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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
So conflicted between 1 star and 5 stars and I feel like 3 also doesn't do it justice. Let's just say it was a very interesting book!!
Well written, well paced, excellent book... buuuuuuuuut didn't grab like the whirlwind of his other books. I can see how this is the most acclaimed though - I'd compare it to movies that are obviously made just to get an oscar.
Overall, I was underwhelmed by Boyle's book. I appreciated his attempts at symbolism, but they came off as muddled and tangential. Some were better than others, for certain, but the general effect left me confused about the point Boyle was trying to make. There was certainly a challenge to reflect on ones views/beliefs when laid beside one's actions, but the ending did not seem to bring this point home. It faintly stirred my thoughts but provided few avenues for critical reflection. I chalk this mostly up to Boyle's execution of the plot line, not the action itself. But perhaps I've read him all wrong and assumed there was supposed to be a main point. Maybe he simply meant to open up the floor to more books that reveal the dirty underbelly of immigration issues and opinions often held in ignorance.
I hated this book! Hated hated hated!
It was slow and really boring at ALL times.
One of the worst books I have ever picked up.
It was slow and really boring at ALL times.
One of the worst books I have ever picked up.
If your life situation includes crossing paths with immigrants to the US in a daily/regular way, you may find this oversimplified; however, if your is not this way, you may find that it opens your eyes, mind and heart in unexpected ways.
Be aware... neither family life is a pick-me-up.
3+ stars
Be aware... neither family life is a pick-me-up.
3+ stars
Couldn’t handle the material. I’m sure it’s a brilliant book but it was way too triggering for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Car accident, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
fast-paced
I saw this book reviewed on "ex libres fides" (a blog). It was a book that followed 2 couples living in Topanga Canyon in Santa Monica, CA. One couple lived in a gated community and started to develop prejudices against the flood of Mexican immigrants. One couple was camping in the canyon and were immigrants from Mexico. The book opens with the husband of the first couple hitting the Mexican husband with his car. The book just follows their lives as they increasingly intertwine. Boyle is succint and biting when he describes suburbia U.S. I enjoyed the book thoroughly.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes