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jeffgrann's review against another edition
3.0
Fraternal and modern anxiety explored through many themes, including social role, work, success, friendship, manhood, parenthood, and employment. Enjoyed the diverse characters and their struggles to understand and accept themselves.
segue's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
readingrealgood's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pattiea's review against another edition
This wasn't awful, but I just couldn't finish it.
elkensky's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
tonyhightower's review
challenging
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
They're are times I want to read something clever, and this is oh so terribly clever. But I have a thing where I need to have someone - anyone - in the story who's not an insufferable shitheel, and as it became clearer & clearer this wasn't happening, I had a hard time getting through this.
emmastia's review
2.0
This was modern satire, but I didn't love it at all. I thought I would enjoy it a lot more - I expected something more like [b:The Russian Debutante's Handbook|210817|The Russian Debutante's Handbook|Gary Shteyngart|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172725497s/210817.jpg|28227], but was quite disappointed in that respect.
lmrajt's review
3.0
This is really a 3.5. The Ask was a nice, easy read with absurd, train-wreck characters and a pretty simplistic plot. I wouldn't read it again, but I did enjoy it...mainly because it was funny. Like really REALLY funny. Lipsyte definitely earns a coveted spot on my "Authors with Whom I'd Like to Have Dinner " list as a result.
mgeryk's review
2.0
I'm about to say some things I think I'll hate myself for later.
Namely, that I read this book, and upon finishing, thought: "This is definitely a man's book."
Which I hate saying, frankly. Although certainly I think there are themes and stories that have more resonance with either gender, I really hate categorizing myself as that kind of reader. Let's get this straight: I like Moby Dick as much as the next dude.
But Milo? The protagonist of this book? I think he's something of a douchebag. His wife? Not a fan. Even the kid Bernie, I didn't like.
Satire, okay, I get it--and the writing is clever. Clever enough to get me to finish the book, so there you have it. Call me conventional, I like my protagonists to have some likeable qualities, not be the kind of people I'd avoid in my actual life like the plague. I truly get the feeling that a male reader would respond more positively to this whole shtick.
Namely, that I read this book, and upon finishing, thought: "This is definitely a man's book."
Which I hate saying, frankly. Although certainly I think there are themes and stories that have more resonance with either gender, I really hate categorizing myself as that kind of reader. Let's get this straight: I like Moby Dick as much as the next dude.
But Milo? The protagonist of this book? I think he's something of a douchebag. His wife? Not a fan. Even the kid Bernie, I didn't like.
Satire, okay, I get it--and the writing is clever. Clever enough to get me to finish the book, so there you have it. Call me conventional, I like my protagonists to have some likeable qualities, not be the kind of people I'd avoid in my actual life like the plague. I truly get the feeling that a male reader would respond more positively to this whole shtick.