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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I learned about Mazie while doing research for a book I co-wrote a few years ago. My co-author had so many stories about Mazie from his father, who grew up near her stomping grounds in the '30s. This book creates such a vibrant, colorful image of who Mazie was/could have been. It's a solid consolation for the fact that there's so much about her that we will really never know.
The fact that the book was written as diary entries made it a quick, easily digestible read and also makes you feel like you know the real Mazie, which I think is an interesting concept since Attenberg kind of imagined her up as she filled in the many blanks from a few good sources.
The fact that the book was written as diary entries made it a quick, easily digestible read and also makes you feel like you know the real Mazie, which I think is an interesting concept since Attenberg kind of imagined her up as she filled in the many blanks from a few good sources.
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Alcohol
Minor: Domestic abuse
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good read! As much about the main character as it was about those she cared about - the homeless men on the streets. If we could all care as much about our fellow man, this world would be a better place.
This charming novel is told through diary entries and interview notes. I love the early-20th-century look at the Lower East Side Manhattan, and the view of life there from yet another perspective.
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a delicious little book. Based on a real-life person named Mazie Gordon-Phillips who cared for the "bums" of the lower east side of New York during the Great Depression. Just a great book.
It was a pleasant reading experience (particularly coming off a 900 page novel, as I did), but no scenes stuck with me. Written well enough, but I didn't care much about the characters. Didn't like the diary / interview device. Nothing really made an impact.
This is one of the more forgettable books I have read in awhile.
This is one of the more forgettable books I have read in awhile.
I probably would give this book 3.5 stars but rounded up like I was taught in second grade.