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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
Started kinda slow, definitely had a case of "first novel syndrome". There is a lot - a LOT - of internal dialogue that goes on. One character would say something, and the other would spend a full page thinking about it, meandering through memories, going off on tangents, then would respond and by that point I'd forgotten what had just been said.
However, I began to love that about it as I read on. This introspection, while it could have been handled more discreetly (there was a lot of oversharing whereas some of it could have been left to the imagination or for readers to discern for ourselves), ultimately led to extremely well-thought-out characters. There are three primary points of view, and I found myself identifying with each of them for different reasons.
The book never explicitly addresses issues of emotional intelligence, but it certainly demonstrates them in spades. Each character has fundamental flaws - and not just one or two that define that character as a trope, but often several that make sense for the character and add to the complexity of the story. Will the journalist write an article even if it means possibly ruining her relationship? Will a woman who has been sexually harassed at work say something about it publicly, and if so, will she do it because it's the right thing to do or out of spite? What do you actually do when you're unhappy in your marriage but divorce is clearly not on the table?
There's no obvious bad guy or good guy. No protagonists or antagonists. It's just people, and to me it felt almost voyeuristic to read about them.
I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for Shafrir's future works, as she can only go up from here.
However, I began to love that about it as I read on. This introspection, while it could have been handled more discreetly (there was a lot of oversharing whereas some of it could have been left to the imagination or for readers to discern for ourselves), ultimately led to extremely well-thought-out characters. There are three primary points of view, and I found myself identifying with each of them for different reasons.
The book never explicitly addresses issues of emotional intelligence, but it certainly demonstrates them in spades. Each character has fundamental flaws - and not just one or two that define that character as a trope, but often several that make sense for the character and add to the complexity of the story. Will the journalist write an article even if it means possibly ruining her relationship? Will a woman who has been sexually harassed at work say something about it publicly, and if so, will she do it because it's the right thing to do or out of spite? What do you actually do when you're unhappy in your marriage but divorce is clearly not on the table?
There's no obvious bad guy or good guy. No protagonists or antagonists. It's just people, and to me it felt almost voyeuristic to read about them.
I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for Shafrir's future works, as she can only go up from here.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really didn't enjoy it all that much. It was okay overall. It's very much about office drama and such. The story felt a bit weak and the characters weren't compelling. Considering the author used to work at Buzzfeed, I'm not all surprised.
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
yikes; I guess I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum on this one... I heard this book was funny, especially if you work in an office environment, but I could not relate. I didn't think it was funny at all; in fact I kind of hated all the characters & the obsession over social media. I almost didn't finish it, but I trudged through. not a fan. totes disappointed this was my first BOTM read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me deeper into the tech world than I had ever been. There were parts that were both so exciting and so fucked up that I couldn't stop turning the pages. One feeling stuck with me throughout: "Women are not to be fucked with." Well done, Doree!
Perhaps working at a startup gives me a more nuanced perspective, but I thought Shafrir was heavy-handed with stereotypes about tech, funding, and bias in this book. (A bit like Silicon Valley - the TV show - without any of the humor to soften the crazy.) The way it's written and how characters are portrayed makes me think this will be optioned for TV or movie, especially since its themes are relevant. I also felt that the book ended rather neatly.
2 stars...
I got this book from book of the month club a long time ago lol finally got to read it . I've heard bad news about it ...but said I already got it so here goes..
I didnt like any of the characters but sabrina I disliked the least lol
The ending?!?! I dont know what sabrina will do....dan is a pig....what happens to mack and isabel?
Ummmm. I dunno . Weird
I got this book from book of the month club a long time ago lol finally got to read it . I've heard bad news about it ...but said I already got it so here goes..
I didnt like any of the characters but sabrina I disliked the least lol
The ending?!?! I dont know what sabrina will do....dan is a pig....what happens to mack and isabel?
Ummmm. I dunno . Weird
like a funny satirical novel about millennials and startups, basically about the uber sexual harassment scandal but fake bc it was published before that happened in real life
One of those books about a culture I find simultaneously fascinating and repellent. Other than Katya Pasternack, I didn't really like any of the characters, but somehow I enjoyed the book anyway. Eliana Marianes did a great job bringing all the characters to life.