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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
More political than story. The characters were boring and indistinguishable.
I didn't read anything "witty".
I didn't read anything "witty".
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I almost skipped How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris because of the intense political polarization we see in real life—but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. This book handles the topic with nuance and care.
The short chapters kept me hooked, and the characters feel incredibly real. You can’t help but empathize with their struggles as they navigate the tension between their personal beliefs and values, which often clash with those of their loved ones. At times, they even act against their own values, adding layers of complexity to the story.
A thoughtful and engaging read.
Thanks to William Morrow for an advance review copy of the book
Thanks to William Morrow for an advance review copy of the book
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
Ethan and Gabe are happily married with the young daughter. When Gabe decides he wants to run for Congress though, things get a bit heated. As a life long democrat, Gabe’s husband Ethan has turned his back on the Democratic Party and wants to run as a Republican. Can Gabe stand by his side through this campaign, and find a way to make sure his New Jersey friends, neighbors, and coworkers know that he does not believe the same things as Ethan? Meanwhile Gabe’s sister Kate has reconnected with an old flame. An old flame who is married, and has children…
I started this book over the summer, after the first debate but when Biden was still running. I had to put it down. My anxiety was too high and I just got so mad at Ethan! After things calmed down, as much as they can I guess, we all know there will be no calm over the next four years, I chatted with Elizabeth Harris about it, and decided to pick it back up! I cannot imagine being in Ethans shoes, I seriously would not have been able to handle it. In fact, I would probably have done one of the things Gabe does, no spoilers! There is no orange man in this book, but there is someone like him, and I would have liked to see a deeper dive into how he had ruined people’s relationships through his hatred, much like Trump has done.
Thank you to @WilliamMorrowBooks and @lizzyaharris for my gifted copy of this book!
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I hung in there as I was angry at each character’s decisions and I saw into perspectives like Ethan and Gabe that normally would make me turn away. Harris weaves in day to day moments within each character’s relationships that allows us to see how we get caught in a sense of safety in place of our own autonomy
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was so fun! I loved the characters and felt invested in their struggles
Okay, well this is one time where my rule of not reading book summaries before reading the book came back to haunt me. One of the main plot points in this book is a gay, formerly democrat - turned republican character running for Congress. Had I read the summary, I probably wouldn’t have started this book the day after Election Day.
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes