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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
4.5!
Though I've seen the show, I still found myself anxious at what would happen next. Moriarty wrote the central and the other supplementary mysteries of the novel brilliantly. But what she accomplished was far better than writing a really good and unputdownable thriller, she successfully created very distinct characters with well-written psyche and personalities. It amazed me how she managed to do that incredibly. The book was funny and bleak and sardonic and honest. What a read indeed.
Though I've seen the show, I still found myself anxious at what would happen next. Moriarty wrote the central and the other supplementary mysteries of the novel brilliantly. But what she accomplished was far better than writing a really good and unputdownable thriller, she successfully created very distinct characters with well-written psyche and personalities. It amazed me how she managed to do that incredibly. The book was funny and bleak and sardonic and honest. What a read indeed.
That was fantastic.
I think it seems so damn fantastic partly because I went into it knowing almost nothing except that it had taken me a long time to get my hands on a copy of it. I think it seems so damn fantastic because once I did read the flap, I felt a little deflated and thought, "Oh, GREAT. This is actually chick-lit."
I suppose it is chick-lit, but I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
It is funny. It has distinct, memorable characters. It is light and fluffy on the surface but has some pretty tough issues that are addressed very well. As a mom, I found myself identifying with a lot of the thoughts (both funny thoughts and worrisome ones) of the moms in the book. I found myself worrying about what I will worry about down the road.
There is a plot twist that I was so disappointed I had figured out. And then it turned out that that wasn't even the actual plot twist. Although truth be told, I'm never very good at figuring out plot twists and never go out of my way to play detective.
This was truly one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a very long time, and I can't wait to read more of Moriarty's books.
I think it seems so damn fantastic partly because I went into it knowing almost nothing except that it had taken me a long time to get my hands on a copy of it. I think it seems so damn fantastic because once I did read the flap, I felt a little deflated and thought, "Oh, GREAT. This is actually chick-lit."
I suppose it is chick-lit, but I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
It is funny. It has distinct, memorable characters. It is light and fluffy on the surface but has some pretty tough issues that are addressed very well. As a mom, I found myself identifying with a lot of the thoughts (both funny thoughts and worrisome ones) of the moms in the book. I found myself worrying about what I will worry about down the road.
There is a plot twist that I was so disappointed I had figured out. And then it turned out that that wasn't even the actual plot twist. Although truth be told, I'm never very good at figuring out plot twists and never go out of my way to play detective.
This was truly one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a very long time, and I can't wait to read more of Moriarty's books.
At first I thought it would be boring. i didn't think that I would be into a book about dueling parents. however, this was so much more! it was about friendship and strength. every female character from the elderly neighbor to a five year old daughter were fierce and independent. they each had a strength inside of them that yearned to get out. fantastic read! i feel like they are my friends and im going to miss them dearly.
So I generally think Lianne is one note. She has a formula that she does not deviate from. There's a mystery! (usually someone dying or almost dying) and she has to remind you of this mystery in every chapter but unlike the horrendous Truly, Madly, Guilty, I quite enjoyed this book.
I have a rule where I don't watch movies if I have read the book and actually thought I had read this but the HBO version of this show actually got me curious so I decided to read (and watch). I liked the character development of this book. The main players had interesting back stories and even though it had many pages, it really was an easy read.
I have a rule where I don't watch movies if I have read the book and actually thought I had read this but the HBO version of this show actually got me curious so I decided to read (and watch). I liked the character development of this book. The main players had interesting back stories and even though it had many pages, it really was an easy read.
4.5⭐️ a really great book. I enjoyed the build up and character development. I can’t wait to watch the see now and compare.
Sat down on a snowy day and started this book... and by nighttime I had finished it. And this isn't a short book! Didn't know what to expect going in, but I was completely hooked by the characters. Moriarty skewers these suburban moms while at the same time developing them into real characters you care about. I was impressed at her ability to create empathy and humor at the same time. I really wasn't sure where the story would end up, but when we got there. I was immensely satisfied. A very fun read. b
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Liane Moriarty has a knack for starting her books with easy character moments that are light-hearted and humorous before gradually sucking you into the thick of it. This multi-layered narrative surrounding three women and their harrowing backstories was exactly the kind of feminine friendship story that i adore over the years
In a similar vein to Kate Quinn, the back-and-forth murder mystery akin to "Briar Club" Was great at pushing along the narrative to a pinchpoint.
Jane's story was brutal but in some sense, I did feel like certain elements were withheld for the sake of being withheld, especially with regards to the father. Nonetheless the nature of Ziggy's behaviour and her gradual introspection of the genetic nature of it lends a similar storytelling vein to "Here one moment" and the author does a similarly good job at making us question, yes or no. Clear thematic elements fo a class divide and subtle prejudice are here, and i was glad this was subtle and not milked to the high heavens (in which sense Jane appears to be doing financially alright and not struggling for money)
Madeline's story was heartbreaking in a totally different way as hers was separated from Jane and Celeste. Despite this, the gradual loss of motherhood towards Abigail and the absolutely terrifying pinchpoint her daughter heads towards are presented in absolutely frustrating terms, especially when faced with Bonnie's character. The severe contrast of which is testament to the author's talent at constructing such unique characters. Plot mechanics for abigail were adequately paced
Of course, the big kicker was Celeste's story which ended up being the core narrative woven through this book. I am always a little wary of domestic abuse narratives being written in just to advance the plot, but this theme was clearly written to push Celeste's arc through some very deep introspection about the nature of her own response to the abuse, which was marvelous and would go a lot further at advancing the themes of abusive relationships
One can clearly see why this deserves five stars, given how tightly wound all three stories are, the deep, connecting relationships between the women, and all of the thematic elements buoyed by a very suspenseful plot thaht still connects all the dots in the end towards a satisfying finish
In a similar vein to Kate Quinn, the back-and-forth murder mystery akin to "Briar Club" Was great at pushing along the narrative to a pinchpoint.
Jane's story was brutal but in some sense, I did feel like certain elements were withheld for the sake of being withheld, especially with regards to the father. Nonetheless the nature of Ziggy's behaviour and her gradual introspection of the genetic nature of it lends a similar storytelling vein to "Here one moment" and the author does a similarly good job at making us question, yes or no. Clear thematic elements fo a class divide and subtle prejudice are here, and i was glad this was subtle and not milked to the high heavens (in which sense Jane appears to be doing financially alright and not struggling for money)
Madeline's story was heartbreaking in a totally different way as hers was separated from Jane and Celeste. Despite this, the gradual loss of motherhood towards Abigail and the absolutely terrifying pinchpoint her daughter heads towards are presented in absolutely frustrating terms, especially when faced with Bonnie's character. The severe contrast of which is testament to the author's talent at constructing such unique characters. Plot mechanics for abigail were adequately paced
Of course, the big kicker was Celeste's story which ended up being the core narrative woven through this book. I am always a little wary of domestic abuse narratives being written in just to advance the plot, but this theme was clearly written to push Celeste's arc through some very deep introspection about the nature of her own response to the abuse, which was marvelous and would go a lot further at advancing the themes of abusive relationships
One can clearly see why this deserves five stars, given how tightly wound all three stories are, the deep, connecting relationships between the women, and all of the thematic elements buoyed by a very suspenseful plot thaht still connects all the dots in the end towards a satisfying finish
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes