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240 pages • first pub 2001 (editions)
ISBN/UID: 9780312280192
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: Picador USA
Publication date: 04 May 2001
Description
Paul Beatty's hilarious and scathing debut novel is about Gunnar Kaufman, an awkward, black surfer bum who is moved by his mother from Santa Monica to urban West Los Angeles. There, he begins to undergo a startling transformation from neighborhood...
Community Reviews Summary of 657 reviews
Moods
challenging 60%
reflective 60%
dark 58%
adventurous 18%
emotional 18%
lighthearted 12%
sad 12%
informative 8%
tense 6%
hopeful 4%
inspiring 4%
mysterious 2%
Pace
slow 22%
fast 20%
Plot- or character-driven?
Character: 54% | A mix: 38% | Plot: 4% | N/A: 2%Strong character development?
Yes: 52% | It's complicated: 28% | No: 15% | N/A: 2%Loveable characters?
Yes: 47% | It's complicated: 42% | No: 5% | N/A: 5%Diverse cast of characters?
Yes: 94% | No: 2% | It's complicated: 2%Flaws of characters a main focus?
It's complicated: 41% | Yes: 33% | No: 19% | N/A: 5%Average rating
Content Warnings
Submitted by users as part of their reviews
Graphic
Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, BloodModerate
Slavery, Cultural appropriation, DeathMinor
Addiction, Body shaming, Ableism
240 pages • first pub 2001 (editions)
ISBN/UID: 9780312280192
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: Picador USA
Publication date: 04 May 2001
Description
Paul Beatty's hilarious and scathing debut novel is about Gunnar Kaufman, an awkward, black surfer bum who is moved by his mother from Santa Monica to urban West Los Angeles. There, he begins to undergo a startling transformation from neighborhood...
Community Reviews Summary of 657 reviews
Moods
challenging 60%
reflective 60%
dark 58%
adventurous 18%
emotional 18%
lighthearted 12%
sad 12%
informative 8%
tense 6%
hopeful 4%
inspiring 4%
mysterious 2%
Pace
slow 22%
fast 20%
Plot- or character-driven?
Character: 54% | A mix: 38% | Plot: 4% | N/A: 2%Strong character development?
Yes: 52% | It's complicated: 28% | No: 15% | N/A: 2%Loveable characters?
Yes: 47% | It's complicated: 42% | No: 5% | N/A: 5%Diverse cast of characters?
Yes: 94% | No: 2% | It's complicated: 2%Flaws of characters a main focus?
It's complicated: 41% | Yes: 33% | No: 19% | N/A: 5%Average rating
Content Warnings
Submitted by users as part of their reviews
Graphic
Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, BloodModerate
Slavery, Cultural appropriation, DeathMinor
Addiction, Body shaming, Ableism