Reviews

Ash Wednesday by Ethan Hawke

carolinecherie88's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

glomdi's review against another edition

3.0

12/8/12

If you're looking for a light, fluffy, quick read, this book is certainly not for you. However, if you're looking for something thought-provoking and deep, pick this up.

One thing I kept thinking while reading this was that it reminded me of [a:Markus Zusak|11466|Markus Zusak|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1311632768p2/11466.jpg]. It focused more on the characters and their thoughts than what was actually happening. Sure, a lot of things happened in this book. But it wasn't necessarily the outcome that mattered, it was more what Jimmy and Christy took out of the experience.

I didn't find either of the main characters particularly likable, which is one of the reasons this has three star instead of four. I also felt like there was needless obscenity at some parts. But I loved the writing and ideas it brought up, and I think overall it was worth it and I'm very happy to have read it.

Update 1/25/21: Gotta read this again; bet it's not needless obscenity and bet I love the characters now

oddreyloo's review against another edition

3.0

i cant believe i read this heterosexual of a book during pride month. my apologies to gays everywhere.

syndrigasti_'s review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I admit that I bought the book because I was intrigued (and quite shocked) that Ethan Hawke wrote novels. Turns out Ash Wednesday is his second novel! 

The story starts a little slow, but it picks up the pace towards the end. I am not a big fan of contemporary romance stories but I enjoyed this one.

The story revolves around Jimmy and Christy, who I felt were well-fleshed-out characters. Their characters were the same, but still very distinct from each other. I loved how their inner monologues were laid out, it made them relatable to me. Especially Christy's character. Wanting to uproot and leave her current life to start anew BUT being conflicted by how she feels for Jimmy

- VERY RELATABLE.

Definitely, Jimmy is rough around the edges. But his incessant want to be better and his desire to love and be with Chrissy and their unborn child made him likable. At the end, they both chose to allow themselves to grow individually and together.

I have noted some lines I liked from the book:

"Truly loving somebody else should never be confused with a good time. Loving Somebody is just as painful and disappointing as it is getting to know yourself."

"Give your heart to everybody you meet, the rest is pretense."

nezzarella's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No

3.25

romcm's review against another edition

3.0

I got this for 50 cents at an Opportunity Shop. Boy meets girl, some trials and tribulations ensue, will there be a happy ending? Not terrible. Worth the 50 cents for sure. Better than a lot of stuff out there.

kellylouise's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sarah_beth_books's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

https://youtu.be/QFbBrz8tLTE

writermattphillips's review against another edition

3.0

Not bad... this is a good book.

meagan_louise's review against another edition

2.0

I'm honestly not sure I liked this. I don't hate it. But oh my goodness is it so very descriptive. I feel like I may be missing something or the characters are just slightly bi-polar and/or schizophrenic. The book also hops over the line between erotic and vulgar which didn't work and I think Hawke knew it the further he went along cause I mostly had that problem in the beginning.

The tone was interesting and frustrating and somewhat melancholy. Nicely written. I feel like it doesn't really go anywhere and didn't quite reach it's intended destination quite clearly. Everytime I thought I could get behind Jimmy or Christy something would happen or they would say something that would completely whip me out of the mood. Purposefull or not, I'm not sure. Jimmy and Christy seemed so wishy washy depending on the situation and how their mood was in that particular moment.