a reader that thoroughly appreciates American classics (or a close-minded white American) then this is a great read.
dark
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hilarious. The fickleness of consumerism and the God of Economy. A fantastic satire.
“When he had played four or five holes, he relaxed a bit, his tobacco-fluttering heart beat more normally, and his voice slowed to the drawling of his hundred generations of peasant ancestors.”
“When he had played four or five holes, he relaxed a bit, his tobacco-fluttering heart beat more normally, and his voice slowed to the drawling of his hundred generations of peasant ancestors.”
funny
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The titular Babbitt hardly changes much at all over the novel’s course. Interesting to see how little people’s personalities have changed in the past century.
medium-paced
Lewis's book about a guy whose in a rut was largely boring, like the character.
Some great insights into attitudes of 100 years ago, if you don't mind overt racism and misogyny. Trigger warning for uncensored racist labeling of pretty much every minority except white American males.
Worth the read for the historical value and the main idea, about running the rat race, trying to keep up with the Jones, and conforming to social niceties is, sadly, still true.
Some great insights into attitudes of 100 years ago, if you don't mind overt racism and misogyny. Trigger warning for uncensored racist labeling of pretty much every minority except white American males.
Worth the read for the historical value and the main idea, about running the rat race, trying to keep up with the Jones, and conforming to social niceties is, sadly, still true.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes