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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
there are a LOT of reasons why I believe this book deserves a 1 star rating. But what I hated the most is how Aimees' whole world revolves around Sutter. Hey, I get it. She had just one friend before he came along... but nobody in their right mind would ask a guy who she's been dating for like 2 months to move in with her.
And the other thing that bugged me was Sutter's drinking. His mom may not care about him, his boss may not have the right to tell him how to live his life, but how can you just let an 18 year old go around completely buzzed all day long? Nobody noticed at his school? REALLY?
And the other thing that bugged me was Sutter's drinking. His mom may not care about him, his boss may not have the right to tell him how to live his life, but how can you just let an 18 year old go around completely buzzed all day long? Nobody noticed at his school? REALLY?
I shouldn't have read a book that is called "Catcher in the Rye" for the 21st century. No redeeming qualities in the main character. He's just a loser and a coward.
Sutter has a very unique voice, one I think is uncommon and interesting, although naive and absurd. the character development is definitely in Aimee, but you can appreciate the beer and whiskey bottle glass view Sutter gives you of his town, for it's amusing and almost prophetic qualities.
2.5 stars
I want to be clear about this, this is just one of those me-not-you situations. The Spectacular Now is a well written novel about young adults that surpasses stereotypes and clichés often seen in contemporary YA fiction. But ultimately, to put it quite simply, it bummed me out. Hardcore. To be fair, I probably wouldn't have picked this one up if it weren't for the film of the same title. And this isn't the case often, but I preferred the film, by a long shot.
Part of the problem for me was I didn't find Sutter very charming, and I don't think I would have even if I had read his story in high school. I appreciated that he was telling a story I'd never quite heard before, but mostly I struggled with his behavior and choices. This was probably exacerbated by the fact that Aimee reminded me of myself at that age (before she met Sutter), only I was lucky enough to grow with a person who wanted to grow with me. Sutter's influence felt like a personal offense to my younger impressionable self. So, of course that had a big impact on my opinion. I wanted the best for Aimee.
I don't want to talk about the film and how it was "better", but I think they toned down some of the aspects that needed to be toned down, and added a much needed hope to the story. While they touched on the alcoholism in the film, it was a much bigger theme in the novel. The downward spiral that occurs in the book is nothing short of heartbreaking. I'm glad I watched the movie after reading because I want to remember the story that way, though I don't think I'll watch it ever again (Even though I love Shailene Woodley, she was amazing).
I really wish I could have enjoyed this more. I swear, I really wanted to. I maintain that this is an important novel, especially for college age young adults, but it wasn't my cup.
I want to be clear about this, this is just one of those me-not-you situations. The Spectacular Now is a well written novel about young adults that surpasses stereotypes and clichés often seen in contemporary YA fiction. But ultimately, to put it quite simply, it bummed me out. Hardcore. To be fair, I probably wouldn't have picked this one up if it weren't for the film of the same title. And this isn't the case often, but I preferred the film, by a long shot.
Part of the problem for me was I didn't find Sutter very charming, and I don't think I would have even if I had read his story in high school. I appreciated that he was telling a story I'd never quite heard before, but mostly I struggled with his behavior and choices. This was probably exacerbated by the fact that Aimee reminded me of myself at that age (before she met Sutter), only I was lucky enough to grow with a person who wanted to grow with me. Sutter's influence felt like a personal offense to my younger impressionable self. So, of course that had a big impact on my opinion. I wanted the best for Aimee.
I don't want to talk about the film and how it was "better", but I think they toned down some of the aspects that needed to be toned down, and added a much needed hope to the story. While they touched on the alcoholism in the film, it was a much bigger theme in the novel. The downward spiral that occurs in the book is nothing short of heartbreaking. I'm glad I watched the movie after reading because I want to remember the story that way, though I don't think I'll watch it ever again (Even though I love Shailene Woodley, she was amazing).
Spoiler
I MUCH preferred Aimee's hopeful end in the film. While she grew out of her shell in both forms of the story, the book made me feel like she still didn't have the tools to cope or thrive. I truly felt scared for her.I really wish I could have enjoyed this more. I swear, I really wanted to. I maintain that this is an important novel, especially for college age young adults, but it wasn't my cup.
I always respect an author that can resist the urge to wrap up every conflict and is brave enough to leave his audience totally unsatisfied (but in the best way).
Read the book to see the movie. Not sure I won't to see the movie any more. Why does the trailer look so much better than the book?
I was really looking forward to reading this book after seeing the Trailer of the upcoming movie based on it and sadly I was disappointed. The stories felt short. I never felt truly connected to any of the character nor their stories. Aimee's character was a too clingy and in my eyes never truly expressed how much she believed in him nor did she encourage him to do more (Besides the dad situation). Sutter's character was charming but I thought never really loved Aimee. (SPOILER ALERT) Up to the point where she got hit by the car he had never expressed true feelings for her. He cared? Yes. Was he in love? No. I thought He never truly got over Cassidy and used Aimee as a charity act.
I just never felt connected or engaged in their stories. How the dad situation played out, the situations with their families and high school thing just felt flat.
It lacked heart. That sentiment that just touches you and makes you feel sorry for a character or happy or any kind of feeling towards a character and the overall evolution of it just never came to me.
Sure it's an entertaining book but that's it. It did not leave me with nostalgia afterwards.
Do I recommend it? Sure but not as it being the best book ever.
I just never felt connected or engaged in their stories. How the dad situation played out, the situations with their families and high school thing just felt flat.
It lacked heart. That sentiment that just touches you and makes you feel sorry for a character or happy or any kind of feeling towards a character and the overall evolution of it just never came to me.
Sure it's an entertaining book but that's it. It did not leave me with nostalgia afterwards.
Do I recommend it? Sure but not as it being the best book ever.
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes