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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
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.
I wasn't sure about this title - the first few chapters were slow going for me. But after I got into the flow of the storytelling I was hooked. Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of one of the central characters - all members of the same family, over three generations - and each explains things along a several-decades long time line. It sounds much more confusing than it is. Amidst the narration, we learn their personalities and abilities, as well as a history of the family. Dad is a bit of a con man / card shark. Mom was a true psychic. Their three children each have unique psychic abilities, as do the grandchildren. Again, sounds confusing, but it's not. The story line meanders and comes together in ways you don't expect. And the ending has a big surprise I certainly didn't see coming!
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fun and often unpredictable read. Gregory's tale about a dysfunctional, endearing family with psychic abilities features well-drawn, interesting characters that I enjoyed spending time with; all five perspectives are engaging and have something different yet valuable to offer throughout the course of the story. Although the plot weaves in threats from the government and mob as well as a coming of age story with third generation Telemachus Matty becoming aware of his powers for the first time, it never feels overstuffed. I loved discovering the way that all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together with regard to all of Buddy's preparations during the climax. Very unique and memorable.
This book is wacky but with a heart of gold. The Telemachus family once demonstrated their supernatural powers onstage for adoring fans, but the matriarch died young, the three kids are all grown, and no one in the family has found the success those glittery early years promised. Now Frankie is in debt up to his eyeballs, Irene and her teenage son have moved in with her dad, and Uncle Buddy is functionally mute. When one of the newest generation of Telemachuses starts showing signs of latent talent, it might mean that things are finally looking up—or it may signal their total destruction.
The perspective shifts from character to character and the timeline hops from present day to past and back again, but Gregory tap dances through the key changes without dropping any of the plates he’s set spinning. Every time I needed to put the book down to tend to real life, I invariably felt like I was at a crucial juncture. Just a few more pages, please!
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
The perspective shifts from character to character and the timeline hops from present day to past and back again, but Gregory tap dances through the key changes without dropping any of the plates he’s set spinning. Every time I needed to put the book down to tend to real life, I invariably felt like I was at a crucial juncture. Just a few more pages, please!
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Quirky unusual and immensely enjoyable. Loved it
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This book was amazing! Its the story of Greek-American family across three generations and time periods confronting their various special powers. The book is told in a way that are frequently questioning what is real and what is just in a particular character's head that keeps the reader interested and on their toes. I loved how the story was told from different characters perspectives and how the narrative was able to reveal information so carefully and progressively throughout. The climatic scene was a dangerous confrontation with the mob boss and was a thrilling experience to read. Even the denouement was full of surprises and reveals that made it so much fun to finish reading.