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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
echoes of the excellent Geek Love without really being similar at all.
One of my favorite books of 2022 turns out to be my second to last read of the year, Spoonbenders! This 2017 novel is so unique, and so well paced and written, that I'm frankly surprised there hasn't been more spin about it. I happened upon this novel about three generations of a family with paranormal abilities by sheer luck. Set in the Chicago suburbs of 1995, told in an omniscient point of view that is divided between several members of the Telamachus family where POVs switch between chapters, this novel kept me entertained from beginning until end. Highest recommendation!
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Incest
An enjoyable read, wending through a possibly-magical family and there past, present, and future. The switching between characters works especially well here as each family member has secrets galore and they all weave together in a delightful crescendo.
No es que esté mal escrito, no es que sea una mala historia, pero me he aburrido muchísimo. Como decía Repix en su comentario, cuesta mucho empatizar con los personajes, no te importa lo que suceda. Quizá la culpa la tiene haber leído antes Black Hammer o The Umbrella Academy y, claro, pues no es lo mismo... Dicho de otro modo, si cuando llevas 30 o 40 páginas crees que estás leyendo por inercia, no sigas, que tampoco mejora tanto y hay muchas otras obras por leer.
Spoonbenders is funny, outrageous, but I found it strangely touching and heartwarming at the same time. The Telemachus family is filled with characters that could be unlikable with a different author but Daryl Gregory creates such a strong voice for his characters that I was instantly won over. At it's core it's a family drama but it's also an imaginative examination of what it might truly be like to be an individual who knows the future, knows the truth, or to be able to leap from your own body to see anything, anywhere.
Fun and multilayered story about the amazing Telemachus family; a dad whose kids all have special psychic ability gifted from their mother, whom he met in the 70’s while applying for a research study to determine psychic ability. I loved the throwback to AOL discs arriving in the mail, the late 90’s online chat rooms, and the fast-moving voices carrying the chapters. At first it was a little confusing because I switched from reading the library copy to listening to audio, but I’m glad I did because Ari Fliakos is an amazing narrator.
I couldn’t help but think about how this book would play out as a limited series on HBO or Netflix. There are a lot of good casting opportunities here for Frankie (who just reminded me of James Franco’s character Frankie in HBO’s The Deuce) and the rest of the Telemachus family. Super fun read all around.
I couldn’t help but think about how this book would play out as a limited series on HBO or Netflix. There are a lot of good casting opportunities here for Frankie (who just reminded me of James Franco’s character Frankie in HBO’s The Deuce) and the rest of the Telemachus family. Super fun read all around.
This is a book that ticks off all the boxes for me. As a magician, I loved the story, as someone who loves puzzles, I love how the whole book is put together, and as someone who loves good characters, I will miss all of the people I met in this book and I totally feel like I've become part of their family.
This is a story about a magician/psychic fraud and his family that are not psychic frauds. There's real powers, sleight of hand and jumping through time (but it's not a time travel book, I hate time travel books.) It's not a very describable book, not without giving everything away, and it can be kind of confusing at times, everything will make sense in the end and you'll have the satisfaction of seeing the pieces coming together.
I will definitely be recommending this book to most of my magic friends and a few muggles as well. I don't feel you have to be a magician to enjoy it, but there are a couple of nods to magic in there that make it special.
This is a story about a magician/psychic fraud and his family that are not psychic frauds. There's real powers, sleight of hand and jumping through time (but it's not a time travel book, I hate time travel books.) It's not a very describable book, not without giving everything away, and it can be kind of confusing at times, everything will make sense in the end and you'll have the satisfaction of seeing the pieces coming together.
I will definitely be recommending this book to most of my magic friends and a few muggles as well. I don't feel you have to be a magician to enjoy it, but there are a couple of nods to magic in there that make it special.
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-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
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Spoonbenders" by Daryl Gregory earns a solid five stars, overcoming a sluggish start that initially left me uncertain. As the narrative gained traction, however, the story transformed into a captivating tapestry of emotions. Gregory's skillful storytelling weaved together heartfelt moments, clever humor, and poignant tragedy, creating a rich and multifaceted experience.
The novel's ability to elicit both laughter and tears showcases Gregory's narrative prowess. The characters, once seemingly ordinary, evolved into a cast that felt like old friends by the final chapters. The blend of humor and tragedy provided a nuanced exploration of the human experience, making the journey through "Spoonbenders" both engaging and profoundly impactful.
In the end, "Spoonbenders" proved to be a masterfully crafted narrative that transcended its initial pacing challenges. The emotional resonance, coupled with a perfect balance of wit and poignancy, left me with a lasting appreciation for Gregory's storytelling prowess. This is a book that lingers in the heart and mind, earning its well-deserved five-star rating.
The novel's ability to elicit both laughter and tears showcases Gregory's narrative prowess. The characters, once seemingly ordinary, evolved into a cast that felt like old friends by the final chapters. The blend of humor and tragedy provided a nuanced exploration of the human experience, making the journey through "Spoonbenders" both engaging and profoundly impactful.
In the end, "Spoonbenders" proved to be a masterfully crafted narrative that transcended its initial pacing challenges. The emotional resonance, coupled with a perfect balance of wit and poignancy, left me with a lasting appreciation for Gregory's storytelling prowess. This is a book that lingers in the heart and mind, earning its well-deserved five-star rating.