Reviews

I’m so glad I read this! I loved the film and the book was equally funny, insightful and quirky. I’ve read few books with such fascinating, multifaceted characters and I guess this speaks to Percival Everett’s amazing writing talent. Monk felt so intensely real, as did his surrounding family and acquaintances. The insights into the publishing world from both the film and the book felt so juicy as well. The only issue I had with the book was that I felt it could have easily been a hundred pages longer. I wanted more detail about everything!!!

jenny_brum's review against another edition

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Had to take the library book back

ashleyw2021's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

mickstrauther's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny reflective fast-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

3.75

3 stars feels too low, 4 feels too high. My feelings on this book’s thematic execution are torn for too many reasons to write out and explain here, and instead warrant an academic paper.

In lieu of a paper, I’ll say that it was a tremendously quick read. The author’s writing style is quick, direct, and effective, even though he offers a few tough and sometimes inscrutable lines. I enjoyed following the story, which weaves many different subplots and ideas, past and present. While a quick read in some ways, it’s one you’ll want to read again some day, with a pen and sticky notes—I’m sure there’s plenty more to be found in the kooky form, bits of French and Latin, and seemingly random blurbs.