Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
Not into it. I'd probably give it two stars except that I do like the message, appreciate that it was presented in a way my high school students loved, and admit that I'm probably biased because I'm just not into fiction lately. But it seemed to me to drag, and it didn't help that a lot of the plot points were pretty unbelievable (that many natural disasters in a row? the same three parties happen to run into each other that many times?) The racism and elitism, however, is unfortunately totally believable.
This book was engaging, and tragic. A very interesting look at the plight of the new American Immigrant, and an eye-opening account of how people become protectionist, and close-minded.
a friend recommended this to me - boyle is one of her favorite authors and she loves this book so i was excited, but i hated this book. i didn't like a single one of the characters. it didnt make me feel anything. i could see the author's intent with it.... but he just didn't get there, for me.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars. This was a book club book. Lots of great topics to discuss. The story pulled me in and kept me interested.
The book chronicles two groups of people: undocumented Mexican immigrants and wealthy white people living in what becomes a gated community. The double narrative allows contrasts between appearance (including stereotypes) and reality of the lives lived.
Delaney has some redeeming features: a love of nature as he writes his monthly column, an interest in ecology, some self awareness of racism, though it is revealed to be superficial. Though he doesn't want his community to become gated or walled, he doesn't act to prevent it. He is happily a house husband while his wife, the real estate agent, earns the big bucks. They are fairly well developed, though their neighbors are more two-dimensional, their to illustrate upper class disdain and racism and stereotyping in all its ugly forms.
Candido and America, the main Mexican characters are more fully developed. As their lives show struggle, they present quite a foil to the stereotypes of the wealthy set.
The plot is compelling from page 1 where Delaney accidentally hits Candido. There are many a cliff hanger moments as the narrative switches from group to group. Somewhat unbelievable is the number of setbacks Candido experiences, as if all immigrant history is being wrapped into his experiences. Once that is accepted, I cared about what happens to him.
The ending is believable and details earlier set it up well.
Delaney has some redeeming features: a love of nature as he writes his monthly column, an interest in ecology, some self awareness of racism, though it is revealed to be superficial. Though he doesn't want his community to become gated or walled, he doesn't act to prevent it. He is happily a house husband while his wife, the real estate agent, earns the big bucks. They are fairly well developed, though their neighbors are more two-dimensional, their to illustrate upper class disdain and racism and stereotyping in all its ugly forms.
Candido and America, the main Mexican characters are more fully developed. As their lives show struggle, they present quite a foil to the stereotypes of the wealthy set.
The plot is compelling from page 1 where Delaney accidentally hits Candido. There are many a cliff hanger moments as the narrative switches from group to group. Somewhat unbelievable is the number of setbacks Candido experiences, as if all immigrant history is being wrapped into his experiences. Once that is accepted, I cared about what happens to him.
The ending is believable and details earlier set it up well.
Spoiler
There is a wee bit of ambiguity at the end as to which face is seen and which person grabbed in the mud slide; I don't think a baby would be grasping for tiles, so I think it was Delaney. We are left to wonder if the experience changes him. I'm guessing it does.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This one tested my habit of finishing books. When I wanted to quit it I was well into it so I trudged on. This was so heavy handed and also Franzen like, which I don't mean as a compliment. Way over the top.
