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The Adults: Meet the only family more dysfunctional than yours this Christmas! by Caroline Hulse
beverly_h's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
My favourite section of this book was pages 260-300, the karaoke-scene-and-Alex-fiasco. I thought this scene was amazingly well-written, intelligently realistic and tantalisingly tense. So kudos to the author for that!
Overall, I found this to be an easy, enjoyable read. I liked the story's setting: a log cabin in the holiday park, and I was intrigued to learn how everything would pan out between the blended families, thrown together like that as they were. Though I found the beginning to be quite slow-moving and not immediately commanding of my attention, the snappy, dry and at-times cutting dialogue kept me engaged as the story and characters within it developed. The boozy and conflict-ridden scene referred to between pages 260-300 (referred to above) was everything I want in a story: risk, intensity, risquéness and interpersonal turbulence.
I didn't find the plot to be the strongest throughout, and the characters perhaps lacked some development, but I thought the inner psyches of the characters were well-explored, which was a big win for me as a character-driven reader. The dialogue too was entertaining and wry, as referred to above. I did find the inclusion of Posey in the story a bit exaggerated and 'extra'; I wasn't fully convinced by the scenes with him and the reality with which they were depicted. A few grammatical errors were evident throughout the book.
Overall, an engaging read, with a realistic and fitting ending.
Overall, I found this to be an easy, enjoyable read. I liked the story's setting: a log cabin in the holiday park, and I was intrigued to learn how everything would pan out between the blended families, thrown together like that as they were. Though I found the beginning to be quite slow-moving and not immediately commanding of my attention, the snappy, dry and at-times cutting dialogue kept me engaged as the story and characters within it developed. The boozy and conflict-ridden scene referred to between pages 260-300 (referred to above) was everything I want in a story: risk, intensity, risquéness and interpersonal turbulence.
I didn't find the plot to be the strongest throughout, and the characters perhaps lacked some development, but I thought the inner psyches of the characters were well-explored, which was a big win for me as a character-driven reader. The dialogue too was entertaining and wry, as referred to above. I did find the inclusion of Posey in the story a bit exaggerated and 'extra'; I wasn't fully convinced by the scenes with him and the reality with which they were depicted. A few grammatical errors were evident throughout the book.
Overall, an engaging read, with a realistic and fitting ending.
pam2375's review against another edition
2.0
I was not as impressed with the content as some of the other reviewers. I am a divorced parent that tried to stay "friendly" with my ex, for the children. Sometimes it was easy, sometimes it was difficult. Most times, it was just down right awkward!
The book is written in different POV's that is enjoyable. But, overall, for me, this was just too painful.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House for this advanced readers copy.
The book is written in different POV's that is enjoyable. But, overall, for me, this was just too painful.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House for this advanced readers copy.
kellykelly84's review against another edition
3.0
So far in this story I'm not liking Matt because when Alex ask him questions he brushes it off and Alex had every right to know about information about Matt's ex Claire since she was meeting her for the first time and I also I didn't like how he treated her thru out the book either. And Alex seems like me because she rather be in her pajamas then being bothered being out and Matt was very rude to Alex making rude comments about her and to her and I hope she knew that he was about talking on the phone whoever was on the other end. Both Posey and Scarlett were both annoying and also rude especially with Alex does Scarlett ever met Alex before meet the family trip and Scarlett doesn't really know what Alex does for a living without talking to her can't just guess and Matt and Claire should of yelled at Scarlett for making remarks about and to Alex instead of let her get away with it. I don't know how it this being paired to the christmas vacation I didn't see it and why does Claire have a problem with Patrick doing ironman if he wanted to do it he has every right to do it and the only two people I liked was Patrick and Alex for Matt and Claire and Scarlett I didn't like or care about those three and why blame Alex for shooting Patrick with the arrow she wasn't even thru to begin with.
aabdou's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
amandae129's review against another edition
4.0
Takes a little to get into, but great once you get about 20% in.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC.
cymshady's review against another edition
4.0
Omg this book was HILARIOUS, touching, and oh so relatable. Four adults converge together for a weekend to celebrate the holiday for one little girl (the daughter of two of the adults, who are now separated and in their own respective relationships). I loved how true this book was: the issues between the couples, between the daughter and step-mom, between the father and step-father. And it all comes to a head in an archery incident. Even the personal issues all of the characters had.... YES YES YES. Lack of self-esteem, lack of self-control around alcohol, imaginary friends lol. The fact that the little girl watched Watership Down hahahaha FRICK.
4.5 stars - if you find this gem, please read!
4.5 stars - if you find this gem, please read!
rmarcin's review against another edition
3.0
A divorced couple, along with their daughter, and new partners, agree to go on holiday together. Of course, arguments and jealousy come forth. Scarlett, the couple's daughter, has an imaginary rabbit, Posey, that gives her advice. When someone is shot with an arrow on the archery range, everything comes to a head.
Lots of shouting, arguments, and dysfunction.
Just OK.
Lots of shouting, arguments, and dysfunction.
Just OK.
goddess_krystal's review against another edition
2.0
Matt is a loser and the way he gaslighted and manipulated Alex and still have a "happily ever after" is so...
So many melodramatic moments in this book, I didn't enjoy it. Hate I read this for my Christmas read
So many melodramatic moments in this book, I didn't enjoy it. Hate I read this for my Christmas read